HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE XXX RR je MAINTIENDRAI THE NEW STATE OF ENGLAND BRITANNIA I: Sturt Sculp in y Old Change THE New State OF ENGLAND Under Their MAJESTY'S K. William and Q. Mary. In THREE PARTS. CONTAINING I A Geographical Description of England in General, and of every County in Particular; with Useful and Curious Remarks. II. An Account of the Inhabitants, their Original, Genius, Customs, Laws, Religion, and Government; of Their Present Majesties, Their Court, Power, Revenues, etc. III. A Description of the several Courts of Judicature; Viz. the High Court of Parliament, Privy Council, and all other Courts; With a Catalogue of the present Officers in Church and State. By G. M. LONDON Printed by H.C. for jonathan Robinson, at the Golden Lion in St. Paul's Churchyard, 1691. To the Most Honourable THOMAS, Marquess of CAERMARTHEN, Earl of DANBY, Viscount LATIMER, Baron OSBORN OF KIVETON, Lord Precedent of His Majesty's Most Honourable PRIVY-COUNCIL, And Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter, This New State of England is humbly Dedicated by the Author. TO THE READER. 'TIS the late Revolution that has given birth to this new Piece of Work; a New Face of Things required a New State of England. And of all the Changes this Kingdom has gone through, as this was the most sudden, so it is the most wonderful. To see Popery in so few days crowing upon the Throne and groaning under its Ruins, but t'other day upon the Pinnacle and now stunned with its sudden Fall, is such a Change as may deserve the Admiration of this and future Ages. In short, such is our present Settlement, upon Their Majesty's happy Accession to the Crown, that the Popish Party may assoon see a Protestant Pope of Rome as a Popish King of England. Now, to make this Work the more acceptable and useful to the Public, I have divided it into three several Parts. In the First you have a particular Description of ENGLAND in its several Counties; of every County-Town, with the Distance, and the common Road to it, from London the Metropolis; and of all other Places of note in each County. Here you have particularly a List of the Market-Towns in every Shire, with the Days pointed when their Markets are kept; also, an account of most other Remarkable Things, either of Nature or Art. Besides the Honours, or Nobleman's Titles, from Counties, Cities, Towns, Manors, etc. And the Number of Men each City, or Borough, sends to serve in Parliament. I conclude this Part with a particular Description of London, Oxford, and Camidge. London as the Capital City of England, the Seat of its Monarches, and the Centre of Trade. Oxford and Cambridge, as being the two famous Universities of the Land, and the glorious Seats of the Muses. The Second Part treats of the INHABITANTS of England; their Complexion, Temper, Genius, Language, etc. Of the English Way of Living, Commerce, Laws, Religion, and Government. Of the King of England, and the Royal Family; particularly of the present King WILLIAM and Queen MARY, with a brief Relation of their Accession to the Crown, and the unreasonableness of the Disaffected Party under their Government. Of Their Majesty's Court, Forces, and Revenues. Of the Queen Dowager, the Prince, and the Princess of Denmark. Of the Nobility, Gentry, and Commonalty. Of the Episcopal, Dignifyed, and Inferior Clergy. And lastly of Women, Children, and Servants. All of them with their respective Privileges. The Third and last Part is about the COURTS of JUDICATURE. Viz. The High Court of Parliament, with a large Account of their Proceed, Orders, Debates, Passing of Bills and Acts, etc. Of the Privy-Council, and there particularly of the Principal Secretaries of State. Of the Chancery, Kings-Bench, Common Pleas, Exchequer, Duchy of Lancaster, and all other Courts. To which is annexed a Catalogue of the chief Persons of the Realm both in Church and State, Magistrates, and Officers Civil and Military. Who being subject to Change, though the Offices continue the same, I thought it improper to mix Certainties and Uncertainties together. Therefore I chose rather to place the Officers together by themselves, as I have done here, than to have them dispersed where I speak of their Offices. And from this Method you will reap this Conveniency, that, by Interleaving of the Catalogue only, you may fill up Vacancies as they become void. Thus you have (as it were) a Scheme of the whole Drift of this Book. The Foundation whereof is that Ingenious Piece De Republica Anglorum, written in Latin by Sir Thomas Smith, Improved as you see, and fitted to the present Times. The Matter of itself, is of a general Use both for English and Foreiners; and the Variety so great, that it cannot but be Pleasant and Useful to the Reader. THE TABLE For the First PART. This Table contains the Names of the Towns and Cities, Hills, Islands, Meers, and Rivers, and other Curiosities mentioned in the first Part of this Book. And for such as desire only to know what County any of them lies in, the Table itself will give them that Satisfaction, without any further Trouble; it being so contrived, that it is in a manner a Geographical Dictionary for England. A ABberforth, in Yorks. 259 Abbey-holm, in Cumb 49 Abbey of Westminster, 317 Abbots-bury in Dors. 67 Abergavenny, in Mon. 148, 149 Advantages of England. 7 Agmundesham, in Buck. 30 Ailesbury, in Buck. 30, 31 Air of England 13 Alborough, in Suffolk, 204, 208 Aldborough, in Yorks. 273 Aldermen of London, 324 Alford, in Lincoln's. 136, 140 Alfreton, in Derbysh. 57 Alisford, in Hampsh. 95 Almondbury, in Yorks. 264 Alnewick, in Northumb. 168, 170 Alney-Isle, in Gloc. 87 Alston-Moor, in Cumb. 49 Altrincham, in Chesh. 39 Ambleside, in Westm. 238 Amersbury, in Wilts. 246, 247 Ampthill, in Bedf. 27, 28 Andover, in Hamps. 95, 96 Antiquity of Oxf. and Cambr. 350 Appleby, in Westm. 238 Appledore, in Kent, 112 Are, a Yorks. River, 256 Arrow, a River of Heref. 103 Artillery Company in London, 329 Arun, a Sussex River, 224 Arundel, in Sussex, 225, 227 Ashbourn, in Derbysh. 57 Ashburton, in Devonsh. 61 Ashby, in Leicest. 131 Ashford, in Kent, 112 Aspley, in Bedf. 28 Atherston, in Warw. 234, 235 Attlebury, in Norf. 153 Auburn, in Wiltsh. 246 Aukland, in the Bishopric of Durham, 76, 77 Aulcester, in Warw. 234 Avon, the Name of several Rivers, 85, 92 etc. Axebridge, in Somers. 192, 194 Axholm, an Isle in Lincoln's. 139 Axminster, in Deu. 61 B BAkewell, in Derbysh. 57 Baldock, in Hartf. 100 Bampton, in Oxf. 178, 179 Banbury, in Oxf. 178, 179 Banqueting House at Whitehall, 316 Barkin, in Essex, 81 BERKSHIRE, 22 Barnesly, in Yorks. 259 Barnet, in Hartf. 100, 102 Barnstaple, in Deu. 61, 63 Barnwel, in Linc. 136 Barristers, in Lond. 304 Barton, in Linc. 136, 139 Barwick, in Northumb. 168 Basingstoke, in Hamps. 95, 96 Bath, in Somers. 189 Battle, in Sussex, 225, 228 Battersea, in Surrey, 221 Bautrey, in Yorks. 259 Beaconfield, in Buck. 30, 32 Beckles, in Suffolk, 204, 209 Bedal, in Yorks. 273 Bedford, 26 BEDFORDSHIRE, 25 Bediford, in Deu. 61 Bedlam, in London 299 Belvoir Castle, in Linc. 138 Bemyster, in Dors. 67 Benchers, in Lond. 304 Berkhamsted, in Hartf. 100 Berkley-Castle, in Gloc. 90 BERKSHIRE, see Berkshire. Bernard Castle, in the Bishopric of Durham, 76, 77 Bethlem. See Bedlam. Beetles, in Staff. 200 Beverley, in Yorks. 258, 261 Bewdley, in Worc. 253, 254 Biglesworth, in Bedf. 27, 28 Bildeston, or Bilston, in Suffolk, 204, 210 Billeraky, in Essex, 81 Billesden, in Leic. 131 Billingham, in the Bishopric of Durham, 78 Binbrook, in Linc. 136, 141 Bingham, in Notting. 175, 176 Bp. Aukland. See Aukland. Bp. Castle, in Shropsh. 186, 187 Bps. Stratford, in Hartf. 100, 102 Bistow, in Oxf. 178 Blackbourn, in Lanc. 126, 128 Blackley, in Gloc. 87 Blackwell-Hall, in Lond. 298 Blandford, in Dors. 67, 71 Blechingly, in Surrey, 222 Blithe, in Nottingh 175, 176 Blithborow, in Suff. 214 Blithe, a River, 197, 203 The Bodlean Library in Oxf. 343 Bodmin, in Cornwall, 43 Bolingbrook. See Bullingbrook. Bolsover, in Derbys. 57 Bolton-Castle, in Yorks. 268 Bootle, in Cumb. 491 Borough-bridge, in Yorks. 259, 267 Boston, in Line, 136 Bosworth, in Leic. 131 Bourn, in Linc. 136, 138 Bow, in Deu. 61 Bow-Steeple, in Cheapside, Lon. 297 Brackley, in Northumb. 159, 162 Bradford, in Wilts. 246, 247 Bradforth, in Yorks. 259, 265 Bradnidge, in Deu. 61 Braintre, in Essex, 81 Bramber, in Sussex, 229 Brampton, in Cumb. 49 Bramyard, in Heref. 104 Brancaster, in Norfolk, 156 Brandon, in Suffolk, 213 Brentsord, in Middles. 144 Breton, a River, 283 Brewood, in Staff. 200, 201 Bridewell, in London, 315 Bridge of London, 291 Bridgenorth, in Shrops. 186 Bridgewater, Somers. 192, 193 Bridlington. See Burlington. Bridport, in Dors. 67, 69 Bright Helmiston, in Sussex, 225, 226 Bristol, in Gloc. and Somers. 187, 189 Bromesgrove, Worc. 253, 254 Bromicham, in Warw. 234, 235 Bromley, in Kent, 112, 115 Brougham-Castle in West. 240 Bruton, in Somers. 192 Buckenham, in Norf. 153, 155 Buckhurst, in Suss. 229 Buckingham, 29 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, 29 Buddesdale, in Suff. 204, 210 Bullingbrook, in Linc. 136, 140 Bungay, in Suffolk, 204, 209 Buntingford, in Hartf. 100 Burcester, in Oxf. 179 Burford, in Oxf. 178 Burgh, in Westm. 238 Burgh, in Lincoln's. 136 Burlington, in Yorks. 258, 261 Burntwood, in Essex, 81, 83 Burton, in Linc. 136, 139 Burton, in Staff. 200 Burton, in Westm. 238, 239 Bury, in Lancash. 126, 128 Bury, in Suff. 204, 205 Buxton-Wells, in Derbys. 55 C Caer-Leon, in Monm. 148, 149 Calder, a Yorks. River, 256 Calne, in Wilts. 246, 248 Cambridge, 350 CAMBRIDGESHIRE, 33 Camelford, in Cornwall, 43 Campden, in Gloc. 87 Can, and Candale. See Ken, Kendale. Canesham, in Somers. 192 Canterbury, in Kent, 111 Carlisle, in Cumb. 47 Cartmill, in Lanc. 126 Caston, in Norf. 153 Caves, in Wilts. 250 Caxton, in Cambr. 34 Cerne-Abbas, in Dors. 67, 71 Chamberlain of Lond. 325 Chancellor of Oxf. 347 Chancellor of Camb. 353 Chard, in Somers. 192 Charmouth, in Dors. 69 Charter-house, in London, 300 Chatham, in Kent, 113 Cheame, in Surrey, 221 Checkley, in Staff. 200 Chelmer, a River, 80 Chelmsford, in Essex, 81, 83 Chelsey, in Middl. 145 Chelsey Hospital, 319 Cheltenham, in Gloc. 87 Cheping-Onger, in Essex, 81 Chepstow, in Monm. 148 Chertsey, in Surrey, 222 Cherwell, a River, 177 Chesham, in Buckingh. 30 CHESHIRE, 36 Chester, 37 Chesterfield, in Derbys. 57 Chichester, in Sussex. 224 Chidley, in Deu. 61 Chippenham, in Wilts. 246, 247 Chipping-Norton, in Oxf. 178 Chipping-Sudbury. See Sudbury. Chorley, in Lanc. 126 Christchurch, in Hamps. 95, 96 Chulmleigh, in Deu. 61 Churnet, a River, 197 Church-Government in Lond. 336 Cirencester, in Gloc. 87, 89 Clapham, in Surrey, 221 Clare, in Suff. 204, 211 Clarendon, a Park in Wilts. 249 Clay, in Norf. 156 Clebury, in Shrops. 186 Cleveland, part of Yorks. 272 Clitheroe, in Lanc. 126, 129 Clum, a River, 184 Cockermouth, in Cumb. 49 Cocket, an Isle of Northumb. 171 Cogshall, in Essex, 81 Colchester, in Essex, 80 Colebrook, in Buck. 30 Coleford, in Oxf. 178 Coleshill, in Warw. 234, 235 College of Physic. in London, 308 Colleges in Oxford, 342 Colleges in Cambridge, 352 Coln, the Name of several Rivers, 29, 80, 89 Coln, a Town in Lanc. 126, 128 Columpton, in Deu. 61 Combemerton, in Deu. 61 Commissary in Cambr. 353 Companies of Tradesmen in Lond. 326 Congleton, in Chesh. 39 Copeland, part of Cumb. 50 Corfe-Castle, in Dors. 67 CORNWALL, 40 Coventry, in Warw. 233 Cowes, in the Isle of Wight. 98 Conborn, in Dors. 67, 71 Cranbrook, in Kent, 112, 116 Craven, in Yorks. 265 Crediton, in Deu. 61, 64 Cricklade, in Wilts. 256 Crokehorn, in Somers. 192 Cromere, in Norf. 153, 155 Crouch, a River, 80 Crowland, in Linc. 126, 128 Croyden, in Surrey, 217, 219 Culliton, in Deu. 61 CUMBERLAND, 46 Curfew-Bell, 333 North Curry, in Somers. 192 Custom-house, in Lond. 290 Cuxfield, in Sussex, 225, 226 D DAlton, in Lanc. 126 Danby, in Yorks. 272 DARBYSHIRE. See DERBYSHIRE. Darking, in Surrey, 217, 220 Darlington, in the Bish. of Durham, 76, 77 Dart, a River, 59 Dartford, in Kent, 112, 114 Dartmouth, in Deu. 61, 62 Daventry, in Northampt. 159, 162 Deal, in Kent, 119 Dean Forest, in Gloc. 89 Dean magna, in Gloc. 8● Deben, a River, 30 Debenham, in Suff. 204, 20● Deddington, in Oxf. 17● Dee, a River 3● Degrees in Oxford, 34● Degrees in Cambridge, 35● Deptford, in Kent, 11● dearly, 5● DERBYSHIRE, 53 Derwent, a River, 75, 256 Derwentwater, a Tract in Yorks. 261 Deveril, a River, 243 Devils Arse, a Cave in Derbysh. 55 The Devils Bolts in Yorks. 267 Devizes, in Wilts. 246, 248 DEVONSHIRE, 59 Diss, in Norf. 153. 155 Ditch-Marsh. See Marshland. Doctor's Commons, in London, 307 Dodbrook, in Deu. 61 Dorcester, in Oxf. 181 Dorchester, in Dors. 66 DORSETSHIRE, 65 Dove, a River, 197 Dover, in Kent, 112, 117 Downham, in Norf. 153, 155 Downton, in Wilts. 246 Drawfield, in Derbys 57 Drayton, in Shrops. 186 Droitwich, in Worc. 253, 254 Dronfield, in Derbys. 57 Dudley-hill, in Staff. 197 Dulverton, in Somers. 192 Dun, a Yorks. River, 256 Duncaster, in Yorks. 259, 263 Dunington, in Linc. 136, 142 Dunmore, in Essex, 81 Dunstable, in Bedf. 27 Dunster, in Somers. 192, 194 Dunwick, in Suss. 204, 208 Durham, the Bishopric 74 Durham, the City, 75 Dursby, in Gloc. 87 E EAmont, a River, 237 East-Church, in Kent, 121 East-Derham, in Norf. 153 East-Greenstead, in Sussex, 225, 226 East-Herling, in Norf. 153, 155 East-Isley in Barks. 23 East-Lowe, in Cornwall, 43 Eccleshal, in Staff. 200 Eden, a River, 46, 237 Edgeware, in Middl. 144, 145 Effingham, in Surrey, 222 Egremont, in Cumb. 49, 50 Eldenhole, a Cave in Derbys. 55 Ellismeer, in Shrops. 186, 187 Elmley, in Kent, 121 Eltham, in Kent, 112, 115 Ely, in Cambr. 34, 35 Epping, in Effex, 81 Epsham, in Surrey, 222 Eresby, in Linc. 141 ESSEX, 79 Evenlode, a River, 177 Evershot, in Dors. 67 Evil, in Somers. 192, 194 Euston, in Suff. 213 Ewel, in Surrey, 217, 220 Ex, a River, 59 Exeter, in Deu. 60 Exning, in Suff. 213 Eye, in Suff. 204, 210 F FAirford, in Gloc. 87 Fairford, in Oxf. 178 Fakenham, in Norf. 153 Falmouth, in Cornwall, 43 Fardon-Dyke, in Westm. 238 Faringdon, in Barks. 23 Farne, a Northumb. Island, 171 Farnham, in Surrey, 217, 220 Feversham, in Kent, 112, 114 Flamborough-head, in Yorks. 262 Fleet-Ditch, in Lond. 299 Folkingham, in Linc. 136 Folkstone, in Kent. 112, 116 Fordsham, in Chesh. 39 Fordwich, in Kent, 119 Fotheringhay-Castle, in Northampt. 160 Foway, in Cornwall. 43, 49 Framlingham, in Suff. 204, 209 Frampton, in Dors. 67, 71 Friendly Society, at Lon. 339 from, the name of several Rivers. 66, 103, 189 Froumselwood, in Somerset. 142, 194 Fulcham, in Norf. 153 Fulham, in Middl. 145 G. Gainsborough, in Linc. 136, 138 Garstang, in Lanc. 126, 128 Gateshead, or Gateside. in the Bish of Durh. 78 Gatton, in Surrey. 222 Gillesland, part of Cum. 57 Gippe, a River. 203 Gisborough, in Yorks. 259, 272 Glamford, in Linc. 136 Glassenbury, in Som. 192, 193 Gloucester. 85 GLOCESTERSHIRE. 84 Goldhurst, in Kent. 112 Grafton, in Northam. 160 Grampound, in Cornwall. 43 Grantham, in Linc. 136, 138 Gravesend, in Kent. 112, 113 Greenwich, in Kent. 114 Gresham College, in London. 311 Grimsby, in Linc. 136, 141 Guildford, in Surrey. 216 Guildhall, in Lond. 297 Guy-Cliff, in Warw. 238 H HAdley, in Suff. 204, 210 Halesworth, in Suf. 204, 209 Haling, an Isle near Hampsh. 98 Hallaton, in Leicest. 131 Hallifax, in Yorks. 259, 264 Public Halls in Lond. 3●2 Hamersmith, in Middl. 145 HAMPSHIRE. 91 Hampsted. See Hempsled. Harborough, in Leicest. 131 Harlston, in Norf. 153 Hartford. 99 HARTFORDSHIRE. 99 Hartle-pool, in the Bish of Durham. 78 Harwich, in Essex. 81, 82 Haselmere, in Surrey. 222 Haslington, in Lanc. 127 Hastings, in Sussex. 225, 228 Hatfield, in Essex. 81 Hatfield, in Hartf. 100, 101 Hatherly, in Deu. 61 Haverill, in Suss. 204, 211 Haulsteed, in Essex. 81 Hawkshead, in Lan. 126, 129 Hell-kettles, 3 noted Pits in the Bish. of Dur. 77 Helmley, in Yorks. 259, 273 Helston, in Cornwall. 43 Hempsted, in Hartf. 100 Hempsted, in Middl. 145 Henly, in Oxf. 178, 180 Henly, in Warw. 234, 235 Heralds Office, in Lon. 310 Hereford. 104 HEREFORDSHIRE. 103 Hexam, in Northum. 168, 170 Heydon, in Yorks. 258, 261 Higham-Ferrers, in Northamp 159, 160 Highgate, in Middl. 145 Highworth, in Wilts. 246 Hindon, in Wilts. 246 Hingham, in Norf. 153 Hinckley, in Leic. 131 Hitching, in Hartf. 100 Hodsdon, in Hartf. 100, 101 Hog-magog Hills, in Camb. 34 Holbich, in Linc. 136 Holderness, in Yorks. 260 Holland, part of Linc. 134 Holsworthy, in Deu. 61 Holt, in Norf. 153 Holy Island, in Northum. 171 Hornby, in Lanc. 126, 128 Horn-castle, in Linc. 136, 141 Hornden, in Essex. 81 Horniton, in Deu. 61 Horsham, in Suss. 225, 226. Horton, in Gloc. 87 Hospitals, in Lond. 300 Houden, in Yorks. 258, 261 Hounslow, in Middl. 145 Humber, a River. 11 Hull, in Yorks. 258, 259 Hungerford, in Barks. 23, 24 Huntingdon. 107 HUNTINGTONSHIRE. 106 Hythe, in Kent, 112, 118 I IArrow, in the Bish. of Durham. 78 Iddle, a River, 174 Iksworth, in Suff. 204, 212 Ilchester, in Somers. 192, 194 Ilfarcomb, in Deu. 61 Ilmister, in Somers. 192 Inns, or Colleges of Law, in Lond. 302, &c Inns of Court. 306 Inns of Chancery. 309 Insurance Office for Houses in Lond. 337 Ipswich, in Suff. 203 Ireby, in Cumb. 49 Isis, a River. 177 Islington, in Middl. 145 Itching, a Hamps-River. 92 Ivel, a River. 26 Ivingo, in Buck. 30 Ixning. See Exning. K Ken, a River, 237 Kendale, in Westm. 237 Kennet, a River, 23, 242 Kensington, in Middl. 145 KENT. 109 Kesteven, part of Linc. 134 Keswick, in Cumb. 49, 50 Kettering, in Nor thampt. 159, 162 Kidderminster, in Worc. 253, 254 Kilham, in Yorks. 258, 261 Kimbolton, in Hunt. 108, 109 King's-bridge, in Deu. 61 King's-clere, in Hamps. 95 King's-Cliff, in Northa. 159 Kingston, in Surrey. 217, 218 Kingston, upon Hull. See Hull. Kirby-Lonsdale, in Westm. 238, 239 Kirby-Moreside, in Yorks. 259, 273 Kirby-Stephens, in Westm. 238, 239 Kirkham, in Lanc. 126, 128 Kirkswald, in Cumb. 49 Kirkton, in Linc. 136, 141 Knaresborough, in Yorks. 259, 266 Knutsford, in Cheths. 39 Kyneton, in Heref. 104, 105 Kyneton, in Warw. 234, 235 L Lainborn, in Barks. 23 Lambeth, in Surrey. 221 LANCASHIRE. 122 Lancaster. 125 Lanceston, in Cornwall. 42 Lands End, in Cornwall. 42 Langley-Abbey, in Hartf. 102 Langport, Somers. 197 Lavenham, in Suss. 204, 210 Lavington, in Wilts. 246 Lea, a River. 80, 99 Leeds, in Yorksh. 259, 265 Leck, in Staff. 200 Leicester. 130 LEICESTERSHIRE, 129 Leighton, in Eedf. 27, 28 Lemington, in Hamps. 95, 96 Lemington, in Warw. 235 Lemster, in Heref. 104, 105. Lenham, in Kent. 112 Lestoft, in Suss. 204, 209 Letchlade, in Gloc. 87 Leverpool, in Lanc. 126, 127 jews, in Suss. 225, 226 Leysden, in Kent. 121 Lichfield, in Staff. 199 Lidbury, in Heref. 104, 105 The new Lights at Lon. 336 Lime, in Dors. 95. 68 Lincoln 134 LINCOLNSHIRE 132 Lindsey, part of Line. 134 Line, a River 197 Linton, in Cambr. 34 Liskerd, in Cornwall. 43 Listhiel, in Cornwall. 43 Lizard Point, in Cornwall. 42 Lon, a River 124, 237 LONDON, in Midl. 276, etc. Long-Meg, a Trophy in Cumb. 47 Long-town, in Cumb. 49 Loughborough, in Leic. 131, 132 Lowthe, in Linc. 136 Lowther, a River 240, 241 Ludlow, in Shrops. 186 Lugier, a River 103 Lulworth Castle, in Dors. 71 Lutterworth. in Leic. 131, 132 lid, in Kent. 112, 119 Lyn, in Norf. 153 M. Macclesfield, see Maxfield. Maidenhead, in Barks. 23 Maidstone, in Kent 112, 113 Main Amber, a noted Rock in Cornwall. 42 Malden, in Essex 81, 82 Malinge, in Kent 112 Malmsbury, in Wilts. 246, 247 Malpas, in Chesh. 39 Malton, in Yorks. 259, 273 Man, an Island 51 Manchester, in Lanc. 126 Manifold, a River 198 Mansfield, Nottingh. 175, 176 Manytre, in Essex 81 Market-Deeping, in Linc. 136, 138 Market-Jew, in Cornwall. 43 Market-Rasen. in Linc. 134 Market-Stanton, in Linc. 136 Marlborough, in Wilts. 246 Marlowe, in Buck. 30, 32 Marmister, in Wiltsh. 246 Marshfield, in Gloc. 87 Marshland, in Norf. 154 Marshland, in Yorksh. 265 Marsley-hill, in Heref. 105 Marsham, in Yorksh. 259, 273 Maxfield, in Chesh. 39 Mayor of London, 319 Medway, a Kentish River, 10 Melcomb Regis, in Dors. 67, 68 Melton-Mowbray, in Leic. 131 Mendlesham, in Suff. 204 Menham Regis, in Warw. 235 Merche, in Camb. 34 Mere, in Wiltsh. 246 Mersey, a River 36, 124 Merton-Meer, in Lanc. 124 Micham, in Surrey. 221 Middleham, in Yorks. 259, 273 MIDDLESEX, 143 Middleton, in Dors. 67, 71 Middlewich, in Chesh. 39 Midhurst, in Sussex 225, 226 Mildenhall, in Suff. 204, 212 Militia of London, 329 Milton, in Kent 112, 116 Minehead, in Somers. 192, 194 Minster, in Kent 121 The Mint in London 112 Modberry, in Deu. 61 Mole, a River 216 Monmouth 147 MONMOUTHSHIRE 146 Monnow, a River 147 Montacute, a Hill in Somers. 196 Montsorrel, in Leic. 131 The Monument in Lond. 291 Moreclack, in Surrey 221 Morpeth, in Northumb. 168, 170 Morton, in Deu. 61 Mounts Bay, in Cornwall. 41 Mowcop-hill, in Staff. 197 Mulgrave, in Yorksh. 270 N Nadder, a River 243 Nantwich, in Chesh. 39 Naseby, Northampt. 159, 161 Naverby, in Linc. 136 Needham, in Suff. 204, 206 Newark, Nottingh. 175, 176 Newbury, in Barks. 23, 24 Newcastle upon Tine, in North. 166 Newcastle under Line in Staff. 200 Newent, in Gloc. 87 New Forest, in Hampsh. 92 Newham, in Gloc. 87 Newington, in Surrey. 221 Newmarket, in Camb. and Suff. 34, 35 Newport, in Buckingh. 30, 31 Newport, in Monm. 148, 149 Newport, in Shrops. 186, 187 Newton-Abbot, in Deu. 61 Neyland, in Suff. 204, 211 Nonsach, a Roy. Pall. in Surrey. 221 NORFOLK. 150 North-Allerton, in Yorks. 259 273 North-Foreland, in Kent 120 North-Walsham, in Norf. 153 Northampton, 158 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. 158 NORTHUMBERLAND, 163 Northwich, in Chesh. 39 Norwich, in Norf. 152 Nottingham, 174 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE. 173 Nun-Eaton, in Warw. 234, 235 Nyd, a Yorks. River 256 O Oakham, see Okeham-Ockingham, in Barksh. 23 Ockley, in Surrey 222 Odiam, in Hamps. 95, 96 Offton, in Suff. 214 Ogle-Castle, in Northumb. 170 Okeham, in Rutland. 182 Okehampton, in Deu. 61 Orators in the Universities 349 353 Ore, a River 203 Orford, in Kent 115 Orford, in Suff. 204, 207 Ormskirk, in Lanc. 126, 128 Orton, in Westm. 238, 239 Orwell, a River 203 Oswestree, in Shropsh. 186 Ottery, in Deu. 61 Ottley, in Yorks. 259 Oulney, in Buckingh. 30 Oundle, in Northa. 159, 160 Ouse, the Name of two Rivers 11, 26, 29, Oxford, 177, 339 OXFOKDSHIRE. 176 P Padstow in Cornwall. 43, 44 Pagets-Bromley, in Staf. 200 Panswick, in Gloc. 87 Parish Churches in Lon. 299 Parrot, a River. 189 Paul's School, in Lond. 315 The Peak of Derbys. 55 Pembridge in Heref. 104, 105 Pendle-hill, in Lanc. 126, 128 Penk, a River. 198 Penkridge, in Staff. 200 Penrin, in Cornwall. 43 Penrith, in Cumb. 49 Pensford, in Somers. 192 Penzance, in Cornwall. 43 Penny-Post at Lond. 336 Pershore, in Worc. 253, 254 Peterborough, in Northam. 160 Petersfield, in Hamps. 95, 96 Petherton, in Somers. 192 Petworth, in Sus. 225, 226, 227 Pevensey, in Sussex. 229 Philip-Norton, in Somers. 192 Physical Society in Oxf. 347 Pickering, in Yorks. 259, 273 Plymouth, in Deu. 61 Plimpton, in Deu. 61 Pocklington, in Yorks. 258. 261 Pomfret. See Pontefract. Pontefract, in York. 259, 265 Pontpool, in Monm. 148, 149 Pool, in Dors. 67, 69 Portland, in Dors. 72 Portsmouth, in Hamps. 95 Potton in Bedf. 27 Poulton, in Lanc. 126, 128 Prescot, in Lanc. 126 Preston, in Lanc 126, 127 Privileges of Oxf. 350 Privileges of Camb. 351 Proctors in Oxf. 348 Proctorsin Camb. 353 Q QVeenborough, in Kent. 121 R RAleigh, in Essex. 81 Rimsey, in Huntingt. 108, 109 Ravenglass, in Cumb. 49, 50 Rea, a River. 184 Reading, in Barks. 23 Recorder of London, 319 Record-Keeper, in Oxf. 349 Reculver, in Kent. 117 Redford, in Notting. 175 Rendlesham, in Suff. 214 Repeham, in Norf. 153 Reygate, in Surrey, 217, 219 Rible, a River. 124 Richmond, in Surrey. 220 Richmond, in Yorks. 259, 267 Rickmansworth, in Hartf. 100, 101 Ridgeley, in Staff. 200 Ringwood, in Hamps. 95, 96 Ripley, in Yorksh. 259, 266 Rippon, in Yorsh. 259 266 Risborough, in Buckingh. 30 Rochdale, in Lanc. 126, 128 Rochester, in Kent. 112, 113 Rockingham, in Northamp. 159, 162 Rockley, in Wiltsh. 247 Roden, a River. 184 Roding, a River. 80 Roll-rich Stones, in Oxf. 180 Rosse, in Heref. 104, 105 Rother, a River. 110 Rotherham, in Yorks. 259, 263 Rothwell, in Northamp. 159 The Royal Exchange in Lond. 295 The Royal Society, in Lon. 311 Royston, in Camb, and Hartf. 34, 35 Rugby, in Warw. 234, 235 Rumford, in Essex. 81, 83 Rumney, a River. 147 Rumsey, in Hamps. 95, 96 RUTLAND. 181 Rye, in Sussex. 225, 227 S St. Alban, in Hartf. 100 S. Bennets Abbey, in Norf. 156 St. Colomb, in Cornwall. 43 S. Edmunds-Bury. See Bury. S. Germane, in Cornwall. 43 S. Ives, in Cornwall. 43, 44 S. Ives in Huntingt. 108 S. Marry Cray, in Kent. 112, 115 S. Mich. Mount, in Cornw. 41 S. Neots, in Huntingt. 108 S. Paul's Cathed. in Lon. 298 Salisbury, in Wiltsh. 244 Salop. See Shropshire. Salsby, in Linc. 136 Saltash, in Cornwall. 43 Saltfleet, in Linc. 136, 140 Salwarp, a River. 252 Sanbich, in Chesh. 39 Sandham, in the Isle of Wight. 98 Sandwich, in Kent. 112, 118 Sarum, See Salisbury. Saxmundsham, in Suf. 204, 208 Scarborough, in York. 259, 269 Scarsdale, part of Derbys. 59 Scilly Iflands. 45 Sechy, in Norf. 153 Seafull, a Hill in the Isle of Man. 52 Selby, in Yorks. 259, 266 Selsey-Isle, in Sussex. 225 Sergeants at Law in Lond. 303, 305 Settle, in Yorksh. 259 Sevenoke, in Kent. 112, 115 Severn, a River. 11 Shaftsbury, in Dors. 67, 70 Sha● in Westm. 240 Sheals, in the Bish. of Dur. 78 Sheffield, in Yorks. 259, 262 Shefford, in Bedf. 27, 28 Shepey, a Kentish Isle, 120 Shepton Mallet, in Som. 192, 194 Sherburn, in Dors. 67, 71 Sherburn, in Yorksh. 259, 265 Sheriffs of London. 325 Shipton, in Shropsh. 186 Shipton, in Warw. 234 Shipton, in Worc. 253, 255 Shoreham, in Sussex, 225, 226 Shrewsbury, in Shropsh. 184 SHROPSHIRE, 183 Shrugbury, in Warw. 235 Sidmouth, in Deu. 61 Zion College in Lond. 314 Skeningrave, in Yorks. 271 Skipton, in Yorks. 259, 265 Sleaford, in Linc. 136, 138 Smarden, in Kent 112 Snathe, in Yorks. 239, 265 Snetham, in Norf. 153, 155 SOMERSETSHIRE, 188 Somerton, in Somers. 188, 192 Southam, in Warw. 234 Southampton, in Hampsh. 92 South-Melton, in Deu. 61 Southwark, in Surrey 217 Southwell, in Nottingh. 175 Sow, a River 187 Spalding, in Linc. 136, 142 Spithead, in Hamps. 96 Stafford, 198 STAFFORDSHIRE, 196 Stainmore hill, in Westm. 240 St●inthorp, in the Bish. of Durh. 76, 77 Stamford, in Linc. Rutl. & Northampt. 136, 137 Stanes, in Middl. 144 Stanley, in Gloc. 87 Star-stone, in Gloc. 87 Statues, in London and Westm. 296, 297 Stevenedge, in Hartf. 100 staining, in Sussex 225, 226 Stocksbridge, in Hamps. 92 Stockton, in the Bish. of Durh. 78 Stokesly, in Yorks. 259, 273 Stone, in Staff. 200 stonehenge, a Wonder in Wilts. 243 Stony-Stratford, in Buck. 30, 31 Stopford, in Chesh. 39 Storington, in Sussex 225, 226 Stoure, see Stower. Stow, in Gloc. 87 Stower, the Name of several Rivers, 66, 80, 110, 130 203. Stow-Market, in Suff. 204, 206 Stratford, in Warw. 234 Stratton, in Cornwall 43 Stretham, in Surrey 221 Stretton, in Shrops. 186 Stroud, in Gloc. 87, 90 Stroud, a River 85 Sturbridge, in Worc. 253, 254 Sturminster, in Dors. 67, 71 Sudbury, in Gloc. 87 Sudbury, in Suff. 204, 211 SUFFOLK, 202 Sunderland, in the Bish. of Durh. 76, 77 SURREY, 215 SUSSEX, 223 Sutton-Cofield, in Warw. 234 Swafham, in Norf. 153 Swold, in Suff. 204, 208 T. TAdcaster, in Yorks. 259, 265 Tame, in Oxf. 178, 179 Tame, a River 29, 177 Tamer, a River 59 Tamworth, in Staff. 200 Tamworth, in Warw. 234 Tansdale, in Suff. 204 Tarring, in Sussex 225, 226 Tarvin, in Chesh. 39 Tattershall, in Linc. 136, 141 Tavestock, in Deu. 61, 63 Taunton, in Somers. 192 Taw, a River 59 Taxers of Cambridge 353 Tean, a River 197 Tedbury, in Gloc. 87 Tees, a River 12 Teme, a River 184 The two Temples at London. 306 Tenbury, in Worc. 253, 255 Tenderden, in Kent, 112 Terne, a River 184 Test, a River 92 Tewksbury, in Gloc. 87, 90 Thames, a River 10 Thanet, a Kentish Isle 119 Thaxted, in Essex 81 Theatre in Oxford 344 theobald's, a Roy. Pall. in Hartf. 100 Thetford, in Norf. 153, 155 Thirsk, in Yorks. 259, 273 Thistleworth, in Middl. 145 Thongeaster, in Linc. 136, 140 Thornbury, in Gloc. 87, 90 Thorn, in Yorks. 259 Thorney, an Isle about Hamps. 98 Thorney, a Sussex-Island, 225 Thrapston, in Northa. 159, 160 Thryn, a River. 151 Tickhill, in Yorks. 252 Tideswal, in Derb. 57 Tine, a River. 12 Tiverton in Deu. 61, 64 Tone, a River. 189 Tor, a River. 189 Torridge, a River, 59 Torrington, in Deu. 61. 63 Totness, in Deu. 61, 63 Towcester, in Northa. 159, 161 The Tower in Lond. 286 The great Trade of Lon. 334 Tregny, in Cornwall. 43 Trent, a River. 11 Tringe, in Hartf. 100 A Trophy, in Cornwall, 42 A Trophy, in Cumb. 47 Troubridge, in Wilts. 246, 247 Truro, in Cornwall. 43, 44 Tudbury, in Staff. 200 Tuddington, in Bedf. 27 Tun, a Kentish River. 110 Tunbridge, in Kent. 112, 115 Tuxford in Notting. 175 tweed, a River. 12 V. VAntage, in Barks. 23 Vice-Chan. of Ox. 318 Vice-Chan. of Camb. 353 Vlles Water, in Cumb. 47 Vlverston, in Lanc. 126, 129 Vppingham, in Rutl. 183 Vp●on, in Worc. 253, 254. Vsk, in Monm. 148, 149 Vsk, a River. 147 Vtoxeter, in Staff. 200 Uxbridge, in Middl. 144, 145 W WAkefield, in Yorks. 259, 264 Walden, in Essex. 81, 83 Walderswick, in Suff. 214 Wallingford, in Barks. 23 Walsall, in Staff. 200, 201 Walsingham, in Norf. 153, 156 Waltham, in Leic. 131 Waltham-Abbey, in Essex. 81 Wandesworth, in Surrey. 221 Wandsdike, a Dike in Wilts. 243 Warden, in Kent. 121 Ware, in Hartf. 100, 101 Ware, a River. 75 Warfe, a Yorksh. River, 256 Warham, in Dors. 67, 70 Warington, in Lanc. 127, 128 Warminster, in Wilts. 246, 248 Warwick. 231 WARWICKSHIRE. 230 Wash, a River. 182 The Watch at Lond. 333 Watford, in Hartf. 100, 102 Watchet, in Somers. 192, 194 Watlington, in Oxf. 178 Watton in Norf. 153 Waveney, a River. 151, 203 Wayborn-hope, in Norf. 156 Waynfleet, in Lanc. 136, 140 Weatherby, in Yorks. 259 Webley, in Heref. 104 Weever, a River. 36 Weland, 153, 158 Weller, in Northum. 159, 161 Wellingborough, in Northam. 159, 161 Wellington, in Shrop. 186 Wells, in Somers. 191 Wem, in Shrops. 186.187 Wendover, in Buck. 30 Wenlock, in Shrops. 186, 187 Werminster. See Warminster. Westbury, in Wiltsh. 246, 248 Westminster, in Midl. 276, 331 Westminster-Hall. 318 Westminster-School. 317 WESTMORELAND. 236 Westram, in Kent, 112 Wever, a Hill in Staff. 197 Wey, a River. 2●6 Weymouth, in Dors. 67, 68 Whinfield-forest, in Westm. 240 Whitby, in Yorks. 259 269 Whitechurch, in Hamps. 95, 96 Whitechurch, in Shrop. 186, 187 Whitehall, in Westm. 315 Whistable, in Kent. 117 Wickham, in Buck. 30, 31 Wickham, in Suff. 214 Wickware, in Gloc. 87 Wigan, in Lanc. 126, 128 ●lle of Wight, part of Hampsh. 96 Wighton, in Yorks. 258 Wigton, in Cumb. 49 Willy, a River. 243 Wilton, in Wilts. 246, 248 WILTSHIRE. 242 Wimander. See Winder Mere. Wimborn-Minster in Dors. 67, 71 Wincaunton, in Som. 192, 194 Winchcomb, in Gloc. 87 Winchelsey, in Sussex, 225, 228 Winchester, in Hamps. 93 Winder-mere, in Lanc. 124 Windham, in Norf. 153 Windrush, a River. 177 Windsor, in Barks. 23, 24 Winslow, in Buck. 30 Winterton, in Norf. 156 Wir●sworth, in Derbys. 57, 58 Wisbich, in Cambr. 34 Witham, a River. 133 Witney, in Oxf. 178, 180 Wivescomb, in Somers. 192 Woburn, in Bedf. 27 Wolverhamp. in Staf. 200, 201 Woodbridge in Suff. 204, 206 Woodstock, in Oxf. 178 Woolwich, in Kent. 112, 114 Wootton-basset, in Wilts. 246 Worcester. 252 WORCESTERSHIRE. 251 Worksop, in Notting. 175 Worsted, in Norf. 153 Wotton, in Gloc. 87 Wragby, in Linc. 136 Wreak, a River. 130 Wrinton in Somers. 192 Wrotham, in Kent 112 Wye, the name of several Rivers. 85, 103, 112 147 Y youAre, a River, 151 Yarmouth, in Norf. 153, 154 Yarmouth, in the Isle of Wight. 98 Yarum in Yorks. 259, 273 Yaxley, in Huntingt. 101 York. 256 YORKSHIRE. 255 Your, a Yorksh. River. 256 The Table FOR THE SECOND PART. A ADmiral of Engl. P. 131 Almoner 172 Anabaptists 69 English Apparel 38 Apprentices 266 Archbishops 233, 234 The Archbishop of Canterbury's Privileges. 242 Arch-Deacons 249 Arms of the King 93 B Baronet's 223 Bartholomew Fair 42 Beacons 180 Besant 172 Bishops 232 Bp. of London and Durham 2●● Bp. of Winchester ●●● The Bps. Election 235 The Bps. Consecration 236 The Bps. Installation 238 The Bps. Privileges 241 The Bps. Public Works 2●4 Suffragan Bps. ●●● C Lord CHamberla●● of Engla●●●●● Lord Chamberlains of the King's Household ●54 Champion of 〈…〉 1●9 Chancellor 〈…〉 127 Chappel 〈◊〉 169 Character 〈…〉 King 141 Char●● 〈…〉 Queen 143 C●●●●● 〈…〉 con●●●●●●hem 265 〈…〉, when 〈◊〉 planted in ●●gland 61, etc. Church of England, her Doctrine 65 Her Reformation 63, etc. The Charge of Persecution against her, groundless in a great measure 66 Churchwardens 257 Clergy 232 Their Privileges 254 Their Number 255 The unhappy Prejudices of some of our Modern Clergy 256 Clerk of the Checque 165 Clerk of the Closet 174 Clerks Comptrollers 149, 150 Clerks of the Green-Cloth ib. Clerks of Parishes 257 English Clubs, or Societies 42 The great Conveniency of Coaches in England 46 Coffee, much used by the English 37 Cofferer 149, 150 Commissioners of the Admiralty 192 Commissioners of Appeal 203 Commodities exported 57 Commonalty of England 228 Their Privileges 232 Companies of Merchants 53 Complexion of the English 3 Counting House 149 controller of the King's Household 149 English way of Computing 28 High Constable 131 Convention 139 Copy-holders' 229 Coronation of the King 103 Court of the King 115, 147 etc. Court of the Queen 174 Coins 49 Curates 253 Particular Customs of the English 43 Customhouse Officers 201 Custom-Revenue 200 D. S. DAvid's Day 45 Deacons 250 Deans 247 Defender of the Faith, one of the King's Titles 92 Diet of the English 34 Dissenters, their backwardness in point of Reunion 67, 68 Divorce 264 Dominions of the King 84, etc. Duke of Gloucester 209 E ENsigns of Royalty 94 Esquires 225 Esquires of the Body 156 Exchequer, and its Officers 203, etc. Excise-Office 202 Exercises of the English 39 F. ROyal Family 121 Famous Men among the English 16 Feasting of the English 35, 40 Fuel used in England 33 Fifth-monarchy Men, see Millenarians Reflections upon the late Fleet 193 Foot-Gards 168 Free-helders 228 G. GArrisons in England 177 Genius of the Engl. 11 Gentlemen 226 Gentlemen of the Bedchamber 155 Gentlemen Ushers 156, 157 Gentlemen Pensioners 164 Gentlemen Harbingers 165 Gentry of England 223 English Government 73 Its Constitution 75, etc. Popular Government contrary to the English Genius 83 Green Cloth 149 Groom of the Stole 155 Grooms of the Great Chamber 155, 157 Groom Porter 157 Gun Powder Treason 41 H HEptarchy 74, 75 Heralds 162 Hock-tide 43 Horse-gards 167 Horse-Granadiers 168 I INdependents 69 Ireland, how it became subject to England 87, etc. Justices of Peace 69 Justices of Eyre's Seat 99 K. KIng of England 84 The King of England King of the Sea 89 The King is the Fountain of Honour 99 The King of England receives great Respect from his Subject's 9● The present King William's Descent 133 His Accession to the Throne 139, & His Character 141 Kings of Arms 178 Knights of the Garter 219 Knights Baronet's 223 Knights of the Bath 224 Knights Bachelors Ibid. Knight's Banerets 229 L. LAnd-Forces 177 Language of the English 12 English Laws 59 Lent-Preachers 171 The Lord Lieutenant's Power 179 Way of Living among the English 31 M. MAritime Power 181 Earl Marshal of England 131 Master of the Horse 161 Master of the Household 149, 150 Master of the Wardrobe 160 Master of the Robes 162 Master of the Revels 163 Master of the Ceremonies 164 Maundy Thursday, the Ceremony of that Day 173 English Measures 53 Merchants 229 Militia 178 Millenarians 70 Mint-Officers 51 N. ENglish Names 21 Nobility of England, their Creation and Distinction 210, &c Their Privileges 215 Noble Women 258 O ORder of the Garter 219 Ordination of Priests and Deacons 251 Ordnance, its Office and Officers 194, etc. Original of the English 1, etc. Oxford Regiment 168 P. Parsons 250 Patrons of Churches 252 Pledging, the Original of it 43 Post-Office 47 Poverty, a description thereof 230 Power of the King, by Sea and Land 113 Prebendaries 248 Prerogative of the King 109 Presbyterians 68 Precedent of the Council 129 Prince of Wales 122 Prince George 208 Princess Ann ibid. Privy Purse 162 Privy Seal 129 Proclamation of the King 98 Pursuivants 163 Q. Quakers 70 Sovereign Queen of England 121 Queen Mary's Character 143 Queen Consort 122 Queen Dowager 122 The present Queen Dowager 207 R. ENglish Recreations 39 Recusants 71 Reformation of the Church of England 63 Regency 117 Religion of England 61 Religion altars the Temper of Men 71 Revenues of the King of England 115 Revenues of the present King & Queen 199 Revenues of the Clergy 253 Revenues of the Bishops 244 Rural Deans 249 S. Scotlands' Union with England 85, etc. Sergeants at Arms 163 Servants 266 Act of Settlement 119 Sextons 257 Ship-yards, and their Officers 190 Sidesmen 257 Marks of Sovereignty 94 High Steward of England 126 Lord Steward of the King's Household 148 Succession to the Crown 118 T. TEmper of the English 4 Tenure in villainage 268 Title of the King to the Crown of France 89 Tobacco, the Benefits of it 38 The great Trade of England 55 Train-Bands, see Militia The English way of Travelling 46 The Lord High-Treasurer 128 Treasurer of the King's House 150 V. S. Valentine's Day 45 Vestry 258 Vicars 253 The unreasonableness of the present disaffected Party 144 W. WAles, its Union with England 84 Wardrobes of the King 160 Weights used in England 52 Women 258 Laws concerning them 260, 261 Y. YAchts 186 Yeomen 228 Yeomen of the Guard 167 The Table FOR THE THIRD PART. A ALdermen 73 Alienation Office 53 Apprentices, Laws concerning them 112 A●●zes 80 Attachment 95 B. Bailiffs 74 Benefit of the Clergy 58 C. CHancery, see Court Circuits 80 Clerk of the Market 72 Commission of Assize 81 Commission of Nisiprius ib. Commission of Peace 82 Commission of Oyer & Terminer ib. Commission of Gaol-delivery ib. Committees 30, etc. Common Pleas, see Court Constables 77 Convocation 96 Coroners 71 Privy Council 43 County Court 68 Court of Chancery 49 Court of King's Bench 55 Court of Common Pleas 59 Court of Exchequer 62 Court of Duchy of Lancaster 66 Court of Admiralty 91 Court of Marshalsea 94 Court of Requests 94 Court Martial 91, & 215 Court Leet 75 Court Baron 76 Courts of Conscience 94 Prerogative Court 102 Court of Arches 100 Court of Audience 102 Court of Delegates 103 Court of Peculiars 104 Court of the Lord Mayor of London 106 Court of Aldermen at Lond. 107 Court of Common Council 108 Court of Goal-Delivery 110 Court of the London Sheriffs 111 Court of the Chamberlain ib. Court of the Orphans 114 Cursitors Office 52 H. HEadboroughs 77 House of Lords 11 House of Commons 12 Hustings 109 J. GRand Jury 70 L. A List of the King's Household Officers and Servants 135 A List of the Gentlemen of the King's Bedchamber 144 A List of the Genal. Pensioners 152 A List of the Yeomen of the Guard Officers 153 A List of the Officers of the four Troops of Horse ib. A List of the Officers of the Oxford Regim. 158 A List of the Officers of the Foot-guards 159 A List of the Chapel Royal 161 A List of the Queen's Household 163 A List of the Nobility 168 A List of the Bishops 174 A List of the House of Commons 175 A List of the Privy Council 191 A List of the Lords Commissioners and Officers of the Court of Chancery 193 A List of the Judges, and Officers of the C. of King's Bench 19● A List of the Judges, and Officers of the C. of Common Pleas 200 A List of the Judges, and Officers of the C. of Exchequer 203 A List of the Judges, and Officers of the Duchy of Lancast. 206 A List of the Attorney a●● Solicitor General, Sergeants, and Council at Law ib. A List of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury 208 A List of the Officers of the Custom 209 A List of the Officers of the Excise 210 A List of the Officers of the General Post-Office 211 A List of the Officers of the Mint 212 A List of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty 213 A List of the Admiral's 214 A List of the Commissioners & other Officers belonging to the Navy ib. A List of the Officers of the Martial Court 215 A List of the Lords Lieutenants 216 A List of the Governors of Foregn Plantations 219 A List of the Consuls in Foreign Parts 220 A List of the Foreign Ministers residing here ibid. A List of the Knights of the Garter 221 A List of the Knights made by K. William 222 A List of the Deans in England & Wales 225 A List of the College of Civilians 226 A List of the College of Physicians 230 A List of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London 232 A List of the Lieutenancy of London 234 A List of the Governors of the Charterhouse 236 A List of the Chancellor, Vicechancellor, Heads of Colleges and Halls, Proctors, Orator, and Professors in Oxford University. 237 A List of the Chancellor, Vicechancellor, Heads of Colleges and Halls, Proctors, Orator, and Professors in Cambridge 239 M. MAsters of Chancery 50 Master of the Rolls 51 Mayors 73 P. PAper-Office 47 Parliament of England 1 Pie-powder Court 96 Privy Council 43 Q. QVarter Sessions 70 S. Secretary's of State 45 Sheriffs 67 Sheriffs Turn 68 Signet-Office 47 Speaker of the House of Lords 10 Speaker of the House of Commons 14 Stewards 75 Subpoena Office 53 Swainmote 95 T. TRial of Malefactors 83 W. WArden of the Fleet 54 ERRATA. PART I. Page 4. line 12. read Wiltshire, p. 7. l. 10. deal of, and l. 12. r. third. p. 29. l. 5. r. Lincoln. p. 81. in the list 1. Burntwood. p. 89. l. 11. r. be. p. 116. l. 10. r. Rockingham. p. 291. l. 25. r. 1209. p. 302. r. only Grocer's Hall. p. 324. l. 6. r. 25. p. 329. l. 13. r. 9000. p. 331. l. 16. r. manner. p. 341. l. 13. r. some were afterwards, p. 355. l. 11. r. certain it is. PART II. p. 66. l. 5. deal but. p. 68 l. 35. r. in. p. 99 l. 33. r. us. PART III. p. 2. l. 10. r. be. p. 79. l. 35. r. assisted. p. 63. l. 22. r. sit on. p. 71. l. 14. r. whose. p. 213. l. 18. deal of. p. 180. l. 15. r. John How Esq p. 224. l. 17. r. 1689. p. 232. l. 27. r. Sir Edward Clark and Sir Francis Child. THE FIRST PART OF THE New State OF ENGLAND Under Their MAJESTY'S K. William and Q. Mary. CONTAINING A Geographical Description of England in General, and of every County in Particular, with Useful and Curious Remarks. London, Printed in the Year 1691. THE NEW STATE OF ENGLAND. PART I. CHAP. I. Treating of ENGLAND in general, and of every County in particular. England ENGLAND is the best and largest Part of the greatest Island of Europe. An Island anciently called Albion, from its white chalky Cliffs; but since better known by the Name of Great Britain. Great, for the vast Extent of ●t, reaching (as it does) in Length, from North to South, about 600 Miles. Britain, that is, a Country Inhabited by Painted Men, as formerly they were wont to be. At this time 'tis principally divided into three Parts, England, Scotland, and Wales; the first two being two distinct Kingdoms, the last a Principality, but all of them happily united under one Head. ENGLAND takes up the South Parts of the Island, being parted from Scotland Northward by the River Tweed; from Wales Westward, in part by the River Dee; and from the rest of the World, by the Ocean. Thus it contains in Length, from North to South, as from Barwick to Portsmouth, 320 miles; and in breadth, from East to West, as from Dover to the Lands End, 270. But such is the Variety of its Breadth, that in the South Parts, which face the Channel, 'tis three times the Breadth of the North. And all along the Sea-Coast in general there are so many Creeks and Inlets, some greater and some lesser, that England (and indeed the whole Island) delineated as it is in Globes and Maps, makes but an odd kind of Figure. However in this Spot of Ground, not exceeding one third Part of France, there are reckoned 30 millions of Acres. In reference to the Globe, it lies between the 50, and 57 Degree of North Latitude; the longest Day in the most Northern Parts being 17 hours, 30 minutes; and the shortest in the most Southern, almost eight hours long. The name of ENGLAND it took from the Angles, an ancient People of Jutland in Denmark; who, joining with their Neighbours the Saxons, went under their Name in the Conquest of Britain. And this Name was given it by a special Edict of Egbert, the first sole Monarch of England, since the Heptarchy. Who, being descended from those Angles, and having reduced the whole Country from a divided State into one entire Body, called it (with the Concurrence of the States of the Realm, then convened at Winchester, Anno 819.) by the Name of Engle-lond, since turned into ENGLAND. From whence the Nation and Language came to be called English. When the Romans were possessed of this Country, they made but two Parts of it, and another of Wales. Called Britannia Prima, Containing the South of England. Britannia Secunda, Containing Wales. Maxima Caesariensis, Containing the North of England. Their particular Divisions were not of the Country itself, but of the Inhabitants. As the Atrebatii, Belgae, brigants, Catieuchlani, and ten Nations more they reckoned only in England. In the time of the Anglo-Saxons, England alone was divided into seven Kingdoms, Viz. The Kingdom of Kent, Containing the County of that Name. The Kingdom of South-Saxons, Containing Sussex, and Surrey. The Kingdom of Westsaxons, Containing Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, and Hampshire. The Kingdom of East-Saxons, Containing Middlesex, Essex, and part of Hartfordshire The Kingdom of East-Angles, Containing Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgshire. The Kingdom of Mercia, Containing Gloucester, Worcester, Hereford, Shropshire, Cheshire, Stafford, Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Rutland, Lincoln, Huntingdon, Northampton, Warwick, Salop, Oxon, Buckingham, Bedford, and the rest of Hartfordshire. The Kingdom of Northumberland Containing York, Lancashire, Durham, Westmoreland, Cumberland, Northumberland, and the South Parts of Scotland as far as Edinburg. But England's Division into Shires or Counties did not begin till the Reign of Alfred, about 800 Years ago. Afterwards every Shin was subdivided into Hundreds, and Hundred into tithings; a Hundred containing te● tithings, and a Tything ten Families. The Shires, or Counties are either Maritime, or Inland; in all 40 in number. The Maritime Counties, I mean such as be watered by the Ocean, are these. Viz. Cornwall. Devonshire. Somersetshire. Dorsetshire. Hampshire. Sussex. Kent. Essex. Suffolk. Norfolk. Lincolnshire. Yorkshire. Durham. Northumberland. Cumberland. Westmoreland. Lancashire. Cheshire. Whereof the first seven Counties take up the most Southern Parts, and lie all along the Channel, which parts England from France; the next seven run from Kent and Sussex Northward, bounded on the East by the Germane Ocean; and the last four●ly North-West, bounded by the Irish Seas. The Inland Counties are Nottinghamshire. Derbyshire. Staffordshire, Shropshire. Worcestershire. Herefordshire. Monmouthshire. Glocestershire. Wiltshire. Berkshire. Buckinghamshire. Surrey. Middlesex. Hartfordshire. Cambridgeshire. Huntingtonshire. Bedfordshire. Oxfordshire. Warwickshire. Northamptonshire. Rutland. Leicestershire. Amongst all which Counties, 'tis Observable, that some of them take their Names from the old Inhabitants; as Cumberland from the Cyntbri or ancient Britain's; Essex and Sussex from the East and South Saxons, who settled here after their Conquest. Some from their Situation, as Northumberland, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex. To which add Kent (in Latin Cantium,) because it lies in a Canton, or Corner of the Island. Others, from their Form, or Figure; as Cornwall, from the figure of a Horn, called Kere by the old Britain's. And indeed this County, growing from East to West smaller and smaller, is not unlike a Horn; besides that, in many places it shoots forth into the Sea with little Promontories, like unto so many Horns. Whereas Devonshire took its Denomination from the British Devinam, signifying low Valleys, of which this County does very much consist. Others again, from some Accidents therein As Berkshire, from Beroc, a certain place wherein grew good store of Box; Rutland, q. d. Red Land, from the Redness of its Soil. But the most part from the principal Town of the County; as Glocestershire from Gloucester, Oxfordshire from Oxford, Cambridgeshire from Cambridge, etc. As of all the Counties of England, Yorkshire is the biggest, beyond all compare, so i● Rutland the least. Out of the first, which i● counted as big as the Seven United Provinces 70000 Men may be raised for present Service. Whereas the Extent of the last is so inconsiderable, that one may skip it over in les● than half a day. In point of Situation, Darbyshire may b● looked upon as the middle Province of th● Kingdom. Besides the former Division of England into Counties, there is a common way of dividing it but into Two Parts, North and South, that is, all the Counties on the North and Southside of the River Trent. Which way is followed by the Justices in Eyre of the Forest, and likewise by the Kings at Arms. Another Division there is, relating to the public Administration of Justice by the Itinerant of Judges. And that is into Six Circuits, of which I shall give a particular Account in my second Part. Lastly, for the Church Government, England is divided, first into two Provinces, or Archbishoprics, namely Canterbury and York; and these two Provinces into 22 Dioceses, or Bishoprics; these into Archdeaconries', Archdeaconries' into Rural Deaneries, and these last into Parishes. The Number whereof (setting aside the 12 Counties of Wales,) amounts to near Ten Thousand. CHAP. II. The Advantages of ENGLAND from its Situation, in opposition to Inland Countries. The natural Beauty of it. A Description of its principal Rivers. OF all the States of Europe, there's none more happy than ENGLAND, whether we consider the Advantages of its Situation, the Temperateness of its Air, the Richness of its Soil, the happy temper of its Inhabitants, or the Blessed Constitution of its Government, especially under their present Majesties. As it is in a manner surrounded by the Sea, it enjoys Two great Advantages, the One in Relation to foreign Trade, and the Other in point of Security from foreign Invasion. In relation to foreign Trade, it lies open to all Parts of the World that are adjacent to the Sea, either for the Exportation of homebred, or the Importation of foreign Commodities. To which purpose, as Nature has fenced its Seacoasts from the Eruptions and Inundations of the Sea with high Cliffs, so she has furnished it with abundance of safe and capacious Harbours for the security of Ships. As for a foreign Invasion, 'tis certain, that Islands of any great Importance, are by Nature the most defensible Places, and the least open to Conquests. The Sea, that fluid Element which surrounds them, is such a Bar to their Enemy's Attempts; the Winds that govern it, so fickle and uncertain; the Charges of a Fleet and Land Army so vast; the Preparations such as cannot be carried on with that speed and secrecy as for an Invasion by Land; and the Difficulty of Landing so great, in case of Opposition. 'Tis true no Continent perhaps was oftener Conquered than ENGLAND, first by the Romans, then by the Saxons, afterwards by the Danes, and last of all by the Normans. But how was it done? always by the help of some discontented, or corrupted Party in the Island. Thus Bericus, a noble (but disgusted) Britain, encouraged Claudius the Roman Emperor, to stretch his Empire hither. And Vortiger an Usurper of the British Throne, called in the Saxons to his help; who, having got a footing here, could not be so easily expelled as brought in. In short, it may be said, England was never, and can scarce be Conquered but by England; especially since its happy Conjunction with Scotland, and the Annexion of Wales. As to the late Revolution, 'tis self evident, that the chief Part of the Nation had a hand in it; and as it proved, we may justly call it, not an Invasion, (as King James affected to do,) but a wonderful and signal Deliverance. To those Two great Advantages of Trade and Security, which England does enjoy from its Situation near the Sea, let us add the Prospect it has from the Sea-Coast of the wonderful Ocean, one of the three great Antiquities of the World; and the plentiful Variety of Fish, and Seafowl, etc. it affords to this Island. But that which raises my Admiration of ENGLAND, is the Beauty of it, being generally a flat and open Country, not overgrown with wild and unwholesome Forests, nor dreadful high Mountains. What Hills it has are generally very gentle and pleasant, and raised as it were to give a charming Prospect to the Eye; as its Forests seem only contrived for Variety, and the pleasure of Hunting. But one Thing there is, which adds much to the Beauty of it, and that is its excellent Verdure. Which by reason of the mildness of the Air, even in the Winter-Season, exceeds in duration of Time the most fruitful Places of Europe. To which add the Concourse of so many Rivers, which glide through this Country, and strive to make it agreeable and fruitful. They are reckoned in all 325, the chief whereof are these following. Viz. The Thames. The Medway. The Severn. The Ouse. The Trent. The Humber. The Tees. The Tine. The tweed. The Thames is a Compound of the Thame and Isis, two Rivers, the first whereof rises in Buckinghamshire, the other near Cirencester in Glocestershire, both joining together into one Stream by Dorcester in Oxfordshire, where it parts that County from Berkshire. From whence taking its course Eastward, with many Wind and Turn, it parts Buckinghamshire from Berkshire, Middlesex from Surrey, and Essex from Kent. Where being swelled with the Influx of several lesser Rivers, it discharges itself into the Sea; watering by the way, amongst other Towns, Reading and Windsor in Berkshire, Kingston and Southwark in Surrey, London in Middlesex, Barking in Essex, and Gravesend in Kent. A River the Water whereof is extraordinary wholesome, the Stream exceeding gentle, and the Tides very commodious for Navigation. For the Sea flows gently up this River about 80 Miles, almost as far as Kingston, being 12 Miles by Land, and 20 by Water, above London. The Medway is a Kentish River, not so remarkable for the length of its Course, as for the Depth of its Channel; and therefore made use of for harbouring the Royal Navy. It runs through Maidstone, Rochester and Chatham, a few Miles from whence it empties itself in the Mouth of the Thames. This River loses itself under Ground, and rises again at Lose, not far from Cox-Heath. The Severn rises in Montgomeryshire, a County of North-Wales. From whence it runs through Shropshire, Worcestershire, and Glocestershire, where it does so expatiate itself, that the Mouth of it is more like an Arm of the Sea, than any part of a River. It waters in its course Shrewsbury, Worcester and Gloucester, the chief Towns of the foresaid three Counties; and takes in by the way several Rivers of good note, two Avons, the Temd, the Wye, and the Vsk. The Ouse has its source in the South-Borders of Northamptonshire. From whence it runs through the Counties of Bucks, Bedford, Huntingdon, Cambridge, and Norfolk, where it discharges itself into the Ocean; watering in its Course Buckingham, Bedford, Huntingdon, Ely, and the Seaport of Lyn in Norfolk. The River that runs through York, has also the Name of Ouse, being a Compound chief of these three Yorkshire Rivers, the Small, the Your, and the Warfe. And between Norfolk and Suffolk you will find the little Ouse, which parting these Two Counties, runs at last into the great Ouse. The Trent, which divides England into Two Parts, North and South, has its Rise in Staffordshire; and from thence runs through Darbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire, where it falls into the Humber not far from Hull. It waters in its course these three chief Places, Nottingham, Newark, and Gainsborough. The Humber is a Yorkshire River, if that can be called a distinct River which has no Spring of its own, but is more properly a Compound (or rather a Mouth) of several Rivers joining into one Stream, especially the Trent, and the York Ouse, the Dun, and the Darewent. The Town of Hull is seated upon it, before which Place it widens itself (much like the Severn at its Mouth) to a great breadth, and so falls into the Sea. The Tees is another River of the North, parting Yorkshire from the Bishopric of Durham, and running from West to East into the Sea. The Tine, famous for its Coal-trade, parts for some Miles Durham from Northumberland, running likewise from West to East Seaward, by Newcastle, therefore called Newcastle upon Tine. The tweed is the furthest River Northward, and that which parts England from Scotland. At the Influx whereof into the Sea is seated Barwick, called from this River Barwick upon tweed. But, besides these principal Rivers, and many others of less note, though several of them Navigable, I cannot but mention those pleasant Rivulets and Brooks which are so numerous in this Country. Whose clear and swift-running Streams add much to the Beauty and Fruitfulness of it. CHAP. III. Of the Air of ENGLAND. It's Temperateness, and the Effects of it. BY the Situation of ENGLAND, so far North as it is, one would think the Air should be pretty sharp here, and at least colder than in France, which lies South from it. Whereas it is so Temperate, Winter and Summer, that the Winters are milder here, and the Summers much more moderate. In Wintertime the warm Vapours of the Sea on every side do so thicken the Air, that it cannot so soon penetrate as the thin Air of hot Countries. In Summer the frequent Interposition of Clouds, often dissolving into Rain, and the usual Blasts from the Sea, alloy those excessive Heats, which both hot and cold Climates are troubled with in that Season, for want of Wind and Rain. Thus ENGLAND has the happiness of being seldom tired, either with a long Frost in Winter, or Drought in Summer. On the contrary, while Continents in the same Latitude, and some of a much more Southern Situation, lie under Snow, pinched with a hard Frost, it happens often that our Fields are here clothed with Grass, as in the Spring. And whilst the Sun in Summer scorches the Plants, and the Inhabitants themselves of hot Climates, here it shines so kindly, that it does but warm us by a moderate Heat, which makes the Country so plentiful both of Corn and Pasture. 'Tis true, on the other side, the Air is nothing so pure, nor the Wether so serene, or regular, as it is in Continents. Most part of the Winter ENGLAND is under a Cloud, often stuffed up with Fogs, troubled with rainy Wether, and (except there happens a Frost) but seldom enjoying the Sun in its splendour. Whence proceed those frequent Colds, which are in a manner the original Cause of most of our Distempers; and from the frequency of Rain, Land-floods, which drown the Countries where the Rivers swell out of their Channels, and break over their Banks. And yet, as rainy as this Country is, we seldom see here such impetuous Showers (or rather Storms) of Rain, as hot Countries are subject to, which often drown the fairest Hopes of the Husbandman. For, if they have Rain but seldom, they have it by the great, and sometimes with a Vengeance. Whereas in England, where it is more frequent, it proves most commonly a gentle soaking Rain. But there is another Inconveniency in the Wether here, and that is its Changeableness, and Irregularity, according to the Wind that blows. Which happens sometimes to be so frequent and sudden, that in the space of 24 hours I have observed four different sorts of Wether, proper enough for the four Seasons of the Year. This I confess, is an extraordinary Case. But however such is the Mutableness of the Wether, that it seldom holds out many Days in the same degree, either of Warmth, Coldness, or Dryness. And of all Times of the Year, the Month of March is the most subject to Change, witness the usual Expression, March Many-weather. And yet this may be said for Changeableness of Wether, that it creates Diversion by its Variety. What is more comfortable in Winter than a warm Day after a fit of cold Wether; and a cool Day in Summer, after a fit of hot Wether? The quickest and most refined Pleasures grow dull by their Continuance, but Change sets an edge upon 'em. And, as glorious as the Sun appears in its greatest splendour, I have oftentimes been weary of its undiscontinued Appearance for a long time together. On the other side ENGLAND is nothing near so subject to Hail, to Thunder, and Lightning, or to the Heavens darting of Thunderbolts, as many other Regions, which are frequently alarmed with those dreadful Meteors. And, if Nature be somewhat too prodigal of Moisture in this Country, she is on the other side as careful to cure it. Scarce a fit of Rain is over, but comes a fit of Wind to dry up the Moisture, and purify the Air. So that the most part of the Year is commonly divided betwixt these two Gods of the Heathens, Jupiter and Aeolus. The Wind that reigns most in ENGLAND is the Westerly Wind, which blows from the vast Western Ocean perhaps three parts in four of the Year. But when I say a Westerly Wind, I don't mean only that which blows directly from the Cardinal Point, but all the Collateral Points from South to North. An Easterly Wind, especially in the Spring, is looked upon here to be fatal to Plants; and if the Proverb be true, to Man and Beast. For high Winds, and tempestuous Wether, we have here two Times of the Year, seldom free from it. And those are the two Equinoxes, in September and March. But for Hurricanes, and Earthquakes, England of all the Countries in Europe, is the least subject to 'em. The Storm indeed which happened on the 12th of January last, was so very violent, blue with such impetuous Gusts, and proved so mischievous, that it may pass for an Hurricane. But it was such as the like has not been known here within the Memory of Man. In short, whatever be the Disadvantages of ENGLAND in point of Air, in respect to other Countries, the same is sufficiently countervailed by the Sweetness and Comforts of it, as 'twill further appear by the ensuing Chapter. CHAP. IU. Of the Products of ENGLAND, both from the Land and Water, and the Fruitfulness thereof. 'TIS said of Henry the Seventh, one of the wisest Kings that ever sat upon the Throne of England, but whose Breeding had been low and private, That, being once pressed by some of his Council to pursue his Title to France, he returned this Answer; 'Tis true, says he, France is a noble and gallant Kingdom, but England in my mind is as fine a Seat for a Country Gentleman as any is in Europe. I pass by the Reflection; and taking his Answer in a plain literal Sense, I own, that England is, in most Things, one of the finest and best Countries in Europe. I have already demonstrated wherein its Beauty consists, and now the Subject of this Chapter shall be its Plentifulness. And first for Corn, either for Man or Beast, it may cerainly outvie most Countries in Europe; As it may for Pasture, which makes the cattle thrive here exceedingly. And, though here be many Heaths, yet they are not so barren, but that they afford wherewithal to feed a World of Sheep. Thus ENGLAND yields, not only Plenty of Corn, to make Bread and Drink with, etc. but also abundance of all manner of Cattle, for wholesome substantial Food; with plenty of Salt, Cheese, and Butter. For Dainties and Variety, 'tis stocked with Fallow Deer, beyond any part of Europe. Hares and Coneys, tame and wild Fowl, eatable Roots and Herbs, Fruits of most sorts it has abundance of. And so constant is the Continuance of these Things in England, by reason of the Clemency of the Air, that it has not felt a Famine for several Ages. The Sea and Rivers, on the other side, furnish it with plenty of all manner of Fish, as Herrings, Mackerel, Whiting, Pilchards, Soles, Plaices, Flounder, Cod, Salmon, Sturgeons, Lampreys, conger's, Turbots, Thornbaeks, Lohsters, and Oysters, etc. these last being famous, among the old Romans, for their extraordinary goodness. Here is also abundance of Carp. Pikes, Perches, Trout, Gudgeons, Tenches, Roaches, Daces, Bream, Eels, Crayfish, etc. Spices we have, as all the rest of Europe, from the East and West-Indies; and from this last, that enchanting Commodity which has got so much the vogue here, I mean Tobacco. Not but that the English Soil can bear it plentifully, as has been found by Experience; but, because it is more proper, for several Reasons of State, to fetch it at that distance. In short, what other Things ENGLAND wants, whether for delight or fancy, are easily supplied by Sea from those Countries where they grow; which either exchange 'em fo● Money, or such Commodities of our Growth as we can spare, and they stand in need of. As for Wine, 'tis said indeed the South Parts of ENGLAND, as Kent and Hampshire amongst others, have had formerly great Numbers of Vineyards, and (as the Summe● proved) made of them tolerable Wine. But since better Wine could be had from o●● Neighbours at an easier rate, the Vineyard were laid aside, and the Soil turned to bette● account. And yet, when the Season does answer to the singular Care and Industry of the Husbandman, I may say this without Prejudice, and from my own Experience, that England then affords in some Places as good and delicious Grapes as most Parts of France. The same I may aver of some other Fruits, as Peache● amongst others; but then I must confess, Ar● has a great hand in it. Lastly, The want of Wine is otherwise supplied by Beer and Ale, the usual Drinks of the Country. Which, rightly made, is as wholesome a Liquor, though not so cheerful, a● Wine. Now for Raiment, English Wool is famous all over the World, both for its fineness and goodness. But that of Cotsall in Glocestershire, of Lemster in Herefordshire, and of the Isle of Wight, has the pre-eminency. Of this Wool are made excellent broad clothes, dispersed not only all over England, but all over the World, especially high Germany, Poland, Moscovy, Turkey, and Persia, to the great benefit of this Kingdom. For the advancing of which Manufacture, that necessary Earth, called Fullers-Earth, is not where else produced in that abundance and excellency as in England. For Flax and Hemp, to make Linen of, here is a great deal of good and proper Soil; which I wonder should not be improved for that purpose, rather than have so much Linen imported as there is from beyond Sea. But, as for Leather, here's great Plenty of it, and such as is excellent for all manner of Use. And, as England does swarm with Coneys, their Furs go a great way for the making of Hats. Silks also might be here produced, as it was once designed by King James the first. For other necessary Conveniences, as for building of Houses, ENGLAND wants not Materials, except such Timber as comes from Norway. For Firing, here is indeed in most Places a Scarcity of Wood; but that Defect is abundantly supplied by the Coal-Mines. For Shipping, no where better Oak. For Land-Carriage, Plenty of good stout Horses. For Hunting, or Racing, such as are incomparable. And for Beauty or Fineness, scarce any Country like this. Dogs of all sorts, sizes, and uses are also to be found here. Amongst which the Mastiffs, whether Bear or Bulldogs, are extraordinary, the first for their Size, and both for their Stoutness. Our Spaniels also, and all sorts of Hounds for Hunting, are of great request beyond Sea. For Smell and Ornament, here all sorts of Flowers, even those that come from the remotest Countries, thrive to admiration. But no Region perhaps abounds like this in Laurel and Rosemary, two remarkable Plants for their perpetual Greenness. For Physical uses, it scarce wants any Simple. Here grows plenty of excellent Saffron and Liquorish; neither does it want Hony or Wax, of the best fort. Here are also hot Baths, and abundance of Medicinal Springs. I come now to those inexhaustible Treasures of Coals, Led, Copper, Tin, and Iron, which are dug out of the Bowels of the Earth in this Kingdom. The Coal-mines do chief enrich Newcastle in Northumberland, from whence a great part of the Kingdom is supplied with Coals for Fuel; without which it could not possibly subsist, so great is the Decay of Woods, and the Neglect of planting. The Lead-Mines are most considerable in the Peak of Derbyshire; and those of Tin in Cornwall, where they dig Tin not much inferior to Silver in fineness. Here are also Coppermines, but herein Cumberland does exceed it. As for the Mines of Iron, 'tis true they bring more Damage to the Public by the Spoil of Woods, than the Profit that accrues thereby to private Persons amounts to. Here are also Silver-Mines, as in Cornwall, Lancashire, and the Bishopric of Durham, richer than the very Mines of Potosi, in the West-Indies, whence the King of Spain has most of his Silver. For, whereas these yield usually but one Ounce and a half of Silver in one hundred Ounces of Oar, our English Mines commonly yield six or eight Ounces per Cent. 'Tis true ours lying deeper, and harder to come unto, and the Workmen being dear (which is otherwise in Potosi,) all these things concurring together, are like to secure them from any further Attempt. In short, though some Countries excel ENGLAND in some Things, yet this may be said of it in general; That there is scarce any Country, whose Fields are better stored with all sort of Corn; the Pastures, with cattle; the Woods, and Forests, Parks, and Warrens, with wild Beasts, only for Recreation and Food; the Air with Birds and Fowls; the Seas and Rivers, with Fishes; and the Mines with Coals and Metals. On the other side, there is scarce a Country so little troubled with hurtful and ravenous Beasts, with venomous Serpents, or noisome Flies and Vermin. Wolves, which of all ravenous Beasts are the most pernicious and destructive of cattle, have been so wonderfully extirpated out of this Land, that I cannot omit the History of it. I know it has been a Tradition of old Writers, that England never had any Wolves at all, and that being brought hither from other Places, they would not live. But History tells us the contrary, here being abundance of them, till King Edgar commuted for 300 Wolves the yearly Tribute paid him by the Prince of Wales. Which made the Welsh so industrious and active in Wolf-hunting, that the Wolves were in time quite rooted out of the Land, the Welsh protesting at last, they could find no more of 'em. Whereby 'tis come to pass, that whereas in other Countries they are at the Charge and Trouble of guarding their Sheep, and housing them by night, here they are left feeding in the Fields day and night, secure from any Danger, unless it be sometimes from Men-Wolves, or Sheep-stealers. And yet I am credibly informed, that in some Places, as Warwickshire among the rest, some Wolves from time to time have been discovered. But, as it happens but seldom, so upon the least notice the Country rises amain, as it were against a common Enemy; there being such a hue and cry after the Wolf, that it is hard for him to escape the Posse Comitatus. CHAP. V. Of the COUNTRY in particular. And first of Berkshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, in the Alphabetick Order; With an Account of what is most remarkable in each. Berkshire. BERKSHIRE, BERKSHIRE, or BERKS, is an Inland County. 'Tis bounded on the North by the Thames and Isis, which part it from Oxfordshire; On the South, by Hampshire; Eastward, by Surrey; and Westward, by Wiltshire and Glocestershire. It contains in Length from East to West, about 45 Miles; in Breadth from North to South, 25. The whole divided into 20 Hundreds, wherein 140 Parishes, and 12 Market-Towns. The Country is very pleasant, the Air sweet, and the Soil fruitful. Next to the Isis and the Thames, which water the North Parts of it, the Kennet is the principal River, which runs into the Thames at Reading, and yields excellent Trout, especially about Hungerford. Reading the County-Town lies 32 Miles West from London, thus; viz. to Colebrook, 15 from thence to Maidenhead, 7 and 10 more to Reading. A Town commodiously seated at the fall of the Kennet into the Thames, over which Rivers it has several Bridges, and that over the Kennet is the fairest. The Town is well inhabited, and contains 3 Parish Churches. Of great Resort and Trade, especially for its Cloth and Malt here made. Here the County Assizes are usually kept; and its Market is on Saturday. The other Market-Towns are Windsor, Sat. Vantage, Sat. Abington, Mund. & Frid. Faringdon, Tues. Ockingham, Tues. Wallingford, Tues. & Frid. Maidenhead, Wed. Hungerford, Wed. East-Isley, Wed. Newbury, Thurs. Lainborn,— Amongst which Wallingford and Abington, are two Towns of great Antiquity, and such as have flourished in their time, but since gone to decay. The first being the Guallena of the Ancients, and then the chief Town of the Attrebatii, was afterwards also among the West Saxons the chief Town of this County. A Mile in compass at that time within the Walls, fortified with a strong Castle, and adorned with 12 Parish Churches. But in the Year 1348, so desolated by a Plague, that there is now but one Church left, hardly Inhabitants enough to keep that in repair; and nothing of the Walls left (as not much of the Castle) but the Tract and Ruins of 'em. However as it is seated upon the Thames (over which it has a Bridge,) it makes shift to support itself by its Trade of Maulting, and its Commodiousness for Transporting Corn and other Commodities to London. And so doth Abington, which lies North-West from it, at the fall of the Ouse into the Isis. Noted for giving the Title of an Earldom to the Right Honourable James Bertie, the present Earl of Abington, Baron Norreys, etc. Windsor, on the Thames is chief remarkable for its Castle, the finest Royal Palace of England, and the only Castle of six this County has formerly had, which is now remaining. Which being seated on a great Eminence, with a stately and spacious Terrace before it, enjoys a pure Air, and a delicate Prospect. Famous for being the Place where the Ceremony of the Knights of the Garter is solemnised on St. George's Day. Newbury and Hungerford are both seated on the River Kennet, few Miles distant from each other. The first, of chief note for the Batte● fought here in the long Civil Wars, called Newbury Fight, where King Charles I. remained victorious. And the last for having the best Trout and Craw-Fish in all England. This County, formerly a Part of the ancient Kingdom of the Westsaxons, (the Inhabitants whereof called Attrebatii by the ancient Romans,) is in the Diocese of Salisbury. Dignified with the Title of an Earldom, in the person of the Right Honourable Thomas Howard, the present Earl of Berkshire, Viscount Andover, etc. Devolved to him from his Brother Charles, and to Charles from their Father Thomas Howard, created Earl of Berkshire, Anno 1625. Which Title had been enjoyed before him by another Family, but in the Person only of Francis Norris, created Earl of Berkshire, by King James I. Anno 1620; who died few Years after, without Issue Male. Out of this County are chosen, besides the two Knights of the Shire, seven Members to sit in Parliament. Viz. 2 from Reading, 2 from Windsor, 2 more from Wallingford, and 1 from Abington. Bedfordshire. BEDFORDSHIRE, another Inland County is bounded Eastward by Hartfordshire, and part of Cambridgeshire; Westward, by Buckinghamshire; Northward, by Northampton and Huntingdon Shires; Southward, by Middlesex, and the South Parts of Buckinghamshire. It contains in Length from North to South not above 24 Miles; in Breadth, but 12; and in Circumference 72. The Whole divided into nine Hundreds, wherein 116 Parishes, and 10 Market-Towns. Here the Air is very temperate, the Country for the most part Champion, and the Soil ferile, especially the North part of it. Noted, shiefly for yielding the best Barley in Eng●and. Next to the River Ouse, which waters the North Parts of it, the Ivel is the chief, which falls into the Ouse. A memorable Thing is recorded of this River Ouse, which I am unwilling to pretermit. At a Place near Harwood, on New Years Day 1399, just before the War began between the Two Houses of York and Lancaster, this River suddenly stood still, and ceased its Course; and so severed itself, that Men went about 3 Miles together on foot in the bottom of the Channel, the Waters swelling up backwards, to a great height. Bedford, the County-Town, lies Northwest and by North, 40 Miles from London, thus. From London to Barnet, 10; 10 more to St. Alban, 8 from thence to Luton, 5 more to Baru● Day, thence to Bedford 7. A Town pleasantly seated on the Banks o● the River Ouse, that parts it into two, and over which there is a fair Stone Bridge, Called Bedford from the Beds and Lodgings on the Ford, built on both sides of the River for the use of Travellers. A Town which in process of time is grown to that bigness, as to contain in it 5 Parish Churches, whereof 3 on the North and 2 on the Southside of the River. Famous in former times for the great Battle fought in the adjoining Fields Anno 572 in which Cuthwolf the Saxon vanquished th● Britain's, and became Master of the Country But more famous for giving the Title of Duke to John of Lancaster, Regent of France for Kin● Henry VI, and to Jasper of Hatfield, Uncle 〈◊〉 Henry VII. After whom it was dignified b● King Edward VI, Anno 1548, with the Title o● an Earldom, in the Person of the than Lon● Admiral John Russel; and from him descende● in a right line to the truly Noble and right Honourable William Russel, the present Earl of Bedford, and Knight of the Order of the Garter. Lastly, this Town has two Markets a Week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, well furnished with all sorts of Provisions. The other Market-Towns are Tuddington, Sat. Potton, Sat. Luton, Mund. Leighton, Tue. Biglesworth Tue. Dunstable, Wedn. Ampthill, Thur. Woburn, Frid. Shefford, Frid. Among which Dunstable, the chief of all, is seated on a Hill, in a chalky dry Ground. Built by King Henry I. out of the Ruins of the ancient Magiovinium, for the better suppressing of one Dun, a notorious Robber, that used to pester these Parts, from whom it came to be called Dunstable. It has 4 Streets in it, and in each of 'em a Pond, fed only with Rain, and yet these Ponds are never dry. No Springs here to be found, without digging a very great depth. But as it is seated in the high Road from London to West-Chester (formerly known by the Name of Watling-street,) 'tis a well frequented Town, and accommodated with several good Inns for Travellers. In this Town King Edward I. caused a Cross or Column to be erected, adorned with Statues, and the Arms of England, etc. in Memorial of Eleanor his Queen, this being the Place where her Corpse rested in her Journey from Lincolnshire, where she died, to Westminster Abbey, where she was interred. About this Town are caught abundance of Larks, which are esteemed the best in England and where they are the best dressed. Leighton is seated in the Borders of Buckinghamshire, upon a River that runs Northward into the Ouse. This is a good large Town, having a Bridge over the River, which leads to Buckinghamshire. And its Market is very considerable, especially for all sorts of fa●● Cattle. Luton, a pretty good Town, borders upon both the Counties of Hartford and Bucking ham; and Potton, upon Cambridgeshire. Woburn, on a rising Ground, is much frequented by Passengers in their Journeys from London to Northampton. Formerly of some account for its fine Monastery, as it is at present fo● its Free School, founded by Francis Earl of Bedford. Near this Town is Aspley, where the nature of the Soil is such, that it petrifies Wood An● about this Town is digged up excellent Fullery Earth in great plenty. Biglesworth is pleasantly seated on the Ive● over which it has a Stone-bridge. This Town formerly but inconsiderable, is grown into request, since it became a Thoroughfare for Coaches especially, between London and York. Shefford is situate on the other side of the ●vel, West and by South from Biglesworth, between two Rivulets which join below th● Town, and fall together in one stream into th● Ivel. Ampthill, 5 Miles South of Bedford, is a● Honour belonging to the Crown. Graced with a fine Seat and Park in its Neighbourhood, be longing to the Earl of Alesbury. To conclude, this County (formerly was Part of the ancient Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants part of the Catieuchlani, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocese of London. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but two Members to sit in Parliament, the Right of Election being in the Town of Bedford. Buckinghamshire. Buckinghamshire, or Bucks, another Inland County, is bounded on the East by Bedford and Hartford Shires, and part of Middlesex; on the West, by Oxfordshire; Northward, by Northamptonshire; and Southward, by Berkshire. It contains in Length, from North to South, about 40 Miles; in Breadth, from East to West, 18. The Whole divided into eight Hundreds, wherein 185 Parishes, and 15 Market Towns. A Country blest with a very temperate and healthful Air, and with a rich and fertile Soil, yielding Grass and Corn in great abundance, especially the Vale, lying Northwards. South-Eastward it rises into Hills, called the Chiltern, which afford a great deal of Wood An infinite Number of Sheep is bred, especially in the Vales of this Country, whose Fleece is much esteemed for its fineness. As for Rivers, here is Northward the Ouse, and a small Stream that runs into it; about the middle of the County, the Tame; and in the Southeast Parts the Coln, which severs part of this County from that of Middlesex. Buckingham, the chief Place of it, lies Northwest and by West 44 Miles from London. Viz. 6 to Acton, 9 more to Uxbridge, 9 more to Amersham, to Wendover 6 more, thence 4 to Ailesbury, and 10 more to Buckingham. A goodly Town seated in a fruitful Soil, on the Banks of the River Ouse, rising not far from it, and over which it has 3 fair Stone Bridges. 'Tis pretty well frequented and inhabited; and its Market, which is kept on Saturdays, well served with Provisions. In times past, it was fortified by King Edward the elder. The Town-Hall stands in the North Part of the Town; and the Chapel, founded by Tho. Becket, is now converted into a Free School. Otherwise not much observable but for those many noble Personages which have had the Title of Earls and Dukes thereof. The last Duke was George Villiers, who died in the late Reign. He was Son to George Viscount Villiers, Baron of Whaddon; first created Earl of Buckingham by King James the First, and afterwards Duke thereof, Anno 1623. He was Lord Admiral of England, and High Chamberlain; and was slain by Felton. The other Market Towns are Newport, Sat. Ailesbury, Sat. Risborough, Sat. Marlowe, Sat. Oulney, Mund. Agmundesham, Tues. Colebrook, Wed. Chesham, Wed. Winslow, Thur. Wendover, Thur. Beaconfield, Thur. Stony-Stratford, Frid. Ivingo, Frid. High Wickham, Frid. Amongst which, Newport, Stoney-Stratford, and Oulney, are all three seated on the Ouse; Ailesbury, on the Tame; Marlowe, near the Thames and Colebrook, on the Coln. Newport, or Newport Pagnel, a goodly Town, has two Bridges over the Ouse, and is of chief note for the Bonelace here made. Stony Stratford, a Place of great Antiquity, being the Lactodurum of the Romans, is a good large Town, containing two Parish Churches. And, as it lies in the Way from London to the North-West Parts of England, it is well accommodated with Inns for Travellers. This is the Way called Wailing-street, being a Military Highway of the Romans, which crossed all the Country. At this Place King Edward the Elder obstructed the Passage of the Danes, whilst he fortified Towcester against them. And here King Edward Lerected a beautiful Cross, in Memorial of his Queen Eleanor, whose Corpse rested here in her Journey from Lincolnshire where she died, to Westminster Abbey, the Place of her Sepulture. Wickham, situate in a low and fertile Vale, on a small River which falls into the Thames, is a Town which for largeness and fair Buildings is not inferior to any in the County. Here the County Assizes are commonly kept, and sometimes at Ailesbury. Ailesbury stands in a most fruitful Vale, on the rising of a little Hill, compassed about with many very pleasant green Meadows and Pastures. The Vale in great repute for grazing of cattle, and feeding innumerable Flocks of Sheep, whose fine Fleeces are in great esteem. A Vale famous of old for S. Edith, who bid●ling the World Adieu betook herself to this Vale, where she lived a pious and holy life. The Town more remarkable of late for the Title of an Earldom it gives to the Right Honourable Thomas Bruce, the present Earl of Ailesbury, and Earl of Elgin in Scotland. Derived to him from his Father Robert Bruce, Baron of Kinlos, Earl of Elgin, and Lord Whorlton in Yorkshire. Who was created by King Charles II. Baron of Skelton, Viscount Bruce of Ampthill, and Earl of Ailesbury, March 18th. 1664. Advanced afterwards to the Place of Lord Chamberlain of his Majesty's Household soon after the late King's Accession to the Crown, upon the Decease of his Predecessor the Earl of Arlington. Beaconfield is seated on a dry Hill, not far either from Wickham or Amersham. A goodly Town, which being on the high Road from London to Oxford is very well accommodated with Inns. Marlowe is probably so called from the great store of Marle or Chalk here dug up; which adds no small advantage to the Husbandmen, who enrich their Grounds with it. But, besides all these Market Towns, here's Eton upon the Thames, opposite to Windsor, which deserves a Place here, for its fine College, and famous School of Literature, founded by that Pious Prince, King Henry the Sixth. Lastly, this County (which formerly was Part of the ancient Kingdom of the West Saxons, and its Inhabitants part of the Catieuchlani, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocese of London. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, 12 Members of Parliament; viz. two out of each of these Towns, Buckingham, Ailesbury, Chipping-Wickomb, Agmundesham, Wendover, and Marlowe. CHAP. VI Of Cambridge, Cheshire, and Cornwall. Cambridgeshire. CAMBRIDGESHIRE, another Inland County, has for its Bounds Eastward, both Suffolk and Norfolk; Westward, Northampton, Huntingdon, and Bedford shires; Northward, Lincolnshire; Scuthward, Essex, and Hartfordshire. It extends itself in Length, from North to South, 35 miles; in Breadth, from East to West, 20. The Whole divided into 17 Hundreds, 163 Parishes, and 8 Market-Towns. 'Tis for the most part a pleasant, fruitful, Champain Country, abounding in all Things necessary, stored with Meadows and Pastures, plentiful of Corn and Barley, and abundantly furnished with Fish and Fowl. The Northern Parts indeed are Fenny, and therefore less fruitful of Corn. But that Defect is sufficiently supplied another way, I mean by that plenty of cattle, Fish, and Fowl that are bred in those Fens. 'Tis true the Air, in those Parts, is something the worse for them. One Thing this County may boast of, besides Essex; viz. the Saffron it yields in great plenty, which is the dearest Commodity that England produces. The Herb called Scordium, or Water Germander (of which the Cordial Dioscordium is made) grows here also very plentifully. About 2 miles South-Eastward from Cambridge is a Ridge of Hills, called Hog-magog Hills, retaining yet the remembrance of the Danish Station, and whereof the Country people tell fine fabulous Stories. On the top of these Hills is seen a Rampire, so strengthened formerly with a threefold Trench, that the Place was counted to be in a manner Impregnable. As for Rivers, here is the Ouse, which runs through the midst of it from West to East, and then bending its Course to the North, parts this County from Norfolk, till it discharges itself at Lyn into the Sea. The South Parts are watered with two lesser Streams, the one called Cam, and the other Grant, both which join together into one Stream near Cambridge, under the first Name, and so run together Northward into the Ouse. The North Parts indeed are too much watered by the frequent Overflowings of the Ouse, and other Streams, that have turned most of those Parts into Marshes. I should now fall to the Description of Cambridge, but that it is a Place of that Consequence as to deserve a particular Description by itself. For which I refer you, together with that of Oxford, to the Conclusion of this Part. And so I proceed to a View of the other Places of chief note in this County, which are Market-Towns, besides Cambridge. The other Market-Towns are, Ely Sat. Wisbich Sat. Newmarket Tue. Caxton Tue. Royston, Wedn. Linton, Thu. Merche, Frid. Among which Ely is situate in an Isle of that name, occasioned by the divided streams of the Ouse and other lesser Rivers, turning a great part of this Tract into Fens and Marshes. A Place of no great beauty or reputation, being seated in a foggy and unhealthful Air; but only for being a Bishops See, and a County Palatine, since the ●eign of Henry I. Newmarket is partly in this County, and partly in Suffolk. It stands in such a plain, that it has a Prospect three quarters of the Compass, almost to the Bounds of the Horizon; the Southeast Parts being more rising Ground, and ending in Woodland. A famous Plain both for Hunting and Horse-races, where the Kings of England use yearly to divertise themselves for some Days before Winter. To which purpose there is a House built, on Cambridge side, for their Reception. The Town itself is composed of a well-built Street; and being a great Thoroughfare, the Townsmen live chief upon Passengers; besides the Advantage of the Court, when the King goes thither. It consists of two Parishes, one in Suffolk, the other in Cambridgeshire. It's Market is well served, particularly with Fish and wild Fowl from the fenny Parts, as it is with Pigeons from the Fiekling. The Women here employ themselves very much in spinning of white Work. And, not far from this Town, is the huge Ditch, called the Devil's Ditch. Royston stands in the bottom of a Hill, partly in this County, and partly in Hartfordshire. Whose Market is very considerable, for Malt especially. Lastly, this County (which formerly was Part of the Kingdom of the East-Angles, and its Inhabitants part of the Iceni, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocese of Ely. Out of it are elected, besides the 2 Knights of the Shire, 4 Members of Parliament; viz. 2 by the Town of Cambridge, and 2 more by the University. Cheshire. CHESHIRE, a Maritime County in the North-West Parts of England, is bounded on the East by Derbyshire and Staffordshire; on the West, partly by the Irish Sea, partly by Flintshire and Denbighshire, two Counties of Wales; Northward, by Lancashire; Southward, part by Denbighshire, and part by Shropshire and Staffordshire. It contains in Length, from East to West, about 45 Miles; in Breadth, from North to South, 25. The Whole divieled into 7 Hundreds, 85 Parishes, and 13 Market Towns. As flat as this Country is, yet it is not without several noted Hills, besides the Mountains which divide it from Derby and Stafford Shires. It has also several Woods and Forests, as namely Delamere and Maclesfield Forests; and is so well stored with Parks, that almost every Gentleman has one peculiar to himself. Heaths and Mosses are frequent here; but the first serve to feed Sheep, and Horses, and Mosses to make Turfs of for Fuel. As for Rivers, this Country is well watered with them; the South-west Parts, with the Dee; the middle, with the Weever; and the North Parts, with the Mersey, which divides this County from Lancashire. The Dee affords great plenty of Salmon. And 'tis observable of this River, that upon the fall of much Rain, it rises but little; but, if the South Wind beat long upon it, it swells ●nd overflows the Grounds adjoining. Here are also many Meres, and Pools, in all which are abundance of excellent Fish. Here the Air for Temperature, and the Soil for Fertility, is inferior to none, and far ex●eeding the Neighbouring Counties. It's chief Commodities are Corn, cattle, Sheep, Fish, Fowl, Salt, and Cheese, the best ●n all England. Chester, (otherwife called West-Chester, by reason of its Western Situation) is the chief Place of this County, bearing from London North-West, and distant therefrom (by common Computation) 150 Miles, thus. Viz. from London to St. Alban, 20. from thence to Stony-Stratford, 24; to Daventry, 16 more; from Daventry to Coventry, 22; thence to Lichfield, ●o more; to Stone 18; to Nantwich, 15; and to Chester, 15 more. This City was raised from the Fort Ostorius, Lieutenant of Britain for the Emperor Clau●ius. And 'tis pleasantly seated on the River Dee, about 25 miles from its fall into the Sea, the River widening itself all the way to a great breadth. But the Channel is so choked up with Sand for some Miles, that all Ships now ●ome to a Place called the New Key, about 6 mile's distance. Over the River it has a fair Stone-bridge ●uilt upon 8 Arches, with a Gate at each ●nd, from whence issue the Walls of the City ●n a quadrangular form, high and strongly ●uilt. In this Wall are 4 Gates, viz. the East-Gate, Bridge-gate, Water-gate, and North-Gate; the first being esteemed one of ●he stateliest Gates in England. Besides these ●our principal Gates, there are three others of ●ess note, called the Posterns, and on the Wall are 7 Watchtowers, and broad Battlements for Pieces of Ordnance. On the South side, is a stately strong Castle, built in a circular form, with a Court-yard about it enclosed with a Wall. In the North Part is the Cathedral adjoining to which is the Bishop's Palace. In short, this City is beautified with divers fair Buildings, both public and private; and graced with large and well-ordered Streets▪ which are supplied with fresh Water, by Conduit Pipes, from a Tower at the Bridge calle● Water-Tower, 35 yards high, and 8 broad Along the chief Streets are Galleries (or Row● as they call them) with Shops on one side through which Galleries one may walk fre● from Wet in the greatest Showers. As to the Number of Parishes in it, I fin● no less than ten; so well frequented this Pla●● is by Gentry and Tradesmen. For, besides th● Assizes held here twice a Year, Chester being a County Palatine has also its Courts Palatine kept here. And, as it stands commodiously for Ireland, with which it has a grea● Intercourse, so it is a constant Thoroughfare for that Kingdom. Of late it has been of particular Note, fo● being the Rendezvous of great part of ou● Forces, that have been transported for th● Reduction of Ireland; and Highlake, on th● North-side of the River's Mouth, for being th● proper Place for Shipping. 'Twas in this City of Chester that King Edga● had his Barge rowed (by way of Homage) b● seven Kings of the Scots and Britain's, from 〈◊〉 John's Church to his Palace, himself as supreme Lord holding the Helm. And 'tis observable, that the eldest Sons of the King's 〈◊〉 England (whether it be by birth, or death 〈◊〉 their elder Brothers, are ipso facto Earls of Chester. The other Market Towns are Nantwich Sat. Middlewich Sat. Congleton Sat. Knutsford Sat. Malpas Mund. Maxfield Mund. Altrincham, Tue. Fordsham, Wedn. Sanbich, Thu. Northwich Frid. Stopford Frid. Tarvin Frid. Amongst which, Nantwich and Fordsham are seated on the Banks of the Weever; Stopford, on the Mersey; Northwich and Congleton, on the Dane, which runs into the Weeve; Middlewich on the Croak, near its fall into the Dane; Maxfield, or Maclesfield, on the Bollin; Sandbich, on the Welock. Nantwich, Middlewich, and Northwich, are of chief note for their Salt-pits; but the first especially, which (next to Chester) is the greatest and the fairest built Town in the County. Here is the best white Salt made, and great plenty of it. At Congleton, they make great store of Points, Purses, and leather Gloves. Sandbich is only famous for its Ale, sold at London for 12 pence the bottle; which, for strength and clearness, does equalise Canary. Maxfield, or Maclesfield, is a large and fair Town, which drives a great Trade of Buttons. But it is of most note for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable Charles Gerard, Earl of Maclesfield, etc. This County (formerly a Part of the ancient Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants part of the Cornavii, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocese of Chester. The Earls hereof were anciently accounted Palatines; since William the Conqueror gave this Earldom to Hugh Lupus, a noble Norman, to be holden as freely by his Sword, as the King himself held England by his Crown; which was the Tenure of all Count's Palatine, more like Princes than Subjects. And, though it be now, (and has long been) reannexed to the Crown; yet it still holds the Rights and Privileges of a County Palatine; having, for the administration thereof, a Chamberlain, a Justice for the Common-Pleas of the Crown, two Barons of the Exchequer, a Sheriff, an Escheator, and other Officers, to the great ease of all the Country, in expedition of their Business. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but two Members of Parliament, and Chester only has the Right of Election. CORNWALL, the furthest County in the West of England, is on all sides surrounded with the Sea; except Eastward, where the River Tamer parts it from Devonshire. It's Length from East to West is about 70. miles; and the broadest Part, next to Devonshire, 40. The Whole divided into nine Hundreds, wherein 161 Parishes, and 21 Market Towns. The Country being for the most part but narrow, you cannot expect here Rivers of any long Course. The Tamer aforesaid is the most considerable; next to which you have the Camel, and the Fale. Here the Air is pure and subtle, but much subject to Winds and stormy Wether; and more apt to preserve than to recover Health, especially to Strangers. The Spring is something backward here, which makes the Harvest to be later than in the Eastern Parts; but, on the other side, the Winter does prove milder. The Country in general is hilly, and rocky, the Rocks being crusted over with a shallow Earth. The Parts towards the Sea are the most fruitful both in Corn and Pasturage. Which happens partly by the industrious manuring the Ground with a fruitful sort of Sand, and a Seaweed called Orewood. The middle Parts, except the Enclosures about Towns and Villages, lie generally waste and open, and serve chief for Summer cattle. But, as to Game, both for the Hawk and the Hound, here's great store of it. One Thing it excels all other Counties in, and that is its Tin Mines, the Tin whereof goes beyond any in Europe for fineness. Here is also found in some Rocks a sort of precious Stone, called the Cornish Diamond, shaped and polished by Nature; and some of them as big as a Walnut, but indeed not so hard as the right Diamond. For Fishing of Pilchards, this is the Place; the Time, from July to November. When the Sea does so swarm of them, that enough can be spared to supply France, Spain, and Italy with them in great Stores; the smoked one being called Fumadoes in Italy, where they pass for a great Dainty. In Mounts Bay is the famous Hill, called S. Michael's Mount, severed from the main Land by a sandy Plain, which at Ebb-water may be passed over on foot. A Hill that proudly raises itself to a great eminence, the top of it being a small Plain, the greatest part on't taken up by an old Fort. Nigh unto the said Bay is a strong Rock, called Main Amber, which lieth as it were mounted on others of a smaller size with so equal a Counterpoise, that it may be stirred, but not moved out of its place. And in S. Cleere's Parish there are upon a Plain 6 or 8 Stones, such as are upon Salisbury Plain. Which, like them too, will be mistaken in their telling; so that, when they are told over again, they will be found either more o● less than before. At Boskenna is a Trophy erected, 18 Stone placed round, and pitched 12 foot from each other, with another in the Centre far bigge● than the rest. And in many Places hereabouts are Pieces of Armour, both for Horse and Man, digged out of the Ground. Among Seafaring Men, here are (besides the Harbours) two Places of chief note ● viz. the Lizard Point, and the Lands End. The first is the furthest part South-West of the Goon hilly Downs, a pretty large Tract 〈◊〉 Ground shooting forth from the main Land into the South Sea. The Lands End is the furthest Point Westward of Cornwall, and consequently of England. Lanceston, the County Town, bears from London West-South-West, and is distant there from 170 miles. Viz. from London to Salisbury, 70 miles, for the particulars of which 〈◊〉 refer you to Wiltshire; from thence to Shaft● bury, 18; to Sherburn, 12 more; to Axminster 19; to Honiton, 7 more; thence to Exeter, 12. and to Lanceston, 32 more. This Town is seated on the banks of a small River called Kensey, and not far from its fal● into the Tamer. A Town of good Trade, an● well inhabited; whose Market on Saturday● is well frequented, and served with Provisions. Here are held the Assizes for this County. The other Market Towns are Saltash, Sat. Foway, Sat. East-Lowe, Sat. Padstow, Sat. Grampound, Sat. Tregny, Sat. Helston, Sat. jiskerd, Sat. B●dmin. Sat. Stratton, Tue. Truro, Wedn. & Sat. Penrin, Wedn. Frid. & Sat. S. Ives, Wedn. & Frid. S. Colomb, Thu. Falmouth, Thu. Market-Jew, Thu. Penzance, Thu. Listhiel, Frid. S. Germane, Frid. Camelford, Frid. Falmouth, the most-frequented Place in these Parts by Mariners, deserves a particular Description. First it is called Falmouth, from its Situation at the Mouth of the River Fale; and that in a fertile Tract of Ground called Roseland, which contains several Parishes, and feeds great Flocks of Sheep. The Haven before it is so safe and so capacious, that the Town has thriven of late very much upon it; the Creeks being coasted with steep Shores, and so large withal, that 100 Sail of Ships may safely ride at Anchor. Besides, it lieth more in the way of Trade to wind-driven Ships, than Plymouth in Devonshire. And over against it is the Castle called Pendennis, erected for the better security of this Coast by King Henry VIII. But that which adds much of late to the Reputation of Falmouth, is his Majesty's settling of a Sea-Post here for Spain and Portugal; whereby all immediate Correspondence with France is interrupted, at least during this present War, and the Benefit of it cut off from that Kingdom. The Groin, a Seaport Town of Gallicia in Spain, is the Place appointed to receive our Packet● there; from thence to be distributed through all Places of Correspondence, both in Spain and Portugal. Lastly, this Town is of some note for giving the Title of Viscount to the Duke of Northumberland. Further in the County Northward lies Truro a Town of good note, seated in the middle o● two Streams that run into Falmouth Haven and giving the Title of Baron to the Right Honourable Charles Bodvile Roberts, Earl of Radnor, Penrin, another Town of note lies something nearer, but to the Northwest of Falmouth, on a Creek of Falmouth Haven. Penzance and Market-Jew stand over against one another, West and East of Mounts Bay, the first a good traded Town, the other but inconsiderable. Eastward you will find Fovay, East and We● jowe, upon the South Sea; and on the North or Irish Sea, the Havens of Padstow and S. Ives The rest of the Market Towns are up in the Country. This County (which formerly was part of the ancient Kingdom of the West Saxons, and the Inhabitants, together with those of Devonshire, Known among the old Romans by the Name o● Danmonii) is now in the Diocese of Exeter. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, no less than 42 Members to sit i● Parliament, Viz. two out of each of these Towns, Lanceston, Liskerd, Liskil or Liswithie● Truro, Bodmin, H●lston, Saltash, Camelford, We● and East Lowe, Grampond, Penrin, Tregny, B●●ney, S. Ives, Fovay, S. Germains, S. Michae● Newport, S. Maws, and Kellington. When this County was under the Earls o● Cornwall, they gave great Immunities and Li●erties to those that worked in the Mines. And when this Earldom reverted to the Crown, in King Edward's Time, he gave it to his Son, surnamed the Black Prince, advancing that Title to that of a Dukedom, and erected a Lord War●●en of the Stanneries, to have the Government thereof. Since which time the eldest Sons of the Kings of England, whether it be by Birth, or by the Death of their elder Brothers, are ipso facto Dukes of Cornwall, as they are Earls of Chester, without any Creation; being at age to sue their Livery, how young soever. Of the Isles of Scilly. West of Cornwall, about 24 miles distant, ●ies a Cluster of small Islands, called by us the Isles of Scilly, by the Dutch Sorlings, and by the ancient Greeks Hesperides from their Western Situation, Cassiterides from the Tin-Mines they found amongst them. They are reckoned to be 145 in Number, most of 'em very fruitful in Corn and Pasturage, and plentifully stored with Coneys, Cranes, Swans, He●ons, and other wild Fowl. Scilly, which communicates its Name to the rest, was formerly counted the chief of these islands. But now S. Maries has got the preeminency, being about 8 miles in circuit, the biggest and most fertile of all, having the conveniency of a large and commodious Harbour, and fortified with a strong Castle built in the Reign of Q. Elizabeth. These Islands, after the Romans had forsaken their Holds in Britain, returned again into the power and possession of the Natives. From whom it was subdued, and added to this Crown, by Athelstane the eighth King of England, and since that time governed, as a part of Cornwall. CHAP. VII. Of Cumberland, Derbyshire, and Devonshire. Cumberland. CUMBERLAND is a Maritime County in the North-West Parts of England. Bounded on the East by Northumberland and Westmoreland; on the West, by the Irish Sea; on the North, by Scotland; on the South by Westmoreland and Lancashire. It's Length from North to South is about 5● miles; its Breadth, from East to West, some thing less than 40. The Whole divided, no● into Hundreds, but Wards, five in Number wherein 58 Parishes, and 15 Market Towns. This Country is generally Mountainous, and some of the Hills both very high and stee● Those of most note are Skiddaw, Haraknot, Black coum, and Wry-nose. On the Top of this last on the high wayside, are placed 3 stones, called the Shire-stones, standing within a foot o● each other, one in this County, another i● Westmoreland, and the third in Lancashire. As for Rivers and Meres, here is abundance ●● them; the principal River known by the Nam● of Eden. Here the Air is pretty sharp and piercing though the Country be something sheltered b● the Northern Hills. And, as hilly as this Country is, yet the Hil● thereof are not so barren, but that they feed great Flocks of Sheep, and other cattle, whilst ●ts fruitful Valleys bear good Crops of Corn, and its rich Meadows excellent Pasture. The Sea and Rivers, on the other side, strive ●n a manner to furnish it with plenty of Fish, and wild Fowl. And, which is remarkable, here they have Muscles that bear a sort of Pearl. But, besides Rivers, here are a great many Meers (or Lakes) yielding great plenty of Fish; but chief Vlles Water, bordering both upon Cumberland and Westmoreland. In the Bowels of the Earth, not only Coals for Fuel, but also Led and Copper, are found in great plenty. Of all the Counties in England, this shows the most Roman Antiquities. The principal of which is the Picts Wall, a prodigious Stone-wall built by the Romans for their security, against the Incursion of the raging Picts; the tract whereof in many places is yet to be seen. This Wall was 8 foot broad, and 12 high, reaching cross the Country from Carlisle to Newcastle, that is, from Sea to Sea, at least 80 miles. Thus it ascended and descended over great Crags and high Hills, with Watch-Towers erected at every thousand Paces, in which Soldiers were kept for its Defence. At Salkeld, on the Eden, is a Trophy of Victory erected, called by the Inhabitants Long Meg and her Daughters. This Monument consists of ●7 Stones, each 10 foot above ground, and one of them (namely Long Meg) is 15 foot high. Carlisle, the chief Place of this County, bears from London North-North-West, and is distant from it 235 miles, thus. From London to Buckingham 44, for the particulars of which I refer you to Buckinghamshire; to Coventry 30 more; from thence to Lichfield, 20; to Sto● 16 more; thence to Warington, 32; to ●an●●ster, 45; to Kendal, 16 more; and from thence to Carlisle, 32. A City pleasantly seated on the South Bank of the River Eden, within few miles of its fa● into the Sea, being watered besides East an● West with two lesser Rivers, the Pettrel an● Canda, at their fall into the Eden. So that it i● in a manner surrounded with three Rivers, except towards the South. This is a Town o● great Antiquity, flourishing even in the time o● the Romans; upon whose Departure it suffered much by the Scots and Picts. Afterward being utterly defaced by the Danes, it lay dejected for about 200 years, till William Ruf●● rebuilt it. After him, Henry the First, hi● Brother and Successor, made it a Bishops See. Thus by degrees it recovered itself, being now a fine City, well inhabited, and a Place of good Trade, chief for Fustians. It is begirt with fine Walls, fortified with a Castle and Citadel beautified with a Cathedral of curious Workmanship, and dignifyed with the Title of an Earldom, at this time enjoyed by the Right Honourable Edward Howard Earl of Carlisle, etc. Derived to him from his Father Charles Howar● created Earl of Carlisle by King Charles II. Anno 1661. And the said Charles, Son and He●● of Sir William Howard, was great Grandchild of the Lord William Howard, third Son of Thomas Duke of Norfolk. In the Year 1663. h● was sent Ambassador Extraordinary by the sai● King Charles, to the Courts of Moscovy, Sweden and Denmark. And some Years after, h● was sent again, with the same Character, t● the King of Sweden, to whom he carried the Garter. The other Market Towns are Egremont, Sat. Ravenglas, Sat. Keswick, Sat. Alston-Moor, Sat. Abbey-holm, Sat. Cockermouth, Mund. Perth, Tue. Wigton, Tue. Brampton, Tue. Bootle, Wedn. White-Haven, Thu. Ireby, Thu. Kirkswald, Thu. Longtown Thu. Amongst which Perith, or Penrith, seated between Eimont a River on the Southside and Lowther another River on the West, is counted the second Town of note in this County; being large, well built, and inhabited by Tradesmen, but Tanners especially. Cockermouth, a goodly Town, is so called from its Situation on the River Cocker, near its fall into the Derwent, by which two Rivers it is almost encompassed. It lies about 8 miles from the Sea, between two Hills, upon one of which stands the Church, and upon the other a Castle. It's chief Trade is of course broad clothes, here made. And here is a Custom, common to most other Market Towns of this County, to hire Servants at their Fairs; to which end such as want either Service or Servants do resort hither. Egremont and Ravenglass, are seated not sar from the Sea. The first on the Banks of a River, over which it has two Bridges. Ravenglass, betwixt two Rivers, which together with the Sea encompass three Parts of it. White-Haven, is situate on a Creek of the Sea, at the North end of a Hill, where is a great Rock (or Quarry) of hard white Stone, which gives name unto it. This Harbour is of late much improved in its Buildings, being well frequented and inhabited, and driving a good Trade to Ireland, Scotland, Chester, Bristol, and other Places. Whose chief Trade is of Salt, and Coals here plentifully digged up, for which they bring in exchange several good Commodities. Keswick, seated in a Valley hemmed in with Hills, has been a famous Town for Copper Mines, and much frequented by mineral Men, who had here many Smelting Houses. But now it is gone to decay. Not far from this Town is dug up Wadd, or Black Lead, in great plenty. Formerly they reckoned in this County 25 Castles, few of which are remaining, most of them being decayed, and gone to ruin. Lastly, this County (which in the time of the Heptarchy was part of the Kingdom of Northumberland, and whose Inhabitants, as well as those of most part of the North besides, were called brigants by the ancient Romans) is partly in the Diocese of Carlisle, and partly in That of Chester. For the South Part of it, called Copeland, lying betwixt the Rivers Duddon and Darwent, is within the Arch. Deaconry of Richmond in Chester-Diocese; and all the rest of the County in the Diocese of Carlisle. Out of this County; besides the two Knights of the Shire, there are but four Members chosen to sit in Parliament; 2 from Carlisle, and 2 from Cockermouth. In the North Parts of it, is a Tract called Gillesland, from whence the Earl of Carlisle entitles himself Baron Dacre of Gillesland; and Southwestward, near the Sea, stands the Barony of Millum. In short, this County became first an Earldom in the Reign of King Henry VIII, who bestowed the Title upon Henry Lord Clifford, Anno 1525, in whose Issue it continued till the Year 1642, the last that enjoyed it being also a Henry Clifford. Of an Earldom it became a Dukedom in the Person of the late Illustrious Prince Rupert, second Son of Frederick Prince Elector Palatine, and of Elizabeth his Wife, the only Daughter of King James the first; being Created Duke of Cumberland, and Earl of Holderness, by King Charles I. his Uncle, Anno 1643. He died without Issue at Whitehall, Nou. 29. 1682. And the Title of Duke of Cumberland is now in the Person of his Royal Highness, Prince George of Denmark. Of the Isle of Man. Isle of Man The Isle of Man, lying most of it opposite to Cumberland, between this County and the North of Ireland, this I think therefore to be the most proper Place to take notice of it. This Island runs in Length, from North to South, about 30 miles; and in Breadth, where it is broadest, 10 miles. The Whole divided into two Parts, North and South; the Inhabitants of the one having affinity with the Scotch, and the other with the Irish. And in these Parts, defended by Two Castles, are reckoned 17 Parishes, and but 5 Market Towns. It is generally an High-land on the Sea-Coast, and that well guarded with Rocks. The middle part of it runs up into high Hills. The highest of all, called Seafull, has this very remarkable in it, That from the Top of it, on a clear Day, one may easily behold three Kingdoms at once, viz. England, Scotland, and Ireland; England Eastward, Scotland Northward, and Ireland Westward. The Air of this Island is sharp, and subject to high Winds; but 'tis healthful. And, as sharp as it is in Winter, yet the Frosts are short, and the Snow does not lie very long in the Valleys. The Soil is pretty fruitful, both in Corn and Pasture; affording good store of Wheat and other Grain, and feeding good Flocks of Sheep and Herds of Cattle, but none of the biggest size. Here are also red Deer, abundance of Coneys, and Fowl of sundry sorts. In a little adjacent Island, called the Isle of Calf, is abundance of Puffins, a sort of Sea Fowl that breeds in Cony-holes, chief used for their Feathers, and Oil made of them. But their Flesh being pickled or salted, as it has a Fishlike taste, so it comes little short of Anchovies. And as for Fish, both the Sea and Rivers yield great plenty of it. It's chief Places are Douglas, Laxi, and Rams●y on the East Shore; Rushin, on the South, and Peel, with its strong Castle, on the West Shore. 'Twas about the Year 1340, that this Island was conquered from the Scots by William Montacute, Earl of Salisbury, who was thereupon honoured with the Title of King of Man. Afterwards it was sold to the Lord Scrope; who, being convicted of Treason, forfeited it to the Crown. Henry iv gave it to Henry Pierce Earl of Northumberland, the last that kept it with the Title of King. But, he proving also false to his Sovereign, the King gave it to William Lord Stanley; whose Grandchild Thomas Lord Stanley was created Earl of Derby. In whose House this Estate has continued hitherto, with the Title of Lord of Man, though a King in effect. For he has here all kind of Civil Power and Jurisdiction over the Inhabitants, and the very Nomination of the Bishop of Man; but still under the Fief and Sovereignty of the Crown of England. And as to the Bishop, he must be presented to the King for his Royal Assent, then to the Archbishop of York for his Consecration. Which is the Reason why the Bishop of Man is no Lord of Parliament, none being admitted to that Honour, but such as hold immediately of the King himself. Derbyshire. DERBYSHIRE, or (as some spell it) DARBYSHIRE, an Inland County, is bounded on the East by Nottinghamshire; on the West, by Cheshire and Staffordshire; on the North, by Yorkshire; and on the South, by Leicestershire. And it lies so in respect to the rest of ENGLAND, that the South Parts of this County are in a manner the Centre of it. It is in Length from North to South, about 34 miles; and in Breadth, from East to West, 16. The Whole divided into six Hundreds, wherein 106 Parishes, and 10 Market Towns. The Temperature of the Air of this County is very wholesome, as most of the Inland Counties are. Next to the River Trent, wherewith the South Parts of it are irrigated, that of chief note is Derwent, which crossing the Country from North to South, empties itself into the Trent, and so divides the County into East and West. The Soil, in the South and East Parts, is very fruitful, and yields both good Grass and Corn. But the North and West Parts, being both Hilly and Stony, with a black and mossy barren Ground, are not so fertile. Yet they are not without some rich Valleys; and on the Hills themselves are bred abundance of very good (though not very large) Sheep. For Fuel, it is not beholden to Wood, the Woods having been destroyed in a great measure by the Country's Iron-Works, Lead-mines, and Coal-Delfs. But 'tis so well stored with Coals, that it supplies with this sort of Fuel many neighbouring Counties, as Leicester, Northampton, Rutland, and Lincoln. Whose Inhabitants frequently bring Barley to sell at Derby, and load themselves back with Coals. For Buildings, it affords, not only good Clay for Bricks, but also store of Freestone, or durable Greet Stone; and in many parts Limestone, both useful in Building, and for manuring the Ground. Here is also Alabaster, Crystal, black and grey Marble, not only very durable, but such as polishes well. As for Millstones, and Whetstones, here's whole Quarries of 'em; in the working whereof a great many hands are employed, before they come to be dispersed over the Nation. But the chiefest Commodity of this Country is Lead, which for goodness or Plenty yields to no Place in the World. Famous for this is the Peak of Derbyshire, as well as for its Quarries; but particularly for its three wonderful Caves. This Peak ly's amongst the Mountains, in the North-West Parts; and its three Caves, of a wonderful vast height, length, and depth, are known by the Names of Devil's Arse, Elden-hole, and Pools hole. From the Devil's Arse a Water comes, which is said to ebb and flow 4 times in an hour, (as the Well in the Peak Forest) and to keep its just Tides. Noted besides for the strange Irregularities of the Rocks within the Water. Eldenhole is very spacious, but wi●h a low and narrow entrance. The Waters which trickle down from the top thereof do congeal into Stone, and hang like Icicles in the root thereof. Some are hollow within, and grow Taper-wise, very white, and not unlike to Crystal. But the greatest Wonder of all is that of Buxton-Wells. Nine Springs arise out of a Rock in the compass of 8 or 9 Yards, eight of which are warm, and the ninth very cold. These Springs run from under a square Building of Free Stone, and about 300 foot off receive another hot Spring from a Well enclosed with four flat Stones; near unto which another very cold Spring bubbles up. These Waters are experimentally found good for the Stomach and Sinews, and good to bathe in. And now I come to Mineral Waters, I cannot but mention Kedlaston Well, Quarndon and Stanley Springs. The first of which being in Kedl●ston Parish, is noted for having cured (as 'tis said) the Leprosy, and for being singular in the Cure of old Ulcers. Quarndon Springs are two Springs about a mile and a half from Derby, much of the nature of Tunbridge-Waters in Kent, and the Spaws in Yorkshire, as strong of the Mineral, and as effectual in the Operation. As for Stanly-Spring, 'tis of the same nature, but not so strong. But about Wirksworth there's a warm and a cold Spring, so near each other, that one may put one hand in the cold, and the other in the warm. Derby, the Shire-Town, from whence the County itself is denominated, bears from London North and by West, and is distant therefrom 98 miles, thus. From London to Leicester, 78, as you may see in Leicestershire; thence to Lougborough, 8; and to Derby 12 more. This Town is seated upon the West Bank of Derwent (from whence probably the Name of Derby is extracted) over which there is a fine Bridge of free Stone, and upon the Bridge a Chapel called St. Mary's Chapel. But, besides Derwent, which empties itself but 6 miles lower into the Trent, this Town has the Conveniency of a Brook rising Westward, and running through it under nine several Bridges. 'Tis a large, populous, and rich Place, few inland Towns equalizing it. Here are five Parish Churches, of which that of All-Saints is the fairest. Whose Tower-Steeple (in which are 8 tuneable Bells) built at the only Charge of the young Men and Maids about the Reign of Q. Marry, is equalled for height and beauty by few in the Nation. Here is also a fair Hall, built not many years since of free Stone at the Counties Charge, where the Assizes are constantly kept. In short, 'tis a Place of good Trade and Resort, no less famous for good Ale than Banbury for its Cakes and Cheese. Here is chief a great Vent for Barley, which they make into Malt, and so sell it again in Cheshire, Lancashire, and the North of this County. It's Market is on Fridays, which is very great for cattle, Corn, and all Provisions; besides small Markets on Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Lastly, this Town is dignifyed with the Title of an Earldom, now in the person of the Right Honourable William Stanley, Earl of Derby, and Lord of the Isle of Man. Descended to him from his Ancestor Thomas Lord Stanley, and of Man, created Earl of Derby, by King Henry VII. Anno 1486. Which Title was first enjoyed by the Earls of Ferrer and Derby, and afterwards by several Princes of the Royal Family, till it came (as I said before) to Thomas Lord Stanley, by Creation. The other Market Towns are Chesterfield, Sat. Ashbourn, Sat. Alfreton, Mund. Bakewell, Mund. Wirksworth, Tue. Tideswal, Wedn. Dronfield, Thu. Bolsover, Frid. Drawfield,— Amongst which Chesterfield is pleasantly seated in a good Soil, for the most part on the Southside of a little Hill, and that between two small Rivers. A Town which, by the Ruins of it, does seem to be of good Antiquity, and therefore likely to have had some more ancient Name, now buried in its Ruins. It was made a free Borough in the time of King John. And hard by it was the Battle fought between King Henry III and his Barons, in which Robert de Ferrer Earl of Derby being taken Prisoner lost his Estate and Dignity, though not his Life. But that wherein it has most cause to glory is, that from an ordinary Market Town, it is become the Seat of an Earldom, the Style and Title of Earl of Chesterfield being conferred by King Charles I. upon Philip Lord Stanhop of Shelford, created Earl of Chesterfield Anno 1628. From whom it descended next, by Henry his eldest Son, to the Right Honourable Philip Lord Stanhop, the present Earl of Chesterfield. Wirksworth is so called from the Worth of the Lead-Works. And 'tis the greatest Lead-Market in England. This County (formerly Part of the ancient Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants part of the Coritani) is now in the Diocese of Lichfield. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but two Parliament Men, and these two by Derby Town. But, before I leave this County, I cannot but observe that, of all Parts of England (which in general is famous for its Stone-Bridges) Derbyshire is of special note upon that very account. Witness, amongst the rest, Burton-Bridge on the River Trent, in the Borders of Staffordshire, which has no less than 35 large Stone Arches. 'Twas at this Bridge that Edward II. put to flight Thomas Earl of Lancaster, and many of the Barons. Here is also Swarkeston Bridge, over the same River, reputed to be near a mile in length; but much of it is rather a Causey than a Bridge. To which add Monks-Bridge, over the Dove, to say nothing more of St. Mary's Bridge at Derby. Scarsdale, a Division (or Part) of this County, wherein stands Chesterfield, is a Valley encompassed with Rocks and Mountains, as the Name imports, Dale in the Saxons Language signifying a Valley, and Scaire a craggy Rock. Observable only for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable Robert Leak, the present Earl of Scarsdale. Derived to him from his Father Nicholas, Son of Francis Leak, Lord Deyncourt of Sutton, Created Earl of Scarsdale by King Charles I. Anno 1645. Devonshire DEVONSHIRE, a Maritime County in the West of England, lies open to the Sea, both Northward and Southward; on the North being bounded with the North Sea, otherwise called the Severn Sea, or S. George's Channel, which parts it from Wales; and on the South, with the South Sea, commonly called the Channel, which parts England from France. But Eastward it is bounded by Somersetshire and Dorsetshire; and Westward, by Cornwall. It contains in Length, from East to West, about 52 miles; in Breadth, from North to South, 46. The whole divided into 33 Hundreds, wherein 3●4 Parishes, and 32 Market Towns. The Air of this County is sharp and wholesome. The Soil, in some Parts, generally beautified with fresh and pleasant Meadows, in other Parts shaded with great store of Woods, but in few places not so fit for Corn as most other Counties. 'Tis true, good Husbandry supplies that Defect, and adds unto it by cost and industry what it wants by Nature. Amongst the many Rivers wherewith 'tis abundantly watered, the Tamer which parts it from Cornwall, the Turridge, the Taw, Ex, and Dart are the chiefest. In short, this County is well provided with Flesh, Fish, and Fowl. And as for Sea-Fish, Pilchards and Herrings chief are here fished in great abundance. Noted besides for its Wools and Clothings, the best and finest Kerseys in the Kingdom being here made; but chief, for its Tin and Lead-Mines. Exeter, the chief Place of it, ly's West-South-West from London, about 130 miles, thus. Viz. from London to Salisbury 70 miles, as you may see in the Description of Wiltshire. From Salisbury to Shaftsbury, 15; and to Sherburn, 12 more; from Sherburn to Crookham, 10; thence to Axminster, 9; and to Exeter, 22 more. This City is so called from the River Ex, on the East-banks whereof it is seated, and over which it has a fair Stone bridge, not above 12 or 15 miles from its fall into the Sea. 'Tis a large and well compacted City, and a Place of good Trade. But the River is so choked up, that all Vessels are forced to load and unload their Goods at Topsham, about 3 mile's distance. Within its Walls and Suburbs are reckoned, besides the Cathedral, no less than 15 Parish-Churches. It has the Privilege of two Markets weekly, kept on Wednesdays and Fridays. Noted besides for giving the Title of Duke, Marquess, and Earl to several noble Personages. Of Duke, to John Holland, Earl of Huntingdon, made Duke of Exeter by King Richard TWO; and to Tho. Beaufort, Earl of Dorset, created Duke of Exeter by King Henry V. Next to whom this Title was enjoyed by John, and Henry Holland, both of them Admirals. Afterwards the Title of Marquis of Exeter was by King Henry VIII. conferred upon Henry Courtney, Earl of Devonshire. Succeeded in it by his Son, Edward Courtney, with whom this Title died. But in the Reign of King James I, Tho. Cecil, Lord Burleigh, was by that King created Earl of Exeter, Anno 1605. From whom is descended in a right Line the Right Honourable John Cecil, the present Earl of Exeter. The other Market Towns are Kings-bridge, Sat. Plimpton, Sat. Totness, Sat. Ashburton, Sat. Chidley, Sat. Merton, Sat. Okehampton, Sat. Tavestock, Sat. Torrington, Sat. Holsworthy, Sat. South-Molton, Sat. Columpton, Sat. Crediton. Sat. H●rniton, Sat. Axminster, Sat. Plymouth, Mund. & Thu. Bediford, Tue. Tiverton, Tue. Ottery, Tue. Dodbrook, Wed. Newton-Abbot, Wed. Modberry, Thu. Culliton, Thu. Bow, Thu. Chu●mleigh, Thu. Dartmouth,, Frid, Barnstaple, Frid, Hatherly, Frid, Besides Ilfarcomb, Combemerton, Bradnidge, and Sidmouth, whose Market-Days I am ignorant of. Among which Plymouth and Dartmouth are two noted Harbours in the Channel, but the first especially. Seated between the Tamer and the Plime, at both their falls into the Sea; the Plime being but a small River, from whence Plymouth however has took its Denomination. 'Tis one of the best Ports in England, having a safe and commodious Haven, strongly fortified on both sides. A Place of great importance to the Kingdom, not only for his Majesty's, but for Merchant's Ships outward or homeward bound, to anchor in, upon any Casualty. The Conveniency whereof has so improved this Town, from a poor fishing Village, that it is now grown up to Stateliness. Lastly, this Place is dignifyed with the Title of an Earldom, now in the person of the Right Honourable Other Windsor, Earl of Plymouth, etc. Derived to him from his Grandfather Thomas, Created Earl of Plymouth by King Charles II. But the first that enjoyed this Title was Charles Fitz Charles, commonly called Don Carlos, created Baron of Dartmouth, Viscount Totnes, and Earl of Plymouth, Anno 1675. who soon after died at Tangier. Dartmouth, so called from its Situation at the Mouth of the River Dart, is also a good Port Town, having a commodious Haven, well frequented and traded unto. There's in it three Parish Churches. And it gives the Title of Baron to the Right Honourable George Leg, made Baron of Dartmouth by King Charles II. Few miles from Dartmouth, to the North-East, is the Bay called Torbay, of chief note for the Descent here made by his present Majesty and his Land-Forces from Holland, upon the fifth of Nou. (being Gunpowder Treason Day) 1688. From Torbay to the Coast of Dorsetshire, there is not a Sea-Town of any note, but Sidmouth. Which indeed was a good Port Town, as well as Seaton and Budley near adjoining, before their Havens were choked up with Sands. Now 'tis but a small Fisher-Town. On the North Coast you will find Combemerton, Ilfarcomb, and Hartland, all of them but mean Towns. But, at some distance from that Sea, lies Barnstaple, a good trading Place, seated on the River Yaw, over which it has a large Bridge. Further Westward you will find Bediford, Torrington, and Hatherley, all three on the Towridge. Over which River Bediford has a large Stone-bridge of arched Work, consisting of 24 Peers; and so high, that a Vessel of 50 or 60 Tuns may pass under it. Which Accommodation has made it a Place of good account and trade. Torrington, a pretty large Town, is chief noted, for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable Arthur Herbert, lately created Earl of Torrington, by our present King, and made Lord Admiral of Their Majesty's Fleet. Whereas this Title was before in the Person of the Duke of Albemarle deceased. Tavestock is seated on the Tave; Modberry, betwixt the Arm and the Aune; Totness, on the Dart, and Ashburton near it; Chidley, on the Tinge; Crediton, upon Credit and Forton, both which run into the Ex; Tiverton, at the fall of the Leman into the Ex; Columpton, on the Culme; Honiton, on the Otter; Axminster, on the Ax. Totness, among the rest, is an ancient little Town, about 6 miles from the Influx of the Dart into the Sea. It stands on the fall of a Hill, lying East and West. Honoured once with the Title of an Earldom, in the person of George, Lord Carew of Clopton, Created Earl of Totness by King Charles I. Anno 1625. He was Son of George Carew, Dr. of Divinity, Archdeacon of Totness, and afterwards advanced to the Deanery of Windsor. But, dying without Issue male, the Title died with him. In the Reign of King Charles II. this Town gave the Title of Viscount (as is said before) to Charles Fitz Charles, Earl of Plymouth but that Title also went with him into the Grave. Tiverton, (otherwise called Twiford-Town) is a Town of good account for the Cloths he●● made, which create a good Trade among th● Inhabitants. Crediton, seated betwixt two Hills, and in ● rich Soil, is divided into two Parts, the on● called the East Town, and the other the West. 'Tis very well inhabited, and drives a good Trade of Serges. There is a fair Church in it, built Cathedral-wise; this Town having been formerly the Bishops See, before it was by King Edward the Confessor transferred to Exeter. Lastly, this County (which formerly wa● Part of the Kingdom of the Westsaxons, and its Inhabitants, together with those of Cornwall, known by the name of Danmonii, among the ancient Romans) is now in the Diocese o● Exeter. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, no less than 2● Members to sit in Parliament. Viz. two ou● of each of these following Towns, Exeter, Plymouth, Plimpton, Totness, Okehampton, Honito● Barnstaple, Tavestock, Ashburton, Tiverton, Bera●stan, and two more out of these three Town● Clifton, Dartmouth, and Hardness. This County has had Earls of several Families. Of which the Rivers and Courtneys hel● the Title long, as now the Cavendishes may do, who have possession of it in the fourth Generation. The first Earl of this Family was William Lord Cavendish of Harwick, created Earl of Devon by King James I. Anno 1618. And from him is descended in a right Line the Right Honourable William Cavendish, the present Earl of Devonshire, Lord Steward of the King's Household. To conclude, over against Devonshire, a good way off in the Severn Sea, is an Island called Lundey, not above 5 miles long, and 2 broad; but begird about with dangerous unapproachable Rocks, having but one entrance into it, and that so narrow, that two men can hardly go abreast. An Island, though situate in the midst of the salt and brackish Ocean, far enough from any Land, that yields notwithstanding many Springs of fresh Water for the Use of its Inhabitants, who dwell for the most part in a Town of the same Name with the Island. CHAP. VIII. Of Dorsetshire, Durham, and Essex. Dorsetshire DORSETSHIRE, or the County of Dorset, is another Maritime County in the West of England. Bounded Eastward by Hampshire; Westward, by Devonshire and Somersetshire; Northward, by Wiltshire, and part of Somersetshire; and Southward, by the British Sea, commonly called the Channel. It's Length from East to West is about 4● miles; and its Breadth, where broadest, 25. The Whole divided into 29 Hundreds wherein 248 Parishes, and 29 Marke● Towns. Here the Air is very good and healthful, an● the Country as pleasant, being watered wit● many fine Streams, gliding through its ric● Meadows. The principal whereof are the Stower, and the from. The Soil is fat and fruitful, abounding with rich Pastures, and such Cornfields as seldom deceive the hopes of the Husbandman. S● that here is abundance of great and smal● cattle, and commonly great plenty of Corn. The North Parts, being somewhat flat, have the richest Meadows, and are not destitute of Woods and Timber-trees; but in Winter sadly clogged with Dirt. An Inconveniency the South Parts are freer from, as consisting most of Hills or Downs, which being overspread with innumerable Flocks of Sheep, proves no small profit to the Inhabitants. And here are many (though not large) Valleys, in which most Towns and gentlemen's Houses are seated, the better to avoid those sharp Blasts this Southern Part is subject unto, lying so open and destitute of Woods as it does. Fish and wild Fowl here's great plenty of, both from its Sea and Rivers. Dorchester, the chief Place hereof, bears from London South-West and by West, and is distant therefrom, about 100 miles, thus. To Basingstoke, 39; from thence to Stokebridge, 16; to Dunkton, 12 more; thence to Cranburn, 9; to Blandford, 9 more; and 12 from thence to Dorchester. A Town of great antiquity, as appears by ●any pieces of the Roman Coin found near 〈◊〉. Once of a large Compass, as may be con●ctured by the tract of the Walls and Trenches; ●ut so spoiled and plundered by the Danes, who ●●so pulled down the Walls, that it could never recover its former wealth and beauty. It was also fortified and set out with a ●oodly Castle; which, being decayed and ruinous, was converted into a Monastery, and afterwards demolished. I come now to its present state. This Town is pleasantly seated on the Southside of the River from, and on the Roman Causey called Via fossa, about 5 miles from the ●ea. It consists of three fair Streets, and as ma●y Parish Churches; the Inhabitants driving a Trade of Kerseys, and other Things. Here is 〈◊〉 good Market kept on Saturdays, and this is the Place where the County Assizes are also kept. Noted besides for the Title of Marquis it gave ●nce to Henry Lord Pierrepont, Created Marquis ●f Dorchester by King Charles I. Anno 1645. And in the late Reign, for giving the Title of Countess to the Lady Catherine Sidley, advanced ●o that Dignity by King James the Second. The other Market Towns are Shaftsbury Sat. ●landford Sat. ●arham Sat. Middleton, Mund. Pool, Mund. and Thu. Weymouth Tue. & Frid. Melcomb Regis Tue. & Frid. Cerne-Abbas Wedn. Cranborn Wedn. Abbots-Bury Thu. Corfe-Castle Thu. Sturminster Thu. Frampton Thu. Sherburn, Thu. & Sat. Wimbern Minster, Frid. Lime, Bridport Evershot Bemyster Among which Lime, Bridport, Weymouth, and Melcomb Regis, Pool, and Warham, are so many Harbours, and Weymouth the principal. Now Weymouth and Melcomb Regis stand opposite to one another, on each side the River Wey, where it falls into the Sea. But, of the two, Melcomb much surpasses Weymouth fo● Conveniency of Situation and Buildings. And yet abroad all goes now under the Name of Weymouth, since they were both, by Act of Parliament, made but one Corporation; and the Occasion of it thus. These two Towns having for some time enjoyed alike the Privileges and Immunities of the Haven, lying in the bosom of them, at last there arose a great Controversy between them. And, by their continual Suits, they still wearied the Lords of the Council and the Judges, till by an Act of Parliament in the Reign of Q. Elizabeth they were Incorporated into one Body, to be governed by one Mayor, with aldermans, and other Sub-Officers. Upon which immediately they joined themselves together by a fair Bridge of Timber now in being; but stil● they send each of 'em two Burgesses to Parliament. Lastly, Weymouth is of some note besides, for giving the Title of Viscount to the Right Honourable Tho. Thynne, the present Viscount Weymouth. Lime, otherwise called Lime Regis, is seated in the Borders next to Devonshire, and is so named from a River of that Name, which run● through the midst of the Town, and falls into the Sea. The Town is large, and its Cobb 〈◊〉 safe Harbour. Which, being industriously made in the Sea for Ships to ride in, is as carefully looked afer, and kept in good repair. This Place is noted most of all for the late Duke of Monmouth's Landing here with his small Force from Holland in the late Reign, which brought him shortly after to his tragical End. Near unto it is Charmouth a Village, where the Danes did twice land their Forces, when they came to subdue England. Bridport, East from Lime, was a Town of good account in Edward the Confessor's Time. 'Tis seated low and dirty, not above 2 miles from the Sea, between two Rivers, that meeting with a little Rill about a mile lower mix their Streams together, and make a fit Place for a good Harbour, as it was in former times. But now 'tis choked up with Sands. The Town however is still a good Market-Town, and chief noted for Hemp. Insomuch that once 'twas the only Place appointed for the twisting of Cordage and Ropes for the Navy of England, as well in respect of the adjoining Soil yielding great store of excellent Hemp, as for the skill of the People in twisting it. Pool, a Haven-Town in the furthest East Parts of this County, is so seated upon an In●et of the Sea (called Luckford Lake) that 'tis enclosed on all sides with it; except Northward, where it admits entrance only by one Gate. This Town, from a mean Hamlet consisting of a few Fishermens-Houses in the Reign of Edward III, grew to be a Market Town of good Trade; and, by reason of its large and safe Harbour, increased so that Henry VI granted it the Privilege of a Haven, and licenced the Mayor to wall it in. Then began the Inhabitants to abound in Wealth; who, to free themselves from Subjection to the County, purchased the Privilege of 〈◊〉 County. But now it has lost much of its former glory. In this Haven the Sea, contrary to all other Parts in England, ebbs and flows 〈◊〉 times in 24 hours. Viz. first at a Southeast and North-West Moon, and the secon● time at a South-by-East and a North-by-We●● Moon. Warham is seated on the West of, and opposite to Pool, at the Influx of the from an● Biddle into Luckford Lake. Where it had 〈◊〉 good Harbour for Ships, with all the Advantages of a strong Wall defended by a Castle, and of rich Inhabitants. Till being crushed by the frequent Shocks of ill Fortune, nothing o● its ancient Glory remained but the Shadow▪ its Castle being wholly ruinated, its Have● choked up, and most of its Church's pulle● down and demolished. Shaftsbury, an Inland Town, lies in the Northern Verge of this County, and near th● Borders of Wiltshire. It stands lofty upon a high Hill, in the form of a full-bent Bow▪ where it enjoys not only a serene and healthful Air, but also a large and delightful Prospect● Here Canute, the first Danish King that swayed the English Sceptre, ended his Days. I● its flourishing Time it had ten Parish Churches, now reduced to three; to which belong abou● 500 Houses, built of free Stone, with which the Hill abounds. It's Market, which is kept on Saturdays, is very considerable for mo●● sorts of Provisions, and far exceeding all the adjacent Market Towns. Lastly, in the Reig● of Charles the Second, it was honoured in giving the Title of Earl to that sagacious Statesman, Anthony Earl of Shaftsbury; since devolved by his death to his eldest Son and Heir, the Right Honourable Anthony Ash●ey Cooper, the present Earl of Shaftsbury. Sturminster, Blandford, and Wimborn-minster, are all three seated on the River Stowr. Over which Sturminster has a fair Stone-bridge, leading to Newton; a noted Place for the remains of an ancient Castle near adjoining, which was the Seat of the West-Saxon Kings. Blandford is a fair, large, and well compacted Town, well inhabited, and neighboured with Gentry. Wimborn-Minster, is seated in a fertile Soil, and is pretty well frequented and ●nhabited. But 'tis a Town of more antiquity, ●han beauty. Cranborn and Sherburn are also Towns of great antiquity, The first seated near the Spring of a River that runs into the Stowr, and having a Chase which extends itself almost to Salisbury. Sherborn, on the Ill, is fairly seated, and well watered. 'Tis divided into two Parts, that which lies near the Castle (which is old, and in part ruinated) being called the Castle-Town. Middleton, Cerne-Abbas, and Frampton do not ●y far asunder. All three but mean, and the first two (being old Abby-Towns) considerable only by their Antiquity. But, of the two, C●rne-Abbas has the advantage; being seated in a dry bottom, watered with a fine Rivulet, and in a Champain Country, affording great delight both for the Hawk and Hound. Framp●on is likewise pleasantly seated upon a good River, which affords plenty of Fish, and amongst them excellent Trout. In this County is a noted Castle, called Lulworth Castle, being counted the best Seat in the whole County, either for Situation or Beauty. The same has a very fair Prospect into the Sea, and a large Park about it, well furnished with Deer; and has been sometimes honoured with the presence of our Kings in their Western Progresses. Of Portland and Purbeck. I should now have done with Dorsetshire, but that it were improper to leave it so, without taking notice of its two Peninsules, which generally go by the name of Islands. And those two are Portland, and Purbeck. Portland is that Tract of Ground which runs South from Weymouth some miles into the Sea. A Place of great strength, both by Nature and Art; being surrounded with inaccessible Rocks, except at the very Place of Landing, where stands a strong Castle called Portland Castle, built by Henry VIII. And, almost opposite to it on the Lands side towards Weymouth, stands another called Sandford Castle. Which two Castles command all Ships that pass into this Road. The whole Peninsule does show itself from the top of the Rocks in a Flat, and is in compass about 7 miles. The Ground is very good for Corn, and indifferent for Pasture but so destitute of Wood and other Fewe● that the Inhabitants are fain to dry their Cowdung, and burn it. Which Defect i● made up another way, by its Quarries o● excellent free Stone for Building; and tha● in such plenty, that they make use of it fo● their Fences. On the South-East-side stands the only Church in the Isle, and that so near the Sea● that, to fence it from its furious Waves, the Churchyard Banks were fain to be walled to an incredible height. And here it is that Portland Race shows itself. For so they call the Meeting of the two Tides here, with so great striving and beating of the Waves, that 'tis not safe, even in the calmest Season, for Barks to pass over it. This Peninsule has been dignifyed with the Title of an Earldom, first in the person of Richard Weston, created Earl of Portland by King Charles I. Anno 1632; and continued in his Son Jeremy, then in Charles Son and Heir of Jeremy, and lastly in Thomas Weston Uncle to Charles, the late Earl of Portland. But since the late Revolution, our present King was pleased to confer this Title upon the Right Honourable William Bentinck, the present Earl of Portland, and Groom of the Stole to His Majesty. East of Portland lies Purbeck, an Island (or rather a Peninsule) that takes up the Southeast part of this County, about 10 miles in length and 6 in breadth, reaching from Luckford Lake to the Channel. So that it is surrounded with the Sea North, East, and South; and Westward with Rivers, within less than a ●ile. In this Compass of Ground are many small Towns, whereof Corfe is the chief. Seated on the banks of a River running through the middle parts of Purbeck into Luckford Lake; and that in a barren Soil, betwixt two Hills, upon one of which stands a Castle, called from ●he Town Corfe-Castle. A Castle that had great Privileges granted to the Lords thereof; ●s the free Warren Chase over all the Isle, ●ea-wracks, Freedom from the Lord Admiral ●f England, etc. To conclude, this County (formerly Part of the Kingdom of the Westsaxons, and its Inhabitants the ancient Durotriges) is now in the Diocese of Bristol. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, 18 Members of Parliament. Viz. two out of each of these following Towns, Dorchester, Pool, Lime, Weymouth, Melcomb Regis, Bridport, Shaftsbury, Warham, and Corfe-Castle. Of this County there have been both Marquesses and Earls; the Title of Marquis first enjoyed by the Beaufort's, and after them by the Greys, the last that possessed it being Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolk, who was beheaded in the Year 1553. The Title of Earl was conferred by King James I. upon Thomas Sackvil, Lord Buckhurst, created Earl of Dorset Anno 1603, in whose Line it has continued hitherto, the present Earl hereof being the Right Honourable Charles Sackvil, Earl of Dorset and Middlesex, and Lord High Chamberlain of his Majesty's Household. Durham. DURHAM, a Maritime County in the North of England, is bounded Eastward by the Germane Ocean; Westward, by Cumberlan● and Westmoreland; Northward, by Northumberland; and Southward, by the River Tees, which parts it from Yorkshire. It's Length, from East to West, is about 3● miles; its Breadth, from North to South, 30 The Whole divided into four Wakes, (no● Hundreds) wherein 118 Parishes, and 6 Market-towns. Here the Air is pretty sharp and keen, no● only by reason of the Climate, but because 〈◊〉 its Hilliness, especially the West Parts of i● So true it is, that those Northern Counties which are so nearly related to Scotland by their Situation, participate likewise of its nature. This County is so well watered, what with the Sea, and what with the Rivers, that it is almost encompassed with Water. Next to the River Tine which parts it for some miles from Northumberland, and the Tees from Yorkshire, here is the Ware which runs through Durham, and Derwent into the Tine. As the Soil of it is different, so it is in some Parts fertile, in others barren, and accordingly inhabited. The Eastern Part is Champain, and bears plenty of Coal; the Southern is the most fertile; the Western is hilly and barren, and thin of Woods and Towns. But it is recompensed by its Store of Coal, Led, and Iron Mines. Durham, the County Town, bears from London North by West, and is distant therefrom (by common Computation) 200 miles. That is 150 miles to York, for the Particulars of which I refer you to Yorkshire; and 50 miles more to Durham. Viz. from York to Borough-bridge, 13; to North-Allerton, 13 more; 10 from thence to Darlington; and 14 more to Durham. Whose Situation is upon Hills and Bottoms of Hills, all surrounded with Hills; but the ●ow Parts watered with the River Ware, which incircles the best Part of it, and over which there are two Stone-Bridges. If what Mr. Bloom says of it in his Britannia was true when it was published, the Case is altered. I have been often upon the Place, but could never find it fair and neatly compacted, nor so beautified as he represents it, nor its Marketplace so spacious, nor its Trade so flourishing. On the contrary, 'tis a good retiring Place, free from the noise and hurry of Trade; unless it be upon Saturdays, on which Day the Market is kept. Here indeed one may live plentifuly, and breath good Air, at an easy rate. The greatest Ornament of this Place is the Castle, and the Cathedral. The Castle where the Bishop makes his Residence, is (I confess) a stately Fabric, raised on the top of a Hill by William the Conqueror, with all the Advantages both of a Palace and a Castle. Over against it, on the same Hill, stands the Cathedral, whose Structure has this Defect, that it is built of a soft mouldering Stone. Between both these is a spacious Place, called the Green. On one side whereof is the Hall where the Assizes are kept, with a handsome public Library erected and founded by Dr. Cousins, the late Bishop of Durham; and on the other side, a Row of Almshouses, the standing Fruits of his Charity. At Nevil's Cross, near Durham, a bloody Battle was fought the 20th of Oct. 1346, between the English and the Scots; where David Bruce, King of Scots, was taken Prisoner by one Copland, a Man of a mean degree, but Knighted for this Action. Then was Queen Philip, Wife to King Edward III, in person in the Field; the Battle being managed by the Lords Mowbray, Percy, and Nevil. The Market-Towns, besides Durham itself, are Darlington, Mund. Bernard-Castle, Wedn. Bishop Aukland, Thu. Sunderland, Frid. and Stainthorp Darlington, is a good large Town, seated upon two Rivers, the Skerne, and a Rivulet that runs there into it. Over the first, which falls within 2 miles into the Tees, it has a fair Stone-Bridge. Not far from hence, at Oxenhall, are 3 Pits called Hell-Kettles, of a wonderful depth, supposed to come of an Earthquake that happened in the Year 1179. 'Tis said of Bishop Tunstall of this Diocese, that he took a Goose which he marked, and put into one of the Pits; and the same Goose was found afterwards in the River Tees. Bernard Castle is seated in a Bottom, on the River Tees, and adjoining to Marwood Park. 'Tis but an indifferent Town, and of chief note for Stockings here made. Bishop Aukland is pleasantly seated on the side of a Hill, between the Ware (over which it has a Bridge) and a Rivulet that runs into it. This is a neat Town, and noted for its good Air. But that which adds much to its Reputation is its stately Castle, the Bishops Summer Palace, beautifully repaired by Dr. Cousins the late Bishop of Durham; and a fine Chapel, raised by the same Bishop from its Ruins. Sunderland is a Sea-Town, on the Mouth of the River Ware. Called Sunderland, because by the Working of the Sea it is in a manner pulled from the rest of the Land, it being at high Water environed on all sides with the Sea. This is a noted Place for its Sea-Coal Trade; but chief for giving the Title of Earl, first to Emanuel Lord Scrope of Bolton, and Lord Precedent of the North, created Earl of Sunderland by King Charles I. Anno 1627. Upon whose Death, without lawful Issue, the Title was bestowed by the same King upon Henry Lord Spencer of Wormleighton, in the Year 1643. Who, being slain the same Year at the first Newberry Fight, the Title fell to Robert, his Son and Heir, the present Earl of Sunderland. Stainthorp, or Staindrop, ly's but 5 mile's East-North-East from Bernard Castle, among Parks, and on a Rivulet that runs from thence into the Tees. And not far from it is another Castle, called Raby-Castle, which King Canute gave to the Church of Durham, with the Lands about it. But, besides the said Market-Towns, here is in the Southeast Parts Stockton and Billingham, noted for their strong Ale; And further Northward Hartlepool, that stands upon a Neck of Land shooting forth into the Sea, which surrounds it on all sides, except Westward. On the Mouth of the River Tine you will find Sheals, where the Newcastle Coal-Fleet takes its Cargo. A little higher stands Jarrow, noted for being the Birth place of the Venerable Beda. And, over against Newcastle, Gateshead or Gateside, the Receptacle of those numerous Men that work in the Coal-pits. Men that rake their mean Subsistence from the very Bowels of the Earth. This County was formerly called St. Cuthberts' Patrimony, from S. Cuthbert, the Raiser of Durham; whose Episcopal See was removed hither from Lindisfarn, or Holy Island, on the Coast of Northumberland. A Saint for whom several of the Saxon Kings, and after them Canute the Dane, had so great a Veneration, that upon him, and his Successors in that See, was all the Country between Tees and Tine conferred by Alfred King of England. Which his Donation was confirmed, and in part increased, by his Successors Edward, Athelstan, and Canute the Dane. So fortified it was with Privileges and Royal Grants, that, at the coming in of the Norman Conqueror, the Bishop was reputed for a Count Palatine, and did engrave upon his Seal an armed Knight, holding a naked Sword in one hand, and in the other the Bishops Arms. Nay, it was once adjudged in Law, that the Bishop was to have all Forfeitures and Escheats within the Liberties, as the King had without. In short, the Bishops hereof had the Royalty of Princes, having their own Courts of Judicature both for Civil and Criminal Causes, and couning their own Coin. But these exorbitant Privileges and Immunities were in part impaired by a Statute under Henry VIII, and altogether with the Lands and whole Rights thereof conferred upon the Crown by Act of Parliament in the last Year of the Reign of Edward VI. To conclude, when England was divided into seven Kingdoms, this County was Part of that of Northumberland. And the Inhabitants of it, as well as those of most part of the North besides, were called brigants by the ancient ●omans. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but two Members to serve in Parliament, for which Durham has the Right of Election. Essex ESSEX, another Maritime County, has for its Bounds Eastward, the Germane Ocean; Westward, Hartfordshire and Middlesex; Northward, the County of Suffolk; and Southward, the County of Kent. This is a pretty large County, being in Length about 45 miles; in Breadth, 36. The Whole divided into 20 Hundreds, wherein 45 Parishes, and 21 Market-Towns. The same is abundantly irrigated, both with great and small Rivers. For, besides the Thames which severs it from Kent, the Stower from Suffolk, and the Lea from Middlesex, here is the Coln, the Chelmer, the Crouch, and the Roding, with several others; in all which are great plenty of Fish. Here the Air is very Temperate; but down in the Hundreds towards the Seaside it is very Aguish. The Soil for the most part is good, and in some Parts so fruitful, that (according to the Author of England's Remarqnes) after 3 Years Glebe of Saffron, the Land for 18 years more will yield plenty of Barley, without any Manuring with Dung or the like, and then bear Saffron again. One Acre of this Ground (which is most in the North Part of the County) will yield 80 or 100 weight of moist Saffron in a Year, which being dried is valued 2. pound sterling. It's chief Commodities, besides Saffron as aforesaid, are clothes, Stuffs, Hops, and the best of Oysters. Colchester, the chief Place of it, bears from London North-East, and is distant from it, 43 miles, by common Computation. Viz. 10 from London to Rumford, 5 more to Burntwood, 10 from thence to Chelmsford, and to Colchester 18 more. A Town of great Antiquity, and built (as some Authors writ) by Coilus, the British Prince, 124 years after Christ's Birth. But yet more Remarkable, for giving birth to ●ucius, Helena, and Constantine, the first Christian King, Empress, and Emperor in the World. Seated it is upon the Rise of a Hill, stretching itself from East to West; and watered by the River Coln, from whence probably it came to be called Colchester. And, as it is but 6 miles distant from the Sea, so its Situation must needs be upon all accounts both pleasant and commodious. 'Tis a fair and well-built Town, fortified with an old Roman Wall, and having six Gates of entrance, besides 3 Posterns. Towards the East stands an old Castle, within the Ruins of a Trench containing about two Acres. In short, there were in it 14 Parish Churches, several of which are now reduced to ruin. But it is still a Place of good Trade for the Stuffs here made, and of some note for its excellent Oysters. In short, 'tis the richest, fairest, and best traded Town in the whole County, from whence the Earl Rivers takes his Title of Viscount. Yet, in regard it stands in the extremity of all the County, the Sessions and Assizes are held most commonly at Chelmsford, which is almost in the middle of it. It's Market is kept on Saturdays, and is well served with Provisions. The other Market-Towns are, Maldon, Sat. Harwich, Tue. Cogshall, Sat. Manytre, Tue. Walden, Sat. Billerakey, Tue. Dunmore, Sat. Waltham Abbey, Tue. Hatfield, Sat. Braintre, Wedn. Raleigh, Sat. Rumford, Wedn. Hornden, Sat. Buntwood, Thu. Barkin, Sat. Epping, Thu. and Frid. Cheping-Onger Sat. H●ulsteed, Frid. Cheping-Onger Sat. Chelmsford, Frid. Cheping-Onger Sat. Thanted, Frid. Among which Maldon and Harwich are two noted Harbours. The first, by the Romans called Camelodunum, a Town of great antiquity, and the Seat of Cunobelin King of the Trinobantes, about the Time of Christ's Birth. 'Tis seated on the River Chelmer, about 7 miles from the Sea, between which and the Sea lie two small Isles, called Northey and Osey. It has one Street about a mile in length, and is well inhabited. In short, 'tis one of the chief Places in the whole County; particularly noted for giving the Title of Viscount to the Earl of Essex. In the Parts adjoining to this Town are excellent Pastures, which feed store of Sheep, (amongst other cattle) of whose milk they make Cheese. And on the utmost Promontory stood an ancient City of the Romans, called Ithancester, where the Fortenses with their Captain kept their Station or Guard, in the Dedination of the Roman Empire, for the Security of these Parts against the Saxon Rovers. Nothing of which is now remaining, but the Ruins of a thick Wall, where many Roman Coins have been found. And out of the Ruins of this City was built S. Peter's upon the Wall. Harwich lies the furthest East of any, by the Seaside, and at the mouth of the River Stower. So that 3 Parts of it are surrounded with Water. The Town is not large, but well inhabited and frequented; not only for the commodiousness and safety of its Harbour, but because it is the readiest Passage for Holland, and the Station for the Packet-Boats employed for that purpose. But there is a great Inconveniency to the Inhabitants, the Brackishness of its Waters. Which puts the Inhabitants upon the necessity of being supplied with sweet Water from other Places. The Towns of chief note besides are Chelmsford, where the Assizes for the County are usually held; Burntwood, or Brentwood, a Place of good Antiquity; Rumford, a great Thoroughfare; and Walden, or Saffron-Walden, seated on an Ascent, among pleasant Fields of Saffron, from which the Owners reap good Profit. Not far from Walden is one of the Royal Houses, called Audley-end, a very stately Building, built by the Right Honourable Thomas Howard Earl of Suffolk, than Treasurer of England. And upon the Thames, over against Gravesend in Kent, stands Tilbury Fort, which commands that Passage. This County (which formerly was part of the Kingdom of the East-Saxons, from whence it came to be called Essex; and its Inhabitants, together with those of Middlesex, known among the ancient Romans by the Name of Trinobantes) is now in the Diocese of London. Famous, among other things, for giving the Title of Earl to several Families, as the Mandeviles, the Bohuns, the Bourchiers, Thomas Lord Cromwell, William Lord Parr and three D'Evreux, before it came to the present Family of the Capulets. And the first Earl of this Name was Arthur Capel, the late Earl of Essex, advanced to this Title by King Charles II. Anno 1661., afterwards made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and some years after his Return sent to the Tower, in order to make him a Sacrifice, with the Lord Russel and others, to the Popish Faction. But his Title is revived in the person of his Son and Heir, the Right Honourable Algernon Capel, the present Earl of Essex. Lastly, out of this County are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, six Members of Parliament, Viz. two from Colchester, two from Harwich, and two more from Maldon. CHAP. IX. Of Glocestershire, Hampshire, and Hartfordshire. Glocestershire. GLOCESTERSHIRE, a large Inland County, is bounded on the East by Warwickshire and Oxfordshire; on the West, by Monmouthshire and part of Herefordshire, Northward by Worcestershire; Southward, by Wiltshire and Somersetshire. It contains in Length, from North to South, 50 miles; and in Breadth, from East to West, about 25. The Whole divided into 30 Hundreds; wherein 280 Parishes, and 26 Market Towns. This is in general a most pleasant and fruitful Country, blessed with a full Course of the River Severn. That Part thereof which is beyond the River is overspread with Woods; all which, included in one Name, made the Forest of Dean. That part which butts upon Oxfordshire is swelled up with Hills, called the Corswold Hills; but these are in a manner covered with Sheep, which yields a Wool of a notable fineness. Whereof great Quantities of Cloth are here made, that find vent throughout all England, and divers foreign Countries. Between these two, I mean the Forest and the Hills, is seated a most fruitful Vale, yielding most sorts of Grain to admiration, and formerly stocked with Vines and Vineyards. The want of which is now supplied with Cider, which they make here in great abundance. Next to the Severn, which crosses the Country from North to South, here's the Avon which parts it from Somersetshire, the Wye which severs it in part from Monmouthshire, besides the Stroud and the Isis. All which afford great plenty of Fish, and the Severn particularly abundance of Salmon. The Forest of Dean, which ly's in the Westside of the County between the Severn and the Wye, is reckoned to be 20 miles long, and 10 broad. A Place formerly much more woody than it is at present, the Iron Mines that are here having consumed a good part of the Wood Gloucester, the County Town, is 81 miles distant West and by North from London. Viz. from London to Colebrook, 15; to Maidenhead, 7 more; and 11 from thence to Nettlebed; from Nettebed to Abington, 12; to Faringdon, 10 more; to Perrors Bridge, 14 more; and 12 from thence to Gloucester. A City of good Antiquity, and first built by the Romans, to whom it was known by the Name of Glevum. It ly's stretched out in length on the Severn, over which it has a fine Bridge, and on the Banks thereof a large Key or Wharf, very commodious for the Merchandise and Trade of the Place. The Streets are generally fair, and the Town well built upon an easy Ascent, the Streets descending every way from the Cross. It has been formerly walled about with a strong Wall, except on the River's side; and some Remains of its Walls are still in many places to be seen, which show what strength they were of. The City is not very large, but very well inhabited and frequented, and enjoying a good Trade. It has two Markets a Week, viz. Wednesdays and Saturdays, which are very great for Corn and Cattle, and well served with all Provisions. And, for Divine Worship, here are twelve Parish-Churches; besides the Cathedral, a fine piece of Architecture, noted amongst other things for its Whispering Place, which is in an Arch of the Choir? but chief for being the Buryingplace of Lucius, the first Christian King; and of the unfortunate King Edward II. who at Barkley-Castle was barbarously murdered by the Cruelty of Isabel his Wife. Lastly, this City is both a Bishops See, and a County of itself, being made a County by King Richard III, once Duke of Gloucester. And, as it has the advantage of denominating so rich a Country as this, so it has been often dignified with the Title of a Dukedom, sometimes that of an Earldom, in those eminent Persons who in their several Times and Ages have been either Dukes or Earls of Gloucester. The Number of 'em is too great for me to produce 'em all here. Therefore I shall only say, that the last Duke of Gloucester was Henry, the third Son of King Charles I, declared by his Royal Father Duke of Gloucester, and Earl of Cambridge, and so Entitled Anno 1641, but not so created till the Year 1659. He lived to see the Restauration of the Royal Family, and died the same Year it happened, viz. Sept. 13. 1660. With him the Title has lain dormant, till it was lately revived in the person of the young Prince William, the Son of the Illustrious Prince George of Denmark. Nigh to this City is Alney-Isle, so made by the Severn. In which Edmund Ironside King of the English Saxons, and Canute the Dane, after many Conflicts and bloody Battles, fought a single Combat hand to hand, for the Crown of England. The Issue of which was, that they agreed to part the Kingdom; which they jointly governed, till Treason took away the Life of King Edmund, and left Canute sole Monarch of England. At Lassington, a mile from Gloucester, is found a sort of Stone, called the Star-Stone, being about the breadth of a Silver Peny, and the thickness of a Half-crown. These Stones are flat, and (like a Star) five-pointed; of a grayish colour, and on the flat sides naturally engraven in fine Works, as one Mullet within another. The other Market-Towns, besides Gloucester itself, are Bristol, Sat. and Wedn. Tewksbury, Sat. Winchcomb, Sat. leonard's Stanley, Sat. Thornbury, Sat. Wickware, Mun. Dean Magna, Mun. Cirencester, Mun. & Frid. Panswick, Tue. Horton, Tue. Minching-hampton Tue. Marshfield, Tue. Letchlade, Tue. Campden, Wedn. Blackley, Wedn. Tedbury, Wedn. Stow on the Wold. Thu. Cheltenham, Thu. Dursbey, Thu. Chipping Sudbury, Thu. Fairford, Thu. Stroud, Frid. Wotton, Frid. Newent, Frid. Newham, Frid. Amongst which Bristol, being not only the greatest Place of Trade in England next to London, but also a Bishops See, and a County of itself, deserves a particular Description. It is both pleasantly and commodiously seated at the fall of the from into the Avon, which five Miles from thence empties itself into the Severn. By this River the City is divided into two Parts, the chief Part in Glocestershire, and the other in Somersetshire, but with the conveniency of Communication by means of a fair Stone Bridge. Which (like London Bridge) is so covered with Houses, that it looks more like a Street than a Bridge. Its Streets are neatly ordered, and set out with many fine Edifices. Among which may be reckoned the Cathedral, and most of the Parish Churches, which are 18 in Number. The City is begirt with a Wall, besides other Fortifications. At the East end of it stood a Castle, wherein King Stephen was kept a Prisoner by Maud the Empress. But it was demolished by Oliver Cromwell, and is now built into Streets, called Castle-street and Castle-Green. But that which has chief made Bristol so considerable is the goodness of its Port. The principal Key whereof stands on the from, which at Spring-Tides does flow about 40 Foot, and so brings Ships in of a great Burden. Thus Bristol, by its Commodiousness for Shipping, is become a Place of great Resort both for Merchants and Tradesmen; those driving a great Trade to most Parts of the Known World, these a Home-Trade, especially to Wales, to Shropshire, and other Counties. About Bristol is great store of Coals; also, a sort of Precious Stone, called from thence Bristol-Stones, taken out of S. Vincents Rock. At the bottom whereof is a hot Well, of a Medicinal nature. Lastly, though Bristol stands partly (as I said before) in this County, and partly in Somersetshire; yet, as it is a County of itself, it yields Obedience to neither. And considering its Beauty, Trade, Riches, Extent, and Populousness, it may be counted the chief Place in England, next to London. 'Tis but about 150 Years since this Town came to he a Bishops See, this being one of the six new Sees erected by Henry VIII. by virtue of an Act of Parliament made in order to it. But it is less since it became a Title of Nobility, which was not till King James I. conferred the Honour of Earl of Bristol upon John Lord Digby of Sherburn, Anno 1622. From him devolved by his Death to his Son George, in the Year 1650, and from him to the Right Hononrable John Digby, the present Earl of Bristol. Cirencester, commonly pronounced Circester, is seated on the River Churn, over which it has a Bridge. It has been a Place of great account in the time of the Romans; and, without insisting upon the Roman Coins, Checker-work Pavements, and engraven Marble Stones, that have oft been digged up here, it's very ruinous Walls, still to be seen, and about 2 Miles in Circuit, are a sufficient proof of its former Greatness. This City was taken from the Britain's by the Westsaxons, and afterwards possessed by the Mercians, till laid in Ashes by a Stratagem of the merciless Danes, in tying fire to the Wings of Sparrows, from whence it came to be called the Sparrows City. Since which Desolation, it could never recover itself to any thing beyond the Name of a good Borough Town. Tewksbury is a goodly Town, situate at the fall of the North-Avon into the Severn, and watered besides with two Rivulets. A Town of good account for making of Woollen Cloth, and for the best Mustard in the Kingdom, as Dijon is in France. But most of all memorable for the Battle fought here Anno 1471. between King Henry VI and his immediate Successor Edward IV, that is, between the House of Lancaster and York, where the Lancastrians were entirely defeated, and the young Prince Edward (the only Son of King Henry) slain. Stroud, situate on the River so called, is a well-built Town, whose Houses for the most part are of Stone. It has a Bridge over the River, on the Banks of which are placed abundance of fulling Mills. Here they die Scarlet, the Stroud Water having a peculiar quality to give the right Tincture. Near the Severn Banks stands Berkley Castle, which gives Name to a noble and ancient Family dispersed in many Places of this Kingdom, and whereof they were made Barons by King Henry the II. Whereas before that time they were called Fitz-Harding, as being descended from one Robert Fitz-Harding, of the Blood-Royal of the Danes. William Lord Berkley of this House descended from the Mowbraies (who, amongst other Titles, were Earls of Nottingham) was in the Year 1432 created Viscount Berkley by King Richard III; afterwards Earl of Nottingham, and Earl Marshal, by King Henry VIII; and finally Marquis Berkley, by the same King Anno 1509. But dying without Issue, all those Titles ended with him. Only the Title of Lord Berkley continued in the Collateral Line, till advanced to the Title of Earl by King Charles II. Anno 1679. in the person of the Right Honourable George, Earl of Berkley, Viscount Dursley, etc. To conclude, this County (which formerly was Part of the Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants, with those of Oxfordshire, known among the ancient Romans by the Name of Dobuni) is now partly in the Diocese of Gloucester, and partly in that of Bristol. On't of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, six Members of Parliament; Viz. 2 out of Gloucester, 2 out of Tewksbury, and 2 more out of Cirencester. In this Case Bristol is counted in Somersetshire. Hampshire. HAMPSHIRE, or HANTSHIRE, otherwise called the County of Southampton, from Southampton the Shire-Town, is a Maritime County. Bounded on the East by Surrey and Sussex; on the West, by Wiltshire and Dorsetshire; on the North, by Berkshire; and on the South, by the Channel, or British Sea. It's Length, from North to South, is about 46 miles; its Breadth, from East to West, 30. The Whole divided into 39 Hundreds, wherein 253 Parishes, and 16 Market-Towns. This County is rich in all Commodities, both of Sea and Land; and those Parts of it which ●y furthest from the Sea, of a pure and excellent Air. In particular, the Country is well clothed with Wood, affords plenty of Iron, which is here wrought from the Mines, with abundance of Wool, which the Inhabitants make clothes and Kerseys of, and the best sort of honey. As for Rivers, here is in the West Parts of the County, the Avon, and the Stower a Dorsetshire River, which meet together at their fall into the Sea. More Eastward you will find the Test, and the Itching, which also meet at their fall into the Sea, and that near Southampton. In this County is the New Forest, about 30 miles in compass. A Forest which William the Conqueror so delighted to hunt in, that (to make it complete and entire) he caused many Towns and Villages, with no less than 36 Parish-Churches, to be pulled down and leveled with the ground. But this Exorbitance of his did not escape unpunished. For in this very Forest Richard, his second Son, was gored by a Deer, and died; William, his third Son, was accidentally slain by Sir Walter Tyrrel; and his Grandchild, Robert Curtoyse, being in pursuit of the Game, was struck by a Bough into the Jaws, and died. Southampton, the Shire-Town, bears from London South-West by West, and is distant therefrom 60 miles, thus. From London to Stanes, 15; to Bagshot, 10 more; thence to Alton, 14; to Alesford, 8 more; from Alesford to Twiford, 7; and to Southampton, 6 more. This Town is commodiously seated at the very Mouth of the River's Test and Itching both which Streams being here united together into one go under the Name of Hampton, which is more like an Arm of the Sea than a River. And 'tis capable of Ships of good Burden to the very Key, which is very commodious for lading and unlading of Ships. Accordingly this Town has flourished for some time, and enjoyed a great Trade with France especially; being conveniently seated, opposite to Normandy, and its adjacent Isles, Jersey and Garnsey. It has been likewise a Place of good Defence, surrounded with a double Ditch, and strong Walls, with several good Towers, and fortified besides with a Castle. At present both its Trade and Strength are very much decayed and diminished. However it is still of that extent as to contain five Parish Churches. And, though it be within the County, yet it is (as some other Towns) a County of itself, for which it stands beholding to King Henry VI. The Bishops of Winchester were anciently reputed to be Earls of Southampton, and are so styled in the new Statutes of the Garter made by Henry VIII. But that Title has been since otherwise disposed of; Thomas Wriothesley, Lord Chancellor, being created Earl of Southampton by King Edward VI. Anno 1547. In whose Line it has continued, till it died with Thomas Wriothesley, Lord Treasurer, Anno 1667. In the Reign of Charles II. After whom Charles Fitz-Roy, Lord Limrick, eldest Son to the Duchess of Cleveland, was created Baron of Newberry, Earl of Chichester, and Duke of Southampton, Anno 1675. For Provisions, and other Commodities, this Town has two Markets a Week, viz. Tuesdays ●nd Fridays. But, though Southampton be properly the Shire Town, yet the City of Winchester outloes it upon several accounts, and theresore deserves a particular Description by itself. Winchester, the Venta Belgarum of the ancient Romans, is pleasantly seated in a Valley betwixt Hills, and on the Banks of the River Itching. A City of great Antiquity, and noted among the Romans for being the Place where the rich Embroideries were made for their Emperors. In the time of the Saxons it was twice consumed by fire, and by them rebuilt; being made the Royal Seat of the West-Saxon Kings, and the chief Episcopal See. Afterwards it felt, with many other Places, the fury of the Danes. In the time of the Normans it was repaired, and honoured with the keeping of the public Records of the Kingdom. But soon after it had a Relapse, being sore oppressed during the Civil Wars of Maud the Empress and King Stephen. At last it began in the Reign of Edward III. to recover itself, having made it the Mart for Wool and Cloth. At present this City contains, within its Walls, about a mile and a half in Circuit, but not without some waste. Here is a fine Hall, where the Assizes and Sessions are kept for the County; and in this Hall hangs up King Arthur's Round Table, which is kept as a Monument. For Divine Worship, here are five Parish Churches. Besides the Cathedral, a large and beautiful Structure, dedicated to the Holy Trinity; and of special note, for being the Sepulchre of many Saxon Kings and Queens, besides two Kings of the Danish, and two of the Norman Race. For the Education of Youth, here is in the Suburbs a fair College, liberally endowed, and a place of good Literature; built and endowed by William of Wickham for a Seminary to his other College in Oxford. And for the Relief of the Poor, a very fair Hospital, called S. Crosles, not far off from the College. Here is also a goodly and capacious Palace for the Bishop's Dwelling, called Wolvesey-House; and, upon a Hill, a strong Castle, which overlooks the Country. In short, the City of Winchester is indifferently well peopled, and frequented. And its reekly Markets, kept on Wednesdays and Saturdays, are well served with all sorts of Provisions, especially that on Saturdays. Noted besides, for giving the Title of Marquis to his Grace Charles Paulet, lately made Duke of Bolton by our present King. The other Market-Towns are Kingsclere, Tue. ●asing-stoke, Wedn. Kingwood, Wedn. ●lisford, Thu. Portsmouth, Thu. & Sat. Andover, Sat. Ramsey, Sat. Petersfield, Sat. Lemington, Sat. Odiam, Sat. Besides Christchurch, and Whitechurch, whose Market-Days I am ignorant of; and Newport, ●in the Isle of Wight, of which more anon. Amongst which Portsmouth, the strongest Place in this Kingdom, is seated in the Isle of Porsey, Southeast from Southampton; Which Isle has Communication on the North with the main Land, by a Bridge. This Place is both a good Harbour for Ships, and by its strong Fortifications a Shelter to this Country. Here are Docks and Storehouses for the King to build and equip Men of War; and for its Defence, two Castles, one in the North, and another in the South, besides other Fortifications, and a good Garrison withal. But it is counted an unhealthy Place. However, it gives the Title of Duchess to a famous French Lady, Lovisa de Querovaille, created Baroness of Petersfield, Countess of Faruham, and Duchess of Portsmouth, by King Charles II. Anno 1673. A Town noted besides for a Race of small Dogs like Beagles, bred about it; which hunt Moles, as their natural Game. Odiam, seated on the Road, did formerly belong to the Bishops of Winchester. Near unto it stand the Ruins of an old Castle, once so strong, that in the Reign of King John, 13 Englishmen kept out the Dauphin of France and his Army for the space of 15 days. As for Whitechurch, Stocksbridge, and Rumsey, they are all three seated upon the Test; Ringwood, upon the Avon; Christ-Church, betwixt the Avon and the Stower, at their fall into the Sea; and Lemington, East from it, by the Seaside. Stockbridge, Basingstoke, Petersfield, and Andover, are great Thoroughfare Towns. Spithead, a noted Place for being a frequent Rendezvous to the Royal Navy, lies between Portfmouth and the Isle of Wight. Of the Isle of Wight. The Isle of Wight falls next under our Consideration. And as Nature has parted it from the rest, so in her Imitation, I give you here a separate Account of it. This Island, being scarce 3 miles from Hurst-Castle, is generally supposed to have been dismembered from Hampshire by the Sea. 'Tis about 20 miles in length, and 12 broad where broadest; of an oval Form, ending with two Peninsules, one East, and the other West. Naturally fenced about with steep and craggy Rocks, amongst which the Shingles and the Needles Northwestward are of chief note amongst Seamen. Southward, where it looks towards France, it is inaccessible; but, towards the North-East, something flat and level. The Soil hereof abundantly answers the Pains of the Husband man. So plentiful it is of Corn and Pasturage, that the Inhabitants have not only sufficient for themselves, but furnish also the Markets of Portsmouth and Southampton, (but the first especially,) with the greatest part of the Wheat, Flesh, Cheese, and Butter, which is spent amongst them. Insomuch that the Soldiers of Portsmouth, presuming on the strength of that Town, use to say, That as long as they have the Isle of Wight to their Friend, and the Seas open, they need not care for all the World besides. And, as the Sea about this Island is exceeding full of Fish, so is the Land stored almost in all Places with Coneys, Hares, Partridges, and Pheasants. And the Sheep here yield so fine a Fleece, that the Wool hereof has the precedenty of that of Coteswold in Glocestershire, and is next in esteem to that of Lemster in Herefordshire. This Island is divided into two principal Parts, viz. East, and West-Meden; containing 36 Parishes, and in them 3 Market-Towns. Newport, the chief of all the Isle, stands on the North-East Coast, with a little Creek before it, where small Vessels come to the very Key, which does very much facilitate its Trade. 'Tis a large and populous Town, having two Markets a Week, viz. Wednesdays and Saturdays. At the entrance of the aforesaid Creek is Cowes, often mentioned in our Gazettes, a noted place for harbouring of Ships, therefore fortified with a Castle. And a little way West from Newport, stands another, called Caresbrook Castle. Yarmouth, the best Town in this Island, next to Newport, is situate on the North-West Coast. This Town is strengthened with a Castle, and other pieces of Fortification; most of its Houses built of Free Stone, and covered with Slate. In the South-East-Parts is Sandham, on a Bay so called, also fortified with a Castle. So that here are more Castles in this Spot of Ground, than there is in any the like Spot in England. Lastly, this Island, as well as the Isle of Man, has had the honour of being advanced to the Title of a Kingdom; but either of 'em much more deservedly than the Lordship of Ivitot in France. 'Twas in the Year 1445, when King Henry VI, out of his particular affection to Henry Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, crowned him King of Wight. Which Title ended with his Life about two years after. Besides this Island, there are to the Eastward of Portsmouth, two lesser Isles, called Haling and Thorney; and having two Towns of their Name. This County, whereof the Isle of Wight makes a Part, is in the Diocese of Winchester, and was formerly part of the Kingdom of the West Saxons. The Inhabitants whereof, together with those of Wiltshire and Somersetshire, were known by the Name of Belgae among the ancient Romans. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, no less than 24 Members to serve in Parliament, viz. two out of each of these Towns, Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, Petersfield, Stockbridge, Lemington, Andover, Christ-church, White-Church; besides these three in the Isle of Wight, Newport, Yarmouth, and Newton. Hartfordshire. HARTFORDSHIRE, an Inland County, is bounded on the East by Essex; on the West, by Buckingham and Bedfordshire; on the North, by Cambridge-shire; and on the South, by Middlesex. It contains in Length, from North to South, 30 miles; and in Breadth, from East to West, 27. The whole divided into eight Hundreds, wherein 120 Parishes, and 18 Market Towns. A Country not only blest with a sweet and wholesome Air, but also with a fruitful Soil; well watered with fresh and delightful Streams, the principal whereof are the Lea and the Coln. Hartford, the Shire-Town, from whence the County took its Name, stands North by West 20 miles from London, Viz. 10 from London to Barnet, and 10 more to Hartford. A Town of great note, in the time of Beda, (by whom named Herudford,) for a Synod there held in the dawning of the day of Christianity, amongst the Saxons; in which S. Augustine the Monk, the first Apostle of that People, had a Conference (or Consultation) with the British Bishops. More memorable, in the following Times, for giving the Title of an Earl to the Illustrious Family, surnamed De Clare; the addition of an Honour, and a goodly Patrimony to John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster; and at this time the Title of Marquis to the Duke of Somerset. This Town is seated on the Lea, much decayed by the turning the Highway through Ware, and having now but 3 Parish Churches. Here however, is kept the County Goal, and 'tis a well frequented Market on Saturdays. The other Market-Towns are S. Alban, Sat. Rickmansworth, Sat. Barnet, Mund. Berkhamsted, Mund. Buntingford, Mund. Watford, Tue. Ware, Tue. Hitching, Tue. Hempsted, Thu. Hatfield, Thu. Hodsdon, Thu. Baldock, Thu. Bp. Stretford, Thu. Stevenedge, Frid. Tringe, Frid. ●toudon, Frid. Amongst which S. Alhans, seated on the River Coln, was so called from a famous Monastery here, founded by Offa, the great King of the Mercians, in honour of St. Alban the Protomartyr of Britain, a Citizen of Verulamium near adjoining to it. Out of the Ruins whereof (decayed by Age, and destroyed by War) arose the present S. Alban, the fairest and best traded Town in this County. A Town which formerly enjoyed great Privileges. For Divine Worship it has now 3 Parish Churches; and in one of 'em lie interred the Bodies of many Nobles, slain in two Battles fought here between the Houses of York and Lancaster. This Town has been dignifyed with the several Titles of Viscount, Earl, and Duke. With the first, Anno 1620, in the Person of Francis Bacon, Viscount S. Alban, Lord Verulam, and Lord High Chancellor of England. With the Title of Earl, Anno 1628. in the person of Richard de Burgh, and continued in his Son Ulick, with whom it died; till revived again, Anno 1660. by King Charles II. in the person of Henry Jermin, the last Earl of St. Alban. Who dying without Issue, King Charles advanced his Grace Charles Beauclare, Earl of Burford, to the Title of Duke, by making him Duke of S. Alban. Ware, Hatfield, and Hodsdon, are all three seated on the Lea. The first a good Thoroughfare Town, much improved since the Highway was turned from Hartford hither. Noted besides for the Channel cut from thence to London where it serves so many hundred Families with the Conveniency of that excellent Water, called New River Water. To which may be added another Observation, the pleasantness and easiness of the Road from Ware up to London; which being of a Sandy Soil, proves seldom dirty but within a mile of London, and is so filled with Towns and gentlemen's Houses from mile to mile, that one would think the Suburbs of London on the North side fetch their beginning at Ware. So strange is the Influence of this rich and populous City. Hatfield is a Place of great Delight and Recreation; but of chief note for that stately House called Hatfield House, formerly one of the Kings of England's Palaces, till it came in the possession of the Earls of Salisbury. A House which for Situation, Prospect, Contrivance, and Building, for Air, water, and all other Accommodations, is inferior to none in England. Not far from Hodsdon, but nearer to Waltham Abbey in Essex, is theobald's, one of the King's Royal Seats, pleasantly situate among delightful Walks, Gardens, Groves, and Springs. First built by Sir William Cecil, and afterwards beautified by his Son Robert, both Lord Treasurers of England. Barnet, or high Barnet, is pleasantly seated on a Hill, and in the Road within ten miles of London. Of some account for its Medicinal Waters; but much more memorable for a bloody Battle fought here between the two Houses of York and Lancaster, wherein the former prevailed. Warford and Rickmansworth are both seated near the Coln. And, not far from the first, Langley Abbey, the Birth-place of that proud and high-spirited Pope Adrian IV. first known by Nicholas, and surnamed Breakspear. Bishops-Stratford is a great Market Town, seated near the River Stowr, on the side of a Hill, and much resorted unto. On the East-side whereof are to be seen the Ruins of a Castle, called the Castle of Waymour, standing very steep in an Isle upon an artificial Mount, with a dark and deep Dungeon in it, which denotes some great Privileges to have belonged unto it in former Times. It was ruinated by King John. Among the Market-Towns here, I might have put in Royston, part of which stands in this County; but I refer you for it to Cambridgeshire. In short, this County (which formerly was divided betwixt the Kings of Mercia and the East-Saxons, and whose Inhabitants were part of the Catieuchlani, as the Romans called them,) stands now divided betwixt the Dioceses of London and Lincoln. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but four Members to serve in Parliament; 2 by Hartford, and 2 by St. Alban. CHAP. X. Of Herefordshire, Huntingtonshire, and Kent. Herefordshire. HEREFORDSHIRE, or the County of Hereford, is an Inland County. Which has for its Eounds Eastward, Glocestershire and Worcestershire; Westward, Radnockshire and Brecknockshire in Wales; Northward, Shropshire; and Southward, Monmouthshire. It's Length, from North to South, is about 35 miles; its Breadth, from East to West 30. The Whole divided into 11 Hundreds, wherein 176 Parishes, and but 8 Market-Towns. This County was formerly part of Wales, before it was by Conquest annexed to this Crown. And then it was strengthened with no less than 28 Castles, whereof there's scarce any thing now remaining but their Ruins. Here the Air is temperate and healthful; and the Soil exceeding rich. 'tis well clothed with Wood, and refreshed with Rivers; the principal of which are the Wye, Lugier, Arrow, and from. Two Things this County excels in, its plenty of Fruit, and the finest Wool in any part of England. And, amongst all sorts of Fruits, the Red-streak Apple (which makes the best sort of Cider) is that which thrives here to admiration. Hereford, the chief Place hereof, bears West-North-West from London, and is distant from it 101 miles, thus. From London to Gloucester, 81 miles, as you may see in Glocestershire; then from Gloucester to Ross, 10 miles; and to Hereford 10 more. 'Tis seated on the Banks of the River Wye, and another that, runs into it, amongst rich● Meadows and plentiful Cornfields. Raised out of the Ruins of Ariconium, a Place of good account in the time of the Romans. It had once a strong and stately Castle, built by the Normans, which Time has now ruinated. And now it is walled about, having six Gates for entrance, and 15 Watch-Towers for defence. 'Twas a Bishop's See in the time of the Britain's, and restored to that Dignity by the Saxons Anno 680. Noted besides, for giving first the Title of Earl, then that of Duke, and lastly that of Viscount, now in the Person of the Right Honourable Edward D'Evreux, Viscount Hereford, etc. Descended to him from his Ancestor Sir Walter D'Evreux; who, on the Death of Robert D'Evreux, Viscount Hereford, and Earl of Essex, succeeded in the Title of Viscount, Anno 1646. Here are three Markets a Week, viz. on Wednesdav, Friday, and Saturday. And, in point of Trade, this Place is particularly noted for the Gloves here made, and vended in great quantities in London and elsewhere. The other Market-Towns are Bramyeard, Mund. Pembridge, Tue. Lidbury, Tue. Kyneton, Wedn. Webley, Thu. Rosse, Thu. Lemster, Frid Among which Pembridge and Kyneton are seated on the River Arrow; Rosse, on the Wye; and Lemster, on the Lug. This last of chief note for the fine Wool which the Sheep in its Neighbourhood bear, and likewise for its fine Wheat and Flower; as Webley is for its good Ale. At Kyneton, a pretty large and well-built Town, they drive a good I rade for narrow clothes; and the Market is counted the best for Corn, Cattle, Provisions, and several other Commodities, especially the Wednesdays before Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide. Ledbury; seated near the Malvern Hills, in a rich Clay Ground, is a well built Town, and much inhabited by Clothiers, who drive a good Trade here. Among the Things remarkable in this County, here is first, by Snod-hill Castle, a Quarry of excellent Marble. And, by Richard's Castle, in the North Part of the County, a Well called Bone-Well, wherein are always found sinal Fishes Bones, but not a Fin to be seen. Which Well being wholly cleansed of them, yet will the like come again, and no Man knows whether they be produced naturally, or brought thither in Veins through the Earth. Neither can I omit to relate the Story of Marsley Hill, tho' I could scarce give credit to it, were it not related both by Cambden and Speed, two Authentic Authors. This Hill, in the Year 1571, removed itself with a roaring noise from the place where it stood, and for 3 days together traveled from its old Seat. It began this Motion on Saturday the 7th of February about 6 a Clock at Night, and by 7 a Clock the next Morning it had gone about 200 Foot; carrying with it Sheep in their Coats, Hedge-rows, and Trees, whereof some stood, and others were overthrown. Kinnaston Chappel fell down in this Remove, and two high Ways were turned about 300 Foot from their old Paths; the East-Parts turned to the West, & the West turned to the East, Pasturage being left in the place of Tillage, and Tillage on the other side overspreading the Pasturage. Thus about 26 Acres of Ground traveled 3 days together, till being raised to a Hill 12 fathoms high, there it rested. This County (which formerly was Part of the Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants known among the Romans by the Name of Silureses) is now in the Diocese of Hereford. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, six Members of Parliament, Viz. 2 out of Hereford, 2 out of Lemster, and 2 out of Webley. Huntingtonshire. HUNTINGTONSHIRE, another Inland County, but of a small extent, is bounded on the East by Cambridgeshire; on the North and West by Northamptonshire; and on the South, by Bedfordshire. It contains in Length about 22 Miles, and in Breadth 18. The Whole divided into four Hundreds, wherein 79 Parishes, and 6 Market Towns. In former time this County was very Woody, being counted a Forest, and such as afforded excellent Game for Hunting, from whence it took its Denomination. But in the beginning of the Reign of Henry II. it was disafforested, being at present a very open Country, and generally flat. Only in some Parts it rises into little Hills, best for the Plough; as the Valleys are for Pasture, which is counted as good here as any in England. The East Part of it towards Cambridgeshire, is something troubled with Fens, which makes the Air not so good here as in other Parts of England. Yet the Natives that dwell about them are healthful, and many of 'em long-lived; but it is not so with Strangers. In general this Country is very fertile, both for Corn and Pasturage; and is well watered with Rivers, the chief whereof is the Owse. One Thing it is peculiar in, which is its plenty of Willows; from whence it is nicknamed the Willow-shire. Huntingdon, the chief Place of it, bears from London North by West, and is distant from it 48 Miles, thus. From London to Edmonton 6; to Waltham-Cross 6 more; and 8 from thence to Ware; from Ware to Puckridge, 4; to Royston, 9 more; and thence to Huntingdon 15. The same is pleasantly seated on a soft Ascent, and on the North Banks of the River Owse, over which it has a fair Stone-bridge, which leads to Godmanchester. It is a Town of great Antiquity, and has formerly enjoyed great Privileges. Once so large and populous as to contain 15 Parish-Churches, now reduced to four. However it is still a Place of good Trade, well inhabited and frequented, being a Thoroughfare Town for Travellers to and from the North. Here is kept the County Goal, and the County Assizes. And its Market, which is on Saturdays, is well served with Provisions. Of some Note besides for an Abbey, founded here by Maud the Empress; and Eustace Loveloft; the Ruins of which, and of a far more ancient Castle built by King Edward the Elder, are yet to be seen. This Town became an Earldom presently upon the Norman Conquest, the Title of it enjoyed by several Families, before it came to George, Lord Hastings, created Earl of Huntingdon by King Henry VIII. Anno 1529. From whom is descended in a right Line the Right Honourable Theophilus Hastings, the present Earl of Huntingdon. The other Market-Towns are St. Ives, Mund. Yaxley, Tue. Ramsey, Wedn. St. Neots, Thu. and Kimbolton, Frid. Among which St. Ives and St. Neots, two large and well-built Towns, and of good Antiquity, are seated on the Ouse, each of them with a fair Stone-Bridge over it. St. Ives so called from one Ivo, a Persian Bishop, who about the Year 600. traveled (as 'tis said) through England, preaching the Gospel, and here ended his Days. Whose Body, in a short time after, was removed to Bamsey Abbey. This Town is much resorted to for Cattle by London Butchers. St. Neots, or St. Needs, from Neotus a Monk of Glastenbury. A Man no less holy than learned, whose Body was translated hither from Neotstoke in Cornwall, and in whose Honour Earl Elfrides' Palace was converted into a Monastery. This Town is beautified with a neat Church, and a fine Steeple to it. A little beneath it, at a Place called Aileweston, are two Springs, the one fresh, and the other brackish; the first good for dim Sights, the other for curing of Scabs and Leprosy. Kimbolton, a pretty fair Town, seated in the bottom near Bedfordshire, is of chief note for giving the Title of Baron to the Earl of Manch●ster; whose Mansion is called the Castle of Kimbolton. Ramsey is seated in the Fens among rich Grounds, towards Cambridgeshire, near the Meers of Ramsey and Whitlesey. Which, with the Rivers that plentifully water it, afford excellent Fish, and wild Fowl in great plenty. A noted Place in former time for its wonderful rich Abbey, which continued in its glory till its Dissolution by King Henry VIII. This County (which formerly was Part of the Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants Part of the Iceni, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocese of Lincoln. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but two Parliament Men, and these out of Huntingdon. Kent. KENT, in Latin Cantium, so called as being seated in a Canton or Corner of the Kingdom, is a large, rich, and pleasant Country ●●ying between the Thames and the Narrow Seas. So that it is environed on all sides with the Sea, except Westward, where it borders both upon Surrey and Sussex. It contains in Length, from East to West, 60 Miles; in Breadth, from North to South, 30. The Whole divided into five Laths (called Sutton, Aylesford, Scray, St. Augustine, and Shepway Laths,) and these into 67 Hundreds; wherein 408 Parishes, and 30 Market Towns. Which is an Argument of its Populousness. But the Air is neither so serene, nor so healthful here, as in other Counties, especially near the Sea and Marshes; which makes this Country so noted for its Kentish Agues. Now, that you may know in few words the Nature of this Country, both as to its Air and Soil, I shall bring in the Remark made upon it, which is, that there are 3 Ridges of Hills in Kent, one called Health without Wealth, the second Health and Wealth, and the third Wealth without Health. Others, as to the Soil, give this different Character of it. The Weald for Wood, East Kent for Corn, Rumney for Meadow, Tenham for an Orchard, Shepey and Reculver for Wheat, Thanet for Barley, and Hedcorn for Capons. In general this may be said of Kent, that it is a Country very good for Corn, and fit for Pasturage, according to the several Plots and Parts thereof; and wondrous full of fruitful and well-ordered Orchards, from whence the City of London is supplied with most sorts of Fruit, but chief with Pippins and Cherries, which are counted the best in England. On the Cliffs between Deal and Dover, there grows a great store of Sampire. The same is well watered with Rivers. For, besides the Thames that washes its North Parts, here is the Medway, which in a manner parts it in the middle, the Stower that runs by Canterbury, the Tun through Tunbridge, and the Rother upon which Appledore is seated, not to mention the lesser Streams. Of all the Counties in England, this was the first Kingdom of the Heptarchy, and had a particular King to itself, which no other County ever had. Neither was it conquered by the Normans, the Kentish Men yielding upon Articles, and having their ancient Franchises and Customs confirmed to 'em by William the Conqueror. One of which is the Cavelkind, whereby they are not so bound by Copyhold as in other Parts of England; Lands of this nature being equally divided here among the male Children, and for want of Males, among the Females. By the same Law they are at age at 15 years old, and they may sell or make over the Land without the consent of the Lord. Also, the Son (though of a convicted Father for Felony or Murder) succeeds him in such Kind of Lands. The Kentish Men besides have this to glory in, that they were the first Christians of this Island. And this is the only County at this time that has two Cities, or Episcopal Sees, namely Canterbury and Rochester. Canterbury, the chief Place of this County, is 46 mile's East of London, Viz. from London to Dartford, 12; to Rochester, 11 more; from thence to Sittingborn, 10; and to Canterbury, 13 more. A City of great Antiquity, if it was built (as some Authors aver) 900 years before Christ. 'Tis seated on the River Stower, (noted for breeding the best Trout in the South East Parts of England,) and is counted in the Lath of S. Augustine. The Buildings of it but mean, and the Wall which encompasses it, in a decayed condition. The greatest Ornament of all is the Cathedral, wherein lie interred the Bodies of eight Kings. For this City had been the Seat of the Kings of Kent, till given by Ethelbert, the first Christian King of this Country, to Augustine the first Archbishop thereof, and his Successors. Whereupon the King removed his Seat to Reculver, a Town by the Seaside. In this Cathedral is also interred the Body of Thomas Becket, once Archbishop hereof, that famous Saint so reverenced by the Romanists. In this City, and its Suburbs, are reckoned 14 Parish Churches; besides a Meeting-place under the Cathedral, for the Walloons that dwell in this City, who are very numerous, and drive a considerable Trade of the Stuffs they make here. It has two Markets a Week, Wednesdays and Saturdays, the latter of which is the most considerable. But to the honour this City has had of being the Regal Seat of the first Kings of Kent, and of being to this day the See of the Primate of England, let us add the Coronation of King John and Queen Izabel his Wife, the Marriages of Henry II. and Edward I, and the Interments of Edward the black Prince, King Henry the Fourth, and Queen Joan his Wife, all which was performed in this Place. The other Market-Towns are Eltham, Mund. Wrotham, Tue. Lenham. Tue. Westram, Wedn. S. Marry Cray, Wedn. Goldburst, Wedn. Gravesend, Wedn. & Sat. Feversham, Wedn. & Sat. Dover, Wedn. & Sat. Sandwich, Wedn. & Sat. Wye, Thu. Rumney, Thu. lid, Thu. Folkstone, Thu. Maidstone, Thu. Bromley, Thu. Rochester, Frid. Tunbridge, Frid. Tenderden, Frid. Woolwich, Frid. Smarden, Frid. Malinge, Sat. Milton, Sat. Cranbrook, Sat. Hythe, Sat. Ashford, Sat. Sevenoke, Sat. Dartford, Sat. Appledore,— Among which Rockester requires the preeminence, as a Bishops See, and the second for Antiquity in all the Island. It is seated upon the Medway, over which it has a stately Stone-bridge, one of the fairest in England. It consists most of one principal Street, which extends itself a long way; the Houses being but ordinary, as they are inhabited for the most part but by Tradesmen and Innkeepers. Yet, besides the Honour it has of being a Bishops See, it is dignifyed with the Title of an Earldom in the Person of the Right Honourable Laurence Hyde, Earl of Rochester, Viscount Hyde, etc. Which Title was formerly enjoyed by three Wilmots; And, before them, there was a Viscount of this Place, Sir Robert Carr being created Viscount of Rochester, Anno 1611. and afterwards Earl of Somerset. Adjoining to this City is Chatham, also seated on the Banks of Medway. A long Thoroughfare Town, well inhabited by Seamen and Shipwrights, as being the principal Station of the Royal Navy, and having a good Dock and Storehouses, for the building and equipping of his Majesty's Ships. Maidstone is seated also on the Medway, but near the head of it. This is the Town where the County-Goal, Sessions, and Assizes are kept; being conveniently seated for that purpose, and a Place of good resort. Gravesend is seated on a rising Hill on the Banks of the Thames. A Town of great Refort for Travellers, both by Sea and Land, that either come up the Thames to London, or go down the River in order to take Shipping; well furnished therefore with Inns, and other Houses of Entertainment, but noted for their exactings. Over against it, in Essex, is Tilbury-Fort, that commands this Passage. Nearer to London stands Dartford, on the River Darent, not far from its Influx into the Thames; which gives good advantage to the Town, in conveying their Goods to London. The Town is large; and, being in Dover Road, is therefore well accommodated with Inns and Houses of Entertainment. Of chief note for the Rebellion begun here, and headed by John Tiler, (commonly nicknamed Jack-straw,) in the Reign of Richard the second, Anno 1381. Woolwich, seated on the Thames, is remarkable for nothing but its Dock, used for the Royal Navy. But nearer to London stand Greenwich and Deptford, two Towns of better account, though they be no Market-Towns. The first is pleasantly seated on the Banks of the Thames, a neat and healthful Place, well inhabited and frequented by Gentry. Adjoining to which is a Royal House, called Queen Elizabeth's Palace, with a Park about it, yielding a fair Prospect. Besides another Palace by the Riversside, first built by Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, and after him enlarged and beautified by several Kings; till being fallen to ruin, King Charles II. attempted to make it a stately Pile of Building, but left it unfinished. Adjoining to Greenwich is Black-Heath, noted for the Battles fought here against Rebels, under the Reigns of Richard II. Henry VI and Henry VII. Deptford is another large Town, divided into the Upper and the Lower; seated the nearest to Surrey, at the very fall of the Ravensburn (a small River) into the Thames, among rich and low Meadows. A Town well inhabited and frequented by Seamen, by reason of its Docks and Storehouses for the Navy Royal. Bromley stands upon the same River; graced with the Bishop of Rochester's Seat (a Country House) by it. One of whose late Predecessors, I mean Dr. Warner, founded here a College for 20 clergymen's Widows. Where each one hath a fair Apartment, and 20 l. a Year Rent-Charge duly paid; and, for their public Devotion, a Chaplain, provided with fair Lodgings, and 50 l. a Year Rent-Charge. Eltham, seated on the Southside of Shooters●hill, among Woods, is a neat Town, and well inhabited by Gentry. Formerly honoured with ● Royal Palace, but laid aside and gone to decay, since Greenwich came to be looked upon (as indeed it is) a Place of greater Delight. Near Westram, on the Darent, stands Otford, on or near the same River, a place of good Antiquity. Noted for the Battle sought here betwixt King Edmund surnamed Ironside, and Canute the Dane, wherein Canute was put to flight, with the Loss of 5000 Danes. S. Marry Cray is so called from Cray, a small (but swift) River, on which it is situate in a Wood-land Country. It's Market is very inconsiderable. Sevenoke, not far distant from thence, is a Town of good Resort. Here is an Hospital, and a Free-School, founded by one William Sevenoke, Lord Mayor of London, Anno 1418. who was a Foundling in this Town, and from hence took his Name. Tunbridge, so called from the River Tun upon which it is seated, within few miles of its fall into the Medway, is a noted place for its mineral Waters, so much resorted unto by the Gentry, and drunk in the Summer-Season. Known by the Name of Tunbridge-Wells, tho' at some distance from thence, at a Place called Speldherst. Cranbrook is seated at the very head of the River Medway, and Lenham at the Spring of the Stower. Upon which last River you will find also both Ashford and Wye. And, upon the Rother, Appledore, an Island called Oxney-Isle. This Island is seated in the South-West Parts of Kent, towards Sussex; encompassed with the River Rother, and a lesser River that runs into it. It has but 3 Towns in it, Wittrisham, Stonae, and Ebony, all three but inconsiderable. Northeastward, near the Isle of Shepey, lie Milton and Feversham; the first a Place of good account in the Reign of Edward the Confessor, but Feversham the best trading Place at this time. For it has the Conveniency of a Creek that comes up to it, which makes it the chief Port-Town for all this Part of Kent, being well frequented by Hoys, and such like small Vessels. The Town is large, and well inhabited; and its Markets well served with Provisions. But it is counted an Aguish Place. Here was erected an Abbey by King Stephen where himself, his Queen, and Eustace his Son were buried. Of late years it has been dignified with the Title of an Earldom, in the Person of the Right Honourable Lewis de Duras, Earl of Feversham, etc. And, since that, it has made a greater Noise in the World, on the account of the late King's landing there Incognito, in the first Attempt he made to withdraw himself into France. Not far from this Town are Pits of a great depth, narrow at the mouth, and very broad below; with several distinct Rooms in 'em and Pillars of Chalk, as it were to support, them. Whitstable and Reculver are two Sea-Towns, few Miles North of Canterbury, well frequented by Hoymen and Fishermen. Reculver, of special note, for that Ethelbert, the first Christian King of Kent, had his Palace, and did reside here. It's Church remarkable for its lofty spired Steeple, which serves for a seamark. I come now to the Cinqueport Towns that belong to this County, Those are called CinqueForts, which lying on the Coast of Kent and Sussex had great Privileges granted them by former Kings, the better to enable 'em to seture these Coasts against the Encroachments of France. They were at first but five, as is employed by the Word, which is originally French. But three more were added to 'em, which makes up the Number of eight. Whereof four are in this County, Viz. Dover, Sand●ich, Hythe, and N●w Rumney; the others in Sussex, to wit, Rye, Winchelsey, Seaford, and Hastings. And of these in their proper place. Dover, the principal of 'em, stands over against Calais in France; the Passage by Sea being reckoned but 7 Leagues (or 21 Miles) over. Seated it is in the very Southeast Point of Kent, in a Bottom among Cliffs, from whence one may easily discern the Coast of France. Upon one of those Cliffs stands the Castle, both to command and defend the Town, which some will have to be built by Julius Caesar. A Castle of that importance, that Philip King of France, when Lewis his Son (being called in hither by the factious Barons against King John) had gotten many Towns and Forts, without being able to get the mastery of this, slighted all that was taken, and said his Son had not one Foot of Land in England, if he were not Master of Dover-Castle. As to the Buildings of this Town, they are but mean; tho' it be in Time of Peace the greatest Thoroughfare for Travellers from England to France, and from that Kingdom to this. It has formerly had 〈◊〉 Parish-Churches, which are now reduced to two. It's Haven is indifferent good, and (as Calais on the other side of the Water) fit only for smaller Vessels. As for honorary Titles, I don't find any it has yielded before the Reign of King Charles I, by whom Henry Carey, Viscount Rochfort, and Baron Hunsden, was created Earl of Dover, Anno 1627. Which Title expired with his Son John Carey, dying without Issue-male in the Year 1667; the Barony continuing in the Collateral Line. Sandwich lies about 12 mile's North from Dover, and was formerly a Place of good Strength. But, since the Sea has forsaken it, and its Haven has been choked up, it has los● much of its Trade and Reputation. Noted however for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable Edward Montague, the present Earl of Sandwich. Devolved to him from his Father, Edward Montague, created Baro● Montague of S. Neots, Viscount Hinchingbroo● and Earl of Sandwich, by King Charles TWO 1660. Who lost his Life in a Sea-fight against the Dutch, May 29. 1672. Hythe, another of the Cinqueport Towns has run the same fate as Sandwich, by the unkindness of the Sea. It lies South and by Wes● from Dover, within a Mile of Sangate Cade. Rumney is seated in a Marsh so called, about 14 Miles long, and 8 broad. Much more famous for the Conveniency of the Marsh in the Grazing of cattle, than either for good Air or a good Harbour. To the Port of Dover belongs Folkstone, as a Member thereof; a Sea-Town near Sangate Castle, formerly containing 5 Parish Churches, now reduced to one. lid is likewise a Member of the Cinque-Ports. And so are Deal and Fordwich, Members of the Town and Port of Sandwich. The ●irst of which is of most note in these Parts for the Fleets that from time to time harbour hereabouts, in order to sail East or West. The Kentish Isles, Thanet and Shepey. In the North-East Parts of Kent, near sandwich, is an Island called Thanet, surrounded on all sides with the Sea, except Westward, where it is severed from the main Land by the River Stoure, here called Yenlade; but so, that, by the benefit of a Causey and Passage for the Waters in convenient Places, it is united to the Continent (or main Land) of Kent. This Island called by the Saxons Thanet, from Thanatos, or Athanatos, by which Name it is found in Solinus, is about 9 Miles in length, and 8 in breadth at the broadest. An Island plentifully stored with Provisions, but Corn especially; and withal very populous. Famous for being the Place which the Saxons landed at, when they first came into Britain; the first Livery and Seisin which they had of the whole Kingdom, conferred by the improvident Bounty of Vortiger, to whose Aid they were called in. And no less remarkable for being the Landing Place of Augustine the Monk, when he brought the Gospel to the victorious Heathen Saxons, and by his Preaching subjected them to the Rules of Christianity. At Stonar, a Port Town of this Island, is the Sepulchre (says Heylin) of Vortimer, King of the Britain's. Who, having vanquished the Saxons in many Battles, and finally driven them out of the Island, desired to be here interred, on a fond conceit that his dead Corpse would fright them from Landing any more upon these Ghosts. Which he did probably in imitation of that Scipio, who having had a fortunate Hand against those of Carthage, gave order that his Tomb should be turned towards afric, to fright the Carthaginians from the Coasts of Italy. But the Britain's found at last by sad experience, the difference there is betwixt a King in the Field and a King in the Grave. On the North Shore of this Island is a Point of Land, of special note among Mariners, by the Name of North Foreland. And the whole Isle in general is noted for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable Thomas Tufton, the present Earl of Thanet. Shepey is another Island, much about the bigness of the former. Surrounded on all sides with the Sea, except Southward, where it is parted by the Medway from the main Land of Kent. This is likewise a very fruitful Island, winch from the great Flocks of Sheep that feed here, came perhaps to be called Shepey. 'Tis well watered with Rivers, especially the South Parts of it. And the Soil of it has a peculiar quality, in not breeding of Moles. This Island has been much harassed by the Danes, and by the Followers of Earl Goodwin and his Sons. At present it gives the Title of Countess to the Lady Elizabeth, Countess of Shepey, Lady Dacres, etc. The chief Place is Queenborough, which stands on the West Coast. Besides which here are several other Towns, as Minster, East-Church, Warden, Leysden, Elmley, etc. West from this Island is another of a small Compass, on which stands the Fort called Sheerness, which commands the Mouth of the Thames and Medway. To conclude, as to the County of Kent, it stands now divided between the Diocese of Canterbury and Rochester, and was (as I said before) a Kingdom of itself in the Time of the Heptarchy. Called Cantium and the Inhabitants Cantii, by the Romans. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, 16 Members of Parliament. Viz. Two out of each of these Towns, Canterbury, Rochester, Maidstone, and Queenborough; besides these Cinqueport Towns, Sandwich, Dover, Hythe, and New-Rumney. It has been for several Ages dignifyed with the Title of an Earldom, that is, ever since the Entrance of the Normans, but not without several Interruptions. Till upon the Death of William Nevil, Earl thereof, the Title was conferred by King Edward iv upon Edmund Grey, Lord Ruthen, Created Earl of Kent Anno 1465. From whom is descended the Right Honourable Anthony Grey, the present Earl of Kent, Grandchild of Anthony Grey Clerk, Parson of Burbage in the County of Leicester. Who, upon the Death of Henry Grey, without Issue Male, Anno 1639. was advanced to this Title, as the next Heir to it, being Grandchild of Anthony, third Son of George Grey, the Son of Edmund aforesaid. Lastly, to those several Things Remarkable in this County, which I brought in occasionally, I shall only add, That at Egerton is a Spring, whose Water turns Wood into Stone. And at Boxley-Abbey another Spring of the same nature, the Water whereof will turn in 9 days time Sticks and small Wood into Stone. CHAP. XI. Of Lancashire, Leicester, and Lincolnshire. Lancashire. LANCASHIRE, or the County Palatine of Lancaster, is a large Maritime County, in the North-West Parts o● England. Founded on the East with York shire, and part of Derbyshire; on the Wes● by the Irish Sea; on the North, by Cumberlan● and Westmoreland; and on the South, by Ch●shire. It's Length, from North to South, is 57 miles its Breadth, from East to West, 32. The Who● divided into six Hundreds, wherein 61 Parishen and 26 Market-Towns. The Number of Parish but small, in so large a quantity of Ground; but that there are many Chapels of Ease, equal to Parishes elsewhere for Multitudes of People. Here the Air is sharp, thin, and piercing, seldom troubled with Fogs. And the Inhabitants accordingly are healthful, comely, strong, and long-lived, not subject to many Diseases. The Soil differs much, according to its different nature and situation; some Parts being Mountainous, and of the Champain Country some very fruitful, some Mossy, and the rest Moorish. The Champain Country is very good for Wheat and Barley; but that which lies at the bottom of the Hills is best for Oats. From the Mosses, which are not unlike the Irish Bogs, some of them many Miles in Compass, the common People get Turfs for their Firing. And sometimes they dig up Trees out of them, which serve both for Building and Fuel. Cambden seems to be of Opinion, that they are subterraneous Trees growing under Ground, as some other Plants do. The Mountainous Part, which lies Eastward, is full of stony, craggy, and barren Hills, bare of Wood, and the Habitation of Foxes, Coneys, Otters, etc. Amongst these Hills, some are of a prodigious height; especially Pendle-Hill, on the top whereof grows a peculiar Plant called Cloudsberry, as coming from the Clouds. But one thing besides is remarkable in this Hill, that, whenever the Top of it is covered with a Mist, 'tis an infallible Sign of Rain. The Country in general is well watered with Rivers; the chief whereof are the Mersey, the Rible, and the Lon, all three running from East to West into the Irish Sea. The Mersey Waters the South Parts, and serves for a Boundary betwixt this County and Cheshire; the Rible waters the middle; and the Lon, the North Parts. Besides these Rivers, and many others of less note, here are several great Meers (or Lakes,) as Merton, and Winder (or Wimander) Mere. This last divides part of Lancashire from Westmoreland, reaching about 10 miles in length, and 3 or 4 in breadth. It has (as most Lakes in the North) a clear pebbly Bottom, whence the Saying, that this Lake is all paved with Stone. And it breeds great store of Fish, particularly Trout, Pikes, Pearches, Eels, and Skellies. But there's one sort of Fish peculiar to it, and not to be found elsewhere, except in Vlles' Water, another Lake, bordering both upon Cumberland and Westmoreland. Charre is the Name of it, and 'tis a dainty Fish, whereof many Pies are yearly sent abroad for Presents. In short, tho' this Country in general cannot be called a fruitful Country, yet what is good of it yields abundance of good Grass and Corn, the fairest Oxen in England, and in general all sorts of Provisions. Fish and Fowl particularly here's great plenty of; and in the River Lon, near Cockerfand Abbey, is great store of Salmon. To make Linen, here grows a great deal of Flax; for Fuel the Country yields, not only fat Earth, but good Coals; and for Building, Quarries of good Stone. Lancaster, the Sh●re Town, bears from London North-West and by North, and is distant therefrom (by common computation) 187 miles, thus. From London to Stafford, 104, for the particulars whereof I refer you to Staffordshire. Then from Stafford to Stone, 10; to Newcastle, 6 more; thence to Warington, 20; to Wigan, 14 more; to Preston, 14 more; then to Garstang, 10; and to Lancaster, 15 more. A Town pleasantly seated, in a good Soil, on the Southside of the ●iver Lon, near its fall into the Sea. From which River it came to be called Loncaster, since turned into Lancaster, as from Lancaster the whole County took the Name of Lancashire. The Town not very well peopled, nor much frequented. There are in it several fair and long Streets, from the Length whereof this Town (I suppose) might be called Longovicus by the Emperor Antonine. And yet there is but one Parish-Church, which indeed is large and fair. It stands on the side of a Hill; on the top of which is the Castle, now made use of for the County Goal both for Debtors and Malefactors, and for keeping the Assizes for the County. Besides the Church and Castle, two of the chief Ornaments of this Town, here's a fair Stone-Bridge over the Lon, supported by five Arches. To which add the Market-house, or Town-hall, where the Mayor and his Brethren keep their Courts. It's Market, which is kept on Saturdays, is commonly well furnished with all sorts of Provisions, but Fish (and among the rest, Salmon,) especially. Lastly, this Town is of sufficient Fame in the Annals of England, for those noble Persons which have successively born the Titles of Earls and Dukes of it; the greatest Princes in their time, for Revenues, of any Subjects in Christendom. Of which House there have been four Kings of England, all under the Name of Henry, viz. Henry the fourth, the fifth, the sixth, and the seventh. The last, by marrying with Elizabeth, Daughter and Heir to Edward iv of the House of York, did happily unite the two Houses of York and Lancaster; Whose Competition for the Crown of England, under the Names of Red and White Roses, had caused more Bloodshed than the Conquest of France by the English. The Market-Towns of this County, besides Lancaster, are Manchester, Sat. Leverpool, Sat. Clitheroe, Sat. Dalton, Sat. Blackborn, Mund. Poulton, Mund. Cartmill, Mund. Hornby, Mund. Hawkshead, Mund. Wigan, Mund. & Frid. Rochdale, Tue. Chorley, Tue. Ormskirk, Tue. Kirkham, Tue. Prescot, Tue. Coln, Wedn. Haslington, Wedn. Warington, Wedn. Preston, Wedn. Frid. Sat. Bury. Thu. Garstang, Thu. Vlverston Thu. Besides Leigh, and ●reat Eccleston, whose Market-days I am ignorant of. Manchester, is seated upon a stony Hill in the Southeast Parts of the County, between the Rivers Irk and Irwell, both which empty themselves, not far off into the Mersey. This Town, called by Antonine the Emperor Mantunium, was a Station of the Romans. And it is to this day a Town much beyond Lancaster, in beauty, and populousness. It's chief Ornaments are the College, and the Marketplace; but, above all, the Collegiate Church, beautified with a small Choir of excellent Workmanship. Honoured besides with the Title of an Earldom, in the person of the Right Honourable Charles Montague, the present Earl of Manchester; derived to him from his great Grandfather Henry Montague, Viscount Mandeville, created Earl of Manchester by King Charles I. Anno 1625. being then Lord Treasurer, and Precedent of the Council, and afterwards Lord Privy Seal. And lastly, 'tis a noted Place for its Linen and Woollen clothes; as also for its Cottons, which are held in great esteem. Leverpool is the next Place of chief note in this County. 'tis an excellent Seaport, commodiously seated at the fall of the River Mersey into the Sea, where it affords a safe Harbour for Ships, and a convenient Passage into Ireland. To the immortal Praise of the Family of the Mores of Banck-hall, this Town has been very much improved and beautified, at their Charge and Industry. Here is a Townhouse erected upon Pillars and Arches of hewn Stone, and underneath an Exchange for the Merchants. Among its Antiquities, a Castle on the Southside, which commands the Pool, built by King John, during his stay here for a Wind to Ireland; and on the Westside, upon the River, the Tower, being a stately and strong Pile of Building. Preston, near to Leverpool, is a fair, large, well inhabited and frequented Borough-Town. Seated on the North-side of the Rible, over which it has a very fair Stone-bridge. In this Town are held the Court of Chancery, and Offices of Justice for Lancaster, as a County Palatine. Not far from Preston aforesaid is a small Town, from the River on which it is situate, called Rible-Chester, which has been esteemed and called the richest Town in Christendom. No doubt but it has been a Place of great account in the Time of the Romans, if we consider the many Statues, pieces of Coin, Altars, Pillars, Inscriptions, and other Pieces of Antiquity, that have been often digged up here. Wigan is another Town of note in this Country. Seated on the River Dowles, and much inhabited by Braziers, Pewterers, Dyer's, Weavers of Rugs, Coverlets, and Tackling for Bedding. Of special note for the choicest Coal in England, called Caunel; but most of all for a burning Well, not far from it. Warington, a good large Town, is seated on the River Mersey, over which there's a fine Stone-bridge, which leads to Cheshire. Dignifyed of late with the Title of an Earldom, in the person of the Right Honourable Henry Booth, Earl of Warington, and Baron De la Mere. Poulton, Bury, and Rochdale, lie not far asunder; the first on the Irwell, and Rochdale on the River Rock, in a Valerius Coln is situate on a little Hill, near the Eastern Confines of thecounty; Blackborn, near the Derwent; Ormskirk, not far from Merton Mere; Ki●kham, near the Mouth of the Rible; Garstang, near the Wire; and Hornby, on the Lon. This last noted for its Castle, called Hornby-Castle, the ancient Seat of the Lord Morley and Mounteagle. Hawkshead is placed in a hilly and woody Country; Clitheroe, towards Pendle-hill; Dalton, in a Champain Country, not far from the Sea; and Vlverston, commonly called Ouslon, on a small Stream, which empties itself not far off into the Sea, or an Arm thereof, near Lever-Sand. Lastly, this County (formerly a Part of the Kingdom of Northumberland, and its Inhabitants part of the brigants, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocese of Lincoln. It was made a County Palatine by King Edward the Third. And out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, 12 Members of Parliament, Viz. two out of each of these Towns, Lancaster, Leverpool, Preston, Wigan, Clitheroe, and, Newton. Leicestershire. LEICESTERSHIRE, an Inland County, is bounded on the East by the Counties of Lincoln and Rutland; on the West, by Warwickshire; Northward, by Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire; and Southward, by Northamptonshire. It's Length, from East to West, is about 30 miles; its Breadth, from North to South, about 25. The whole divided into six Hundreds, wherein 192 Parishes, and 12 Market-Towns. The Air in this County is mild and wholesome; and the Inhabitants accordingly are healthy, and long-lived. The Soil, in the Southeast parts especially, is extreme fertile for all sorts of Grain, but chief Peas and Beans; and has also rich Pastures, feeding cattle and Sheep in great Numbers, whose Wool for its fineness is had in great esteem. But the North-West part is generally barren, and in some places rocky and stony. About the Forest of Charwood (where is Bardon-Hill) is great store of Limestone, wherewith they manure their Ground. For Fuel, this Country is but thinly clothed with Wood, especially in the Southeast Parts. But this Defect is sufficiently supplied by the great plenty of Pit-coal digged up in the North Parts. Here are a great many small Rivers, but none of any long Course, besides the Stower and the Wreak. Leicester, the County Town, bears from London North-North-West, and is distant therefrom 78 miles, thus. Viz. from London to Northampton 54, for the particulars of which I refer you to Northamptonshire; from Northampton to Harbour, 12, and from thence to Leicester, 12 more. It is pleasantly seated in a good Air, and rich Soil, on the Banks of the Stower (of old called King) that washes its North and West Parts, and over which it has two Bridges. Once a Bishops See, and in those Days. beautified with a fair Collegiate Church, a magnificent Abbey, and a strong Castle, all decayed and ruined by the iniquity and injury of the Times. As to the present State of it, it is indifferent large, containing 3 Parish Churches, has several good Buildings, and is well inhabited. In short, 'tis in as good plight, both for Trade and Buildings, as most Towns are that want a navigable River. And its Market, which is on Saturdays, is well served with Provisions, and Country Commodities. Noted besides for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable Philip Sidney, the present Earl of Leicester. Derived to him from his Father Robert, Son and Heir of Robert Sidney, Viscount Lisle, created Earl of Leicester, and Baron of Penthurst, by King James the first, Anno 1618. Which Robert was descended of a Sister of Robert Dudley, the last of many Earls of Leicester before him. The other Market-Towns are Ashby, Sat. Hinkley, Mund. Mont-Sorel, Mund. Melton-Mowbray Tue. Harborough Tue. Bosworth, Wedn. Loughborow, Thu. Waltham, Thu. Hallaton, Thu. Lutterworth, Thu. Billesden, Frid. Among which Ashby, or Ashby de la Zouche, is seated between two Parks, on the Borders of Derbyshire. In whose Neighbourhood is Cole. Overton, noted for its Pit-coals. Hinkley stands on the Borders of Warwickshire; beautified with a fair and large Church, and a lofty Spire-Steeple. Montsorrel is seated on a great Eminency, near the Stowr, over which it has a Bridge. Of some note formerly for its famous Castle, that stood on a steep and craggy Hill, but is long since demolished. At Barrow, near adjoining, is digged up excellent Lime, much commended for its binding. Melton-Mowbray is situate in a fertile Soil, on the banks of the Wreak, over which it has two Stone-bridges. Harborough, on the Borders of Northamptonshire, and the banks of the Weland, which parts the two Counties. Bosworth is loftily seated on a Hill, and in a fertile Soil. Noted for the bloody Battle fought at Redmore, near adjoining, betwixt Richard III. and his Successor Henry VII. Which decided the long-depending Differences betwixt the Houses of York and Lancaster, giving the Crown from Richard to Henry, descended from the latter House. Richard being slain in this Battle, his Body was ignominiously cast cross a Horse's back, naked and torn in pieces, and meanly buried in the Grey-Friars of Leicester. Which being afterwards destroyed, the Stone-Chest wherein the Corpse lay, serves now in an Inn for a drinking Trough for Horses. Loughborow, a good handsome Town, hands pleasantly, among fertile Meadows, near the Forest of Charwood, on the Banks of the River Stowr, over which it has a Bridge. Lutterworth, a goodly Town also, beautified with a large and fair Church, with a neat and lofty Spire-Steeple, is seated in a good Soil, on the River Swift, which at a small distance from hence, falls into the Avon in Warwickshire. Of this Town the famous Wicless was Parson, an okl Champion against the Corruptions and Errors of the Church of Rome. This County (now in the Diocese of Lincoln) was part of the ancient Kingdom of Mercia, in the Time of the Heptarchy; and its Inhabitants (with several of their Neighbours) went, among the ancient Romans, under the Name of Coritani. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but two Members of Parliament, chosen by the Town of Leicester. Lincolnshire. LINCOLNSHIRE, a large Maritime County, is bounded on the East with the Germane Ocean; on the West, with the Counties of York, Nottingham, and Leicester; on the North, with the River Humber, which parts it from Yorkshire; on the South, with the Counties of Cambridge, Northampton, and Rutland. It contains in Length, from North to South, almost 60 miles; in Breadth, from East to West, 35. The Whole divided into 3 Parts, called Lindsey, Kesteven, and Holland. And these 3 Divisions contain 30 Hundreds, wherein 630 Parishes, and 35 Market-Towns. This Country being Fenny, especially in the East and South Parts, makes the Air something unhealthful, because it is apt to be thick and foggy. The Soil, in the North and West Parts, is exceeding pleasant and fertile, stored with Pasturage, Arable, and Meadow Grounds. But the East and South Parts, that are full of Fenny Grounds, and something brackish by reason of the Salt Waters that come in from the Sea through several Inlets, are barren, and unfit for Corn. 'Tis true, in recompense thereof, there is such a plenty both of Fowl and Fish, that no County in the Kingdom can compare with it. And there goes a Story, that at one draught with a Net 30●0 Mallards' have been taken, besides other sorts. How true it is, I am as yet to seek; but am apt to think, there's one cipher too much. As for Rivers, no County in England is better irrigated, nor Rivers any where more plentiful of Fish. Northward is the Humber, which (as I said before) parts it from Yorkshire; and Westward the Trent, which severs Part of it from Nottinghamshire. Cross the Country you will find the Witham River; Southward, the Weland, and the Nen. That Part of the County which goes by the Name of Lindsey lies to the Northward, and is so named from Lindissi, the ancient Name of Lincoln, according to Beda. This Part is so surrounded with Water, that it is an Island; and its Extent so great, in proportion to the rest, that it takes up at least one half of the County. Noted for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable Robert Bertie, the present Earl of Lindsey, Lord Great Chamberlain of England. Kesteven, and Holland take up the South Parts from Lindsey, Holland lying towards the Sea, and Kesteven West from it. Of Holland there has been 3 Earls, Henry, Robert, and Edward Rich. The first, created Earl of Holland by King James I. Anno 1624. Robert, his Son, succeeded not only in this Title, but also in that of Earl of Warwick, upon the Death of his Cousin-german, Charles Rich, Earl of Warwick, who died without Issue. So that both Titles are now enjoyed by his Son and Heir, the Right Honourable Edward Rich, the present Earl of Warwick and Holland. Lincoln, the principal Place in this Shire, and a Bishops See, bears from London North by West, and is distant from it (by common Computation) 103 miles, thus. Viz. from London to Huntingdon, 48 miles, for the Particulars whereof I refer you to Huntingtonshire; from thence to Stilton, 9; to Peterborough 5 more; to Market-Deeping, 8; to Sleaford, 18 more; and thence to Lincoln, 15. A City seated on the side of a Hill, the lower part whereof is watered by the River Witham; over which there are several Bridges, for the Conveniency of Passengers. A Place of great Antiquity, whose ancient ruinated Places are still an Argument of its former Greatness. In the Time of the Romans 'twas a Town of great strength and fame; and, in the Time of the Normans a Place of great Trading. Whose flourishing Condition occasioned the Episcopal See, then at Dorchester near Oxon, to be removed hither. But this City has gone through all the Calamities of Fire, Sword, and Earthquake. Which has so much weakened and impaired it, that of 50 Churches it is said to have had for divine Worship, there remains but 15, besides the Cathedral. In the Time of the Saxons, King Arthur drove away their Forces from this Place. The like did Edmund Ironside to the Danes, who had made sore havoc thereof. On the 5th of Sept. 1140. here was a great Battle fought between King Stephen and Maud the Empress, in which the King was taken Prisoner, and afterwards laid in irons in Bristol. On the 19th of May 1217. here was another sore Battle fought betwixt King Henry III. and his disloyal Barons, who stood for Lewis the Dauphin of France; in which the King got the day. But, whatever Disasters and Calamities this City has gone through, still 'tis a large, populous, and well frequented Place. Dignified not only with an Episcopal See, whose Diocese to this day is the greatest of any in the Kingdom; but also for many Ages, with the Title of an Earldom. Which, having passed through several Families, with frequent Interruptions, came at last to be in the possession of Edward Fiennes, Lord Clinton, who being Lord Admiral in Queen Elizabeth's Time, was by her Majesty created Earl of Lincoln, Anno 1565. From whom the Title is now devolved, in a direct Line, to the Right Honourable Edward Clinton, the present Earl of Lincoln. The Cathedral, or Minster, as now standing, is one of the stateliest Piles in England, and perhaps in Christendom; high seated on a Hill, and from thence discerned over all the Country. In short, this City is a County of itself, whose Liberties extend about 20 miles in compass; and is called the County of the City of Lincoln. It's Market kept on Fridays, is well served with Provisions, and Country Commodities. The other Market-Towns are Grantham, Sat. Kirkton, Sat. Thongcaster, Sat. Waynfleet, Sat. Horn-Castle, Sat. Dunington, Sat. Burton, Sat. Bourn, Sat. Spilsby, Mun. Salsby, Mun. Sleaford, Mun. Market-Stanton, Mun. Stamford, Mund. & Frid. Ganesborough, Tue. Barton, Tue. Market-Rasen, Tue. Bullingbrook, Tue. Spalding, Tue. Alford, Tue. Grinsby, Wedn. Binbrook, Wedn. Lowthe, Wed. and Sat. Boston, Wed. and Sat. Glamford, Thu. Burgh, Thu. Market-Deeping, Thu. Folkingham, Thu. Holbich, Thu. Wragby, Thu. Naverby, Thu. Tatershall, Frid. Saltfleet, Crowland, Barnwell, Among which Stamferd in Kesteven Division, and the hithermost Town of Lincolnshire, is the most considerable. Seated on both sides of the River Weland, so that it stands upon three Counties; the chief Part in Lincoln●hire, another part in Rutland, and that Part on this side the River in Northamptonshire. Over which River, some time since made narigable, it has several Bridges. A Town of good Antiquity, from whence the Roman Highway, or high Dike, leadeth to the North. ●ut that which gives it most Renown is ●hat, upon a Quarrel between the North ●●d South-Men in the University of Oxford, ●he Scholars removed hither in the Reign of Edward III, and here held public Schools of ●ll sorts of Learning. Nor did they return ●gain, till they were commanded so to do by ●he King's Proclamation, with Order that the Scholars, in taking their Degrees, should make ●ath not to read publicly at Stamford, to ●he prejudice of Oxford. Nevertheless the Town still flourished in Trade and Merchandise; and the Inhabitants of it to this day ●rive a good Trade, of Malt especially, whereof great plenty is made here. The Houses ●re built of free Stone, which they have ●rom Ketton Quarry. In short, this Town ●onsists of several Streets, begirt with a Wall, ●nd containing six Parish Churches. Dig●ify'd besides with the Title of an Earldom, ●ow in the person of the Right Honourable Thomas Grey of Groby, Earl of Stamford, ●c. Within half a mile of this Town, in northamptonshire, stands Burgley House, 〈◊〉 stately Building, the Mansion-House of the Earl of Exeter. Grantham, situate on the River Witham, is a Town of good account, and well resorted unto. Whose Church-Steeple is so very high, that it seems crooked to the Eye of the Beholder. Not far from hence, towards Leicestershire, is Belvoir Castle, the Earl of Rutland's Seat, so highly elevated (though in a Vale) that it yields a most admirable Prospect. About this Castle is found the Astroit, or Starlike Stone, pointed with five beams or rays; formerly of such an esteem, that he thought the Victory infallible on his side that wore one about him. Sleaford stands near the head of a River so called, which runs into the Witham. A large and well inhabited Town, formerly strengthened with a Castle, whose ruinous Walls are yet standing. Market-Deeping is seated not far from Stamford, on the Weland, but in a fenny Ground. Where Richard de Rulos, Chamberlain to William the Conqueror, for the hindering it Overflowing, raised its Banks, and built there on divers Tenements; so that it became a great Village, and is now an indifferent Town. Bourn, seated at the head of a Spring calle● Burnwell-head, is a goodly Town, of some not for being the Place where King Edmund wa● crowned. Here are still to be seen the Rui● of a good Castle. And, not far from hence is Swinsted-Abbey, one of whose Monks (named Simon) poisoned King John. Ganesborough, or Gainsborough, in Lindse● Part, is seated on the River Trent. A larg● and well-built Town, of a considerable Trade▪ Where Sueno, the Danish Tyrant, was stabbe● to death by an unknown hand, as a just Re●●ard for his many Outrages committed in the country. Noted besides for giving the Title ●f Earl to the Right Honourable Wriothesly Noel, the present Earl of Gainsborough. Barton is seated on the River Humber, almost over against Hull in Yorkshire. Here 〈◊〉 a considerable Ferry into Yorkshire, which ●s no small Advantage to the Town. About this Place are abundance of Pewets, Godwits, Knots, and Dotterels; the last a simple kind of Bird, yet much given to Imitating. And 'tis usually caught by Candlelight in this manner. The Fowler stands ●efore the Bird; and if he put out an Arm, ●he Bird stretches out a Wing; if he put a ●eg or his Head forward, the Bird does the ●ike. Thus he imitates the Fowler's Gesture ●o long, till he drawing nearer and nearer by degrees, at length casts his Net over him, and takes him. Grimsby, is situate within half a Mile of the Humber, where it falls into the Sea, in a flat and marshy Ground. This Town has formerly enjoyed a good Trade, before its Haven was choked up; and than it had two Markets a Week. For the security of its Port, it had a Castle, which is likewise decayed. And, instead of two Churches it had, now it contents itself with one, which for largeness gives place to few. Cathedrals. Burton, or Burton Stather, is seated on the River Trent, near its fall into the Humber. On the other side of the Trent is the Isle of Axholm, made so by the Trent and Dun, with two or three lesser Rivers. This Isle is in breadth from North to South 10 miles, but in length not half so much; and in that Circuit are seated several Towns. The lower Part of it is flat and moorish, yielding a sweet Shrub called by the Country people Gall. But the middle Part, which is a rising Ground, is fertile, and (among other Things) does yield great store of Flax. Here is also Alabaster to be found. Thongcaster, a well-compacted Town stands o● the side of a Hill. Of note for its ancient Castle so called, said to be built by Hengist the Saxon, after he had beaten the Picts and Scots in Vortigers Quarrel. Who granted him so much Ground as an Oxhide cut into Thongs would compass, within which he erected the Castle. Saltfleet is a Sea-Town, much frequented by the Gentry in the Summer Season for the eating of Fish; otherwise inconsiderable. Alford, a goodly Town, is seated at the head of a Rivulet, few miles from the Seaside. Waynfleet, South of Alford, is another good Town, not far from the Sea; but seated in a fenny Ground, on a Wash (or Dike) which falls into the Sea. Here is an excellent Fre● School, founded by William of Waynfleet, Bishop of Winton, who also built Magdalen College in Oxford. Bullingbrook, or Bolinbrook, an ancient Town, is seated on a low Ground, at the Spring head of a River which falls into the Witham. Of note for a Castle built here by William of Romara, Earl of Lincoln. But much more famous, in succeeding Times, for being the Birth-place of King Henry IV, surnamed (according to the fashion of those Times) of Bullingbrook. And almost ever since his Time it has been one of the Honours (as we call it) of the Kings of England; but never made an honorary Title to any Family, till King ●ames conferred it on Sir Oliver St. john's. Who, ●possibly might affect to be thence denominated, as fetching his Descent from the Lady Marga●et Beauchamp, Grandmother to King Henry VII, the Heir of the Lancastrian Family. From him the Title fell to Oliver St. john's, his Grandchild, by Pawlet his second Son, Oliver Lord St. John the eldest Son being slain at E●ge-hill ●ight. And from him to his Son, the Right Honourable Paulet St. John, the present Earl of ●ullingbrook. Not far from Bullingbrook is Eresby, which gives the Title of Baron to the Earl of lindsey. Horn-castle and Tatershall are both seated on the River Bane, this last near its Influx into the Witham. But Horn-castle is the most considerable. Boston, in Holland Division, stands on both sides of the River Witham, within few Miles of its fall into the Sea. This is a considerable Town, of good Antiquity, and a Place of Trade, well inhabited and resorted unto. Over the River it has a very fair high wooden Bridge. It's Market. Place is fair and spacious. And the Church of special Note for its fine-built Tower, exalted to that height as to serve as a Landmark to Mariners. Kirkton is situate on a sandy Ground rising in that flat Country. A Town so called from its Church, which is a fair Structure, built (Cathedral like) in the form of a Cross, with a broad. Steeple in the middle. Of some note besides for its excellent Pippins. But there is another Kirkton in Lindsey. Crowland ly's some Miles East of Market-Deeping, and upon the same River, which is the Weland. A Town seated so low, among Fen● and miry Ground, that there is no coming to it but by the North and East side, and that by narrow Causeways, not admitting o● Carts. Hence came the Proverb, that 〈◊〉 the Carts that come to Crowland are shod wi●● Silver. It consists of 3 Streets, severed each from other (not unlike Venice) by Watercourses running between; and on the Banks, which are raised up, and preserved by Piles, are set Willow-Trees. Their cattle are kept a good distance from the Town; and when they go to milk their Cows, they go in small Skerries or Boats. Here they take in the Pools, or watery Places, a world of Fish and Fowl, of which they make good profit. In short, the Ground about this Town is so very rotten, that one may thrust a Pole in to it 30 foot. And in a Place called Hollan● there, it is so wet, that as one stands upo● it the Earth will shake under his Feet, an● he will be ready to sink into it. Here are al● many Quicksands, which have a wonderful force both to draw to them, and to hol● fast whatever they draw. Spalding, a pretty Town, and a Place o● good Trade, stands also on the Weland; bu● nearer its Influx into the Ocean, some mile● North of Crowland. That is, not far from the Washeses, the neighbouring Sea, so calle● for its frequent Inundations in these Parts. Dunington, also situate in a Flat, and waterish like Spalding, is a considerable Place fo● the great quantities of Hemp and Provisions here sold. To conclude, this County (which now is in the Diocese of Lincoln) was part of the ancient Kingdom of Mercia in the Time of the Heptarchy, and its Inhabitants part of the Coritani in the Time of the Romans. Out of it are chosen, besides the two Knights of the Shire, ten Members of Parliament. Viz. Two out of each of these following Towns, Lincoln, Stamford, Grantham, Boston, and Grimsby. CHAP. XII. Of Middlesex, Monmouthshire, Norfolk, and Northamptonshire. Middlesex. MIDDLESEX, a small Inland County, is bounded on the East with Essex, from which 'tis parted by the River Lea; on the West, with Buckinghamshire, from which 'tis severed by the Coln and the Shire-Ditch; on the North, with Hartfordshire; and on the South, with the Thames, which parts it from Surrey and Kent. Called Middlesex from its Situation, as lying between the East-Angles and the Westsaxons. It contains in Length, from East to West, about 24 miles; in Breadth, from North to to South, 18. The Whole divided into seven Hundreds, wherein 203 Parishes, and 6 Market-Towns. For Sweetness of Air, or Fruitfulness of Soil this County may compare with any Shire i● England. From the Hills that are about it as Hampsted, Highgate, Harrow-Hill, etc. th● Prospect of the whole is seen; in this not unlike to Zoar in Egypt. London, the chief Place hereof, but withal the Metropolis, and the Glory of the Kingdom, is too great to be crowded here within the narrow Compass of these short Descriptions. Therefore I refer you to the Conclusion of this Part, and so proceed to The Market-Towns, besides London and Westminster, Brentford, Tue. Stanes, Frid. Uxbridge, Thu. Edgeware, Thu. Brentford, in the Western Road, 7 or 8 mile● from London, is divided into Old and New Brentford, both so called from Brent, a smal● River that falls here into the Thames. O● most renown in former times for the goo● Success Edmund Ironside King of England ha● here against the Danes Anno 1016, which com● pelled them to raise the Siege of London. No● of most note for being the Thoroughfare b● twixt London and the Western Countries, th● Passage up and down by Water for the ea● of Travellers, and a well frequented Market Once dignifyed with the Title of an Earldom in the person of Patrick Ruthen, Earl of For● in Scotland, Created Earl of Brentford by Kin● Charles I. Anno 1644. Stanes, upon the Thames, is a large, we● inhabited, and frequented Town. It lies o● the West Road of England, and has a Bridge over the River that leads into Surrey. Uxbridge is another good Town, that lies North of Stanes, on the River Coln, which parts (as I said before) this County from Buckinghamshire. And, as it is seated in the high Road from London to Oxford, so it is well accommodated with Inns, and Houses of Entertainment. As for Edgeware, 'tis but a small Town. But, besides these four Market-Towns, the flourishing City of London has such an Influence over all its Neighbourhood, that it swarms all over with pretty Towns, not only in Middlesex, but even in Surrey. In Middlesex, as Islington, Highgate, Hampsted, Chelsey, Kensington, Fulham, Hamersmith, Thistleworth, Hounslow, etc. most of them graced with the Seats of divers Noblemen, Gentlemen, and Citizens. Among which Kensington of late has the honour of enjoying some part of the Year Their Majesty's Presence, as Hamersmith the Queen Dowager's. Hounslow, famous for its adjoining Heath, and the notable Incampments made there in the late Reign, in order to bring in Popery. But, as Providence was pleased to order it, the Thames swallowed the Tiber, and the cold Northern Heresy proved too hard for the hotheaded Jesuit. Besides Kensington-House, here are in this County no less than five Royal Houses; viz. Whitehall, and S. James in Westminster, Hampton-Court, Enfield, and Hanworth. Lastly, this County (which formerly was Part of the Kingdom of the East-Saxons, and its Inhabitants part of the Trinobantes, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocese of London. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, six Members of Parliament; viz. 4 out of London, and 2 out of Westminster. As for honorary Titles, I know not by what popular Error the Citizens of London reckoned the Lord Mayor elect for Earl of Middlesex. But whatever Ground it had, now it has none to stand on, since that Title was bestowed, first on Lionel Lord Cranfield, Lord Treasurer of England, created Earl of Middlesex by King James I. Anno 1622. Which continued in his Son James, and died with Lionel, Brother of James. But in the Year 1675. it was revived by King Charles II. in the person of the Right Honourable Charles Sackvil. Lord Buckhurst, who was created Earl of Middlesex during the Life of his Father Richard Earl of Dorset. Upon whose Death, two years after, he succeeded in the Earldom of Dorset. Neither is it to be omitted, that betwixt Brentford and Colebrook is a small Town reckoned as 3 Manors, viz. Arlington, Shepston, and Dawling. From the first of these Manors Henry Bennet, the late Earl of Arlington, took his Title. Who was created first Baron of Arlington, by King Charles the Second, Anno 1664, afterwards Viscount Thetford, and Earl of Arlington (his Birth-place) Anno 1672; and sworn Lord Chamberlain of his Majesty's Household, in the Year 1674. Monmouthshire. MONMOUTHSHIRE, formerly a Welsh County, and now reckoned among the English, is bounded on the East by the River Wye, which parts it from Glocestershire; on the West, by two Welsh Counties, Brecknockshire and Glamorganshire; Northward, by Herefordshire; and Southward, by the Mouth of the River Severn. It contains in Length, from North to South, about 25 miles; in Breadth, from East to West, 20. The Whole divided into six Hundreds, wherein 127 Parishes, and 7 Market. Towns. It is blest, not only with a healthful and temperate Air, but also with a rich Soil. And, though the Country be both hilly and woody, yet all Parts thereof are fruitful, and scarce any barren. The Hills are grazed upon by great and small cattle, and the Valleys laden with Corn and Grass. It's fertility is much furthered by its being plentifully watered with so many Rivers, the principal whereof are the uske and the Wye, the Rumney and the Monnow, all which fall into the Severn. Among which the first two are full of Salmon and Trout. Monmouth, the County-Town, bears from London West by North, and is distant therefrom 99 miles, thus. Viz. from London to Gloucester, 81 miles, as in Glocestershire; and from Gloucester to Monmouth, 18. The Situation of it between two Rivers, the ●onnow and the Wye, is both very pleasant ●nd commodious. The Town itself large and ●air, well inhabited and frequented; having ●he Conveniency of two Bridges, one over the ●ye, and the other over the Monnow. Once artified with a Wall and Ditch, and in the ●ldst of the Town with a stately Castle, the ruins whereof are still to be seen. In this Castle was born the renowned King Henry V, ●he Conqueror of France, from hence called henry of Monmouth. Of some note besides, ●r being the Birth-place of Geofry, surnamed of Monmouth, who wrote the History of Great Britain. But, of late times especially, for being dignifyed with the Title of a Dukedom, in the person of James, the late Duke of Monmouth; and, since the late Revolution, with the Title of an Earldom, in the person of the Right Honourable Charles Mordant, Earl of Monmouth, etc. It's Market, kept on Saturdays, is considerable for Corn, and other Provisions. The other Market-Towns are Chepstow, Sat. Newport, Sat. Pon● Pool, Sat. Vske, Mund. and Frid. Abergavenny, Tue. Caer-Leon, Thu. Chepstow stands upon the side of a Hill, on the Banks of the Wye, near its fall into the Severn. A Town in former times famous, and of great resort; supposed to be raised out of the Ruins of Venta Silurum, 4 miles distant, the ancient and chief City of the Silureses, which flourished in the Days of Antonine the Emperor. This Town, says Cambden, was fortified about with a Wall of a large Circuit, and had a very spacious Castle, once fronted by a Priory, the better part of which being pulled down, the rest was converted to a Parish Church. At this present time, the Town is large and well built, well inhabited, and frequented; having a fair and high Bridge over the Wye. And so it needs, for here the River rises to a great height. In the Year 1606. the Moor (or Marsh) near Chepstow was very much endamaged by the Severn. For that Year, at the Change of the Moon in February, this River at a Springtide was driven back for 3 days together with a South Wind. Which made it swell so high, that it came rushing in a main upon this Tract, and carried all before it. Newport, a goodly Town, is seated on the Uske, over which it has a fair Bridge; the Uske discharging itself not far off into the Severn, where it has a good Haven, bearing the Name of the Town. Some miles East from this Haven is the Gold-Cliff, so called from the golden Colour of the Stones that lie hereabouts; which makes some suspect a Mine to be there. And opposite to that Cliff, about the midst of the Severn, lieth a small Isle, called Denny-Island. Pontpool is but a small Town, seated betwixt the Hills. Of chief note for its Iron-Mills. Vske, a good large Town, is so called from the River Uske on which it is situate, with a Bridge over it. 'Tis beautified with well built Stone-houses, and formerly was fortified with a large and strong Castle, now ruinated. According to Antonine, here stood the little City Burrium. But, not far from it Northward is Ragland Castle, a noble Seat belonging to the Duke of Beaufort. Abergavenny, by Antonine called Gobanium, stands also upon the Uske, where a small River (Keveny by name) empty's itself into it. This is a Place of some strength, being fortified with Walls, and a Castle of great note in former times. The Town is large, the Houses well built, and injoy's a good Trade, for Flannels especially. Caer-Leon, by the Romans called Isca Silurum, stands also upon the Uske, a little above Newport, and has a large wooden Bridge over the River. This Town was once, a famous and flourishing City in the time of the Romans, where lay the second Roman Legion called Augusta, to keep the Silureses in awe. The Ruins of its stately Buildings, Palaces, Temples, theatres, together with the Water-pipes, Vaults, Hothouses, Altars, and Roman Coins, often digged up here, do sufficiently evidence its former Antiquity and Greatness. Here King Arthur kept his Court; and in this City was a famous School or College, to learn Astronomy, and other Arts. As for its present State, the Town is pretty large, and the Houses for the generality built of Stone. It has yet the Ruins of a Castle standing. To conclude, this County (formerly the Habitation of the Silureses) is in the Welsh Diocese of Llandaff. Besides the two Knights of the Shire, there's but one Member elected to serve in parliament, and that's out of Monmouth. Norfolk. NORFOLK, a Maritime County of a large extent, is bounded Eastward and Northward with the Germane Ocean; Westward, with the River Ouse, which severs it from the County's of Lincoln and Cambridge; Southward, with the little Ouse and the Waveney, which part it from Suffolk. Thus Norfolk, what with the Sea, and what with the Rivers, is so encompassed with Waters, that it wants very little of being an Islland of it self. It contains in Length, from East to West, 50 miles; in Breadth, from North to South, about 35. The Whole divided into 31 Hundreds, wherein 660 Parishes, and 31 Market-Towns. Which is an Argument of its Populousness. Here the Air is sharp and piercing, especially near the Sea, and in the Champain Part; which occasions a later Spring and Harvest. The Soil in many Places, but chief along the Sea-Coast, which is a Champain Country, affords plenty of Corn. The Heaths feed a World of Sheep, and breed abundance of Coneys. And the Woodland Part serves for Grazing of cattle, yet not without Corn-ground. The Sea, and the Rivers besides that glide through this Country, strive as it were to furnish it with their plenty of F●sh. And, among these (besides those abovenamed, viz. the two Ouses, and the Waveney,) there are two of chief note, called the You're, and the Thryn. The You're, particularly noted for its great plenty of a certain Fish called Ruff, whose body is all Prickled over; the tail and fins spotted with black Specks. This Fish eats tender and short as a Perch, and is counted a wholesome Fish. It delights in sandy Places, and is rarely seen in any other River. One Thing is observable of it, that, when the Fish is angry, the fins stand up stiff; and, after its Anger is over, they fall flat again. In short, the Soil of this Country, according to the Variety of Places, is of different nature. In some Parts it is fat, rank, and full of moisture; in others, very light and sandy. Yet so, that one contributing to the other, and the Sea giving help to both, it is a very plentiful Country for Corn, Sheep, and Fish. Norwich, the chief Place hereof, and a Bishops See, bears from London North-East and by North, and is distant therefrom 90 miles, thus. From London to Ware, 20; to Barkway, 11 more; thence to Witle●ford-Bridge, 10; and to Newmarket, 12 more; from Newmarket to The●ford, 16; to Attleborough, 10 more; thence to Windham, 5; and to Norwich, 6 more, A City seated on the River You're, which runs thence to Yarmouth, and over which it has several Bridges. It was formerly the Seat of the East-Angles, and then a Place of great splendour. But it has since undergone so many Calamities, by Sword and Famine, by Fire and Pestilence, that it is much it should prove to this day, a fair, large, populous, and well frequented City. Insomuch that it ly's out a Mile and a half in length, and half as much in breadth, containing in that Circuit about 20 Parishes; well walled about, with several Turrets, and 12 Gates for entrance, but not without much waste Ground within it. It's chief Buildings are the Cathedral, beautified with a lofty Spire; then the Bishops and the Duke of Norfolk's Palaces, the Market-House, the Cross, and the House of Correction made of free Stone, and so well cemented that no Mortar is seen. Here is also an Hospital, where 100 poor Men and Women are maintained; and the Ruins of an ancient Castle, of the Saxons building. In short, here is so pleasant an Intermixture of the Houses with Trees, that it may not improperly be called an Orchard in a City, or a City in an Orchard; the populousness of a City, and the pleasure of the Country meeting here together. Of some Note besides, for giving the Title of Earl to his Grace the Duke of Norfolk, Earl of Arundel, Surrey, and Norwich. Finally, this City does enjoy a great Trade, but chief for its Stuffs, Stockings, and other Manufactures here made; for the learning of which it is beholding to the Dutch that came to inhabit here. It has three Markets a Week, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; the first and last very great, for all sorts of Provisions. The other Market-Towns are Lyn, Sat. & Mund. Yarmouth, Sat. Thetford, Sat. Hingham, Sat. New-Buckenham Sat. Swafham, Sat. Downham, Sat. Holt, Sat. Burnham, Sat. Cromere, Sat. Repcham, Sat. Alesham, Sat. Worsted, Sat. Sechy, Mund. East-Herling, Tue, Fulcham, Tue, Caston, Tue, Harlston, Wedn. Watton, Wedn. North-Walsham, Thu, Attlebury, Thu, Fakenham, Thu, Windham, Frid, East-Derham, Frid, Diss, Frid, Snetham, Frid, Walsingham, Frid, Besides Southwold, and Winfield, two new Markets; and Hickling, whose Market-Days I am ignorant of. ●yn, formerly called Bishops Lyn as appertaining to the Bishops of Norwich, till King Henry VIII, gave it the Name of ●yn Regis or King's Lyn, is seated in the Western Part of the Country, upon the Banks of the Ouse, near its fall into that Part of the Sea which is called the Washeses. Watered besides by two little Rivers, that fall there into the Ouse, which are passed over by about 15 Bridges. A Town of good antiquity, large, and well built, containing 3 Parish-Churches; and for its Defence, encompassed with a Wall, and a good Ditch. Well Inhabited by Merchants and Tradesmen, who drive a considerable Trade, and the more by reason of its commodious Haven. Yet it is much eclipsed in its Trade, to what it was formerly, because of the stoppage of a Sluice upon the Ouse, which does so obstruct the Current of salt Water, that the River is scarce navigable to Cambridge. Nigh unto this Town, on the other side of the Ouse, is a little Marsh Country, called Marshland, very subject to the Inundations of the Sea, and therefore very moist and aguish. But, in recompense, its Soil is exceeding fat, and feed abundance of cattle. In this Marsh are seated several Towns, but so destitute of fresh Water for household Use, that many of 'em are fain to get a supply thereof at 4 mile's distance. About 3 miles from Lyn, towards the Sea, stands a decayed Town called Castle-Rising. It's Decay occasioned by its Haven's being many years since choked up with Sands, whereby 'tis become useless. Which has done a Kindness to Lyn. Yarmouth, the best Harbour in all this County, and the Key of this Coast, is seated at the Mouth of the River You're, from whence it is called Yarmouth. A Town of good Strength as well by Nature as Art, well built, and pretty large; and yet it has but one Church, which is beautified with a lofty Spire. The same is well inhabited, and much resorted unto by Seamen; affording a ready Passage to Holland, and being a frequent Shelter to the Newcastle Fleets, when distressed by Weather. Of special note besides, for Herring-fishing, in the Seas adjacent, in the Month of September. Which draws a great Concourse of People hither, and makes the Town much richer all the Year after. Lastly, 'tis dignified with the Title of Earl, in the person of the Right Honourable William Paston, the present Earl of Yarmouth. Thetford is an Inland Town, situate on the Confluence of the Thet and the little Ouse, over which it has a Bridge leading to Suffolk. A Place of great Antiquity, built out of the Ruins of the ancient City Sitomagus, which was destroyed by the merciless Danes. The Bishop's See of the East Angles was from North-Elmham removed hither, and from hence to Norwich. It is not very well Inhabited, to what it has been. However this is the Town, where the Lent-Assizes for the County are usually kept. Herling, and New Buckenham, lie not far from Thetford, to the Eastward; Diss, and Harleston, on the Waveney; Watton, Windham, Hingham, Swafham, and East-Derham, do not lie far asunder, about the middle of the County. Further to the Northward you will find Repeham, Caston, Fakenham, Walsingham, Holt, Ale●ham, Worsted, North Walsham, and Hickling this last in a Marsh-Ground, not far from the Sea. Downham is upon the Ouse, over which it has a Bridge, leading into Cambridgeshire. Snetham, North of Lyn, is seated on a bivuler, not far from the Sea. Burnham-Market, and Cromere, are two Sea-Towns in the North Parts of the County. Between which is Clay, another Sea-Town, on three sides encompassed with Waters, and once a Market Town, but now discontinued. And near it Wayborn-hope, a noted Place amongst Seamen; as is Winterton Ness, or Point, in the East, which is very coldly seated. And yet it is observed, that the Ground about Winterton is one of the richest and fattest in England. Among the aforesaid Towns, Walsingham was formerly renowned, as for its College of Canons, so for the continual Concourse of Pilgrims to this Place. Who came hither to pay their Superstitious Devotion to the Blessed Virgin, at a Chapel near the two Wells called to this day the Virgin Mary's Wells. It was also a Place of note, for its good Saffron. Near Burnham-Market, within 2 Miles from it to the Westward, is a small Country-Town, called Brancaster, the Ruins of an ancient Town known by the Name of Branodunum. Seated near the Seashore, and a Place of good account in the time of the Romans, who kept here a Garrison. Not far from Hickling, in the North-East Parts, is the ancient decayed Abbey of St. Bennets in the Holm, built by the Danish King Canute. An Abbey so fortified afterwards by its Monks with Walls and Bulwarks, that it seemed rather a Castle than a Cloister; and yet was betrayed by a Monk to William the Conqueror. The Bishop of Norwich retains to this Day the Title of Lord Abbot of St. Bennets. And it is observable, that hereabouts both Cockles and Perwinkles are digged out of the Ground. Lastly, this County (which is the largest in England next to Yorkshire, but much more populous) was Part of the Kingdom of the East-Angles, in the time of the Heptarchy; and its Inhabitants, part of the Iceni, as the Romans called them. It is observed of the People in this County, that they are notably industrious for Plough and Manufactures, insomuch that one shall hardly see a Beggar throughout all the Country. And yet (which one would wonder at) they are notable Wranglers, and generally so well versed in the Quirks of the Law, that they create more work for the Assizes than almost all the Circuit else. Accordingly Norfolk is the County, which commonly yields the best Breed of Lawyers, and has furnished the Courts of Justice with many an eminent Man in the Laws of England. But a great Antiquary has made another material Observation, That in this County are a hundred Families of ancient Gentry, that never were attainted of high Treason. Which if it be true, the Gentry here have had better fortune than the Dukes, Duchess', and Earls of Norfolk. His Grace, Henry Howard, the present Duke of Norfolk, derives his Title from his noble Ancestor John-Lord Howard, created Duke of Norfolk by King Edward IU. Anno 1483, and descended from the Lady Margaret, Duchess of Norfolk, Daughter of Tho. de Brotherton, Earl of Norfolk, first Son of King Edward I. Out of this County are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, ten Members of Parliament. Viz. Two out of each of these following Places, Norwich, Kings I yn, Yarmouth, Thetford, and Castle-rising. Northamptonshire. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, an Inland County, is bounded on the East with the Counties of Cambridge, Huntingdon, Bedford, and Buckingham; on the West, with Rutland, Leicestershire, and Warwickshire; Northward, with the Counties of Lincoln, Rutland, and Leicester; Southward, with Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. This County, being long, but narrow, runs in Length, from North to South, about 50 miles; and in Breadth, from East to West, but half. The Whole divided into 20 Hundreds, wherein 326 Parishes, and 13 Market-Towns. Here the Air is temperate and healthful; the Soil as rich, either for Corn or Grass, as in any Place in England. And the Inhabitants find such a Profit here by Grazing and Tillage, that they improve the Ground every where. Insomuch that it is said, there is less waste Ground in this County than in any other. As for Rivers, and other fresh Streams, 'tis as well watered as most Counties are. It's principal Rivers are the Nen and the Weland, both having their Rise here; besides the Ouse, which rises in the South Parts, near Bucking, hamshire. A further Proof of the excellency of this County might be fetched from its Populousness. For it is so garnished with Towns, that in many Places 20 or 30 Steeples present themselves at one view. And considering its Extent, 'tis said to be honoured with the Seats of as many (if not more) of the Nobility and Gentry, as any County in the Kingdom. Northampton, the chief Place hereof, ly's North-West from London, and (by common Computation) is distant from it 54 miles, thus, From London to Barnet, 10; thence to St. Allans, 10; and to Dunstable, 10 more; from Dunstable to Stony Stratford, 20; and to Northampton, 10 more. A Town pleasantly seated on the Banks of the River Nen, where it meets with two Rivulets, one from the North, the other from the South. And, though it has suffered much by the sore hand of the Dane, and other Calamities (and of late particularly by the dreadful Fire which buried it all in Ashes in September 1675) yet it has raised itself again more glorious than before. So that for Circuit and Beauty it may at this time be ranked with many Cities. Fortified heretofore with good Walls, and a strong Castle; and seated in so good an Air, that once the Students of Cambridge had a mind to remove their University hither. Here the Inhabitants drive a considerable Trade, especially of Leather; and its Market, which is on Saturdays, is well served with Provisions. This Town is the Place where the County-Goal, and the Assizes are kept. Of special note, for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable George Compton, the present Earl of Northampton. Devolved to him from his noble Ancestor William, Lord Compton, and Lord Precedent of Wales, Created Earl of Northampton by King James I. Anno 1618. The other Market-Towns are Peterborough, Sat. Oundle, Sat. Higham-Ferrers, Sat. Rothwell, Mund. Thrapston, Tue. Towcester, Tue. King's Cliff, Tue. Wellingborow, Wed. Bra●kley, Wed. Daventry. Wed. Kettering, Frid. Bodkingham, Among which Peterborough is seated in a Nook (or Angle) of the County, bordering upon Cambridgeshire, and Huntingtonshire, where formerly had been a Gulf or Whirlpool of an exceeding depth. 'Tis seated on the River Nen, over which it has a Bridge leading into Huntingtonshire. A Town of no great account, but for being a Bishops See, since the Reign of Henry VIII. For, as it is no plausible Place either for health or pleasure, so it stands out of the way for Trade. Yet it shows two handsome Streets, a large Marketplace, and a fair Parish Church, besides the Abbey. Which last, from a Monastery founded by Wolpher the Mercian King, is now become a Cathedral. And, from that Monastery dedicated by him to St. Peter. This Town, formerly known by the Name of Medanshede, came to be called Peterburgh, or Peterborough. Dignify●d with the Title of an Earldom in the person of Henry Mordant, the present Earl of Peterborough; devolved to him from his Father John, Lord Mordant, created Earl of Peterborough by King Charles I. Anno 1627. Oundle is pleasantly seated on the Banks of the Nen, over which it has two Bridges. A well built and uniform Town, beautified with a fair Church, a free School, and an Alms-house. Nigh unto Oundle Northwards, and upon the same River, stands Fotheringhay-Castle, environed on all sides with pleasant Meadows. Noted for that here Marry, Queen of Scots, was beheaded. Thrapston, Higham-Ferrers, and Wellingborow, lie all three upon the Nen; the first two on the Eastern, the last on the Western Banks and each of them with a Bridge over the River. Higham-Ferrers has a Free-School for the Education of Youth, and an Alms house for the Relief of poor people; and was anciently strengthened with a Castle, whose Ruins are yet to be seen. Wellingborow, pleasantly seated upon the Ascent of a Hill, is a large, and well inhabited Town, enjoying a good Trade, beautified with a fair Church, and having the Convieniency besides of a Free School. Not far from Rothwell, or Rowel, is Naseby, which is said to stand on the highest Ground in England, near which the Avon and the Nen (two considerable Rivers) have their Spring-heads. A noted Town for the Battle fought here June 14th 1645; where the King's Forces commanded by Prince Rupert were totally routed by General Fairfax. Towcester, situate in a Valley, and on the Banks of a small River that empty's itself in the Ouse, is a Place of good Antiquity. Cambden takes it for the ancient Tripontium, which took its Name from 3 Bridges; the Roman Port-way (which in many places between it and Stony-Stratford shows itself) being cut through by three Streams or Channels, which the Rivulet there divides itself into. About the Year 917. it was so strongly fortified, as to resist the furious Assaults of the Danes. At present 'tis but a small Town, beautified however with a fine Church. Near this Place Eastward is Grafton, a Road-Town in this part of Northamptonshire, with a fine Park adjoining to it, and a Manor-house of great Antiquity, most part whereof was burnt and pulled down in the long Intestine War, Anno 1643. Memorable for the Marriage here consummated betwixt Edward iv and the Lady Grey, the first King o● England since the Conquest that married his Subject. This was the ancient Seat of the Family de Wideville, Earls of Rivers. And Richard, the last of the male Line, dying Anno 1490. did by his Will bequeath it (amongst other Lands) to Thomas Grey, Marquess of Dorset. In which Name it continued till Henry VIII, with whom it was exchanged for other Lands in Leicestershire, and so has ever since continued in the Crown. Of late become of more remark, for giving the Title of Duke to his Grace Henry Fitz-Roy, created Baron of Sudbury, Viscount Ipswich, and Earl of Euston Anno 1672, and Duke of Grafton five years after. Brackley, a Town of Note when it was in a manner the Staple Town in the County for Wool, is seated near the Spring of the Ouse, upon the edge of the County towards Buckinghamshire. It contains two Parish-Churches, and had formerly a College, now made use of for a Free-School. Daventry and Kettering are seated, each of 'em upon a Rivulet, that falls into the Nen. The first, a great Road-Town from London to the North-West Counties, and from thence hither. The last, North-East from that, is delightfully seated on an Ascent; and has a Sessions-House for the Justices of Peace of the County, who sometimes assemble here. Rockingham, a small Town, is seated on the Weland. A Town of note in former Time for its Castle, long since demolished. Lastly, this County, together with Rutland, make up the Diocese of Peterborough. In the Time of the Saxons, it made part of the Kingdom of Mercia; and its Inhabitants, in the Romans Time, part of the Coritani. Out of it are chosen, besides the two Knights of the Shire, seven Members of Parliament. Viz. 2 out of Northampton, 2 out of Peterborough, 2 out of Brackley, and 1 out of Higham-Ferrers. CHAP. XIII. Of Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Rutland. Northumberland, NORTHUMBERLAND, a Maritime County, and the furthest North in England, is bounded on the East by the Germane Ocean; on the West, by Cumberland, and the Cheviot Hills which part it from Scotland; Northward, by the River tweed, which divides it also from Scotland; and Southward, by the Bishopric of Durham, from which severed in part by the River Tine. It's Form is triangular, contains in Length from North to South about 40 long Miles, and in Breadth from East to West (at the broadest) 30. The Whole divided into six Wards, wherein 460 Parishes, and but 6 Market-Towns. The Air of this County is sharp and piercing in Winter, and sometimes troubled with deep Snows and pinching Frosts, suitable to its Climate. But yet 'tis nothing near so sharp as the People. And by my late Experience, here wet Wether is not so sensible and searching, as it is in Middlesex. 'Tis possible the warm Breathes that continually come out of its numberless Coalpits helps, with the Vapours of the Sea, to take off the rawness of a cold dampish Air. For the Soil, as this County is nearly related to Scotland, so it is one of the worst Counties in England; being for the most part rough and hilly, and hard to be manured. Yet in some Parts, chief towards the Sea, it is fertile enough. But the greatest Riches of this Country lies in the Bowels of the Earth, full of Coal-mines. Which supply with Coals, not only this Country (where that Fuel is always bought at very easy rates) but a good Part of England besides; and London particularly, for whose Use many hundred Sail of Ships have yearly from hence their Loading. The Coal-Pits, made use of to get up this Treasure, are all square, commonly 7 or 8 foot in diameter, and timbered from top to bottom; some 30, some 40, more or less, but few above 50 fathoms deep. A great Depth for Workmen, to go and rake a Livelihood. And yet here is a Legion of such Men, bred and born to it, that spend most of their Life in this Land of Darkness; in continual Danger (besides that of the Rope) of being crushed below by a Thrust, sometimes in Danger of Water, and in some places of Fire. The Way to go down these Pits, and to come up, is by the help of a Rope; one end whereof being made into a Loop, the Workman gets a Leg and Knee into it, as far as the very Hip. Thus hugging the Rope with one Arm, his Life wrapped up with it, down he goes, while the Rope turns about an Engine made for that purpose. If the Rope fails, as sometimes it does through Carelessness, there's an end of the Man and of the Conveyance. By a Thrust is meant the fall of some Earth, or great Stones, whereby 'tis the ill fate of some to be crushed; as it is of others to be drowned by a sudden Irruption of Waters, from an old Waste, or otherwise. But some Pits at Sunderland, in the Bishopric of Durham, are subject besides to Fire-Damps. So they call an Inflammation of the Air in those subterraneous Parts, which being more than ordinary affected with sulphurous matter, are sometimes apt to catch fire, and then all goes to wrack. It breaks out like a Thunderbolt, carries all away with it higher than the Pits Mouth, and that with a dismal noise, as it were with a crack of Thunder. In this Case one might compare the inflamed Sulphur to Gunpowder, the Coal-pit to a great Gun, and what it brings up with it to Bullets, it comes up with such a force. But, when this happens, the Workmen foresee it, by their Candles burning blue and blazing more than ordinary. Whereupon they lay themselves flat upon the Ground, and let the Meteor work itself above it. But this is too deep a piece of Geography, for me to insist upon. I leave it therefore to those Men of deep reaches who live upon the Spot; in order first to take a View of Newcastle, the chief Place of this County. Newcastel, for distinctions sake called Newcastel upon Tine, to difference it from another Town of that Name in Staffordshire, bears from London North-by-West, and is reckoned to be distant from it 212 miles. Viz. 200 from London to Durham, for the particulars whereof I refer you to my Description of Durham; and 12 more from Durham to Newcastle. This Town is seated on the North-Bank of the River Tine, about 7 miles from its fall into the Sea. Over the River it has a fair Stone-Bridge leading to Gateshead in the Bishopric of Durham, with an Iron-Gate upon it, which parts the two Counties. It stands high and low, part upon a steep Hill, and part in the bottom on't near the River. The Streets upon the Ascent are so very steep, that they stand like so many Ladders. And yet both Men and Horses are so used to 'em, that they make little of it, either with or without a Load. The Houses are most of Stone, some Timber, and a few Brick-houses. In short, it is a Place of that extent as to contain four large Parishes, with as many Churches. The Whole encompassed with a Wall, and fortified with a Castle, but neglected, and going to ruin. Built by Robert, Son to William the Conqueror; from whence this Town, formerly called Monk-Chester, took the Name of Newcastle, Among the other public Buildings of this Place, the Key next to the River, the Town-House ●ard by it, the Custom-house upon Sandy-Hill, and S. Nicholas Church in the midst of the Town, are the most Remarkable. Ships of good Burden come up to the very Key as ●ar as the Bridge; though the Newcastle-●leet seldom comes higher than Sheales, near ●he River's Mouth. Under the Townhouse (which 〈◊〉 no mean Structure) is the Exchange, or ●eeting Place for Merchants. Before this ●ouse, in the Marketplace, stood lately a ●ew brazen Statue, the Image of the late ●ing James on horseback. Which, soon after is Abdication, was suddenly pulled down by ●e Forces then quartered in Town; to the ●reat grief of many devout Jacobites in those ●arts, who reverently paid to the Image the ●onour they retained for the Original. S. Ni●olas Church stands very lofty on the top of Hill, and looks more like a Cathedral than Parish Church, with a fair Steeple of curious architecture. But Newcastle does not glory so much in all ●is, as it does in the great Trade it drives ●oth by Sea and Land for all Commodities; ●somuch that one may well call it the Bristol 〈◊〉 the North, it being the wealthiest, as it is 〈◊〉 most trading Place in the whole Northern ●ract. 'Tis true nothing has made it thrive so ●uch as the Coal-Trade, being surrounded ●s it is) with Coal-Mines, and blessed with ●e Conveniency of a navigable River for ●e Transportation of so necessary and useful Commodity. For the Carrying on of this Trade they have such Privileges, as might seem to some people exorbitant. No Owner of Coals can load his Ship with his own Commodity, but it must be done by a Member of a Company they have for that purpose, called the Company of Fitters; and every Fit has six pence allowed him for every Newcastle Cauldron that goes out, which makes up near upon two of London Measure. The Town moreover takes 3 pence a Cauldron, as a Duty; besides 12 pence a Cauldron to the King, paid at the Custom-house. To conclude, Newcastle is a County of itself, that is, has the Privilege of governing itself independently from the rest of the County. Of some note besides for giving the Title of Duke to his Grace Henry Cavendish, the present Duke of Newcastle. Whose Father, William Cavendish, was created first Earl, afterwards Marquis of Newcastle, by King Charles the first; and in the Year 1664. Duke of Newcastle, Earl of Ogle, etc. by Charles II. It has two Markets a Week, viz. on Tuesdays and Saturdays, both very considerable for all sorts of Provisions; but particularly abounding with Cod and Salmon, in their proper Season. The other Market-Towns are Barwick, Sat. Alnewick, Sat. Hexam, Tue. Morpeth, Wedn. and Weller, Thu. Barwick is seated at the mouth of the River tweed, over which it has a fair Bridge, supported by no less than 14 or 15 Arches. But as it stands on the North side of the River, by the Bounds of Northumberland, it ought rather to be counted in Scotland than England. And, because it has been in the hands of the English from the Reign of Edward IV, therefore in all Acts of Parliament, and Royal Proclamations, wherein this Town is concerned, Barwick upon Twede is always named by itself, as a distinct Part of this Realm, and of Northumberland by consequence. However, as it is so near a Neighbour to this County, I am unwilling to deviate from the Method of all Geographers, whose way is to bring it under this Head, as if it were a part of Northumberland. In short, Barwick, by its Situation, is a Place of good Strength, being almost surrounded with Water, what with the Sea, and what with the River. But it is fortified besides with good Walls and a Castle, besides other Fortifications. The Occasion of it was its being a Frontire-Town, sometimes possessed by the Scots, and sometimes by the English, before these two Nations came to be united under one Head. So that, upon the least Rupture, this Town was sure to undergo the first brunts of the War. It is large and populous, and the Houses well built; enjoying a good Trade, especially for Corn and Salmon. Here one may have a good Salmon for 12 pence. Lastly, Barwick is, like Newcastel, a County of itself. Dignified also with the Title of a Dukedom, and that by the late King James, in the person of James Fitz-James, the present Duke of Barwick, his natural Son, ●inked with him in his Misfortunes. Alnwick, so called from the River Alne upon which it is seated, about 8 miles from the Sea, is an indifferent good Town. Once strengthened with a great Castle, which is now something ruinous. However a noted Place, for the Battle fought here between the English and the Scots, in the Reign of Henry TWO; where William, King of Scots, was taken Prisoner. Hexam is situate West of Newcastel, on the Southside of the River Tine. Once a Bishopric, in the Infancy of the Saxon Church; the Bishop whereof called Episcopus Hagulstadiensis, according to Beda. S. Eata, the fifth Bishop of Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, was the first Bishop of this Place. Succeeded by nine others, till by the fury and rapine of the Danes it discontinued, the Jurisdiction of it being added to the See of York. But in the Reign of Henry VIII. it was taken from that Archbishopric, and by Authority of Parliament united to the County of Northumberland, whereby it became annexed to the Bishopric of Durham. Here was a most stately Church, said to surpass most Ministers in England, before a great part thereof was pulled down by the Scots. Morpeth, a goodly Town, is situate on the River Wensbeck, and fortified with a Castle Its Market is esteemed the best in the County for Provisions and living cattle, which from hence are dispersed to divers Parts of the Kingdom. The Town of some note besides, for giving the Title of Viscount to the Ea● of Carlisle. Some miles South-west from it, near a Town called Belsey, on the River Pont, stands Ogle● Castle, formerly belonging to the Barons Ogle● and now to the Duke of Newcastle, from hence styled Earl of Ogle. As for Weller, 'tis but a small Town, seated on the side of a Hill, near the Banks of the River Till, which runs Northward into the tweed. But its Market is great for Corn, and other Provisions. Of the Islands along the Sea-Coast of Northumberland. Along the Coast of this Country you will find 3 principal Islands, as you go from South to North; viz. Cocket, Farn, and Holy Island. Cocket is but a small Island, lying not far from Wetherington Castle. Farne Island, something bigger, lies North from Cocket, 2 miles from Bamburg Castle. North-East of which lie six smaller Islands, hardly worth the naming. Holy Island, the biggest of the three, and yet of no great extent, is not far from Barwick. This Island, being in shape not unlike a Wedge, runs out with a Neck of Land towards Northumberland. And this is it which formerly was known by the Name of Lindisfarne, in the dawning of Christianity among the Northumber's made a Bishops See by S. Aidan, one of the first Apostles of these Parts. Selected for that Dignity by that holy Man, for the Solitude and Privacy of it, which made it thought more fit and proper for Devotion. Till at last, by the religious Lives of so many pious Bishops, Monks, and others of the Clergy as did inhabit here, it got the Name of Holy Island. And here the See continued 353 years, that, is from the Year 637 to 990, under 22 Bishops, hence called Bishops of Lindisfarne. From whence the See was removed to Durham, the Insolences of the Danes (who then terribly raged on these Coasts) compelling these religious Men to forsake their Solitude. The Air of this Island is so unhealthful, and the Soil ungrateful, that it is but thinly peopled. Fish and Fowl is the best Accommodation of it. So that here is but one Town with a Church and Castle; under which is a good Haven, defended by a Block-house. In short, this County (formerly a Part of the Kingdom of Northumberland, and its Inhabitants part of the Ottadini, as the Romans caded them) is now in the Diocese of Durham. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, six Members of Parliament. Viz. 2 by Newcastle, 2 by Morpeth, and 2 more by Barwick. Lastly, this County is noted for the Title of Duke and Earl it has given to several noble Personages, but with frequent Interruptions. As for the Title of Duke, I find but one that has enjoyed it, till of late, viz. John Dudley, Earl of Warwick, and Lord Admiral● Duke of Northumberland, beheaded by Quee● Mary. Put that of Earl has gone through several Changes, and different Families. Th● Piercies are those who have enjoyed it the long est of any, and yet not without some Interruption too. The first of 'em that had the Title conferred upon him was Henry Piercy Lord Constable, who took possession of i● Anno 1377. under the Reign of Richard II. Three of his Name and Family enjoyed it after him, before John Nevil, Lord Montague, was advanced to this Honour by King Edward TWO; who, after six years, resigned it to Henry Piercy, that had been dispossessed of it. Another Henry Piercy enjoyed it after him, who died in the Year 1527. And 24 years after his Death, the foresaid John Dudley, Earl of Warwick, was by Edward VI created Duke of Northumberland, viz. Anno 1551. Six Years after this the Title of Earl returned to the Piercies, in the person of Thomas, Earl of Northumberland. In which Family it has continued ever since, till the Year 1670, when Joceline Piercy died at Turin in Italy, without Issue male. At present we have a Duke of Northumberland, his Grace George Fitz-Roy, third Son to the Duchess of Cleveland; who in the Year 1674. was created by King Charles II. Baron of Pontefract, Viscount Falmouth, and Duke of Northumberland. Nottinghamshire. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, an Inland County, is bounded Eastward with Lincolnshire, from which it is separated a good way by the River Trent; Westward, with Derbyshire, and some part of Yorkshire; Northward, with Yorkshire; and Southward, with Leicestershire. It is of an oval Form, doubling in length twice its breadth. It's Length, from North to South, is about 40 miles; the Breadth, from East to West, 20. The Whole divided into 8 Wapentakes or Hundreds, 168 Parishes, and 9 Market-Towns. As for the Soil of this County, part of it is Clay-Ground, part sandy Ground, and the rest Woody. The South East Part, being watered by the Trent and small Rivers that fall into it, is the most fruitful; and this is the Clay Part. The Western, where the Forest of Shirwood is, (so famous for Robin-Hood, and his Companions) is stocked not only with Wood, but Pit-Coal; well served besides with Game. Besides the River Trent, here are several small Streams whereby this Country is watered. Among which the Iddie, which empty's itself Northward into the Dun, is the most considerable. As for the Air, 'tis counted as good here, especially in the sandy Parts, as any where else in England. Nottingham, the Shire-Town, from whence the whole County takes its Denomination, is 94 miles from London, to the North-West. Viz. from London to Leicester, 78 miles, the Particulars whereof you may see in Leicestershire; from thence to Loughborow 8; and to Nottingham, 8 more. 'Tis seated about a mile on the North-side of the River Trent, upon a Hill, which overlooks it. Over this River it has a fair Stone-bridge, and another over the Lean a small River; besides two other Bridges over two Ponds, called the Cheney Bridges. The Town is large, containing 3 Parish Churches; for Buildings, fair Streets, and a spacious Marketplace, not yielding to many Cities. But of most fame for its Castle, which for strength, stateliness, and prospect, did formerly challenge the precedency of most Castles in England. Honoured besides with the Title of an Earldom, at this time enjoyed by the Right Honourable Daniel Finch, Earl of Nottingham, and principal Secretary of State. Descended to him from his Father Heneage Finch, Lord High Chancellor of England in the Reign of King Charles TWO, and by him created Earl of Nottingham, Baron Finch of Daventry, etc. Which happened soon after the Death of the Lord Charles Howard, who dying without Issue male was the last of that Family which enjoyed that Title. In short, Nottingham is a Town well inhabited and frequented, this being the Place where the County-Goal is, and where the Assizes are held; and injoy's as good a Trade, as most Inland Towns. For Provisions it has 3 Markets a Week, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, this last the most considerable. The other Market Towns are Southwell, Sat. Redford, Sat. Tuxford, Mund. Newark, Wedn. Worksop, Wedn, Mansfield, Thu. Bingham, Thu. Blithe, Thu. Southwell is seated on a Rivulet, that falls not far off from hence into the Trent. 'Tis an ancient Town, and has a Collegiate Church. Redford is situate on the River Iddel. Not far from which is Littleburg, on the Trent, noted for its Ferry, much resorted unto for a Passage into Lincolnshire. Tuxford, from its Clay-Ground called Tuxford upon Clay, has nothing remarkable in it but its Church and Steeple, both very neat and pretty, though in a dirty Soil. For the Conveniency of Travellers, this being a Road-Town to and from the North, is accommodated with two very good Inns lately built. Newark, the Place of most note in this County next to Nottingham, ly's in the high Road to York, on the Banks of the River Trent, where it divides itself into two Branches, and makes up an Island before the Town. This is a good large Town; otherwise Inconsiderable, but for its Market Place, it's. Church and Steeple, and the Ruins of a stately Castle, which are still to be seen. 'Tis true it gives the Title of Viscount to the Earl of Kingston. Mansfield and Worksop are both in the Forest of Sherwood. The first, a good large Town, graced with well-built Houses, well inhabited, and having a good Trade for Malt, and other Provisions. The other of chief note for the great store it yields of the best Liquorish in all the Northern Parts. As for Ringham and Blithe, they are but indifferent Towns; and their Markets, accordingly. To conclude, this County (now in the Diocese of York) was part of the ancient Kingdom of Mercia; and its Inhabitants, part of the C●ritani, as the Romans called them. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but six Members to serve in Parliament. Viz. Two by Nottingham, two by Newark, and two more by Eastretford. Oxfordshire OXFORDSHIRE, another Inland County, is bounded on the East by Buckinghamshire, from which it is divided in part by the Chiltern-Hills; on the West, by Glocestershire; on the North, by the Counties of Warwick and Northampton; on the South, by the Thames, which parts it from Parkshire. It contains in Length, from North to South, about 40 Miles; in Breadth, from East to West, 26. The Whole divided into 14 Hundreds, 280 Parishes, and 15 Market-Towns. The Air of this County is mightily commended for its sweetness and temperateness, as the Soil is for its fruitfulness. Both which make this Country so much inhabited as it is by Gentry. And that which adds much to it, is the pleasantness of its Hills here, well doathed with Wood, and stored (as well as the Downs) with Variety of Game, both for the Hawk and Hound. Besides the Thames, which waters the South Parts of it, here's the Tame and the Isis, which make up the Thames; the Cherwell, the Windrush, and the Evenlode. So that this County is as well Irrigated, as most are in the Kingdom. Oxford, the principal Place in this Shire, from whence it takes its Name, bears from London West-North-West, and is distant therefrom 47 Miles, thus. From London to Uxbridge, 15; to Beaconfield, 7 more; thence to High Wickam, 5; to Stoken-Church, 5 more; from thence to Wheatly-Bride, 9; and to Oxford, 6 more. A Place of that Importance, especially in relation to the Muses, that it deserves a particular Description; for which I refer you (together with that of London and Cambridge) to the Conclusion of this Part. So I proceed to The other Market-Towns of this County, Burford, Sat. Deddington, Sat. Watlington, Sat. Woodstock, Tame, Bampton, Wed. Chipping-Norton, Wed. Banbury, Thu. Henly, Thu. Witney, Thu. Burcester, Frid. Fairford, Bistow, Coleford, Among which Burford, seated on an Ascent near the River Windrush in the West of Oxfordshire, is a Town of good Antiquity. Remarkable heretofore for a great Battle fought near it about the Year 750. between Cuthbert, a Tributary King of the Westsaxons, and Ethelbald the Mercian King, whose insupportable Exactions Cuthbert could not endure. In this Fight Cuthbert had the fortune to overthrow the Mercian King, and to win his Banner, wherein was depicted a golden Dragon. The Memory whereof has continued for several Ages in the Custom used here of making a Dragon yearly, and carrying it about the Town in great Jollity on Midsummer Eve, with the addition of a Giant to it. At present Burford is a famons Place for Saddles; and something advantaged besides by the neighbouring Downs, much resorted unto by the Gentry for Horse races. Of late become of further note, by giving the Title of Earl to the Duke of St. Alban. Woodstock, a well-compacted Borough-Town, is pleasantly seated near a small River, on a rising Ground, with a large Park near it, surrounded with a Wall, and said to be the first enclosed Park. In which was once a Royal House, called Woodstock Bower, built by King Henry I, and enlarged by Henry TWO, but demolished in the long Civil Wars. In this House was born Edward the black Prince; and in the Labyrinth that belonged to it the beautiful Rosamond, King Henry the Second Mistress, catched her Death, by the poisonous Dose the jealous Queen forced upon her. Whereupon she was interred at a Nunnery called Godstow, not far from this Town, with this Latin Epitaph, Hàc jacet in Tumbâ Rosa Mundi non Rosa munda, Non redolet, sed olet, quae redolere solet. Tame, so called from the River of that Name, which with its Branches does almost encompass it, is a pretty large Town, having one spacious Street, and in the midst of it the Marketplace. Over the River is a Bridge, which leads to Buckinghamshire, so near this Town is seated to its Borders. Here is a famous Free School, with a small Hospital, founded by the Lord Williams of Tame, and its Market is eminent chief for the buying of Cattle, which makes it much frequented by Graziers and Butchers from London and other Parts. Bampton, near the Isis, is a large Town, within a larger Parish, having several Places besides belonging to it. It has a Chapel of Ease, to which belong 3 Vicars, with a liberal Maintenance. Banbury, for wealth and beauty the second Town in this County, is seated in a Flat, on the River Cherwell. Memorable for a great Battle sought near it between the two Houses of York and Lancaster, which proved so favourable to the Lancastrians, that Edward the Pretender to the Crown was taken Prisoner in it. This Town also has been dignifyed with the Title of an Earldom, first in the person of William Lord Knolles, created Earl of Banbury, Anno 1626.; and continued in his Son▪ Nicholas, the late Earl of Banbury. Lastly, in this Town is made a delicate sort of Cheese, which has added something to its Fame. Henly stands upon the Thames, over which it has a fair Bridge. 'Tis a large Town Corporate, driving a great Trade of Malt. And its Market is so considerable for Corn, and Barley especially, that there is often sold in one day about 300 Cartload of Barley for the Malt-Trade of it. The Bargemen besides of Henly, which make up a good Part of its Inhabitants, gain a good Livelihood by transporting of Malt, Wood, and other Goods to London. From whence they bring in return such Commodities as they and the Inhabitants of the neighbouring Towns stand in need of. Witney, seated on the Banks of the River Windrush, and not far from Burford, is a large straggling Town. Most of whose Inhabitants get a Livelihood by spinning and carding for Blankets and Rugs, whereof the Clothiers here drive a good Trade. Here is a Free School for the Education of Youth, with a fine Library. Not far from this Town, and near Enisham, is a Monument of huge and unwrought Stone, called Roll-rich-Stones, set in a circular Compass not unlike those of stonehenge, and supposed to be there erected, in memory of some great Victory. In this Tract of Ground is a Forest of a large extent, called Whitwood-Forest. At the Confluence of the Thame and Isis stands Dorcester. Which indeed is no Market-Town; but, as it is seated on the Road, is well frequented, and accommodated with Inns. A Town formerly of more note than now it is; when Berinus, Apostle of the West Saxons, had his Episcopal See here, which was afterwards removed to Lincoln. However it is graced to this day with a very large and fair Church. To conclude, Oxfordshire (now in the Diocese of Oxford) was Part of the ancient Kingdom of Mercia. And its Inhabitants, together with those of Glocestershire, were known a 'mong the old Romans by the Name of Dobuni. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, eight Members to sit in Parliament. Viz. 2 by the University, and 2 by the City of Oxford, 2 by Banbury, and 2 more by Woodstock. Rutland. RUTLAND, another Inland County, and the smallest in England, is bounded East and North, by Lincolnshire; Westward, by Leicestershire; and Southward, by Northamptonshire, from which it is severed by the River Weland. It contains in Length, from North to South, 12 miles; in Breadth, from East to West, but 〈◊〉. The Whole divided into five Hundreds, wherein 48 Parishes, and but 2 Market-Towns. As little as this County is, yet for quality it yields to none of the best, either as to Air or Soil. As for the Air, it is temperate, wholesome, and not subject to Fogs. The Soil exceeding good either for Corn, or Pasture, especially about the Vale of Catmoss. For, besides its plenty of Corn, it feeds great Herds of Cattle, and Flocks of Sheep, whose Wool participates of the Colour of the Earth, which is reddish. 'Tis also well clothed with Wood and watered with fresh Streams, the chief among which are the Weland, and the Wash. Lastly, this little County has more Parks, considering its Extent, than any other County in England. Okeham, the chief Place hereof, bears from London North North-West, and is distant therefrom 74 Miles, thus. From London to Bedford, 40, for which see Bedfordshire; from Bedford to Wellingbury, 12; and to Kettering, 5 more; thence to Vppingham, 12; and to Okeham, 5 more. Called Okeham, as some would have it, from the plenty of Oaks that grow in its Neighbourhood; and seated in a rich and pleasant Valley, called the Vale of Catmoss. Its buildings are indifferent good, especially the Church, the Free-School, and the Hospital. The Castle, where the Assizes are held, is a Place of more antiquity than beauty. And its Market, which is on Saturdays, is indifferently well served with Provisions. This Town has an ancient Privilege belonging to its Royalty; which is, if any Nobleman enter within its Precinct on Horseback, he forfeits a Shoe from his Horse, unless he redeem it by Mony. Which Homage has been acknowledged by several of ●he Nobility that have passed this Way; as is evidenced by many Horse-Shoes nailed upon the Shire-Hall Door. In which Hall, over the Judge's Seat, is a Horse-Shoe of Iron curiously wrought, 5 foot and a half long, with a breadth proportionable. Vppingham, the other Market-Town, seated on an Eminence, is a pretty compacted and well-built Town, having the Accommation of a Free School and an Hospital. It's Market, kept on Wednesdays, is counted better than that of Okeham. In short, this County (which formerly was Part of the Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants Part of the Coritani, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocese of Peterborough. It is dignifyed with the Title of an Earldom, now in the person of the Right Honourable John Manors Earl of Rutland, and Baron Ross, etc. Derived to him from his Ancestor Tho. Manors, created Earl of Rutland by King Henry VIII. in the Year 1325, and descended by the Lady Ann his Mother from Richard, second Son of Edmund of Langley Duke of York. Out of this County are only elected the two Knights of the Shire, to serve in Parliament. CHAP. XIV. Of Shropshire, Somersetshire, and Staffordshire. Shropshire. SHROPSHIRE, or Salop, an Inland County, is bounded on the East with Staffordshire; on the West, with the Welsh Counties of Denbigh and Montgomery; on the North with Cheshire, and on the South, with Herefordshire. It's Length, from North to South, is about 35 miles; its Breadth, from East to West, 26. The Whole divided into fifteen Hundreds, wherein 170 Parishes, and 15 Market-Towns. Here the Air is counted very wholesome, and the Soil as fruitful, both for Corn and Pasture. 'tis well clothed with Wood, and in the Bowels of the Earth are Mines of Iron and Pitcoal in great plenty. But, towards the West and South Parts, the Country is very hilly, and mountainous. As for fresh Streams, no County is better watered than this. For, besides the Severn, which in its crooked and winding Course, cuts the Shire in the midst, here are the Roden, the turn, Clum, Rea, and Teme. In all which are plenty of freshwater Fish. And, as this County is inferior to none about it, either for delight or penty; So for the Number of Towns and Castles, standing exceeding thick on every side (as having formerly been a Frontier-County towards Wales) it is far above 'em. Shrewsbury, the chief Place hereof, bears from London North-West and by West, and is distant therefrom 124 miles, thus. Viz. From London to St. Alban, 20; and to Dunstable, 10 more; thence to Stony-Stratford, 14; to Towcester, 6; and to Daventry, 10 more; from thence to Covenrry, 14; and to Bermingham, 14 more; then to Dudley, 8; to Bridgenorth, 12 more; from Bridgenorth to Wenlock, 6; and from thence to Shrewsbury, 10. 'Tis seated in the very midst (or Centre as it were) of the County, on a pleasant Ascent, and on the Banks of the Severn, not far from the Place where stood Vriconium, out of whose Ruins 'tis said to be raised. The Severn does almost encompass it round; and that Part of it which is not fenced with it is fortified with a strong Castle, built by Roger de Montgomery, the first Earl hereof. A Town which, for neatness of Buildings both public and private, for variety and fineness of Streets, for extent and populousness, yields to few Cities in England It contains five Parish-Churches, two of which (viz. St. Mary's and St. Alchmond's) are fair Structures, and beautified with lofty Spires. And here are still to be seen the Remains of a stately Abbey, founded by the foresaid Earl of Montgomery. Besides the natural Strength of this Place, it is fenced about with a strong Wall, with a Bulwark ranging from the Castle unto (and part along) the Severn. On the East and West there are three Entrances into the Town by two fair Stone-bridges, with Gates, Towers, and Bars; and on the North, by a Gate, over which stands the Castle, once exceeding strong. Remarkable besides for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable Charles Talbot, the present Earl of Shrewsbury. In short, 'tis a well-traded and frequented Town by all sorts of people, both English and Welsh, whose frequent Intercourse brought them to speak both Speeches. The principal Trade they drive here is in clothes, Frizes, Welsh Cottons, and some other Commodities, this being the common Mart or Empory between England and Wales. And here are Weekly 3 Markets, Viz. On Wednesdays for Provisions, on Thursdays for Welsh Cottons, etc. (here sold in great abundance, and thence sent to London,) on Saturdays for all sorts of Provisions. The other Market-Towns are Bridgenorth, Sat. Newport, Sat. Ludlow, Mund. Great Wenlock, Mund. Oswestree, Mund. Ellismeer, Tue. Shipton, Tue. Drayton, Wedn. Wem, Thu. Wellington, Thu. Stretton, Thu. Whitechurch, Frid. Bishop's Castle, Frid. Clebury, Among which Ludlow, seated in the South Parts of the County, upon the Banks of the Teme, is the most considerable. The Town is large, and populous; beautified with many fair Edifices. It is also defended by a Wall and a Castle, both built by Earl Roger of Montgomery. But it is of chief note, for being the Place where the Court for the Marshes of Wales were kept, first ordained by King Henry VIII. for the Trial of Causes, but suppressed in the late Session of Parliament. Bridgenorth, or the Borough of Bruges, is situate upon the Severn, over which there's a fair Stone-bridge. 'Tis a good large Town, divided into two Parts, the one called the Upper, the other the Lower Town, containing two Parish Churches. In former time fortified with Walls, a Ditch, and a stately Castle seated on a Rock, now decayed. Drayton, on the River turn, where it severs this County from Staffordshire, is a Place of some note for a Battle there fought betwixt the Houses of York and Lancaster. Newport lies South of Drayton, on a Plain or Flat adjoining to Staffordshire. Great Wenlock, in the Road from Worcester to Shrewsbury. Bishop's Castle, in the South Parts, not far from the River Clun. Wem, on the Roden, in the North Parts of the County; noted for the Title of Baron it lately gave to the Lord Chancellor Jeffreys. Oswestree and Ellismore, near the Borders of Wales. Whitechurch, on the Confines of the County near Cheshire. At Wenlock, in the Time of Richard the Second, was found a rich Copper Mine. And at Pitchford in this County is a Well, or Spring, in a private Man's Yard, wherein flows a thick Scum of liquid Bitumen; which being cleared and taken off one day, will have the like upon it again the next. Alderbury, though no Market-Town, is famed for being the Birth-place of old Thomas Parr, who lived to a great Age, and about two years before he died was brought up to London to King Charles I. Where he died, and lies buried in Westminster Abbey. He was born Anno 1483, died in the Year 1635, lived 152 Years, and saw ten ●eigns. Lastly, this County (which formerly was Part of the Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants part of the Cornavii, as the Romans called them) stands now divided betwixt the Dioceses of Lichfield and Hereford. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, ten Members of Parliament. Viz. two out of each of these following Towns, Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Great Wenlock, Bridgenorth, and Bishops-Castle. Somersetshire. SOMERSETSHIRE, a large Maritime County in the West of England, is so called from Somerton, once the most famous and most considerable Town in all the County, and now but a small Market-Town of little or no credit. 'Tis bounded on the East by Wiltshire and part of Devonshire; on the West, by Devonshire; Northward, by the Severn Sea, and part of Glocestershire; Southward, by the Counties of Devon and Dorset. It's Length, from East to West, is about 55 miles; its Breadth, from North to South, 40. The Whole divided into 42 Hundreds, wherein 385 Parishes, and 30 Market-Towns. The Air of this County, in the Summer Season, is very agreeable; but, in Wintertime, 'tis apt to be too moist and foggy. Accordingly the Soil in Winter is wet, miry, and moorish, especially in the midst of the Country, which makes the Roads very uneasy to Travellers. But in Summer there is no pleasanter Country, being garnished (as it is) with rich Pastures and delightful Meadows. Which has given occasion to an usual Proverb here, that what is worse for the Rider is best for the Abider. And, besides Corn and Cattle, wherewith this Country is plentifully stored, here are insome Parts, especially towards Wiltshire, rich Lead-Mines, to the great benefit not only of the County, but of the whole Kingdom. These Mines are found particularly in the Hills called Mendip-Hills; of no small Profit to the Owners. As for its Diamonds, commonly called Bristol-Stones, I refer you to Bristol in Glocestershire. Besides the severn's Mouth, whereby the North-West Part of this Country is watered, here is the Avon, which parts this County from Glocestershire, the Parrot, the Tor, Tone, from, and others, well stored with excellent Fish. In this County are three Cities, Bristol, Bath, and Wells. Bristol indeed stands also in Glocestershire; and, as I have already described it there, I shall pass it over here. Bath bears West and by South from London, and is distant therefrom 94 miles. Viz. from London to Reading, 32 miles, as you may see in Parkshire; from thence to Newberry, 15; and to Marlborough, 15 more; thence to Chipenham, 15; and to Bathe 13 more. It is so called from its Medicinal hot Baths, much resorted unto from all Parts, as being found by long experience to be of great virtue in the curing of Aches and other Distempers. It's Situation is on the River Avon, over which it has a Stone-Bridge; and there it lies in a low and small Plain, surrounded with Hills very high and steep, out of which issue forth several Springs of Water, which pay Tribute to it. This is a Place of great Antiquity, as does appear by many Roman Inscriptions and Images commonly found in the Walls which encompass it. And where the Abbey now stands, 'tis said there was of old a Temple consecrated to Minerva, the Goddess of Fountains and Baths. In short, 'tis a fine City, graced with well-built Houses; and for divine Worship, hav●●● a Parish Church, besides its Cathedral. The Baths in it are four in number, viz. the Cross, and the hot Bath, in the West Parts of the City, the King's and the Queen's-Bath, in the middle. The Cross Bath, so called from a Cross that formerly stood in the midst of it, is Triangular, about 25 foot long, and as broad at one end. This is of a more gentle heat than the rest, because it has fewer Springs. About 100 foot from it is the Hot-Bath, so called, because formerly it was much hotter than the rest, when it was not so large as now it is. The King's Bath is about 60 foot square, and has about the middle of it many hot Springs rising, whence it has the greater heat. The Queen's Bath has no Spring in it, but only receives the Water from the King's Bath, from which it is only divided by a Wall; and so it is more temperate than the King's. In these two Baths is a Pump, to pump Water upon the Diseased, where strong Embrocations are required. In every one of the Baths are Seats of Stone, for the conveniency of those that use 'em. But from 8 a Clock in the morning till about 3 in the afternoon, these Baths are shut up, and none permitted entrance; being then so very hot, that they work and cast up a filth from the bottom. The Inhabitants of Bath do not only find a great advantage by these Medicinal Springs, but also by their Cloth Manufacture, wherein they drive a considerable Trade. And, for Provisions, they have two Markets a Week, viz. Wednesdays and Saturdays. This City is Partner with Wells, the Bishops See, in the Title Episcopal. Noted besides, for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable John Granvile, created Earl of Bath by King Charles the II. Anno 1661. Which Title was formerly enjoyed by the Heirs of John Bourchier, who was created Earl of Bath by King Henry VIII. Anno 1536; but went away from that Family by the Death of Henry Bourchier, dying without Issue male. Wells, seated at the foot of a Hill, is so called from the Springs and Wells that spring about it. 'Tis a small City, but well inhabited, and adorned with fair Buildings, both public and private. The Cathedral, among the rest, is a stately Pile of building, having in the West End a Frontispiece of excellent Imagery and carved Stonework; dedicated to S. Andrew, and said to be first built by Ina, King of the Westsaxons. Adjoining to it is the Bishop's Palace, built in the manner of a Castle, and fortified with Walls and a Mote; and on the other side are the prebend's Houses, etc. The Market-house is also a neat Building, supported by Pillars. Lastly, this City has two Markets a Week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, as Bath. The other Market-Towns are Bruton, Sat. Langport, Sat. Crokehorn, Sat. Ilmister, Sat. Watchet, Sat. Dulverton, Sat. Chard, Mun. Somerton, Mun. Glassenbury, Tue. Wivescomb, Tue. Pensford, Tue. Wrinton, Tue. N. Petherton, Tue. N. Curry, Tue. & Sat. Wincaunton, Wedn. Ilchester, Wedn. Froumselwood, Wedn. Taunton, Wedn. & Sat. Axebridge, Thu. S. Petherton, Thu. Bridgewater, Thu. Wellington, Thu. Canesham, Thu. Evil, Frid. Dunster, Frid. Shepton-Mallet, Frid. Philip-Norton, Minehead, Among which Bruton, seated on the River Brew, is a well-built and inhabited Town, that drives a good Trade for Clothing, Serges, and Maulting. 'Tis graced with a beautiful Church, has a Free School founded by King Edward the Sixth, and a very fine Alms-house. Langport stands on the top of a Hill, in a miry and moorish Country, and near the River Parrot, which next to the Avon is the most considerable. South-Petherton, Crokehorn, Chard, and Ilmister lie not far asunder, near the West-Borders of Dorsetshire; the first two, on the Banks of the Parrot. Dulverton, on the Ex, borders upon Devonshire. Wivescomb, Wellington, North Curry, and Taunton are seated on the River Tone. Taunton, the chief of all the List, is a neat and populous Town, graced with spacious Streets, and a fine Bridge over the River. Inhabited chief by Clothiers, who drive a considerable Trade with the clothes and Serges made here, and in the adjacent Parts. It contains two Parish Churches. Bridgewater and Glassenbury are the two Places of chief note next to Taunton; the first seated on the Parrot, the haft on the Tor, and each with a Stone-Bridge over its proper River. The first is a large, well-inhabited, and frequented Town, adorned with the Title of an Earldom, in the person of the Right Honourable John Egerton, the present Earl of Bridgewater. Derived to him from his Father John Egerton, created Earl of Brigewater by King James I. Anno 1617. Which Title was formerly enjoyed by Henvy Lord Dawbeney, advanced from a Knight to this Dignity by King Henry VIII; he being Son of that Giles Dawbeney, who came in with King Henry VII. from Bretagne in France. But he dying without Issue, this Title died with him; till revived, as aforesaid. Glassenbury, of old called the Island of Avalon, is of chief note for its once famous and stately Abbey; the Monks whereof (for the Credit of it) gave it out, that the Body of Joseph of Arimathea lay there Interred. Certain it is, that this was a Shelter to the Britain's in the latter Times of the British Churches, when they were miserably harassed and persecuted by the Pagan Saxons And it might be (as Dr. Stillingfleet says) of far greater request among the Britain's, because it was the Place where King Arthur was buried. Whose Body was found there very deep in the Earth in the Reign of Henry TWO, with a Latin Inscription on a leaden Cross, expressing that King Arthur lay there buried in the Island of Avalon. And his Body was laid so deep for fear of the Saxons, this being a Place of Retreat in the British Times, but not without the apprehension of their Enemy's Invasion. Axebridge is so called from the River Axe, on which it is situate, Pensford and Canesham lie North and by East from Axebridge; both seated on the Chire, and the last at its very fall into the Avon, near Bristol. Philip-Norton and Froumselwood stand near the Froume, on the Confines of Wiltshire. Shepton-Malles and Somerton lie South and by West from 'em; both pretty large, but poor Towns. Whereas Somerton (as I said before) was once a Place of such note, that the Shire took its Name from it. Ilchester, so called from the River Ill, or Yeovel, upon which it is seated, is a Town of great Antiquity, and was once a Place of good Strength. Then it had 16 Parish Churches, now reduced to two. However this is the Place where the County-Goal is kept. Evil, or Yeovel, stands upon the same River, and grows by the decay of of its Neighbour Ilchester. Win●aunton stands on the side of a Hill, in the Road to London; and is a good Market-Town, for Cheese especially. Minehead, Watchet, and Dunster lie all three by the Seaside. But the first has the best Harbour, and is a Place of some Trade, especially into Ireland. West from which, towards Devonshire, stands another Sea-Town called Porlock, noted for its Bay or Harbour, sometimes resorted unto by Seamen in those Parts. But, to conclude, this County in general is noted for two Things, besides the forementioned. The first, for giving the Title of Duke to his Grace, Charles Seymour, the present Duke of Somerset, Marquess of Hartford, etc. Descended from Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, and Lord Protector of King Edward the Sixth, who was beheaded Anno 1552. But, upon the Restauration of King Charles the Second, the Title was restored to the Line in the person of William Seymour, the great Grandchild of the foresaid Duke; from whom it is now devolved to the present Duke, Brother to Francis who was killed in Italy. 'Tis remarkable besides, that this County was few Years since the Scene which brought the late Duke of Monmouth, with many of his Followers, to their tragical End; and gave an Opportunity to the Popish Party, by the uncontrollable Authority of the late King James, to hurry on their Design of Intailing Popery and Slavery upon these Nations. Which was wonderfully defeated, under God, by the Magnanimity of our present King. Lastly, this County (which formerly was Part of the Kingdom of the Westsaxons, and its Inhabitants Part of the Belgae in the Time of the Romans) is now in the Diocese of Ba●h and Wells. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, 16 Members of Parliament, Viz. Two out of each of these following Places, Bristol, Bath, Wells, Taunton, Bridgewater, Minehead, Ilchester, and Milburn Port. Which last stands on the Confines of Dorsetshire. In the South Parts of this County is a sharp Hill, called Montacute, which gives the Title of Viscount to the Right-Honourable Francis Brown, the present Viscount Montacute. Derived to him from Anthony Brown, created Viscount Montacute in the Reign of Queen Mary, Anno 1354; being descended from the Lady Lucy, Daughter of John Nevil, Grandchild of Tho. Montacute Earl of Salisbury, who was created Lord Montacute, and afterwards Marquis Montacute, by King Edward the fourth. Staffordshire. STAFFORDSHIRE, an Inland County, is bounded Eastward by Derbyshire and part of Warwickshire, parted from the first for the most part by the River Dove; Westward, by Cheshire and Shropshire; Northward, by Cheshire and part of Derbyshire; and Southward, by Worcestershire. It's Length, from North to South, is at least 40 miles; its Breadth, from East to West, about 25. The whole divided into five Hundreds, where in 130 Parishes, and 18 Market-Towns. The Air is counted here pretty good and healthful, but it is somewhat sharp in Winter. As for the Soil, 'tis true the greatest Part of the Country is taken up with Moors, and Woods; insomuch that one may go the whole length of the County, and see little but Heaths and Moors. But they are such as yield both profit and pleasure. Profit, by breeding Multitudes of Sheep, Deer, and Coneys; and many of 'em by the Husbandman's Industry, yielding very good Corn. Pleasure, for they afford the greatest plenty of Heath-Game of any County in the Kingdom, either by Hawking or Hunting. And so great was formerly the Number of Parks and Warrens in this Shire, that there was scarce any Gentleman's Seat in the County but what had both Park and Warrens. The chief Forests are those of Cank and Kinvare; and among Chases, those of Needwood, Peasey, and Alderwas Hay. In short, the North Part of this Country is full of Hills, and Woods, the South stored with Coals and Mines of Iron, and the middle Part (being watered with the River Trent) adorned with fair Cornfields and Meadows. And yet in the North-Parts the Pastures near the River Dove yield the sweetest and fattest Mutton in England. For Manuring the Ground, here's plenty both of Lime and Marl. For Building, abundance of Timber and Stone, which last for its fineness and durableness is held in good esteem. A sort of Plaster is made of the Lime, which soon after it is laid, grows as white as Snow, and as hard as a Stone. Here is also a good deal of Alabaster; and, in some Places, salt Springs, yielding plenty of white Salt, not much inferior to the best Salt in Cheshire. The Hills of most note are Mowcop-hill, in the Confines of Cheshire, where Millstones are got; Dudley-hill, which affords a fine Prospect; the Shaw, which overlooks the Counties of Derby and Leicester; and the Wever. With Rivers, Springs, and Brooks, no County in England is better watered than this. Besides the Trent, here is the Dove, the Churnet, the Blithe, the Line, the Tean, the Sow, the Penk, the Manifold, and several others; some emptying themselves into the Dove, as this dees into the Trent, and all of them stored with most sorts of freshwater Fish. The Trent, of special note for its Pikes, Pearches, Fels, and Grayling; the Dove, for its Trout; and the Blithe, for Eels. And over all these Rivers are reckoned at least 24 Stone-bridges. But as the Gentry here are not so curious in their private Buildings as they be in other Places, to amongst the numerous Towns that are here few can boast of any Beauty. Stafford, the Shire-Town, from whence the County takes its Name, bears from London North-West, and is distant therefrom 104 miles, thus. From London to Northampton, 54 miles, for the particulars whereof I refer you to Northamptonshire; from thence to Coventry, 20 miles; to Lichfield, 20 more; and thence to Stafford, 10. A Town pleasantly seated on the Banks of theriver Sow, which washes its South and West Parts, with a Bridge over it. Formerly fenced with a Wall, except where it was secured by a large Pool or Water on the North and East. Here are two Parish-Churches, a free School, and a fine Marketplace. The Streets are large, and graced with many good Buildings. And its Market, which is kept on Saturdays, is well served with most sorts of Provisions. This Town did formerly belong to the noble Family of the Staffords, first with the Title of Earl hereof and afterwards of Lord or Baron. Henry Stafford was the last of that Line, who dying Anno 1639, the Family of the Staffords died also with him. But, the next year after, William Howard, Knight of the Bath, and second Son of Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey, having to Wife a Daughter of the last Lord Stafford, was by King Charles I. created Viscount and Lord Stafford. Who, being found Guilty of High Treason by his Peers, Dec. 7th 1680, was beheaded upon Tower-Hill Dec. 29. But the Title was in the late Reign revived in his Son Henry, the present Earl of Stafford. Lastly, though Stafford be the County-Town, yet it is not the chief, either for extent or beauty, it being outdone by Lichfield, a City and County of itself, seated in a low and Moorish Ground, on a shallow Pool, by which it is divided into two Parts, both joined together by a Bridge and a Causey, and making up a City of indifferent bigness. In the South Part, which is the greater of the two, stands a Grammar-School for the Education of Children, and an Hospital dedicated to S. John, for the Relief of the Poor. In the other Parts there's nothing considerable but a fair Cathedral, and that sufficient of itself to renown the Place. First built by Oswin, King of Northumberland, about the Year 656, who gave the Bishops hereof many Possessions. Afterwards being taken down by Roger de Clinton, the 37th Bishop of this Diocese, that which now stands was built by him, and dedicated to the Virgin Mary and S. Chad. Besides the Cathedral, this City has 3 Parish Churches. And its Weekly Markets, kept on Tuesdays and Fridays, are well served with Provisions. But Lichfield is not only honoured with a Bishops See. 'Tis dignifyed besides with the Title of an Earldom, in the person of the Right Honourable Edward Henry Lee, who was created by Charles II. Baron of Spellesbury, Viscount Quarendon, and Earl of Lichfield, Anno 1674. The other Market-Towns are Newcastle, Mund. Stone, Tue. Beetles, Tue. Pagets Bromley Tue. Tudbury, Tue. Walsall, Tue. Ridgeley, Tue. Penkridge, Tue. Brewood, Tue. Leek, Wedn. Vtoxeter, Wedn. Wolverhampton, Wedn. Checkley, Thu. Burton, Thu. Eccleshall, Frid. Tamworth, Sat. Among which Newcastle, commonly called Newcastle under Line, from the Rivulet Line upon which it is seated, and that to distinguish it from Newcastle upon Tine in Northumberland, is a large Town, but mean in its Buildings, most of 'em being thatched. Vtoxeter and Tudbury are seated on the River Dove; Stone and Burton, upon Trent, the first in the Road from London to Chester, and the last famous for its Bridge leading into Derbyshire; Pagets Bromley, on the Blithe; and Checkley, on the Teane. Tamworth is seated on the Tame, where the Auker falls into it, with a Stone-Bridge over each. It stands part in this County, and part in Staffordshire; one part washed by the Tame, and the other Part by the Auker. In short, 'tis a good Town, beautified with a large Church, and strengthened with a small (but strong) Castle. Walsall is seated on the top of a high Hill, pretty well built, and driving a good Trade of Nails, Spurs, Stirrups, Bridle-bits, and Bellows made here in great plenty. Penkridge, a Place of good Antiquity, seated near the River Penk, is now only famous for its Horse-Fair, and chief for Saddle-Nags. And Brewood, for that the Bishops of this Diocese had here their Palace before the Conquest. Wolverhampton was only called Hampton, till such time as one Vulver, a devout Woman, enriched the Town with a Religious House. It stands upon a Hill, and has a Collegiate Church annexed to the Deanery of Windsor. About four miles from this Place stood the Oak, where the late King Charles took Sanctuary for some Days after his Defeat at Worcester, till he was conveyed to the House of Mrs. Jane Lane, who was a chief Instrument in his Conveyance beyond Sea. From whence this famous Tree came to be called the Royal Oak. Lastly, this County (formerly Part of the Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants part of the Cornavii) is now in the Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, eight Members of Parliament. Viz. two out of each of these following Towns, Stafford, Lichfield, Newcastle under Line, and Tamworth. CHAP. XV. Of Suffolk, Surrey, and Sussex. Suffolk. SUFFOLK, a large Maritime County, is bounded on the East with the Germane Ocean; on the West, with Cambridgeshire; Northward, with Norfolk; and Southward, with Essex. Called Suffolk, q. d. Southfolk, in opposition to Norfolk, which lies North from it. It contains in Length, from East to West, about 45 miles; in Breadth, from North to South, where broadest, at least 30. The Whole divided into 22 Hundreds, wherein 575 Parishes, and 30 Market-Towns. A strong Argument of its Populousness. Here the Air is counted so wholesome, that some London Physicians have prescribed it for the Cure of their consumptive Patients. As to the Soil, the Eastern Parts all along the Coast, for five or six mile's Inland, are generally heathy, sandy, and full of blea● Hills; yet such as yield abundance of Rye Pease, and Hemp, and feed abundance o● Sheep. The more Inland Part, commonly called high Suffolk, or the Wood-Lands, is for the mo●● part Clay-Ground, and is husbanded chief for the Dairy, this County being noted fo● its excellent Butter. The Southern Parts along the Borders of Essex and Cambridgeshire, are much of the same nature for Wood and Pasture-Ground. But the Parts about Bury, and to the North-West from thence, are generally Champain, abounding with excellent Corn of all sorts. And as for Parks, here are reckoned in this County near upon fifty. For Rivers, few Counties are so well watered. Besides the little Ouse and the Waveney, which part it from Norfolk here is the Stoure, which severs it from Essex, the Orwell or Gippe, the Ore, Blithe, Deben, and Breton, etc. Ipswich, the chief Place hereof, bears from London North-East, and is distant from thence 55 miles, thus. From London to Colchester, 43 miles, as you may see in Essex; and 12 from thence to Ipswich. This is one of the best and most thriving Towns in England, seated in the Southeast Parts of the County, on the Banks of the Orwell, about 20 miles from its fall into the Sea. A Place of great Antiquity, formerly walled about by a Rampire of Earth, which in the Year 991 was thrown down by the Danes; who grievously harassed these Parts, and some years after came with such a fury, that they left scarce any thing of Ipswich but the Ruins of its Buildings. But, that Storm being over, it began in the Normans Time to recover itself. So that at this present, whether we consider its Extent, Populousness, or Trade, it yields to very few Cities in England. It reaches a mile in length, and above a mile in breath, with no less than 12 Parish Churches, which shows its Populousness. Within that Compass are several fair Buildings, both public and private; and, among those, the Place of Judicature, a free School with the Conveniency of a good Library, and for the Relief of the Poor an Hospital. And, as for Cleanliness, 'tis counted (next to Bristol) one of the cleanliest Towns in England. It's chief Trade consists in the Manufacture of Cloth, both Linen and Woollen, besides Fishing and Ship-building. For Provisions, etc. it has 3 Markets a Week, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. And, to conclude, it is of some note for being the Birth-place of Cardinal Wolsey, who began here to build a stately College, bearing his Name to this day. The same gives the Title of Viscount to his Grace the Duke of Grafton. The other Market-Towns are Orford, Mun. Hadleigh, Mun. Lavenham, Tue. Mendlesham, Tue. Halesworth, Tue. Bury, Wedn. jestoft, Wedn. Woodbridge, Wedn. Haveril, Wedn. Bilston, Wedn. Needham, Wedn. Stow. Market, Thu. Tansdale, Thu. Saxmundsham, Thu. Swold, Thu. Buddesdale, Thu. Bungay, Thu. Newmarket, Thu. Iksworth, Frid. Mildenhall, Frid. Clare, Frid. Neyland, Frid. Debenham, Frid. Dunwich, Sat. Eye, Sat. Sudbury, Sat. Framlingham, Sat. Beckles, Sat. Alborough, Sat. Among which Bury, or S. Edmunds Bury, is the most remarkable; being so called from King Edmund the Martyr, here interred. Who, for not renouncing the Christian Faith, was shot to death at Hoxon by the Danes, and his Body stuck by degrees with Arrows. In this Town was erected the first Christian Church by Sigebert, King of the East-Angles, in which King Edmund was buried. And, in Memory of him, here was erected a most stately Abbey, of which and the Town itself take this Description from an ancient Author. The Sun, says he, has not seen a Town more finely or delicately seated, upon the East Ascent of a Hill, with a River running on the East side. Nor a more stately Abbey, incomparable either for Magnificence or Revenues, in whose prospect appeareth rather a City than a Monastery. So many Gates it has for entrance, and many of them Brass; so many Towers; and, above all, a most glorious Church. Upon which attend three others, standing all in the same Churchyard, all of them very fine, and of curious Artifice. The Town, at present, does consist of two Parish-Churches; the Houses pretty well built; the Market-hill, Fair-stead, and Corn-Cross, spacious and handsome. And for what remains of the Abbey itself (in whose Yard stands an old Shire-House) 'tis far more majestic, than any other Ruins of its kind. The Market is of special note, for the extraordinary Quantities of Corn brought to it, for which 'tis usually the Standard of the Country. Lastly, not far from this Town was that great Battle fought against King Henry the Second, where this King had the good fortune to overthrow Robert Earl of Leicester, with his Rabble of Flemings, who joined with the rebellious Son of King Henry, the Earl himself and his Wife being taken Prisoners. Stow-Market and Needham are both seated upon the Orwell. The first, as it were, in the Centre of the County, having a fair Prospect down the River Eastward. 'Tis a large and beautiful Town, graced with a spacious Church, and its Steeple adorned with a huge and lofty Pinnacle, not easy to be parallelled. The grand Trade of this Town is in Tammeys, and other Norwich Stuffs, this being the only Town in Suffolk considerable for such Things. Needham, an ominous Name, drives still a Trade (but less than formerly) in the Suffolk blue and broad clothes for Russia, Turkey, and orher Countries. Which creates spinning Work for the poorer sort of Women, whilst others get a Livelihood by making of Bonelace. Debenham, and Woodbridge, are on the River. Deben. The last a large Town, seated on the East-side of a sandy Hill, watered with several Streams, and having a pleasant Prospect down the River Deben, which about 12 miles lower discharges itself into the Sea. Here is a fair Church, with several Monuments in it. In the midst of its Marketplace is also a fair Pile of brick, in a Chamber whereof are held the Quarter-Sessions for the Liberty of S. Ethelred and Audery. The Market well traded unto, especially for Hemp. In this Town are four or five good Docks for building of Ships, most of 'em well employed, and noted among Seamen for good Workmanship. The Inhabitants, for their part, drive a considerable Trade by Sea, for which they are furnished with several Ships of burden. And the principal Commodities they deal in are Butter, Cheese, Pouldavis, Sackcloth, Planks, etc. besides their refining of Salt. Orford, a few miles East and by South from Woodbridge, is seated between the River Over on the East and a smaller Stream on the West, within two miles from the Sea. Here is a Church well mounted, but unsightly within; and hard by it the Ruins of a high close-built Castle. Which, together with the Church-Steeple, are good Directions to Seamen, as the Light-house at the Ness is by night. In the Reign of Henry the Second (says Sir Richard Baker) there was taken near Orford a Fish in the Shape of a Man, which was kept in the Castle above 6 months. This Fish eat all manner of Meat, but delighted chief in Fish. An Author that comments upon it says very seriously, that he spoke not one Word, and Reason good, for it was a Fish; and that the People brought him sometimes to Church, but he never shown any Sign of Adoration, which is no wonder of a Fish. At length, for want of looking to, this Man-Fish stole into the Sea, and was never more seen, because (I guess) the Water was his Element. But here is something more admirable. On the narrow stony Beach, that shoots Southerly betwixt the Town and the Sea, 'tis said that in the Year 1555, when there was a great Dearth, there sprang up among the Meer-shingle such Quantities of Pease, that the People gathered of 'em above 100 Quarters; which both abated the price of Corn, and preserved many from famishing. And at the South Point of it, there still comes up yearly certain course grey Pease, and good Coleworts out of the Stone-heaps. Alborough, another Coast-Town, ly's 2 mile's North-East of Orford. Pleasantly seated in a Dale, between the Sea on the East, a high Hill on the West where stands a large and old-built Church, and a small River that runs to the Southward. This is a long, large, and plain-built Town, with mean Houses. Chief noted for its Fishery, for which they have a commodious Key at Slaughden, a quarter of a mile Southwards; and, along the Beach towards Orford, Conveniencies above other Towns, for the drying of their North-Sea-Fish. A little North of the Town is a Village, called Thorp, whence several Parts of the County are served with Lobsters and Crabs. Saxmundsham lies North of Alborough, and at some distance from the Sea, upon a small River. Dunwich, on the Seashore, was the first Bishops See of the East-Angles, for the County of Suffolk. Then a Town capable of that Dignity; now ruinous, decayed, and for the greatest part worn into the Sea. However it does still contain two Parish Churches. Fishing of Sprats in Winter, and of Herrings, Mackerel, Soles, and the like, in their proper Seasons, is the chief Employment of its Inhabitants, as it is with those of Alborough. Swold, or Sowold, a few miles more Northward, stands also by the Seaside. Seated on a pleasant Cliff, the Sea on the East, the Harbour on the South, the River Blithe with a Draw-bridge on the West, and a small Neck of Land on the North. So that it is almost encompassed with Water, especially at every flood. And, besides the natural Situation of the Place, which renders it a Town of good strength, here are planted on the Cliff several Pieces of Ordnance. It's Bay called Swolds Bay, so famous for Ships to ride in, is chief made by the Shooting forth of Easton Ness, a little North of it, which is the most Eastern Part of all England. Lestoft is the most Northern Sea-Town of this County, and a good thriving Place. It's chief Trade consists in fishing for Cod in the North Sea, and at home for Herrings, for which it lies most conveniently over against the chief Herring-Beds. Beckles and Bungay are both seated on the banks of the Waveney. The first has two Parish-Churches; and a Grammar-School, with ten Scholarships for Emanuel College in Cambridge. Here the women's Employ is to knit Worsted Stockings, whilst at Diss in Norfolk on the other side of the River they employ themselves in knitting of Silk ones. Halesworth, Framlingham, and Eye, make a kind of Triangle. The first is a thriving Town for Retail Trade, dealing much in Linen, Yarn and Sale Cloth. Framlingham, a good large Town, is seated upon a Clay-hill, near the head of the River Ore. Defended by a spacious tall Castle of Saxon Work, well walled, and double ditched on one part, with a large Mere on the other part. This Castle had once no less than 13 high Towers; and was counted so strong, that Robert, the rebellious Earl of Leicester against King Henry the Second, took up his Quarters here. Its Inworks are now much defaced, there being only a large Dwellinghouse, a Grammar-School-House, &c. but the Outworks are more like a Castle, than the Ruins of one. Eye, a pretty large Market-Town, and an ancient Corporation, is situate in a watery Place. It shows a fair Church, with the Ruins of a Castle, and of an ancient Benedictine Abbey called S. Peter's. The women's Employ in this Town is making of Bonelace. This Corporation is a Peculiar of the Crown, an Honour of ancient Time, and has been given in Jointure with the Queens of England. Buddesdale, some miles West of Eye, is but a little Borough-Town, seated (according to its Name) in a Dale. Here is a Grammar-School endowed, with certain Scholarships assigned to Bennet (or Corpus Christi College) in Cambridge. Hadleigh and Lavenham are both seated on the River Breton, and Bilston on a Rivulet that falls into it. The first a Town of great account formerly for its Clothing, has a fine Church, which is a great Ornament to it, and is a Peculiar of Canterbury. Of some note for the Martyrdom of Dr. Taylor, their sometime famous Minister, who suffered here for his Religion. But, whereas Hadleigh is seated in a Bottom, Lavenham on the contrary stands on an Eminence. This also has a comely and spacious Church and Steeple, injoy's a pretty good Trade, and is something the more frequented for its famous Lecture. Bilston, or Bildeston, is noted for its Blues and Blankets. And the Women here either spin corded Wool for the Clothier, or white Work for the Packer. Neyland, Sudbury, Clare, and Haverill, are all four seated on the River Stower. The first, in a rich Bottom, is a good Country Town, noted for its Clothing, but chief for its Bays and Says, wherein the Inhabitants drive a Trade with London. Sudbury is a good large Town, having a fair Bridge over the River Stower, which leads into Essex. It contains 3 Parish Churches, and drives a good Trade of Clothing; being chief noted for Sesse, as Colchester in Essex for Bays. Of some Note besides, for giving the Title of Baron to his Grace the Duke of Grafton. Clare is a Town of more antiquity than beauty, having nothing to boast of but the Ruins of a Castle and Collegiate Church, but that it gave both Name and Title to that noble Family surnamed De Clare, who in their Times were Earls of Hartford, Clare, and Gloucester. The last of that Name was Gilbert de Clare, who died Anno 1295. He had a Sister and Coheir, Elizabeth by Name, the Wife of William de Burg, Earl of Ulster in Ireland, by whom she got a Daughter, their sole Heir. To this great Heiress Lionel, the third Son of King Edward III, was married, and upon his Marriage made Duke of Clarence, the Termination of the Title being only changed, not the Place denominating. And from this Change the second King of Arms is surnamed Clarencieux, as appertaining formerly to the Dukes of Clarence. Besides this first Duke of Clarence, I can find but two more. Viz. Thomas, second Son to King Henry IV, Lord Admiral, who was slain in France; and George, Brother to King Ed. ward IV, Lord Constable. But, in the Year 1624., the first Title of Clare was revived in the person of John Holles, Lord Houghton, Created Earl of Clare by King James the first. To whom succeeded John Holles, his eldest Son; then Gilbert Holles, the late Earl; and upon his Decease, the Right Honourable John Holles, the present Earl of Clare. Haveril, on the edge of Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire, is a small and plain Market-Town not far from the Head of the Stower, adjoining to the Saffron Grounds. The principal Trade here is Fustians. As for Newmarket, I refer you to Cambridgeshire. Mildenhall, a large and populous Market-Town, is seated on the Banks of a River that runs from East to West into the Ouse, almost over against Littleport in Cambridgeshire. Here is a fair Church, with a very tall Steeple. And its Market does chief abound with Fish and wild Fowl from the Fens. Spinning is here the principal Employment of the poorer sort of Women. Iksworth is but a small Market-Town, which (according to Cambden) retains in its Name the Memory of the Iceni, who partly dwelled in this County. In this Town are yet some Remains of an ancient Priory, founded by Gilbert Blunt, Lord of the Town; as also of a Guild-Hall, where (not many years since) has been digged up a Pot of Roman Coin, bearing Inscriptions of divers Roman Emperors. But, besides the foresaid Market-Tows, there are other Towns in Suffolk, which upon some account or other do deserve a place here. Exning, or Ixning, among others, not far from Newmarket, has at least as much right as Iksworth to claim its Name from the ancient Iceni. This is the Place which gave Birth to St. Audery, the Virgin Daughter of Anna, King of the East-Angles; who, for her holy Life and Works of Piety, was Canonised for a Saint. From this Town to Ely, Henry Bishop of Ely made a Causey or high Way. Brandon, seated upon the little Ouse, over which it has a Bridge, was once a Market-Town, but has lost that Conveniency. However 'tis of some note for giving the Title of Baron to the Earl of Maclesfield. And, not far from it, is a noted Ferry, called from hence the Brandon Ferry, where Things come up from the Isle of Ely. Euston, some miles from Brandon to the Eastward, is also situate on the Banks of the little Ouse, and that hard by Fackenham. This indeed is but a small Place, but (as an Author describes it) finely seated on a Flat, in a fair Champain Country, for pleasure and delight. Which induced the late Earl of Arlington to raise a noble Structure there, called Euston-Hall, of extraordinary Beauty. Adjoining to which is a large Nursery, containing 1560. Fruit-trees of several sorts; besides artificial Fountains, and a Canal which makes a pleasant noise as it falls into the River. There is also to be seen a Grove of near ten thousand Trees, a large Warren, and many other Curiosities. The Particulars whereof I shall wave, to acquaint the Reader, that upon the Marriage of the second Son of the Duchess of Cleveland to the only Daughter of the Earl of Arlington, it pleased King Charles II. that he should receive Denomination from the noble Seat aforesaid. Accordingly he was created Baron of Sudbury, Viscount Ipswich, and Earl of Euston Anno 1672; and finally Duke of Grafton, in the Year 1675. Off●on, that is Offa's Town, King of Mercia. Who, having treacherously murdered Ethelbert King of the East-Angles (to whose Court he came an invited Guest, Anno 793.) and thereupon usurped his Kingdom, erected here a small Castle on a Clay-hill. The Ruins of which are yet apparent, under the Name of Offton-Castle. Rendlesham, situate on the River Deben, towards Orford, is noted for being the Place where Redwald, the first Christian King of the East-Angles, kept his Court. Who, being afterward seduced by his Queen, permitted an Altar to be placed in the Church for her Heathenish Sacrifices to Devils, together with his Altar for the Worship of the true God. Wickham, or Wickham-Market, North of Woodbridge, and upon the same River, is as big as many Market-Towns; though its Market be now lost, by reason of its Neighbourhood to Woodbridge. 'Tis a Stage-Town upon the Eastern London Road, and one of those where general and Spiritual Courts are held for the Archdeacon of Suffolk; to whom the Eastern Part of the County is assigned as the Western is to the Archdeacon o● Sudbury. Here is a Spire-Steeple, which serves as a seamark to Sailors off the Whiting Sand by Orford. Walderswick, a Sea-Town near Sowolds Bay, has a fine Church and Spire-Steeple, which shows it to have been a much better Town than it is at present. Blithborough, a poor decayed Town, not far West from Walderswick, is so called from the River Blithe, over which it has a Bridge. Here are still to be seen the Ruins of a Priory, founded by King Henry I; and the Goal for the Division of Beckles, as a Remembrance of the Session, formerly kept here. Of some note besides for being the Burial Place of Anna, a Christian King of the East-Angles, slain in the Field by Peuda the Mercian King. The Church is very handsome still, and that's the only Ornament of this Place. So much for the Towns of Suffolk. What remains is to acquaint you, that this County (formerly a Part of the Kingdom of the East-Angles, and its Inhabitants part of the Iceni, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocese of Norwich. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, fourteen Members of Parliament. Viz. Two out of each of these following Places, Ipswich, Dunwich, Orford, Alborough, Sudbury, Eye, St. Edmundsbury. Of this County there have been Dukes, Marquesses, and Earls. And this last Title lives still in the person of the Right Honourable George Howard, the present Earl of Suffolk. Devolved to him from his Ancestor Thomas Lord Howard of Walden, created Earl of Suffolk by King James the I. in the Year 1603. Surrey. SURREY, an Inland County of no great extent, is bounded on the East by Kent; on the West, by Berkshire and Hampshire; Northward, by Middlesex, from which parted by the Thames; and Southward, by Sussex. Called Surrey, from its Situation on the Southside of the River Thames; the Saxons calling that Rey, which we term a River, and so from Southrey came the Name of Surrey. It contains in Length, from East to West, about 35 miles; in Breadth, from North to South, 25. The Whole divided into thirteen Hundreds, wherein 140 Parishes, and yet but 8 Market-Towns. The Skirts of this County are very rich and fruitful, especially towards the Thames, where it yields plenty both of Corn and Grass; but the middle Parts are somewhat hard and barren. From whence the People use to say, that their County was like a course piece of Cloth, with a fine List. But what the middle Parts want in Riches they supply with Pleasures, as being famous for good Air, and well stored with Parks; the Downs affording excellent Opportunity as well for Horse-races as Hunting. As for Rivers, besides the Thames aforesaid, here is none of any Note but the Wey which runs through Guildford, the Mole through Darking, and the Wandle whose Springhead is at Croyden. All which empty themselves into the Thames, the first two near Hampton-Court, and the last near Richmond. Guildford, the County-Town, bears from London South-West by West, and (by common Computation) is distant from it 25 miles, thus. From London to Kingston, 10 miles; from Kingston to Cobham, 7; and to Guildford, 8 more. A Town no less pleasantly than commodiously seated on the River Wey, which affords a good Advantage to the Inhabitants in the Conveyance of their Goods in Barges up to London, much facilitated by the several Landlocks or Sluices on the said River. In old time it was the Royal Mansion of the English Saxon Kings, and then a Place of larger extent than now it is. Near the River stand the broken Walls of an old large Castle; and in the midst of the Town is a Church, the West-end whereof made of arched Work, and embowed over Head, seems to be very ancient. In short, the Town is beautiful, well frequented, and full of fair Inns. It contains 3 Parish Churches; and its Market, which is on Saturdays, iis well served with Corn, and other Provisions. As for honorary Titles, the first that had any from hence was Elizabeth, Viscountels of Kynelmalky in Ireland, Created Countess of Guildford during life by Charles II. Anno 1660. Then in the Year 1671. the same King conferred the Title of Earl of Guildford upon John Maitland, the late Duke of Lauderdale in Scotland. And after them Francis North, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, was advanced to the Peerage, by being made Lord Guildford. The other Market-Towns are Southwark, Sat. Kingston, Sat. Croyden, Sat. Reygate, Tue. Darking, Thu. Farnham, Thu. Ewel. Southwark, commonly pronounced Suthrick, stands opposite to the City of London on the Banks of the Thames. A Place which, for number of Buildings and Inhabitants, goes beyond most of the Cities in England. But, for its Streets and Buildings, they are but ordinary, except the broad Street which leads from the Bridge to St. George's Church. A Street beautified with fair Buildings, raised from the Ashes of frequent Conflagrations this Place has been afflicted with. And here the Inhabitants drive a considerable Trade with the whole County, this being the most convenient Place for the Surrey Carriers that come up; for whose Accommodation here is Multitude of Inns. The principal Church here is that of St. Mary over Rey, formerly a Priory of the B. Virgin; Next to which is St. George's Church. Here is also a famous Hospital, called St. Thomas' Hospital, founded by the Citizens of London, for the Relief of impotent Persons. The King's Bench and the Marshalsea are two other noted Places, and but too well known to many. To which add the Bear-Garden, where Prizes are fought, and the common People diverted with the Fight of Dogs with Bears and Bulls. In short, though this Place be counted Part of London, and under the Lord Mayor's Jurisdiction; yet it does still enjoy several of its ancient Privileges peculiar to itself, as holding of Courts within themselves, and electing of Members of Parliament, etc. And, because it lies in Surrey, as London does in Middlesex, I thought it not improper to bring i● into this List. Kingston is situate ten Miles South-West from London, on the Banks of the Thames, over which it has a Bridge leading into Middlesex. A Town heretofore famous for the Coronation of the Monarches of the English Saxons, whence it had the Name of Kingston, or King's Town, whereas before it went by the Name of Moreford. And, for Distinctionssake 'tis called Kingston upon the Thames, to difference it from Kingston upon Hull in Yorkshire. A Place in former times well known for its Castle, belonging to the Clares, Earls of Gloucester. And, as for its present State, 'tis yet a goodly Town, well accommodated with Inns for the Reception of Strangers, and of late something advantaged by the King's Residence in Summer at Hampton-Court in its Neighbourhood, as it is by the County-Assizes which are frequently held here. Croyden is a long Town ten mile's South from London. Seated near the Springhead of the Wandle, which falls into the Thames at Wandsworth; and in a manner begirt with Hills well clothed with Wood, affording good Game to the Hunter, and furnishing London with great store of Charcoal. This Town has but few good Buildings, the Houses in it being for the most part but mean and ordinary. But it has the advantage of being graced with a fine large Church, set out with a lofty Steeple, and with a Summer-Pallace of the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Accommodated besides with an Hospital for the Relief of the Poor, and a Free School for the Education of Youth. From this Town to Farnham runs the Downs, called Banstead Downs, so noted for Hawking, Hunting, and Horse-racing. And near the Town is a Bourn, or Stream, the Rising whereof has been sometimes observed to have been a Fore runner of some public Calamity. Reygate, a good large Town, is seated in the Vale called Holmes Dale, and is now of chief note for the great plenty of excellent Fuller's Earth which is digged up in its Neighbourhood. Here is an ancient, but ruinated Castle; with a long Vault under Ground, and a large Room at the end of it, where (if the Story be true) the Barons met in Council in their War against King John. Near this Town several Battles have been fought against the Danes, which proved fatal to them. Darking is situate on a Branch of the River Mole. Where, at the foot of White-Hill (on which grow plenty of Boxtrees) the said River runs under Ground for above a Mile, and rises again near Norbury. The Place where it falls in is therefore called the Swallow. Farnham seems to take its Name from the great Store of Fern that grows in its Neighbourhood. It ly's on the edge of Surrey towards Hampshire, watered by the River Wey, and graced with an Episcopal Seat, the usual Residence of the Bishops of Winchester. Here King Alfred, with a small Power, had the good fortune to overcome the Danes, of whom he made a great slaughter. As for Ewel, all I have to say is, that it is but very mean and inconsiderable. Other Places of Note in this County. Richmond, among the rest, deserves the precedency. A fair, large, and well built Town, seatupon an easy ascent, on the Banks of the Thames; Whose pleasant and healthful Situation has invited so many of the Gentry to be its Inhabitants. Here King Henry VII. built a stately Palace, which (with Nonsuch and Otelands', two other ●oyal Palaces in this County) has felt the sad effects of the Civil Wars in the Reign of Charles I. Here died several of the dearest Princes that ever England had Viz. King Edward III, the Conqueror of France; the beautiful Ann, Wife to King Richard the Second, and Daughter to the Emperor Charles the fourth; the most wise Prince, Henry the Seventh; and the Wonder of her Sex, the famous Queen Elizabeth. Lambeth. situate opposite to Westminster, is a large Parish, of chief note for being the Residence of the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, where he has a fine Palace. And, though, it is counted unwholesome to live in, yet it is well inhabited; and the Skirts of it graced with many gentlemen's and Citizen's Houses. Here Canute, the last Danish King, ended his Days among his Cups. From Lambeth Westward, you will find along the River Battersea, Putney, Moreclack, three goodly Towns; and, at some distance from the River, Newington, Clapham, and Wandesworth. This last on the River Wandle, which drives several Mills, employed by Londoners; and of late much improved by the French Protestants that have resorted thither. Further in the Country you'll find Stretham a sweet Place, Micham four mile's West of Croyden, Cheame, and near it Nonsuch. This a Royal Palace, so delightfully seated among Parks, and built with so much Magnificence and such rare Workmanship by King Henry the eighth, with delicate Gardens, Orchards and Groves, that (as Speed says) no County had none such as Nonsuch itself. Not far from Nonsuch is Epsham, very pleasantly seated, and much resorted unto in Summer by the Gentry and Citizens of London, for drinking its medicinal Waters. Here is also a Place called Effingham, which gives the Title of Baron to the Right Honourable Charles Howard, Baron Effingham; devolved to him some Years since, upon the Decease of Charles Howard Earl of Nottingham, and Baron Effingham. Blechingly, Gatton, and Haselmere are 3 ancient Borough-Towns, which have the Election of Parliament-Men. Now but small and inconsiderable, but formerly of good note; especially Gatton, where Roman Coins have often been digged up. Haselmere stands on the edge of the County, towards Hampshire. Chertsey, not far from the Thames, over which it has a Bridge, is a Town of good antiquity. Here King Henry the Sixth being deposed and made away in the Tower of London, was Interred without funeral Pomp; but, for his holy Life being reputed a Saint, was afterwards Entombed at Windsor in Berkshire. At Ockl●y King Ethelwolf, Son to King Egbert, fought a successful Battle against the Danes. And if Merton be famous for any thing, 'tis for the Statute of Merton, here enacted, in the Reign of King Henry the Third. Lastly, this County (which with Sussex made the Kingdom of the South-Saxons, and whose Inhabitants went under the Name of Regni among the ancient Romans) is now in the Diocese of Winchester. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, no less than 12 Members to sit in Parliament. Viz. two out of each of these following Towns, Guildford, Southwark, Reygate, Blechingly, Gatton, and Haselmere. The same has been, for above 600 Years, dignifyed with the several Titles of Duke and Earl. The last of which has belonged to the Dukes of Norfolk above 200 Years. Sussex. SUSSEX, a Maritime County, is bounded Eastward with Kent; Westward, with Hampshire; Northward, with Surrey, and part of Kent; Southward, with the Sea called the Chan●el. It contains in Length, from East to West, about 55 miles; in Breadth, from North to South 20. The Whole divided into six Rapes, called from their respective chief Places Chichester, Arundel, Bramber, jews, Pevensey, and Hesting Rapes. All which, one with another, contain 65 Hundreds, wherein 312 Parishes, and 16 Market-Towns. Here the Air is counted generally good, though subject to Mists and Vapours arising from the Sea. The Soil is rich, and such as yields plenty of all Things necessary. The North Parts, towards Kent and Surrey, are well shaded with Woods, as was all the Country heretofore, till the Iron-Works consumed them. The Southern Parts, towards the Sea, lying upon a Chalk or Marle, yield Corn abundantly; with a delightful Intermixture of Groves and Meadows. Where the Land is low, as it is in that Part called the Weld, the Ways are so deep in Winter, that then it is exceeding bad Travelling. But that Part called the Downs is very pleasant and easy to Travellers. One would think, that in so large an Extent of Sea-Coast there should be many a good Harbour. Whereas 'tis very thin of 'em; and such as it has are, by reason of its Shelves and Books, both dangerous for entrance and uncertain for continuance. Here are several good Rivers, (among which Arun is the principal) that make the Country both pleasant and fruitful, and supply it, as the Sea does for its part, with abundance of Fish. And, among Fowl, here's abundance of Wheat-ears, a small Bird about the bigness of a Lark. Which being in the prime, when Wheat is ripe, exceeds all others for fatness and daintiness. Fast-bourn, near the Sea, is the noted Place, where they catch plenty of these Birds. Chichester, the chief Place of this County, and that which gives Name to one of the six Rapes, is (by common Computation) 50 miles distant from London, and bears from it South-West and by South. The Way to it is through Guildford 25 miles, as you may see in Surrey; from Guildford to Godalmin, 3; thence to ●echford Bridge, 11; and to Chichester 11 more. This City (for it is a Bishops See) is seated in a Plain, on the Banks of the Levant, which incompasses the South and West Parts, and at a small distance discharges itself into the Sea. First built by Cissa, the second King of the South-Saxons, where he had his Royal Palace. It contains at this time five or six Parish Churches, besides its Cathedral. Its Buildings are indifferent; but it has four spacious Streets, with a fine Marketplace of Stone, and supported round about with Pillars. The Cathedral is of a circular form, and graced with a stately Spire, built of Stone. Twice it was almost consumed by a raging fire, since it was first built by Radulph, the third Bishop here; but was afterwards rebuilt and beautified by Seff●id the second Bishop of that Name. In short, this City injoy's a pretty good Trade; which might be better, were not the Haven near unto it choked up. Here are two Markets weekly, kept on Wednesdays and Saturdays, well served with Corn, Flesh, Fish, and Fowl, and generally all sorts of Provisions. Nigh unto this City is the Peninsule, commonly called Selsey Isle, of chief note at present for the excellent Cockles and Lobsters it yields in great plenty. But in former times far more considerable, when it was an Episcopal See, before Bishop Stigand removed it to Chichester in the year 107. Over against the West of this Peninsule lies a small Island, called Thorney Isle, from a small Town of that Name in it. The other Market-Towns, besides Chichester, are Horsham, Sat. jews, Sat. Shoreham, Sat. Ptworth, Wedn. staining, Wedn. Storington, Wedn. Rye, Wed. & Sat. Arundel, Wed. & Sat. Hastings Wed. & Sat. Battle, Thu. Bright Helmiston Thu. East-Greenstead, Thu. Midhurst, Thu. Cuxfield, Frid. Besides Winchelsey and Tarring, whose Market Days I am ignorant of. Among which Midhurst is in Chichester Rape; Petworth, and Storington, in Arundel; Horsham, Stening, Shoreham, and Tarring, in Bramber Rape; Cuxfield, Bright Helmiston, in Lewes' Rape; East-Greenstead, and East-bourn, in Pevensey's; Rye, and Battle, in Hastings Rape. Rye, Winchelsey, Hastings, Bright Helmiston, and New Shoram stand by the Seaside, Battle, jews, Stening, Tarring, and Arundel, at some distance from it; Petworth, more Northward; Horsham and East-Greenstead, the furthest of all from the Sea, and nearest to Surrey. jews, among all these, is the most considerable, and is therefore the Place where the Assizes are commonly kept. Seated it is on an Eminence, and on the Banks of a goodly River; well inhabited by Gentry and Tradesmen, and containing six Parish Churches. At the River's Mouth is New-Haven, some Years since made a pretty secure Harbour for Ships. Horsham, a large Borough-Town, is situate near S. leonard's Forest. It's Market is good for all sorts of Provisions, but Fowl especially, most of which is bought up by the London Hagglers. East-Greenstead, near Surrey, and not far from Ashdown Forest, is a goodly Town, graced with a fair Church, and the Place where the Assizes are sometimes kept. Called East-Greenstead, in opposition to another lying West-South-West from it, and therefore called West-Greenstead. Petworth, but a small Town, is finely seated near two Parks, and not far from the River Arun. Of chief note for its noble House, formerly belonging to the Earls of Northumberland, and now by Marriage to the Duke of Somerset. Arundel stands in a Dale (or Valley) on the Western Banks of the River Arun, from whence it is called Arundel, by contraction from Arundale. Over the River it has a Wooden Bridge, and from the Sea 'tis but a small distance. This is an ancient Town, noted for its Castle, once of great fame and strength; but far more famous for the Lords and Earls thereof, than either for its strength or beauty. A Place in this far different from the rest of England, the Title of Earl of Arundel being annexed to the Castle and its Lordship, and going along with the possession of it. Witness the Judgement given in that great Controversy between Sr. John Fi●z-Allen, being in possession of the Castle, against John Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, being the right Heir in the nearest degree. Thus it passed through several hands, viz. the Montgomeries, the Albeneys, and the Fitz-Allens, till Anno 1604 both Castle and Title came to the possession of Thomas-Howard, Earl of Arundel and Surrey, and Earl Marshal of England. From whom is descended in a right Line the present Duke of Norfolk, Earl of Arundel, etc. Rye, a Member of the Cinque-Ports, stands on the edge of the County towards Kent, and at the very fall of the Rother into the Sea, where it has a commodious Haven. 'Tis not a Town of any beauty. But, as it stands convenient for a ready Passage over Sea to Normandy, and particularly to deep, it is upon that account much frequented in Time of Peace. Its Inhabitants are for the most part Fishermen, who fish here excellent Herrings. Winchelsey stands near the Place where stood another of that Name, which in the Year 1250, was swallowed up by the raging Sea; being a large, strong, and beautiful Place, in which were numbered 18 Parish Churches. Whereas the present Winchelsey consists but of one Parish, and that going still to decay, insomuch that its Markets are in a manner disused. 'Tis seated upon an Inlet of the Sea, in the Neighbourhood of Rye. But its Haven long since so choked up, that the Town suffers much by it, Rye having got the advantage of it. However it is still a Member of the Cinque-Ports; and what it lost in Wealth it has got in Honour, being advanced to the Reputation of an Earldom, first in the person of— Finch, Viscount Maidstone, created Earl of Winchelsey by King Charles I, Anno 1628. The Title from him devolved to his Son Thomas, after him to Heneage the late Earl; and lately to his Son and Heir, the Right Honourable Thomas Finch, the present Earl of Winchelsey. Battle is seated in a dirty part of the Country, some miles West from Winchelsey. A noted Place for the Battle fought here Oct. 14. 1066. betwixt King Harold II. and William the Conqueror; where Harold lost his Life, and William obtained the Crown of England. After which the Conqueror built an Abbey here, called Battel-Abbey. Hastings, one of the Cinque-Ports, is a Town of good note and antiquity. It has two Streets, extending from North to South; and in each Street, a Parish-Church. It's Haven is fed by a small River, and had once for its Defence a strong Castle seated on a Hill; which, as ruinous as it is, serves in the Night as a Direction to Sailors, by the Lights that are there placed. But, besides the said Market-Towns, which are the most considerable, Pevensey and Bramber ought to find a place here, as giving the Denomination to two of the six Rapes. The first (commonly pronounced, for shortness sake, Pensey) is the very Harbour, where William the Conqueror landed from Normandy, with 896 Ships, such as they were in those Times. Buckhurst, a Town in the North-East Parts of this County, is of some Note, for giving the Title of Earon to the Earl of Dorset. To conclude, this County (now being in the Diocese of Chichester) made up with Surrey the Kingdom of the South-Saxons, and its Inhabitants were part of the Regni, as the Romans called them. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, 24 Members of Parliament. Viz. two out of each of these following Towns, Chichester, Horsham, Midhurst, jews, New Shoreham, Bramber, Skeyning, East-Greenstead, Arundel; besides these three Cinqueport Towns, Hastings, Winchelsey, and Seaford. As for honorary Titles, it has been for several Ages dignifyed with that of an Earldom, 1. in the House of Albeneys, 2. in two Plantagenets, 3. in six Ratcliffs, 4. in two Savils; and now in the Right Honourable Thomas Leonard, who upon his Marriage with Anne Fils-Roy, eldest Daughter to the Duchess of Cleveland, was by King Charles II. created Earl of Sussex Anno 1674. CHAP. XVI. Of Warwickshire, Westmoreland, and Wiltshire. Warwickshire. WARWICKSHIRE, an Inland County, is bounded on the East by the Counties of Leicester and Northampton; on the West, by Worcestershire; on the North, by Staffordshire; on the South, by the Counties of Oxford, Gloucester, and Worcester. It's Length, from North to South, is something less than 40 miles; its Breadth, from East to West, about 30. The Whole divided into sive Hundreds, wherein 158 Parishes, and 15 Market-Towns. Here both the Air is wholesome, and the Soil rich, especially the South Parts of it, called Feldon. Which affords rich Meadows, feeds store of Sheep and Cattle, and is exceeding grateful to the Husbandman in its Crops of Corn. The North Parts, formerly called Arden, and since Woodland, from its great plenty of Woods (though at this time much wasted by reason of its Iron Mines) are not altogether sofruitful as the Southern Parts. It is generally well watered with fresh Streams; the principal of which is the Avon, which with many wind and turn runneth through the Country, and falls at last into the Severn. Warwick, the Shire-Town, from whence the County took its Name, bears from London North-West, and is distant therefrom 70 miles, thus. From London to Buckingham 44 miles, as you may see in Buckinghamshire; from thence to Banbury, 10; to Kyne●on, 8 more; and to Warwick, 8 more. 'Tis seated on the Banks of the River Avon, over which it has a well compact Stone-Bridge. A Town adorned with very fair Houses, spacious and well ordered Streets, with a fine Market-house of freestone, sustained by several Pillars. It contains two fair Parish-Churches, of which S. Maries is the chief. Here is also, for the Education of Youth, a free School; and, for decayed Gentlemen, a well endowed Hospital. But the chief Beauty of it, as heretofore so now, is a most stately and magnificent Castle, the Seat of Sir Fulk Grevill, the late Lord Brooks, by whom it was repaired at his great cost and charges. In short, this Town injoy's a good Trade, chief for Malt; and the rather as being the Place where the Assizes and general Sessions for the County are kept. It's Market, which is kept on Saturdays, is great, and well furnished with all sorts of Provisions. But that which has added the most Lustre to this Town is the honorary Titles wherewith it has been dignifyed for several Ages. Of Earl, first in the person of Henry de Newburg, Created Earl of Warwick by Wisliam the Conqueror, Anno 1076; and continued in five more of his name, viz. Roger, William, Waleran, Henry, and Thomas de Newburg. From whom it passed through several Families, either by Marriage or Blood allied to the former. Till at last the Title of Earl was by King Henry VI, turned into that of Duke in the person of Henry Beauchamp, who was made and crowned King of the Isles of Wight, Jersey, and Garnsey, and soon after created Duke of Warwick. 'Tis true the Title of Duke went no further, and that of Earl was renewed in the person of Richard Nevil, who married Ann the Duke's Sister. From him it went to George, Duke of Clarence, who married Ann Daughter of Richard Nevil; and from George, to Edward Plantagenet, his Son. From these it came to two Dud eyes successively, to wit John and Ambrose, descended from the Lady Margaret, Daughter of Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick. And in the Year 1618. King James I. conferred it upon Robert, Lord Rich of Leeze; in whose Line it continued, till Charles his great Grandson died without Issue. Upon whose Death, Robert Rich Earl of Holland, his Cousin german, succeeded in the Earldom of Warwick, and so enjoyed both Titles. Which fell by his Death to his Son, the Right Honourable Edward Rich, the present Earl of Warwick. Near Warwick is a Cliff, most delectably seated among Groves and fresh Streams; and called Guy-Cliff, from the Hercules of England, Guy of Warwick. Who, having left off his noble and valiant Exploits, betook himself (as the Story says) to this Place, where he led a kind of Hermetical Life, and built a Chapel wherein he was interred. But, though Warwick be the County-Town, and a considerable Place upon other accounts; yet here is another of greater importance, which therefore doth deserve a particular Description in this place, before we proceed to the List of the Market-Towns. And that is Coventry, a City so called from an old Convent (or Monastery) founded by King Canute. It stands upon a small Stream, called Sherborn, which joining with another Stream runs not far from thence into the River Avon. 'Tis a fair, neat, and large City; beautified with handsome Houses, and spacious Streets, besides a Cross of curious Workmanship, and its two Churches of St. Michael and of the Holy Trinity that are loftily built. It was formerly begirt with a fine Wall, with 13 Gates giving entrance into the City; and what with the Convent and the translating the See Episcopal from Lichsield hither it grew exceeding rich and wealthy. 'Tis true now it has neither Convent nor Episcopal See, more than in the Ruin and Title; and yet it does still continue its old Wealth, being the best City for Trade in all these Parts, and more than ordinarily frequented for an Inland Town. Among other its Manufactures, here are great quantities of clothes made and vended. And its Market for Provisions is kept on Fridays. It belonged once unto the Earls of Chester, and after wards by many Conveniances to John of Eltham Earl of Cornwall, whereby it became annexed to that Earldom. Nor did it lose any thing, but rather gain much, by that Annexation; Henry the VI, laying unto it several adjacent Towns and Villages, and making it with them a County Corporate, clearly distinct from that of Warwick. Thus Coventry, though within the Confines of Warwickshire, became exempted from its Jurisdiction. And, in the very first Year of the Reign of William the Conqueror, it was honoured with the Title of an Earldom in the Person of Edwin a Saxon, with whom the Title died, and lay buried till the Reign of King James I, when George Villiers (the late Duke of Buckingham's Father) was created Duke of Buckingham, and Earl of Coventry, Anno 1623. The other Market-Towns are Shipton, Sat. Rugby, Sat. Tamworth, Sat. Nun-Eaton, Sat. Henly, Mun. Southam, Mun. Sutton Cofield, Mun. Aulcester, Tue. Kyneton, Tue. Atherston, Tue. Coleshill, Wedn. Stratford, Thu. Bromicham Thu. Among which Stratford, seated upon the Avon, is one of the prsncipal; it being a good Town, well inhabited, and driving a good Trade of Malt. It contains two Parish Churches, and has over the River a fair Stone-bridge with several Arches. Tamworth stands part in this County, and part in Staffordshire, where you will find it described. Aulcester is seated on the Confluence of the Alne and the Arrow, and not far from their fall into the Avon; Shipton, on the Stower; Coleshill, on the Coal; Kyneton, on a small River that runs into the Avon; Rugby, upon the Avon; Nun-Eaton, and Atherston, near the Auker; Henly, on the Alne; and Bromicham, on the Rea. Among which Henly is called Henly in Arden, to distinguish it from Henly in Oxfordshire. Bromicham is a large and well built Town, very populous, and much resorted unto; particularly noted, few years ago, for the counterfeit Groats made here, and from hence dispersed all over the Kingdom. It drives a great Trade of Iron and Steel Wares, Saddles, and Bridles; which find good vent at London, Ireland, and other Parts. But, besides those Market-Towns, there are three Places, Shughury, Lemington, and Menham Regis, of note for some particular Things. The first, for the Astroits, or Star-Stones, found about it. Lemington, for two Springs of Water that issue out there within a stride of each other; but of different taste and operation, the one being fresh, and the other salt, though at a great distance from the Sea. Menham Regis, for a Spring, the Water whereof looks and tastes like Milk. If drunk with Salt, it loosens; if with Sugar, it binds the Body. Said to be Sovereign against the Stone, good to cure green Wounds, Ulcers, and Imposthumes, and apt to turn Wood into Stone. To conclude, this County (which formerly was part of the Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants part of the Cornavii, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocese of Lichsield. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but four Members to sit in Parliament; Viz. 2 by Warwick, and 2 by Coventry. Westmoreland. WESTMORELAND, one of the worst Counties in England, lies in the North-West; and is called Westmoreland, as lying among Moors and Fells (or high Hills) for the most part unmanured. 'Tis bounded on the East with Yorkshire, and the Bishopric of Darham; on the West and North, with Cumberland; and on the South, with Lancashire. Which last does so interfere with Westmoreland, along the Sea-Coast, that this County has but one Corner to peep out upon the Sea; which is about the Place where the Ken falls into it. It contains in Length, from North to South, about 35 miles; its Breadth, from East to West, about 25. The Whole divided into four Wards, called Kendale, Lensdale, East, and West Wards. Wherein are contained 26 Parishes, and 8 Market-Towns. This County is very hilly, there being two several Ridges of high Hills, that cross the Country as far as Cumberland. However it has, especially in the Southern Parts, many fruitful Valleys, with good Arable, Meadow, and Pasture-Grounds. The Air, by reason those Hills and the Northern Situation of the Country, is very sharp and piercing, and not so subject to the Fogs as many other Counties. Whereby the People are very healthful, free from strange and infectious Diseases, and commonly live to a great Age. As for Rivers, this County is very well watered. The principal of which are the Eden, the Can, or Ken, the Lon, and the Eamon. The Can, of some note for its two Cataracts, or Water-falls, near Kendal, where the Waters descend with a great fall and noise. From which the Countrypeople have made this Observation, that when the North Water-fall sounds clearer and louder than the other, 'tis a certain presage of fair Wether. But, when the other does so, they expect rainy Wether. Here are also two noted Lakes, or Meers, the one called Vlles Water, and the other Winder (or Wimander) Mere; the first bordering both upon Cumberland and Westmoreland, and the last upon this County and Lancashire, where you will find it described. Kendal, or Candale, the Shire Town, from whence one of the Wards (or Divisions) has the Name of Kendal Ward, bears from London North-West and by North, and is distant therefrom 201 miles, thus. From London to Lancaster, 181 miles, the particulars whereof you may see in Lancastire; and from Lancaster to Kendal, 14. It is seated in a Dale, on the River Ken, whence it had the Name; built in the manner of a Cross, two long and broad Streets thwarting one another, besides some by-Streets. The same is a rich, populous, and well-traded Town; especially for the making of woollen Cloth, Druggets, Serges, Hats, and worsted Stockings, whereby the poor people are employed, and the adjacent Parts enriched. Over the River it has two fair Stone-Bridges; besides another of Wood, which leads to the Ruins of a Castle, the Birth-place of Queen Catherine, the sixth Wife to King Henry VIII. Here is a fair and large Church, to which (as the Parish-Church) belong 12 Chapels of Ease. And by the Churchyard stands a Free-School, being a large Building, well endowed with good Exhibitions for poor Scholars, going from hence to Queen's College in Oxford. Here are also in this Town seven Companies, viz. the Mercers, Shearmen, Cordwainers, Tanners, Glover's, Tailors, and Pewterers, having their respective Halls for managing their Concerns. And, for Provisions, here is a great Market, which is kept on Saturdays. Lastly, this Town is an ancient Barony. Noted besides for giving the Title of an Earl to John Duke of Bedford, Regent of France; and to John de Foix, created Earl hereof by King Henry VI. The other Market-Towns are Appleby, Sat. Burton, Tue. Burgh, Wed. Ambleside. Wed. Orton, Wedn. Kirby Lonsdale, Thu. Kirby Stephens, Frid. Fardondyke,—. Among which Appleby, Kirby Stephens, Burgh, and Orton are in East Ward; Kirby Lonsdale, and Burton, in Lonsdale Ward; Ambleside, in Kendale Ward. Appleby, the Abellaba of the ancient Romans, is memorable for its Antiquity. 'Tis pleasantly seated on the Banks of the River Eden, over which ' it has a Stone-Bridge; and does chief consist of one broad Street, rising from North to South with an easy ascent. In the upper Part of it stands a Castle once of good Strength, in the nether end the Church, and not far from it a free School. In the East side of the Street leading to the Castle is an Amls-House (or Hospital) founded and liberally endowed by the Lady Clifford. Where, about the Year 1652, she placed a deceased Minister's Wife, with her 12 Daughters, whereof eleven Widows, and the twelfth a maimed Maid. She also purchased Lands (which she settled upon Feoffees in Trust) for the Repairing of the Church then very ruinous, the School-House, the Moot (or Town) Hall, and the Bridge, as Occasion required. In this Town the Assizes and Bessions are usually held. Kirby Lonsdale, that is, the Church-Town in Lonsdale, is seated on the Banks of the River Lon, in the pleasant and rich Vale of Lonsdale, towards Lancashire. A large, and well-built Town, well inhabited and resorted unto, being the greatest Town in the County, except Kendale. Beautified with a fair Church, and a large Stone-Bride, and driving a good Trade for Cloth. This Place gives Name to one of the four Divisions of the County, from hence called Lonsdale Ward, of some note besides, for the many deep and hollow Caves near it. Kirby Stephens, a goodly Town, is seated in East ward, near the Skirts of the Hills which sever this County from Yorkshire. Beautified with a fair Church, and much improved by the Trade of making Stockings. Near this Town is Wharton-Hall, a Seat belonging to the Lord Wharton. Burton, an indifferent Town, stands in a Valley, near the great Hill called Farleton-Knot-Hill. And Orton, among the Heaths, is so destitute of Wood, that the people say, they han't so much as a Stick to hang a Dog on. I pass by the other Towns, as inconsiderable, to take notice of the Stone-Cross upon Stainmore-Hill, a Hill so called for its being exceeding stony, Slain in the North being the Word used for a Stone. The Cross said to be erected upon a Peace concluded between William the Conqueror and Malcolm King of Scotland, with the Arms of the King of England on the Southside, and those of the King of Scotland on the North-side. Which served for a Boundary, as the Case stood then, betwixt the two Kingdoms. In the North-West Parts, at the joining of the River Eamont with the Lowther, is Whinfeld Forest, and hard by it, Brougham-Castle, which by the Coins etc. that have been there digged up seems to have been a Place of good account in the time of the Romans. By the Highway side, leading between Lowther and Eamont Bridges, is a large Circle of Ground with a fair Plain in the midst. Which the Countrypeople give out to be the Place made use of by the Knight of the Round Table for their Tilts and Tournaments, there being two opposite Passes to make their Approaches in. And accordingly they call it King Arthur's Table. At Shap, a great Parish, stood the only Abbey in this County, founded by Thomas Son of Jospatrick, in the Reign of Henry I● and seated near the River Lowther. Not far from which is a Well, or Fountain, which (Euripus-like) ebbs and flows many tim●; in a day. In the same Place are Stones like Pyramids, some of them 9 foot high and 14 thick, pitched directly in a Row for a mile together, and placed at equal distances from each other. On the Banks of the Lowther is Lowther-Hall, the Seat of Sir John Lowther Baronet. Whose Family has there flourished so long a time, that they reckon 30 Descents lineally from Father to Son, and the greatest part of 'em Knights. Neither does the House only carry the Name of the Family, but also the Park belonging to it, the Parish, and (which is remarkable) the very River, with the Bridge over it. To conclude, this County (formerly a Part of the Kingdom of the Northumber's, and its Inhabitants part of the brigants, as the Romans called them) stands now divided betwixt the Dioceses of Chester and Carlisle. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but two Members of Parliament, and Appleby has the Right of Election. As for honorary Titles, this County began to be dignifyed with the Title of an Earldom in the Reign of Richard II. By whom Ralph Nevil, Lord of Raby, and Earl Marshal, was created Earl of Westmoreland, Anno 1398. Which Title continued in his Family almost 200 years, till it failed by the Death of Charles Nevil, in the Year 1584. But it was revived by King James I. in the person of Francis Fane, eldest Son of Mary, descended from the said Nevils; who was treated Earl of Westmoreland, and Baron of Burghersh, Anno 1624. From whom it passed to Mildway-Fane, and from him to the Ri●ht Honourable Charles Fane, the present Earl of Westmoreland. Wilishire. WILTSHIRE, an Inland County, is bounded on the East with Berkshire and Hampshire; on the West, with Somersetshire; Northward, by Glocestershire; and Southward, by Dorsetshire. Called Wiltshire from Wilton, once the chief Town of it; as this is from the River Willy, upon which it is seated. It contains in Length, from North to South, at least 40 miles; in Breadth, from East to West, 30. The Whole divided into 29 Hundreds, wherein 304 Parishes, and 23 Market-Towns. A Country not only pleasant and delightsom, but withal very plentiful. It's Northern Part, called North Wiltshire, has very pleasant Hills, and well clothed with Woods. The Southern Parts are more even, and yield plenty both of Grass and Corn. But the Middle Parts, called the Plains, are most scant of Corn. Yet as they are wonderful large and spacious, reaching round about to the Horizon, they feed such innumerable Flocks of Sheep, that the Inhabitants find a● much profit by their Fleece, and the gainful Trade of Clothing, as others do by their more fertile Grounds. As for Rivers, here is the Isis, which with the Tame makes up the Thames. The Kennet which runs Westward from this County through Berkshire into the Thames. The Avon (a Name common to many English Rivers) which runs from North to South, and then bending its Course to the Westward fal● into the Severn not far from Bristol. Another Avon, which takes its Course Southward, and having washed Salisbury runs on through Hampshire, where it falls near Christchurch into the Sea. The Willy and the Nadder, which joining together into one Stream at Wilton, near Salisbury, fall there into the Avon. Besides several lesser Streams, among which is the Deverill, which runs a mile under Ground. Now, before I proceed any further in my usual Method, it will not be improper to take notice in this Place of two Remarkable Things in this County, viz. the Wansdike, and stonehenge. The first is a Dike running for many miles from West to East in the midst of this Shire, and which (according to the vulgar Opinion) was cast up by the Devil upon a Wednesday, from whence the Name of Wansdike. But, as Cambden observeth, it was rather made by the Westsaxons, for the dividing of their Kingdom from that of the Mercians; this being the Place where they usually fought, in order to stretch the Bounds of their Dominions. stonehenge, the greater Wonder of the two, and indeed the most admirable Rarity this Island affords, is a stupendious Piece of Work. It consists of huge Stones, standing upright in three Ranks round like a Crown, and laid overthwart one another; some of which are 28 foot high, and 7 broad. Now the Question is, how these Stones came hither. For the whole Country round for some miles hardly affords a Stone, either great or small; and these seem too vast to be brought hither by Wagon, Cart, or any other Artifice. Cambden therefore is of Opinion, that they were made there by Art, of pure Sand and some unctuous Cement, the Ancients having had the Art of making Stone. Thus the Cesterns of Rome were made of Sand digged out of the Ground, which with the strongest kind of Lime wrought together became so hard, that they seemed Stones. Salisbury, the chief Place of this County, is reckoned 70 mile's West-South-West from London, thus. From London to New Brentford, 8 miles; thence to Stanes, 7; to Hartley-row, 16 more; from thence to Basingstoke, 8; thence to Whitchurch, 10; to Andover, 6 more; and from Andover to Salisbury, 15. This is the City otherwise called New Sarum, raised out of an old one known to the Romans by the Name of Sorbiodunum, which was drily seated on a great Eminence, being a Place only designed for Strength. Yet it was for some time honoured with an Episcopal See, and a fair Cathedral. As to the present City, 'tis pleasantly seated among several Rivers, whose Streams do commodiously water most of the Streets; and almost encompassed with open Fields and Plains, which take their Name from it. In which Plains, about 6 mile's distance, is to be seen the stonehenge, as before described. In short, this City for fair Buildings is inferior to none, and transcends all others for the benefit of Water, almost every Street having a River running through the midst thereof, among which the Avon is the principal. The Streets are large and spacious, accommodated with a fine Marketplace, and adorned with a fair Building, the Town-Hall. But the greatest Ornament of this City, and indeed one of the principal Ornaments of England, is the Cathedral, a most stately and magnificent Church. Which, being begun by Richard Poor Bishop of this See, and finished in the Year 1258. by Bridport, the third Bishop from him, was dedicated to the honour of the Blessed Virgin. This Church has 12 Gates, 52 Windows, and 365 Pillars great and small; the first answering to the Number of Months, the second to that of the Weeks, and the third to the Number of Days, in the Year. It's Steeple has a lofty Spire, which proudly shows itself from a great distance. And (which is remarkable) an Imperial Crown stood at the very top of all, which by a sudden Gust of Wind was thrown down to the Ground at the very time when the late King James was at Salisbury, in order to oppose the Prince of Orange's Forces coming this way from the West. Which two days after was followed by his Desertion of that Place, and soon after by the Desertion of the Crown and Government. Moreover, this City has been for several Ages honoured with the Title of an Earldom, 1. in the persons of Patrick and William D'Evreux, successively. 2. In two William's surnamed Long-Espèe, the first a base Son of King Henry II. by Rosamond. 3. In two Nevils, both Richards by their Christen-names. 4. In the person of George, Duke of Clarence, who married Isabel, Daughter of Richard, Earl of Warwick. 5. In Edward, eldest Son of King Richard III. 6. In Margaret, Daughter of George, Duke of Clarence, created Countess of Salisbury by King Henry VIII. And lastly in the Family that now injoy's it, the first being Robert Cecil, Lord of Essendine, and Viscount Cranborn, created Earl of Salisbury by King James I. Anno 1605. From whom is descended the present Earl, James Cecil. Lastly, this City is a Place well inhabited and frequented, enjoying a good Trade. And its Markets, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, are very considerable for all sorts of Provisions. The other Market-Towns are Marlborough, Sat. Malmsbury, Sat. Chippenham, Sat. Werminster, Sat. Troubridge, Sat. Cricklade, Sat. Bradford, Mund. Swindon, Mund. Calne, Tue. Auburn, Tue. Lavington, Wedn. Wilton, Wedn. Highworth, Wedn. Devizes, Thu. Hindon, Thu. Wooten-Basset, Thu. Downton, Frid. Amersbury, Frid. Westbury, Frid. Mere, Marmister, Among which Marlborough (or Marleburgh) is, next to Salisbury, the most considerable. Town in this County. The Town called anciently Cunetio in Antonine's Itinerarium, as the River Kennet was upon which it stands; but by the Normans, in whose Time this Town revived out of the Ruins of the old, it was named Marleburgh, as being seated in a chalky Soil, which in some Places is still called by the name of Marl. A Town stretched out from East to West upon the ascent of a Hill, watered by the Kennet, not far from the head of it; and having the conveniency both of a Forest and Chase in its Neighbourhood, the first called Savernake-Forest, and the other Aldburn Chase. It had once a Castle belonging unto John, surnamed Sans Terre, who afterwards was King of England. The Castle still famous in our Law-Books for a Parliament there held in the Reign of King Henry III. in which were made the Statutes from hence called of Marleburgh, for the suppressing of Tumults. But King Charles 1. at this Coronation made it yet more notable, in making it the Honour, as it was the Neighbour, of James Lord Ley, Lord Treasurer, created by that King Earl of Marlbourough Anno 1625. Which Title continued in three Persons more of his Name and Family; and, since the late Revolution, was conferred by our present King upon the Right Honourable John Churchill, the present Earl of Marlborough. This Town has suffered very much by the frequent Misfortune of Fire, under which it groans to this day. Near unto this Place is a Village called Rockley, from divers Stones like Rocks pitched up on end. Among which there sometimes breaks forth a violent Stream of Water, called Hungersbourn by the Countrypeople, by whom 'tis reputed as the forerunner of a Dearth. Malmesbury, another good Town, stands in the North-West Parts of the County, pleasantly seated on a Hill, near the Spring of the River Avon, over which it has six Bridges, being almost encircled with that River. Chippenham and Bradford are also seated on the Avon; and Troubridge, near it; Amersbury, or Ambresbury, (commonly pronounced Ambsbury) on the other Avon, near the stonehenge, and but 6 mile's North of Salisbury. Upon which River, near the Confines of Hampshire, you will find also the Town called Downton, or Duncton. Calne is situate on a River so called, which runs from East to West into the Bristol Avon. This Town is noted for the Provincial Synod held here in the Year 977, to determine the hot Disputes in those Times between the Monks and the Priests concerning Celibacy. But, whilst they were debating the Matter in hand, the Convocation-house suddenly fell down; by which Fall several were slain, and many cruelly wounded. Wilton is seated between two Rivers, the Willy Northward, and the Nadder Southward. From the first it took its Denomination, as the whole County from Wilton. Once the chief Town thereof, and a Bishops See, honoured with the Residence of nine several Bishops. But by translating the See to Salisbury, and carrying thither withal the Thoroughfare into the West-Country, which before was here, it fell by little and little to decay. So that it is at present but a mean Town. Yet still a Borough-Town, the Place where the Knights of the Shire are chosen, and where the Sheriff keeps his monthly County-Courts. Werminster, of old Verlucio, a Town in former Time of very good account, is seated at the Springs of the River Willy, otherwise called Willybourn. Westbury and Devizes are two Borough-Towns, that is, such Towns as fend Burgesses to Parliament. The first situate on the Broke, a small River that falls into the Avon; Devizes, at the very head of another Stream bearing the Name of the Town, which likewise does empty itself into the Avon. I pass by the rest as Inconsiderable, to take notice of Clarendon; a fine spacious Park lying near to and Eastward of Salisbury. 'Tis seated upon a Hill, on which stand twenty Groves, severally enclosed, and each a mile in compass. Adorned in Times passed with a Royal House, which in process of time is falnto ruin. But more remarkable for that in the Reign of Henry the Second, Anno 1164, here 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, the Judges, and Barons of the Realm. Which Act was called The Constitutions of Clarendon, whereof so many as the Pope approved have been set down in the Tomes of the Councils, and the rest omitted. But that which has added more lustre to Clarendon is its being Dignifyed with the Title of an Earldom; first in the person of Edward Hyde, sometime Lord Chancellor of England, who was created Viscount Cornbury in Oxfordshire, and Earl of Clarendon by King Charles TWO, Anno 1661. Upon whose Death at Roven in Normandy Dec. 19th, 1674, he was succeeded in his Title by his eldest Son Henry Hyde, the present Earl of Clarendon. To conclude, this County (which formerly was Part of the Kingdom of the Westsaxons, and its Inhabitants part of the Belgae, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocese of Salisbury. Out of it are chosen, besides the two Knights of the Shire, no less than 32 Members to fit in Parliament, Viz. two out of each of these following Towns, New Sarum or Salisbury, Wilton, Downton, Hindon, Westbury, Heytesbury, Calne, the Devizes, Chippen. ham, Malmesbury, Cricklade, Great Bedwin, Lurgershal, Old Sarum, Wootton Basset, and Marlborough. But we must not omit the famous Caves, that lie in the edge of this Shire, between Luckington and great Badminton. They are about nine in Number, all lying in a Row, but of different Dimensions. The Manner of them is two long Stones set upon the sides, and broad Stones on the top to cover them. The least of these Caves is 4 foot broad, and some of them 9 or 10 foot long. They are credibly thought, not 〈◊〉 be Giant's Caves, as the Countrypeople give it out, but rather the Tombs of some heroic Men among the ancient Romans, Saxons, or Danes. And that which makes it so much the more probable is, that Spurs, and pieces of Armour, etc. have been found there not long since by those who digged into them. Lastly, this County has given the Title of an Earl to several Families; which now belongs to his Grace Charles Pawlet, Duke of Bolton, Marquis of Winchester, Earl of Wiltshire, and Baron S. John of Basin. All which Titles, except that of Duke, devolved to him from his Ancestor William Pawlet; Created Earl of Wiltshire, and afterward Marquis of Winchester, by King Edward VI And that of Duke was lately conferred upon him by his present Majesty. CHAP. XVII. Of Worcestershire, and Yorkshire. Worcestershire. WORCESTERSHIRE, an Inland County, is bounded on the East by Warwickshire, and part of Glocestershire; on the West, by Herefordshire, and part of Shropshire; on the North, by Staffordshire; and on the South, by Glocestershire. It contains in Length, from North to South, about 35 miles; in Breadth, from East to West, about 25. The Whole divided into seven Hundreds, wherein 152 Parishes, and 11 Market-Towns. A County of an Air so temperate, and a Soil so fortunate, that it gives place to none about it, either for health or plenty. Abundant certainly it is in all sorts of Fruits this Climate can afford, Pears and Cherries especially, insomuch that here is made abundance of Perry. Here are also many Salt-pits, called Wiches, which yield excellent Salt, and such as for whiteness and hardness imitateth Loaf-Sugar. 'Tis true this County is pretty full of Hills, but such Hills as are not barren, yielding plenty of Wood and store of Pasturage; whilst the Valleys on the other side feed abundance of Cattle, and bear good Crops of Corn. Through these Valleys run so many Rivers, that few Counties are better watered with fresh Streams. Here we meet again that noble River, the Severn, which runs quite through the Country from North to South, and affords here great store of freshwater Lampreys. Besides the Avon, the Team, the Salwarp, etc. which run into the Severn, and yield abundance of Fish. Worcester, the chief Place hereof, and from whence the County is denominated, bears from London West-North-West, and is distant therefrom near upon 90 miles, thus. From London to Oxford 47 miles, as you may see afterwards in my Description of Oxford; from thence to Chipping-Norton, 12; and to Campden, 12 more; thence to Pershore, 10; and to Worcester, 6 more. Pleasantly seated on the East Bank of the Severn, over which it has a fair Stone-Bridge with a Tower upon it, and thence arising with a gentle ascent affords to the upper Parts a very goodly Prospect in the Vale beneath. A City every way considerable, for Situation, neat Buildings, Number of Churches, and Wealth of the Inhabitants, by reason of their Cloth-Trade which does here flourish very much. This City called by Antonine and Ptolemy Branonium, and by the Romans Vigornia, is said to have been first built by the Romans, the better to secure themselves from the Britain's beyond the Severn. But in the time of King Canute, it suftered much from the Danes, and afterwards by frequent Conflagrations, which laid it almost waste, and despairing of a Recovery. Yet it risen at last out of its Ashes, and by degrees so improved as to contain at present nine Parish-Churches, besides the Cathedral. This is a stately Structure, in whose Choir are the Monuments of King John in white Marble, and of Arthur Prince of Wales, and Son to Henry VII. in black Jet. The Castle I shall say nothing of, as having nothing left of it but the Name and Ruins. But Worcester is particularly memorable for the Battle fought there Sept. 3. 1651. betwixt the late King Charles and the Parliament Forces, wherein the King's Army was totally defeated. So that he was fain to shift for himself, and to wander six Weeks in Disguise about the Country, till he was at haft transported from a Creek near Shoram in Sussex to Feccam near Haure de Grace in France. Lastly, this City has a long time given the Title of Earl, and at last that of Marquis, to the Family of the Somersets, extracted by the Beaufort's from John of Gaunt. For Charles Somerset, who was created Earl of Worcester by King Henry VIII, was base Son of Henry Beaufort, the 8th Duke of Somerset, beheaded in Edward the fourth's Reign. Lastly this City keeps 3 Markets a Week, viz. Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The other Market-Towns are Bewdley, Sat. Evesham, Mund. Pershore, Tue. Bromesgrove, Tue. Tenbury, Tue. Vpton, Thu. Kidderminster, Thu. Sturbridge, Frid. Shipton, Frid. Droitwich, Frid. Among which Bewdley and Vpton stand upon the Severn, the first in the North, the other in the South Parts of this County. Bewdley, near the Forest of Wire, was in former time a Place of great delight, and of good account in the Reign of Henry VII, where he built a retiring House for Prince Arthur, and called it Ticken-Hall. The Town at present is neat and well-built, and enjoys a good Trade for Barley, Malt, Caps, and Leather. Vpton is also a well-built Town, and was of great account in the time of the Romans. Not far from which are the Malvern-Hills, and opposite to 'em Eastwards the Bredon-Hills. Evesham (or Evesholm) and Pershore are both seated on the Avon, over which they have each a Bridge. The first esteemed the best Town in the County next to Worcester, containing two or three Parish-Churches, and driving a good Trade, of Stockings especially. The other a great Thoroughfare betwixt London and Worcester, but somewhat decayed in its Trade, since the Dissolution of its ancient Abbey. Droitwich and Bromesgrove are both situate on the Banks of the Salwarp. The first noted for its Salt-pits, and the last for its Clothing Trade. Not far from Droitwich is Fakenham-Forest and Norton-Wood, which stand commodious for the Saltworks, to supply them with Wood for the boiling the brine in their Coppers. Sturbridge and Kidderminster, two goodly Towns stand both on the River Stower, over which they have each a Bridge. The first is situate on a Flat, and has the accommodation of a Free-Shool, with a Library. Kidderminster is well inhabited, much traded unto for its Stuffs, and beautified with a very fair Church. As for Tenbury and Shipton, the first stands on the very edge of Shropshire, upon the Banks of the River Tent. And Shipton, upon Stower, in a slip of the County taken off from Warwickshire. To conclude this Connty (now in the Diocese of Worcester) was part of the ancient Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants part of the Cornavii, in the Time of the Romans. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, seven Members of Parliament. Viz. 2 by Worcester, 2 by Droitwich, 2 by Evesham, 1. by Bewdley. And so much for Worcestershire. Yorkshire. YORKSHIRE, a Maritime County, and the greatest in the whole Kingdom, is bounded Eastward by the Germane Ocean; Westward, by Lancashire and Westmoreland; Northward, by the said Ocean, and the Bishopric of Durham, from which parted by the River Tees; and Southward, by Lincoln, Nottingham, and Derby Shires. It's Length, from East to West, is 80 miles; its Breadth, from North to South, 70. The Whole divided first into three Parts, called Ridings, viz. the East, West, and North Riding. Which together contain 26 Wapentakes or Hundreds, wherein 563 Parish-Churches, and 49 Market-Towns. A small number of Parishes for such an Extent of Ground, but that there are great many Chapels of Ease, equal for bignesss and resort of people to any Parish elsewhere. The East-Riding (which is by much the least of the three) takes up only that part of Yorkshire which lies between the River Derwent went and the Sea. The North-Riding takes up the North Parts as far as Westmoreland. And the West-Riding, the largest of the three, is bounded on the North by the two former Ridings, on the South by the Counties of Derby, Nottingham, and Cheshire, Eastward by Lincolnshire, and Westward by Lancashire. The Soil is generally fruitful, in a very good measure. And, (as says Speed,) if one Part thereof is stony and barren Ground, another is as fertile and richly adorned with Corn and Pasturage. If here you find it naked and destitute of Woods, in other Places you shall find it shadowed with most spacious Forests. If it be somewhere moorish, miry, and unpleasant, elsewhere it is as pleasant as the Eye can wish. As for Rivers, here are many of good note. For, besides the Tees which parts this County from Durham, here you will find the Small, the Your, and the nid, of which the Ouse at York is a Compound. Besides the Warfe, the Are, the Calder, and Derwent, which from several Parts fall into the Ouse below York. To which add the Dun, which severs part of this County from Lincolnshire; and the Hull, which falls into the Humber at Hull. As for the Humber, which is the largest of all, it cannot be said properly to be a distinct River, but rather a Compound, or a Mouth, of several Rivers joining into one Stream, as I have already hinted in the beginning of this Part. York, (in Latin Eboracum) the chief Place of Yorkshire, bears from London North-by-West, and is distant therefrom 150 miles; thus. From London to Huntingdon, 48 miles, for the particulars of which I refer you to Huntingtonshire; from Huntingdon to Stamford, 21; to Grantham, 16 more; thence to Newark, 10; to Tuxford, 9 more; from Tuxford to Duncaster, 18; to Wentbridge, 7 more; thence to Tadcaster, 12; and to York, 9 more. A City which, for fame and greatness, is the second City of England. It is in the North-Riding, situate on the River Ouse, which divides it into two Parts, but joined together by a stately Stone-Bridge. Of which two Parts, that towards the East is the most populous, the Houses standing thicker, and the Streets narrower. In general, 'tis a fair, large, and beautiful City, adorned with many fair Buildings both public and private, and enclosed with a strong Wall, with several Turrets upon it. A City rich and populous, well inhabited by Gentry and wealthy Tradesmen, and containing about 30 Parish-Churches and Chapels, besides its Cathedral, dedicated to St. Peter. First built by Edwin, the first Christian King of the Northumber's Anno 627, and finished by King Oswald his next Successor but one. But, being afterwards destroyed by Fire, and by the fury of the Danes, that which now stands was erected in the place thereof by Archbishop Thomas, the 25th of this See, and after by degrees adorned and beautified by his Successors. Of that magnificent Structure, which may justly put her in the first Rank of the Cathedrals in Europe. In short, the Romans of old had this City in such great esteem, that Severus their Emperor had his Palace here, where he ended his Days. Here also, upon the Death of Fl. Valerius Constantius, surnamed Chlorus, his Son Constantine was forthwith proclaimed Emperor. Nor did this City flourish only under the Romans, for it has been of as eminent Reputation in all Ages since; and in the several Turns and Changes which have befallen this Kingdom, under the Saxons, Danes, and Normans, has still preserved its ancient Lustre. Adorned it was with an Archbishops See in the time of the Britain's; nor stooped it lower when the Saxons embraced the Gospel. Richard TWO, laying unto it a little Territory on the Westside thereof, made it a County Incorporate, as our Lawyers term it; in which the Archbishops of York enjoy the Right of Palatines. It is governed, as London, by a Lord Mayor, London and York being the only Cities whose Mayors bear the Title of Lord. But not so much famed by that, as by the Title of Duke it has given to divers Princes of the Royal Blood; and particularly to the late King James, before he came to the Crown. As for its Markets, it has two a Week, viz. on Thursdays and Saturdays. The other Market-Towns are 1. In the East-Riding, Heydon, Sat. Howden, Sat. Burlington, Sat. Pocklington, Sat. Hull, Tue. and Sat. Wighton, Wedn. Beverley, Wedn. and Sat. Kilham, Thu. 2. In the West-Riding. Duncaster, Sat. Sherburn, Sat. Tickhill, Sat. Bautrey, Sat. Pontefract, Sat. Boroughbridge, Sat. Skipton, Sat. Rotheram, Mund. Selby, Mund. Oteley, Tue. Settle, Tue. Sheffield, Tue. Leeds, Tue. and Sat. Wakefield, Thu. & Frid. Ripley, Frid. Snathe, Frid. Thorn, Barnesley, Wedn. Knaresborough, Wedn. Hallifax, Thu. Bradforth, Thu. Tadcaster, Thu. Weatherby, Thu. Rippon, Thu. 3. In the North-Riding, Richmond, Sat. Whitby, Sat. Stokesly, Sat. Malton, Sat. Helmley, Sat. Pickering, Mun. Middleham, Mun. Gisborough, Mun. Thirsk, Mun. Bedal, Tue. Masham, Tue. North-Allerton, Wed. Abberforth, Wed. Kirby-Moreside, Wed. Scarborough, Thu. Yarum, Thu. In the East-Riding, the Town of chief note is Hull, otherwise called Kingston upon Hull, seated at the very fall of the Hull into the Humber. A Town of no great Antiquity, being first built by King Edward I; who called it Kingston, made an Harbour t● it, and gave such Encouragements to its Inhabitants by the Privileges he granted them that it grew up quickly to what it is. A large Town to this day, though containing but two Parish Churches; graced with fai● Buildings, and well ordered Streets, with a Custom-house and Key by the Waterside. Here Ships come to lad and unlade their Merchandises, and in the next Street to it (not unlike Thames-street in London) they find all Necessaries for Shipping, such as Pitch, Tar, Cordage, Sails, etc. A Town so fortified withal with Walls, Ditches, Forts, Blockhouses, and Castles, that with a suitable Garrison to it, it may be looked upon as one of the strongest Holds in the Kingdom, and the most capable of Defence. 'Tis a Borough-Town, and a County of itself; dignifyed with the Title of an Earldom in the person of the Right Honourrble William Pierpont, the present Earl of Kingston upon Hull, Viscount Newark, etc. From Hull there runs a Promontory, which shoots its self forth a great way into the Sea. A Promontory called by Ptolemy Ocellum, and by us Holderness, in which are divers Towns. Honoured with the Title of an Earldom, 1. In the person of John Ramsey, Viscount Hardington in Scotland, Created Earl of Holderness, and Baron of Kingston upon Thames, by King James I. Anno 1620. 2. In the person of the late Prince Rupert, Count Palatine of the Rhine, Created Duke of Cumberland, and Earl of Holderness by King Charles I. in the Year 1643. 3. In the person of the Right Honourable Coniers D'Arcie, the present Earl of Holderness, advanced to that Dignity by King Charles II. Beverly, a few miles North of Hull, is seated on the Western Bank of the River Hull, which gives passage for Boats and Barges ●own into the Humber. 'Tis a large Borough-Town, containing two Parish-Churches, ●nd well-inhabited both by Gentry and Tradesmen. Of some note for being the Burial-Place of Sir John of Beverly, Archbishop of York; ●ho, being weary of the World, resigned up his Bishopric, and here ended his Days 〈◊〉 a holy Life about the Year 721. Heydon stands few mile's East of Hull, upon 〈◊〉 small River near its fall into the Humber. 'Tis an ancient Borough-Town, formerly of great account, and enjoying a good Trade; ●ill the Rise of its neighbour Hull occasioned ●ts Decay. Howden, a good large Town, but unhealthful, is seated near the Confluence of the Ouse ●nd Derwent. It gives name to a small Territory, from hence called Owdenshire. North-West from this Territory is another called Derwentwater, lying betwixt the Ouse and the Derwent. Honoured with the Title of an Earldom in the person of the Right Honourable Francis Ratcliff, created Earl of Der●entwater by King James II. Pocklington, a small Town, stands North ●nd by East from Howden, upon a small River that falls into the Derwent. Kilham, North-East from Pocklington, is a long Town, dri●y seated on the Woulds, but in a good Soil for Corn. Burlington, or Bridlington, noted for its famous Bay, from hence called Burlington-Bay, stands high about a mile from the Sea. But, ●y the Seaside, is the Key called Burlington-Key, where the Ships in the Harbour are supplied with such Provisions as they stand in need of. The Town of some note besides, for giving the Title of an Earl to the Right Honourable Richard boil, Baron Clifford of Landsborough, Youghal, and Bandon, Viscount of Kynalmeaky and Dungarvan, and Earl of Cork in Ireland; Created Earl of Burlington by King Charles II. Anno 1664. Within two miles from Burlington Northeastward is that noted Promontory, or Foreland, called Flamborough-Head, from Flamborough a small Town in it. In the West-Riding, upon the River Dun, you will find Sheffield, Rotheram, and Duncaster. Upon the Calder, Halifax, and Wakefield. Near, or upon the Are, Skipton, Bradforth, Leeds, Pontefract, and Snathe. Upon the Warfe, Oteley, Wetherby, and Tadcaster. Betwixt the Are and Warfe, Sherburn. Upon the Ouse, Selby. On the Nyd, Ripley, and Knasborough. Upon the Your, Rippon, and Boroughbridge. And on the Rible, Settle. Sheffield, upon the Dun, is a good large Town, whose Houses are built of Stone. It's Market is great for several Commodities, but Corn especially, which is much bought up here for the supply of some Parts of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and the West of Yorkshire. A Town that trade's much besides, by reason of the Iron Mines in these Parts, in Iron Wares, and Edge-tools, especially Knives and Blades. Whereof so ancient an Author as Chaucer takes notice, speaking of a Person that had a Sheafield Whittle by his side. Here is still to be seen the Rains of a Castle, one of the five which were seated on this River, all within ten mile's distance. Lastly, this Town, with divers others, belongs to the Wapentake of Strafford. Which gives the Title of an Earl to the Right Honourable William Wentworth, the present Earl of Strafford. Rotheram has a fine Stone-Bridge over the River Dun, and its Houses are also built of Stone. A Place of some note, for giving birth to Thomas of Rotheram, Archbishop of York; who founded here a College with three Schools, for the instructing of Youth in Grammar, Music, and Writing; but long since laid aside. Duncaster; a great Thoroughfare in the Northern Road, is so called from a Castle that stood here on the River Dun, but not ●ong since ruinated. In the Year 759. this Town was reduced to ashes, and lay for some time in its Ruins. But it was raised up again, with a fair Church and Steeple. And it is now a goodly Town, well accommodated with Inns for Travellers, and driving a good Trade of knit Waistcoats, Petticoats, Gloves, and Stockings. But we must not omit, that of late years it became of more remark, by giving the Title of Viscount to James Hay, Baron of Sauley, Created by King James I. Viscount of Duncaster, and Earl of Carlisle. Which from him passed to his Son and Heir, James Hay; but he dying without Issue-male, the Title fell with him. In the Reign of King Charles II. it was improved by that King to the Title of an Earldom, which he conferred with the Title of Duke of Monmouth upon the late James Fitz-Roy, Anno 1663. Halifax, anciently called Horton, stands betwixt the Calder and a small River that fal● into it. 'Tis a good large Town, with Stone built Houses, but seated in a barren Soil, upon a steep descent of a Hill. It is said to contain at least 10000 Inhabitants, and ye● but one Parish-Church, which Defect is indeed supplied by divers Chapels of Ease The Inhabitants noted for their Industry i● making of Cloth and other Manufactures▪ but chief for the strict Law they have within themselves for the present Punishment of Cloth-stealers. To which the Proverb alludes, as it refers to Beggars and vagrant People, From Hell, Hull, and Hallifax, go● Lord, deliver us. The Town not further considerable, till it attained the honour of giving the Title first of Viscount, secondly o● Earl, and lastly of Marquis to the Righ● Honourable George Savil, the present Marquel● of Halifax. To all which degrees of Honour he was successively advanced by King Charles II. About 6 miles from Halifax, near the Calder, and on a steep, Hill, is seated Almondbury, the ancient Cambodunum. A Place of great repute, when the English-Saxons first begun their Regal Government. For it was then the Royal Seat, and had in it a Cathedral, built by Paulinus the Apostle of these Parts. Here was also a Fort and Castle, long since reduced to ruins. Wakefield, on the Calder, is a large Stone-built Town, of good Antiquity. Over the River it has a fair Stone-Bridge, upon which Edward IV. erected a stately Chapel, in remembrance of those who lost their Lives in his Quarrel. The Inhabitants of this Town are noted for their Clothing Trade. Skipton, Bradforth, and Pontefract, are all three seated upon so many small Streams, near their fall into the Are. Among which Skipton stands in a hilly, rough, craggy, and unpleasant part of the Country, called Craven. Which gives the Title of an Earl to the Right Honourable William Craven, created Earl of Craven, Anno 1664. Pontefract, or Pomfret, is a neat Borough-Town, pleasantly seated in a dry Spot of Ground, upon a small Stream a little below the Confluence of the Warfe and the Are. Formerly strengthened with a strong and stately Castle, mounted on an Ascent, and fortified with Ditches and Bulwarks; but was demolished in the long Civil Wars. In this Castle it was that Richard II. was murdered, after his Resignation of the Crown. About ●his Town grows plenty of Liquorish. Leeds, on the Are, is an ancient Town, where formerly the Kings of Northumberland ●ad their Royal Palace. And now 'tis so considerable, that it is counted one of the ●est Towns in Yorkshire. Well-inhabited it is, especially by Clothiers, who drive a great Trade for their clothes. Near unto Snathe, a small Town, is a little country of about 15 miles in compass, called Marshland and Ditch-Marsh, which yields excellent feeding for cattle. Tadcaster, on the Warfe, is noted for two ●hings. Viz. the large Stone-Bridge it has ●er the River, and the plenty of Limestone egged up in its Neighbourhood. Sherburn is seated between the Are and the carfe upon a small Stream that mixes its ●aters with those of the Warfe and Ouse ●here those two meet together. The Town is small, but well inhabited, and has a famous Free-School. Of some note besides for its Pins, and Cherries; and for the Quarries near it, whose Stones when first taken out of the Quarries are very soft, but seasoned with Wind and Wether become very hard and durable. Selby, on the Ouse, is a good large Town; chief noted for being the Birth-place of King Henry I. Ripley, on the nid, is but a small Market-Town. Knaresborough is much more considerable, being a well-built Borough-Town, and fortified with a Castle upon a ragged rough Rock. About this Town, as well as Pontefract, grows plenty of Liquorish. And under it is a Well, distilled from the Rocks that hang over it, the Water whereof (says Speed) does turn Wood into Stone. Rippon, near the Your, over which it has a Bridge, is a Place of good Antiquity. Where stood once that stately Monastery built by Wilfride Archbishop of York; which being destroyed with the Town by the Danes, wa● again repaired by Odo Archbishop of Canter bury, by whom the Relics of Wilfride wer● translated to Canterbury. The Town a present is one of the best in the whole County, well inhabited by Gentry and Tradesmen and among these by Clothiers and Spu● makers, the Rippon Spurs being of special note It's chief Ornament is the Collegia● Church, set out with no less than 3 loft Spire-Steeples. In this Church was S. Wilfride Needle, a narrow Hole in a Vault under Groun● where it is said women's Honesty was trie● Those that were chaste, says the Story, cou● easily pass through; but the unchaste, it seems, stuck by the way. Not far from this Town is the lofty Hill of Michelholme. Boroughbridge, on the Your, over which it has a Stone-Bridge, is a small Borough-Town, but a great Thoroughfare in the Northern Road. Of special note for the four huge Stones, like unto Pyramids, that stand in a direct line in three little Fields near this Town. The Countrypeople call them the Devil's Bolts; but Cambden is of opinion, that they were here erected by the Romans, for a Monument of some Victory obtained by them. In the North-Riding, we may reckon Richmond as one of the chief Places. 'Tis at lest the chief of that Part of it which is called Richmondshire, containing five Wapentakes (or Hundreds) within its Jurisdiction. A Tract of Ground lying Northwestward, with rugged Rocks and swelling Mountains; whose Sides in some places bear good Grass, and the Bottoms underneath not unfruitful. And in the Hills themselves are found good Mines of Lead and Pit-coal. Yet there are in it many waste Places, void of Inhabitants; as Deep-Dale, Swale-Dale-Forest, Apple-Garth-Forest, and others. As for Richmond itself, 'tis seated on the North-Banks of the Small, over which it has a Stone-Bridge. This River (which with a mighty noise runs here underneath the Town) was reputed very sacred by the ancient English, for that in it Paulinus, the first Archbishop of York, baptised in one day above ten thousand Men, besides Women and Children. The Town is of a small Circuit in the Walls; but, by reason of its Suburbs lying out in length, very well peopled and frequented. First built by Alane (Earl of Bretagne in France, and the first Earl of this Place) after the Entrance of the Normans. Who fenced it with a Wall, and a most strong Castle, the better to secure these Parts against the English; and, having finished the same, gave it the Name of Richmount, as a Place equally participating of strength and beauty. As to its present state, it contains two Parish-Churches, is graced with well-built Houses, many of them of freestone, well inhabited by Gentry and Tradesmen, and enjoys a good Trade (for an Inland Town) for Stockings chiefty, and woollen Knit Caps for Seamen. The Earls of Bretagne for a long time together continued in the Title and Possession of this County; and since, it has been bestowed upon other Families. In the Year 1641. James Stewart, Duke of Lenox, and Earl of March, was created Duke of Richmond by King Charles I Esme, his Son, succeeded him; who died young, Anno 1660. Thus the Title fell to his Cousin german, Charles Earl of Lichfield; who died without Issue Ambassador in Denmark, in the year 1672. And, within less than 3 years after, the Title was conferred by King Charles TWO, upon his Grace Charles Lenox, the present Duke of Richmond, his natural Son by the Duchess of Portsmouth. In this Tract also, near Middleton on the Your, is Bolton-Castle, seated in a Park. Lately honoured with the Title of a Dukedom, in the person of his Grace Charles Pawlet, the present Duke of Bolton. Scarborough, upon the Sea, is a Place of great Strength, as well by Nature as Art. Seated on a steep Rock, with such craggy Cliffs, that it is almost Inaccessible on every side; and washed by the Sea on all parts but the West, where there is a narrow Passage, and that fenced with a strong Wall. On the top of the Rock is a fair, green, and large Plain, containing above 60 Acres of Ground, with a fresh Water Spring issuing out of the Rock. Here was formerly a stately Tower which served as a Landmark for Ships, but was demolished in the long Civil Wars. At this time it is fortified with a strong Castle, wherein a Garrison is kept. The Town is not very large, but well built, and well inhabited; and, as it has a commodious Key, it injoy's a pretty good Trade. Several Vessels belong unto this Town, employed especially in Herring-Fishing Season, which are taken on this Coast in great plenty. This Place is also noted for its famous Spa, which is much resorted unto. But of late, in a more particular manner, for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable Richard Lumley, newly created Earl of Scarborough. Between this Town and Whitby to the Northward is Robin Hoods Bay, so called from Robin-Hood, that noted Robber in the Reign of Richard I. About which is found a sort of Jet, or black Amber. Whitby, another Sea-Town, is commodiously seated on the River Esk, at its Influx into the Sea. A pretty neat Town, with a Bridge over the River, and driving a good Trade, chief for Alum and Butter. Here is a Customhouse, and great many Vessels belonging to the Town. Formerly a Place of note for its Abbey, but chief for the Abbess thereof, S. Hilda, so famed in her time for working of Miracles. One of which Tradition tells us was her ridding this Part of the Country of Snakes which infected it much, and conjuring of them into the Sea by her fervent Prayers. Which is backed by those who aver, that at the Root of the craggy Rocks that are upon the Shore therely Stones scattered here and there, naturally as round as a Bullet. In which Stones, being broken, are found stony Serpents wrapped round, but most of them headless. Not far from Whitby is Mulgrave, an ancient Castle situate near unto the Sea, and first built in the Time of Richard TWO by Peter de Mauley. Who, being pleased with it, called it Mouligrace, that is, a fine Seat. But, as it proved a grievous Yoke to the neighbour Inhabitants, they nicknamed it, and called it Moultgrave, since turned into Mulgrave, by which Name it goes to this day. It continued in this Line for 7 Generations, and all of them called peter's too. The Issue male failing, it passed through several Families, till it came to the Sheffields. Out of which House Edmund, Lord Sheffield of Butterwick, Lord Precedent of the North, was created Earl of Mulgrave by King Charles I. Anno 1625. To whom succeeded in the Title Edmund, his Grandson by Sir John Sheffield his second Son. Who dying in the Year 1658. left his Title to his Son and Heir, the Right Honourable John Sheffield, the present Earl of Mulgrave. Some miles West from Mulgrave Castle is a small Sea-Town, called Skeningrave; not to be omitted, were it but for the following Account of the Seal-fish. Hereabouts near unto Hunt-Cliff, at low Water, appear Rocks not far from the Shore, about which the Seal-fish come in great Shoals, and in fair and warm Wether lie sleeping and sunning themselves. But, as it has been observed, while they lie thus asleep, one of them is upon the Watch, and acts the part of a Sentinel. Who, upon the appearance of any Danger, gives the Signal by flouncing into the Water, the Noise whereof awakes the rest, and so they make their escape. They are not afraid (says my Author) of Women, but only of Men; and therefore they that catch 'em put on women's clothes. If, when they are chased, they find themselves too far from the Water, their Way is with their hinder feet to fling Sand and Gravel backward in the Pursuers faces, which forces 'em sometimes to quit the Sport. Some miles from this Coast to the Southward is a Tract of Land, called Cleveland, taking that Name (as Cambden tells us) of the Cliffs, or steep Banks, which run all along the side thereof, and at the foot of which the Country spreads itself into a fine fruitful Plain. A Territory besides of a good extent, which gave the Title of an Earl to Thomas Lord Wentworth, created Earl of Cleveland by King Charles I. But, leaving no Issue, the Title died with him, Anno 1670. King Charles II. conferred the Title of Duchess of Cleveland upon Barbara Villiers, Daughter to the Lord Viscount Grandison who was slain in the Civil Wars, the Earl of Castlemain's Wife, and Mother of three Dukes, viz. the Duke of Southampton, the Duke of Grafton, and the Duke of Northumberland. In this Tract (I mean Cleveland) is an ancient Castle, called Danby, seated near unto a large Park, and a goodly Chase of the same Name. It belonged anciently to the Lord Latimer, and was sold (with other Lands belonging to that Family) to Ralph Nevil, Earl of Westmoreland, who forthwith gave the same to his Son Sir George Nevil. And, not long after, King Henry VI summoned him to the Parliament by the Name of Lord Latimer. Whose Issue male failing in Queen Elizabeth's Time, the Estate was divided between his two Daughters. The Castle, with the Lands adjoining, fell to the share of Mary, Wife to Sir John Danvers of Wiltshire. By whom she got Sir Henry Danvers, Created by King James I. Lord Danvers of Danby, and by King Charles I. Earl of Danby, But he, dying without Issue, the Title lay dormant, till revived by Charles II. By whom the Right Honourable Thomas Osborn, now Marquis of Caermarthen, was created Baron of Kineton, and Viscount Latimer, in the Year 1673, and Earl of Danby the next Year. Gisborough is pleasantly seated in a Flat, between Mulgrave and the River Tees. A mean Town to what it was, when it had its rich Abbey; but of some note however, for being the first place where Alum was made in England. Not far from which is Roseberry-Topping, a Hill Pyramid-like, serving to Sailors for a Landmark, and being to the Countrypeople a certain Sign of Rain, when they see a Cloud over it. Almost at the top of it is a Spring of Water coming out of a huge Rock, counted good for sore Eyes. Stokesley is a Market-Town well watered with fresh Streams. Yarum, but a mean Town, is seated on the Tees, which divides this County from the Bishopric of Durham, and over which it has a fair Stone-Bridge. North-Allerton, a large Borough-Town, stands near the Wisk, a small Stream that falls into the Small. And Thirsk is a small Borough-Town that had once a very strong Castle. Bedal, Middleham, and Masham are all three in Richmondshire. The first, seated on the Small, and a small Stream that falls there into it, Middleham and Masham, on the Your. And not far from Masham is Aldborough, an ancient Borough-Town. New Malton, Pickering, Kirby-Moreside, and Helmley, lie all four Eastward, not far distant from each other, nor from the Sea. The first, a Borough-Town, is seated on the Banks of the River Derwent, over which it has a Stone-bridge; and contains 3 Parish Churches, being well-inhabited, and accommodated with good Inns for Travellers. It's Market on Saturdays is counted one of the best in all the County for Horses, living Cattle, Provisions, and most Country-Commodities, especially Tools for Husbandry. The other three are all seated on small Rivers, which after some small Course join together into one Stream, and so fall into the Derwent, a little below New Malton. To conclude, this County (formerly a Part of the Kingdom of Northumberland, and its Inhabitants Part of the brigants, as the Romans called them,) is now in the Diocese of York. Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, 28 Members of Parliament; Viz. Two by each of these following Towns, York, Kingston upon Hull, Knaresborough, Scarborough, Rippon, Richmond, Heydon, Borough-bridge, Malton, Thirsk, Aldborough, Beverly, North-Allerton, Pomfret. And, which is remarkable, it yields at this time two Dukes, and one Duchess, one Marquis, and nine Earls. The Dukes are of Richmond, and Bolton; the Duchess, of Cleveland; the Marquis, of Halifax; the Earls, of Mulgrave, Kingston, Strafford, Craven, Burlington, Holderness, Derwentwater, Faulconberg, and Scarborough. Thus I have compassed a very difficult Task, the Description of forty Counties, with so much variety of Matter, in so short a Compass. The Reader perhaps expects in the next place, I should give an Account of the Twelve Counties of Wales, as being Incorporated with England, at least in point of Government. But what Union soever it may have with England, 'tis but like those remote Cities conquered by the Romans, whose Inhabitants were Civitate donati, that is, made Citizens of Rome. England and Wales are naturally so distinct from each other, both as to the Country and the Inhabitants, that they cannot possibly fall under the same Character. And so I lay Wales aside to present you, by way of Precapitulation, with a Table, showing by distinct Columns the Number of Hundreds, Parishes, and Market-Towns belonging to every County of England, with the Names of the Shire-Towns. Only 'tis to be observed that, instead of Hundreds, Durham is divided into Wakes; Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Northumberland, into Wards. Also, that some Counties are more generally divided than into Hundreds; as Yorkshire, first into three Ridings, Kent into five Laths, Sussex into six Rapes, Linconshire into these three Parts, Lindsey, Kesteven, and Holland. The TABLE. Shires. Hun Par. Shire-Towns Mark. T. Berkshire. 20. 140. Reading. 12. Bedfordshire. 9 116. Bedford. 10. Buckinghamsh. 8. 185. Buckingham. 15. Cambridgeshire. 17. 163. Cambridge. 8. Cheshire. 7. 85. Chester. 13. Cornwall. 9 161. Lanceston. 21. Cumberland. 5. 58. Carlisle. 15. Derbyshire. 6. 106. Derby. 10. Devonshire. 33. 394. Exeter. 32. Dorseishire. 29. 248. Dorchester. 19 Durham. 4. 118. Durham. 6. Essex. 20. 415. Colchester. 21. Glocestershire. 30. 280. Gloucester. 26. Hampshire. 39 253. Southampton. 16. Hartfordshire. 8. 120. Hartford. 18. Herefordshire. 11. 176. Hereford. 8. Huntingtonshire. 4. 79. Huntingdon. 6. Kent. 67. 408. Canterbury. 30. Lancashire. 6. 61. Lancaster. 26. Leicestershire. 6. 192. Leicester. 12. Lincolnshire. 30. 630. Lincoln. 35. Middlesex, 7. 273. LONDON. 6. Monmouthshire. 6. 127. Monmouth. 7. Norfolk. 31. 660. Norwich. 28. Northamptonsh. 20. 326. Northampton. 13. Northumberland 6. 460. Newcastle. 6. Nottinghamsh. 8. 168. Nottingham. 9 Oxfordshire. 14. 280. Oxford. 15. Rutland. 5. 48. Okeham. 2. Shropshire. 15. 170. Shrewsbury. 15. Somersetshire. 42. 385. Bath. 30. Staffordshire. 5. 130. Stafford. 18. Suffolk. 22. 575. Ipswich. 30, Surrey. 13. 140. Guildford. 8. Sussex. 65. 312. Chichester. 16. Warwickshire. 5. 158. Warwick. 15. Westmoreland. 4. 26. Kendal. 8. Wiltshire. 29. 304. Salisbury. 23. Worcestershire. 7. 152. Worcester. 11. Yorkshire. 26. 563. York. 49. CHAP. XVIII. Of LONDON and WESTMINSTER. I Join these two together, because contiguous. And, tho' they be two distinct Cities, both by their Foundation and distinct Government; yet, as they make together one compact Body, the City of Westminster, under that Notion, is generally comprehended under the Name of London, and looked upon as a Part of it. In the Description whereof, I shall join and part them, as occasion shall offer. My Design is not to make a long Preamble about the uncertain Original of LONDON, which (as some writ) was built above eleven hundred Years before the Birth of our Saviour. That it is a most ancient City, is a thing past all doubt. For History tells us, that the British King Lud, above 60 Years before our Saviour's Birth, repaired and improved it. The Romans, in whose Time it was an Archbishop's See, gave it the Title of Augusta. And Animianus Marcellinus, who wrote near 1300 Years ago, calls it then an ancient City. As for its Name, the most probable Conjecture in my Judgement is that of those who derive it from the British Word Llongdin, a Town of Ships. It's Situation is, upon all accounts, very advantageous, whether we consider the Soil on which it stands, the River that waters it, the Fruitfulness of the Country about it, the Roads that lead into it, or its convenient Distance from the Sea. The Soil is gravelly, and therefore so much the wholesomer. And, as it stands upon a gentle rising Bank, on the North-side of the River, this adds much to the healthfulness of the Place; the Southside being counted something unhealthy by reason of the Vapours the Sun draws upon it. The Thames that waters it I have already described, as the chief River of England, and an excellent navigable River. This City stands where the River is cast into the form of a Crescent; and stretches itself in length along the Shore, as Cologne does upon the Rhine. Which is a great Advantage, upon several Accounts, especially to a great City First, because it ly's the more convenient for the several Uses and Benefits of the River. Secondly, for the Freeness of the Air; which makes it so much the healthfuller; lying open to the Fields Northward, and to the River Southward. Whereas Paris, and all other Cities of an orbicular Form, lie close together, and the middle Parts half choked for want of Air. To which add another Conveniency in London by its Situation along the River, that by the Course of it one may sooner find out any Place than is possible in Paris, which is a very Labyrinth in comparison. This River besides is full of excellent Fish, such as Barbels, Trout, Chevins, Pearches, Smelts, Bream, Roaches, Daces, Gudgeons, Flounder, Shrimps, Eels, etc. And, after the Smelt-time is past, it yields also sweet Salmon. But Carp it is scarce of, except upon Land-flouds, when they get out of gentlemen's Ponds. Great number of Swans are daily seen upon this River. Besides a perpetual Motion of Wherries and small Boats, above 2000 in Number, whereby 3000 Watermen are maintained, by carrying Goods and Passengers thereon. Not counting those large Tilt-Boats, Tide-Boats, and Barges, which either carry People, or bring Provision from most Parts of the neighbouring Counties. For Navigation, no River more commodious, as may appear by a Passage in the Reign of King James I. Who, being displeased with the City, for refusing to lend him a Sum of Money he required, threatened the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, that he would remove his Court, with all the Records of the Tower, and the Courts of Westminster-Hall, to another Place, with further expressions of his Indignation. Your Majesty, answered the Lord Mayor calmly, may do what you please therein, and your City of London will prove still dutiful; but she comforts herself with the Thoughts, that your Majesty will leave the Thames behind you. This River besides is so Kind, that it seldom indamages any Part of this City by its Overflowings. Here the highest Tides are upon a Land-floud, and the Moon at full, when sometimes it does swell over its Banks. But then Westminster, lying low, feels alone the effects of it, and that seldom further than the Cellars. Whereas the Chambers and Upper Rooms at Rome and Paris are sometimes overflowed, Rome by the Tiber, and Paris by the Seine. From this River the City, by Water-Engines, is in many places supplied with good Water. But, to serve with Water the North Parts of the City, as the Thames does the South Parts, it has the Conveniency of an artificial River, commonly called the New River, which was begun Anno 1608, and finished in five Years time. A noble Undertaking of Sir Hugh Middleton, who for this great Work deserves his Statue in Brass. This River he brought from Amwell and Chadwell, two Springs near Ware in Hartfordshire; from whence, in a turning and winding Course, it runs near upon 60 miles, before it reaches this City. In this Undertaking, fit indeed for a Prince than any Subject, there have been six hundred Men at once employed, which was a prodigious Charge. The Channel in some Places 30 foot deep, in others carried over Valleys 20 foot at least above Ground, in open Troughs. And over this River are 800 Bridges, some of Stone, some of Wood, and others of Brick. This City besides has the Conveniency of several Conduits of Spring-Water, so commodiously placed, that they serve all the chief Parts of it. And it is so situated, that in all Parts (though on the highest Ground) 'tis abundantly served with Pump-Water, the Pumps in many Places not six foot deep in the Ground. For a constant Supply of Provisions, besides the fruitful County of Middlesex, in which it stands, and that of Surrey on the other side of the River (both which are ready at hand to furnish it with their Provisions) it is neighboured with many other plentiful Counties, out of whose abundance this City lives in great plenty, and seldom knows what Scarcity is. The Conveyance so easy, both by Land and Water, that no City in Europe has better Conveniencies. So large, fair, and smooth are the High Ways that lead from all Parts to it, and so convenient is the River, that almost all the Fuel for firing is brought up that Way to Town. The Coals from Newcastle, and the Wood from Kent and Essex; some of which last comes also down the River from Surrey and Middlesex. Lastly, as it has the Command of the Sea, so there is scarce any Blessing in the Terrestrial Globe but this City has her Share in it. Moreover, its Distance from the Sea (which is about 60 Miles) is a great Argument of the Founder's Wisdom. For, by that Distance, as it is not so near as to be annoyed by the unwholesome Vapours of the Sea, or to be suddenly surprised by an Enemy's Fleet; so it is not so far but that, by the help of the Tide (which comes up every 12 hours) Ships of great burden may be brought into her bosom. In point of Latitude, 'tis in 51 Degree, 30 Minutes. I come now to its full Extent, with its Suburbs and Places adjacent. It's Length from East to West, that is, from Limehouse to the further end of Mill-Bank in Westminster, is above 7500 Geometrical Paces, which comes to seven measured miles and an half, at 1000 paces a mile; that is, about five computed miles, or two Parisian Leagues and a half. The Breadth indeed is not proportionable, the City being built in Length for the Conveniency of the River. And yet, taking Southwark in on the other side of the River, as it is under the Lord Mayor's Jurisdiction, and joined to London by the Bridge, this vast City reaches there in Breadth, from North to South, that is, from the further end of White-Chappel Street to St. George's Fields in Southwark, near upon 3 miles. So that I cannot but conceive that, if London were cast (as Paris) into an orbicular Form, the Circumference of it would be much larger than that of Paris. So much it is increased in Buildings, since the dismal Conflagration in the Year 1666. But whether it is profitable to the Body of the State or not, to have so vast a Head, may be made a Question. And, if Dr. Heylin had cause to complain in his time of its being grown then too big for the Kingdom, he might with much more reason do it now. Great Towns, says he, in the Body of a State are like the Spleen or Milt in the Body natural. The monstrous Growth of which impoverishes all the rest of the Members, by drawing to it all the animal and vital Spirits which should give nourishment unto them; and in the end cracked or surcharged by its own fullness, not only sends unwholesome Fumes and Vapours to the Head, and heavy Pangs upon the Heart, but draws a Consumption on itself. He adds further, that the Overgrowth of great Cities is of dangerous consequence, not only in regard of Famine, such Multitudes of Mouths not being easy to be fed; but in respect of the irreparable Danger of Insurrections, if once those Multitudes, sensible of their own Strength, oppressed with Want, or otherwise distempered with Faction or Discontent, should gather to a head, and break out into Action. These are all, I confess, very plausible Arguments. But, if we consider London as it is in a manner the Head of three Kingdoms, at least the Seat of their Monarch, I see nothing of Monstrousness in it. On the other side, London having the Conveniency of the Sea and of a navigable River, is so much the less subject to a Famine; for that in case of Scarcity at home, it may be supplied from abroad. And, as in so great a Body there be commonly different Parties led by opposite Interests, so there is the less Cause to fear Insurrections, because one Party keeps still another in awe. Just so Geneva and Hamburg, two free Cities, do not subsist so much by their own Strength, as by the Jealousy of the several States that neighbour upon 'em. But the greatest Danger incident to great Cities (and omitted by Dr. Heylin) is in Case of Contagious Diseases; Which, the more Matter they find to work upon, make so much the greater havoc; and like a raging Fire, get strength by their Motion. Witness the Year 1665, when at London there died of the Plague in one day no less than 1200. When all is done, I have this to urge in the behalf of great Cities, that they are a visible Sign of a flourishing State, and such as draws Respect from its Neighbours, who look upon it as the Luxuriancy and Result of its Wealth. And, of all the Cities of Europe, none can so justly challenge the Preeminency in this Point as London, the Metropolis of England; being not only perhaps the most ancient, but also the wealthiest, and (reckoning all its Annexes) the greatest City now extant in Europe. Such a City as contains above 600 Streets, Lanes, Courts, and Alleys; and in them all, by a late Computation, at least a hundred thousand Houses. So that, allowing only 8 Persons to each House one with another, (which I think is moderate) the Number of the Inhabitants will amount at that rate to above eight hundred thousand Souls. Besides a World of Seamen, that live and swarm in that constant (tho' moving) Forest of Ships down the River, on the East side of the Bridge. The Dwelling Houses raised since the Fire are generally very fair, and built much more convenient and uniform than heretofore. Before the Fire, they were most Timber Houses, built with little regard to Uniformity; but since the Fire, Building of Bricks has been the general Way, and that with so much Art and Skill in Architecture, that I have often wondered to see in well-compact Houses so many Conveniences in a small compass of Ground. In short, our English Builders have built so much of late Years, that no Nation perhaps at this time can vy with them for making much of any Ground (tho' never so little) and contriving all the Parts of it to the best advantage, in the neatest and most regular way, with all the Conveniences the Ground can possibly afford. And that which adds much to the Neatness of the late Buildings is the Wainscot, now so much in use. Which, as it is the cleanest Furniture, so it is the most durable, and indeed the most proper for so moist a Country. If we come to Stateliness, I confess the Nobleman's Houses at Paris, being built of free Stone (as most of that City are) with large Courts before 'em for the Reception of Coaches, make a fine outward Appearance. But, for uniformity, state, and magnificence, we have some here, and chief Montague-House, that exceed by far most of 'em. As for great Merchants Houses, and fair Taverns, scarce any City surpasseth London in this particular. For public Buildings, as Halls, Inns of Court, Exchanges, Market-Places, Hospitals, Colleges, Churches, besides the Bridge upon the River, the Monument, Customhouse, and the Tower, they are Things worth any Stranger's Curiosity to view, at least a good part of them. Most of which have indeed the disadvantage of being built backward, and out of the way, to make room for Tradesmens Shops in the Streets. Whereas, if they had been all built towards the Street, as generally they are in other Countries, few Cities could make so great an Appearance. But for stately, straight, and spacious Streets, (to pass by many curious Courts) where shall one see finer than Cheapside, Cornhill, lombardstreet, Fleetstreet, Hatton Garden, Pallnall, and several others, especially near the Court? What foreign City can show so many Piazzas, or fine Squares, such as Lincolns-Inn-Fields, Lincolns-Inn-Square, Grays-Inn, Red Lion, and Southampton-Squares, the Golden Square, King's Square in Sohoe, S. James' Square, Leicester-Fields, and Covent-Garden. The first of which is chief noted for its Spaciousness, and King's Square for its Stateliness. Lastly, when I reflect upon that disinal Fire, which in three Days time consumed above thirteen thousand Houses (besides 89 Parish Churches, the vast Cathedral of S. Paul, divers Chapels, Halls, Colleges, Schools, and other public Edifices) it is a matter of amazement to me to see how soon the English recovered themselves from so great a Desolation, and a Loss not to be computed. At 3 Years end near upon ten thousand Houses were raised up again from their Ashes, with great Improvements. And by that time the fit of Building grew so strong, that, besides a full and glorious Restauration of a City that a raging Fire had lately buried in its Ashes, the Suburbs have been increased to that degree, that (to speak modestly) as many more Houses have been added to it, with all the Advantages that able and skilful Builders could invent, both for Conveniency and Beauty. But it is time to come to Particulars The City, properly so called, is begirt with a Wall, which gives entrance at seven principal Gates, besides Posterns of later erection Viz. on the Westside Ludgate and Newgate, both which serve for Prisons; the first, for such Debtors as are Freemen of the City the other for Malefactors both of the City and Country, and is besides the County Goa● for Debt. Northwards, those of Aldersgate, Cripglegate, Moorgate, and Bishopsgate. And Eastward, Aldgate. Within the Compass of the Walls there are reckoned 97 Parishes; and in relation to the Civil Government, the City within the Walls and Freedom is divided into 26 Wards or Aldermanries, of which more hereafter. As to the public Buildings here, I shall begin with the Tower, a Fort upon the Thames, which commands both the City and River. Called the Tower, from the great white Tower in the middle, which gives Name to the Whole. 'Tis all surrounded with a Wall and Ditch about a mile in compass, with Cannon planted on the Walls, and the Turrets thereof. But it is besides the principal Storehouse of England for Arms and Ammunition, such as is said to contain Arms for about 60000 Men. Here are also kept the Jewels and Ornaments of the Crown, and the ancient Records of the Nation. As among others, the Original of all the Laws that have been enacted or recorded till the Reign of Richard II. The Grants of several Kings to their Subjects at home and abroad, and the Confirmations thereof. The several Treaties and Leagues with foreign Princes. The Dominion of the British Seas. The Title of the Kings of England to the Kingdom of France, and how obtained. All the Achievements of this Nation in France, and other foreign Parts. The Homage and Dependency of Scotland upon England. The Establishment of Ireland in Laws and Dominions. These, and many other Records, are reposited in Wakefield Tower, near the Traitor's Gate, under the Custody of an Officer, called the Keeper of the Records, and whose Salary is 500 l. per Annum. This Place is properly in the Master of the Rolls his Gift. Every day of the Week (except Sundays, holidays, public Fasting, and Thanksgiving-Days, and Times of great Pestilence) they that have occasion to look into the Records have admittance. In the Morning from 7 to 11 a clock, and in the Afternoon from one till five. Except in the Months of December, January, and February, where Attendance is not given till 8 in the Morning, and in the Afternoon not beyond 4 a clock. In the Tower is the only Mint of England, for Coining of Gold and Silver. To which belong several Offices, which I intent to muster in my second Part, where I shall speak of the English Coins. Lastly, the Tower, which has been formerly honoured with the Residence of several Kings, who kept their Courts here, is now the chief Prison, where Persons of quality that are charged with Crimes against the Government are kept in Custody. Here are also many Dwelling-Houses fo● the Officers that belong to it, either as a● Arsenal, or a Mint, etc. And, as an Arsenal here is kept the Office of his Majesty's Ordinance, to be explained in my second Part For the public Devotion of all the Dwelle●● in the Tower there is within its Walls on● Parochial Church, called S. Petri ad Vincul● infra Turrim, being the King's Donative without Institution and Induction, and exempt from all Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Archbishop. The Government of the Tower, as it is a Place of great Trust, so it has been usually put in the hands of two Persons of great worth, the one called Constable, and the other Lieutenant of the Tower. The Constable has the chief Command, and is Lord Lieutenant of the 21 Hamlets belonging to it, which lie in several Parishes of large extent. Whose Train-bands, making two entire Regiments of Foot, and above 3000 Men, are to attend the King's Person when commanded, but are to march no farther than the King. They were sometimes the Guards of the Tower, and are bound (if occasion be) to reinforce the Garrison, upon the Constable's Command. Who, by his Place is to be in the Commission of the Peace for the City of London, and the Counties of Middlesex, Kent, and Surrey. And so is the Lieutenant, who is subordinate, to the Constable for the time being, but in his absence commands with the full Power of both. His Salary is 200 l. per annum, with all the Fees and Perquisites, which are very considerable, both from the Prisoners that happen to be in the Tower, and from the Warders Places, which are all at his Disposal. Under the Command of the Constable, and the Lieutenant of the Tower in his absence, are the Gentleman Porter, the 24 ●eomen Warders, and the Gunners of the Tower. The Gentleman Porter (who holds his Place by Patent) has the Charge of the Gates. The Keys whereof he is every night to deliver to the Constable, and in his absence to the Lieutenant, and to receive them of him the next morning. He commands the Warders that are upon duty, and claims for his Fee at the entrance of a Prisoner his Upper Garment, or else a Composition for the same. The Warders are accounted the King's Domestic Servants, and sworn accordingly by the Lord High Chamberlain, or by the Clerk of the Check. Their Duty is to wait at the Gates, and by the Lieutenant of the Tower's appointment to attend Prisoners of State, which is the most profitable and beneficial part of their Station. At the Gates they examine every Stranger that offers to go in, and before admittance (according to the Rules of Military Discipline) those that ●ear Swords must leave 'em in their hands, ●ill they go out. Ten of them are usually upon the Days Wait, and two upon the Watch ●very night. The Gunners are to look after the Ordnance mounted on the Batteries and Lines, ●nd ready for Service on the shortest Warning. One or more of them are upon Duty ●ay and night, to wait for Orders. For the Liberty of the Tower (to which ●as been annexed the old Artillery Garden ●y Spittle-Fields, and the little Minories) here is an ancient Court of Record; held by a Steward every Monday by Prescription, for Debts, Trespasses, etc. And in the said Liberty the Gentleman Porter has the same Power and Authority as Sheriffs have within their respective Counties. He constitutes Bailiffs thereof, to execute all Process and Warrants directed to them by the Steward of the Court; and has all Escheats, Deodands, and Goods of all Felones de●se. For Ecclesiastical Causes and Probate of Wills, the Tower and Liberties thereof have a Royal Jurisdiction. From which there is no Appeal but to the King in his Court of Chancery; who thereupon issues out a Commission under the Great Seal, as in Appeals from the Arches or Prerogative Courts. But, whether the Tower be in the County (that is under the Jurisdiction) of Middlesex, or in the Liberty of the City, 'tis undetermined to this day. Some will have it to be part of it in Middlesex, and part in the Liberty of the City. And in the Case of Sir Thomas Overbury's Murder, the Judges Opinion was, that the Trial must be made in the City, the Fact being done in that Part of the Tower held to be in the City Liberties. Next to the Tower, I come to the Custom House, placed between the Tower and th● Bridge. Which, having been destroyed by the Fire in the Year 1666, was soon after rebuilt much more commodious, uniform, an● magnificent; and the Building cost the Kin● 10000 pounds. Here are received and managed all the Impositions laid upon Merchandise Imported, and Exported from this City. Which are so considerable, that, of all the Customs of England divided into 3 Parts, the Port of London pays two Thirds, that is (when Trade flourishes) about 400000 l. yearly. In this Office are employed a great Number of Officers, an Account whereof you will find in my Second Part, where I speak of the King's Revenues. The Bridge of London offers itself in the next place to our Consideration. Which, considering the constant great Flux and Reflux at that Place, was certainly a very difficult and costly piece of Work. It consists of 19 Arches, at 20 foot distance of each other, with a Draw-bridge almost in the middle 'Tis about 800 foot long, and 30 broad. Set out with a fine Row of Houses all along, with Shops furnished with most sorts of Commodities. So that it looks more like a Street than a Bridge, the Street being widened in the late Reign from 12 to 20 foot. It was built in the year 1200, in the Reign of King John. And so great are the Charges of keeping it in repair, that there is a large Revenue in Lands and Houses set apart for that purpose, and two Bridgemasters (besides other Officers) chosen out of the Liveru-men on Midsummer-Day to look after the same. Near this Bridge is the fatal Place where the dreadful Fire aforementioned first began. In perpetual Memory whereof was erected, by virtue of an Act of Parliament, that masterpiece of Building, called the Monument, begun Anno 1671, in the Mayoralty of Sir Richard Ford Knight, and finished Anno 1677, Sir Thomas Davies being Lord Mayor of London. This Pillar, not unlike those two ancient white Marble Pillars at Rome, erected in honour of the Emperor's Trajan and Antonius, is all built of Portland Stone, as durable almost as Marble; and is of the Doric Order, 202 foot high, and 15 foot Diameter. Withinside is a fair winding Staircase, with Iron rails up to the top; where this stately Pile is surrounded with an Iron-Balcony, yielding a pleasant Prospect all over the City. The Pedestal is 40 foot high, and 21 foot Square; the Front of it adorned with ingenious Emblems, and the North and South-sides with these two Latin Inscriptions. Anno Christi MDCLXVI. Die IU. Nonis Septembris, hinc in Orientem, pedum CCII Intervallo (quae est hujusce Columnae Altitudo) erupit de medià Nocte Incendium, quod Vento spirante hausit etiàm longinqua, & Parts per omnes populabundum ferebatur cum impetu & fragore incredibili; XXCIX Templa, Portas, Pratorium, Aedes publicas, Ptocotrophia, Scholas, Bibliothecas, Insularum magnum Numerum, D●muum ↂOOOOOOCC, Vicos CD absumpsit: De XXVI Regionibus XV funditus delevit, alias VIII. laceras & semiustas reliquit. Vrbis Cadaver ad CDXXXVI. Jugera, Hinc ab Arce, per Thamisis Ripam ad Templariorum Fanum, Illinc ab Euro Aquilonali Portâ secundum Muros ad Fosse Fletanae Caput, perrexit; adversus Opes Civium, & Fortunas infestum, erga Viros innocuum, ut per omnia referret supremam illa● Mundi Exustionem. Velox Clades fui●; exiguum Tempus eandem vidit Civitatem florentiss● mam & nullam Tertio die, cum jam evicerat humana Consilia & Subsidia omnia, Coelitus, ut par est credere, jussus ste●it fatalis Ignis, & quaquaversum clanguit. The same thus Englished by Dr. Chamberlain. In the Year of Christ 1666, the second Day of September, Eastward from hence, at the Distance of Two hundred and two foot (the height of this Column) a terrible Fire broke out about Midnight; which driven on by a high Wind, not only wasted the adjacent Parts, but also very remote Places, with incredible noise and fury. It consumed eighty nine Churches, the City-Gates, Guildhall, many public Structures, Hospitals, Schools, Libraries, a vast Number of stately Edifices, Thirteen thousand two hundred Dwelling-houses, four hundred Streets. Of the six and twenty Wards it utterly destroyed fifteen, and left eight others shattered and half-burnt. The Ruins of the City were four hundred thirty six Acres, from the Tower by the Thames-side to the Temple-Church, and from the North-East Gate along the City-Wall to Holborn-Bridge. To the Estates and Fortunes of the Citizens it was merciless, but to their Lives very favourable, that it might in all things resemble the last Conflagration of the World. The Destruction was sudden, for in a small space of time the same City was seen most flourishing, and reduced to nothing. Three days after, when this fatal Fire had baffled all humane Counsels and Endeavours in the Opinion of all, it stopped as it were by a Command from Heaven, and was on every side extinguished. The other Inscription runs thus, on the other side. Carolus II. C. Mart. F. Mag. Brit. Fran. & Hib. Rex, Fid. D. Princeps Clementissimus, miseratus luctuosam Rerum faciem, plurima fumantibus jam tum Ruinis, in Solatium Civium & Vrbis suae Ornamentum providit, Tributum remisit, Preces Ordinis & Populi Londinensis retulit ad Regni Senatum; qui continuo decrevit ut publica Opera Pecunia publicâ, ex Ve●tigali Carbonis fossilis oriunda, in meliorem formam restituerentur; utique Aedes Sacrae & D. Pauli Templum a Fundamentis omni Magnificentia extruerentur; Pontes, Portae, Carceres novi fierent; emundarentur Alvei, Vici ad regulam responderent, Clivi complanarentur, aperirentur Angiportus, Fora & Macella in Areas sepositas eliminarentur. Censuit etiam uti singulae Domus Maris intergerinis concluderentur, universae in frontem pari altitudine consurgerent, omnesque Parietes Saxo quadrato aut cocto latere solidarentur; utique nemini liceret ultra Septennium adificando immorari. Ad haec, Lites de Terminis orituras Iege lata proescidit; adjecit quoque Supplicationes annuas, & ad aeternam Postererum Memoriam H. C. P. C. Festinatur undique, Resurgit Londinum, majori celeritate an splendore incertum, unum Triennium absolvit quod Saeculi Opus credebatur. In English, thus. Charles II. Son of Charles the Martyr, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, a most gracious Prince, Commiserating the deplorable state of Things, whilst the Ruins were yet smoking, provided for the Comfort of his Citizens, and the Ornament of his City; Remitted their Taxes, and referred the Petitions of the Magistrates and Inhabitants to the Parliament; who immediately passed an Act, that public Works should be restored to greater Beauty with public Money, to be raised by an Imposition on Coals; That Churches and the Cathedral of S. Paul's should be Rebuilt from their Foundations, with all Magnificence; That Bridges, Gates, and Prisons should be new made, the Sewers cleansed, the Streets made straight and regular, such as were steep leveled, and those too narrow made wider; Markets and Shambles removed to separate Places. They also Enacted, that every House should be built with Party Walls, and all in Front raised of equal height, and those Walls all of square Stone or Brick, and that no man should delay Building beyond the space of seven Years. Moreover, Care was taken by Law, to prevent all Suits about their Bounds. Also anniversary Prayers were enjoined; and, to perpetuate the Memory hereof to Posterity, they caused this Column to be erected. The Work was carried on with diligence, and London is restored; but, whether with greater speed or beauty, may be made a question. At three years' time the World sees that finished, which was supposed to be the Business of an Age. From the Monument I come now to the Royal Exchange, the finest Building of this kind in Europe. First erected in the year 1566 (just one hundred years before it was burnt) at the Cost and Chargers of a noble Merchant, Sir Thomas Gresham; and, by the special Command of Queen Elizabeth, proclaimed in a solemn manner by the Name of the Royal-Exchange. But than it was built most of Brick; and now all of freestone within and without, with admirable Architecture. The same is Quadrangular, with a stately Front to it, and a high Turret at the top, with a Chime of 12 Bells. Within is a large Court, wherein the Merchants meet daily about one a Clock; and all round it fine arched Galleries or Walks, for a Shelter in case of Rain, or hot Sun-shiny Wether. In the middle of the Court stands a fine Statue of white Marble, upon a Pedestal 7 foot high. 'Tis the Statue of King Charles TWO, done with great beauty and spirit in the ancient Habit of the Roman Caesars, with a Wreath of Laurel on his Head. The Work of Mr. Gibbons, (a most skilful Artist,) at the charge of the Merchant Adventurers of England. But the greatest Ornament of this Place is in the Niches above, where the Kings of England from William the Conqueror are now partly set up, till the rest can be finished. Above Stairs is the Exchange, chief for wearing Apparel. It consists of almost 200 Shops, where the richest sort of Commodities are sold, both for Use and Ornament. The whole Fabric cost above 50000 l. whereof one half being disbursed by the Chamber of London, and the other by the Company of Mercers, they now reimburse themselves by the Rent of the Shops above and below Stairs, and the vaulted Cellars under Ground. Which comes to about 4000 l. a Year, besides 30 l. Fine, which is paid for every Shop. And, as Dr. Chamberlain observes, this goodly Fabric not taking up quite an Acre of Ground, is perhaps the richest piece of Ground in the whole World. In our Way towards Westminster, before we come to St. Paul's Cathedral, are three Things worth taking notice of. On the left hand, a Statute of King Charles II. on Horseback in Stock-Market, with a fine Conduit to it, Bow steeple in the middle of Cheapside, and on the right hand the Guild-hall. The first done in white Marble, at the Cost and Charges of Sir Robert Viner. The other a solid and beautiful Structure, composed of four of the Orders of Building, which shows the rare Invention of the Architect. The whole Height of it from the Ground is 225 foot, and yet is but half so high as the intended Dome of St. Paul's Cathedral is designed to be. Noted besides for its Ring of Bells, reputed to be the best in all England. Guildhall, where the the City Courts of Judicature are held; and where the Lord Mayor, aldermans, and Common-Council meet for the Management of the City-Concerns, is a spacious Building, but more glorious within than without. At the first coming in is a spacious Hall, set out (among other Things) with the Pictures of Their Majesty's King William and Queen Mary, with those of several Judges. Here are also two Giauts, that stand up in their bulky Figures. Blackwell-Hall is so near this Place, and so famous for the Sale of Woollen-Cloths, that I cannot pass it by in Silence. The same was purchased by the Lord Mayor and Commonalty in the Beign of Richard TWO, and has been since employed as a Weekly Marketplace for all sorts of Woollen-Cloth, broad and narrow, brought from all Parts of the Kingdom there to be sold. And it is to this day the greatest Market and Storehouse for all sorts of Woolen-Cloth. And now we come to St. Paul's Cathedral, seated on the highest Part of all the City, and first built by Sebert, the first Christian King of the East-Saxons. Before the Fire it was in Length 690 Foot, that is 20 foot longer than St. Peter's in Rome, which for beauty, proportion, and divers other Things, excels all other Churches. It's Breadth and Height were proportionable to the Length, so that it stood upon so much ground as contained above 3 Acres and a half. This famous Church, as vast and solid as it was, was devoured by that dreadful Fire in the Year 1666. But, some Years after, Sir Christopher Wren having, by the King's Command, designed a new Model of it, a new Foundation was laid accordingly. And, ever since, this stately Fabric has been carried on to that height we see it now. So that for Greatness and Figure, for Solidity, Magnificence, and curious-Architecture, 'tis like to excel all Churches in Christendom, except in some particulars St. Peter's Church in Rome. To this Cathedral belongs a Dean, and thirty Prebendaries, etc. Within the Liberties, The Two Sergeants Inns, one in Fleetstreet, and the other in Chancery-Lane. Two Inns of Court, the Inner and the Middle-Temple, in Fleetstreet. Five Inns of Chancery, viz. Clifford's-Inn in Fleetstreet, and these four in Ho●born, Thavies, Furnivals', Bernard's, and Staple-Inns. Without the Liberties, Two other Inns of Court, viz. Gray's Inn in Holborn, and Lincoln's Inn in Chancery Lane. Three Inns of Chancery, viz. Clement's Inn, New Inn, and jyons Inn. The Sergeant's Inns are so called, because divers Judges and Sergeants at Law keep their Commons and Lodge there in Termtime. The Number of these is about 26, who being arrived to the highest Degree in the Study of the Common Law, have here their Lodging and Diet. Out of these are all the Judges of the King's Bench, Common Pleas, and Exchequer elected by the King; ●t being a Degree in the Common Law answerable to that of Doctor in the Civil Law. But, whereas Doctors of Law are allowed to it covered within the Bar, the Sergeants stand bareheaded without the Bar, only with Coifs ●or Caps) on. For they are called Servientes 〈◊〉 Legem; and Servitutis Appellatio-est Ministe●ii, Doctoris vero Magisterii. The Degrees by which the Student in the ●ommon Law rises to that of a Sergeant are first, by being bred 2 or 3 years in the University, in the Study of Logic and Rhetoric, with some Insight into the Civil Law. Upon which he is admitted to one of the four Inns of Court, where he is first called a Student, or Inner-Barrister, till after 7 Years Study he becomes a Mootman or Utter-Barrister, and some Years after a Bencher. Those are Utter-Barristers, who from their Learning and Standing are called by the Benchers, in the Mooting Time, to plead and argue Moots, that is doubtful Cases and Questions. And, whilst they argue the said Cases, they sit uttermost on the Forms of the Benchers. Out of these Mootmen, are chosen Readers for the Inns of Chancery, where in Termtime and Grand Vacations they argue Cases in the presence of Attorneys and Clerks. In the four Inns of Chancery seated in Holbourn, the Moots are read either by those of Grays-Inn, or Lincolns-Inn; and in the others, by those of the two Temples. The Benchers, so called from the Bench whereon they sit at the upper end of the Hall, are the Seniors, to whom is committed the Government of the whole House; and out of whose Number is yearly chosen a Treasurer, who receives, disburses, and accounts for all Moneys belonging to the House. Out of these are also chosen those Readers, whose Reading is kept with so much feasting and solemnity. To which are invited the chief Nobles, Judges, Bishops, great Officers of the Kingdom, and sometimes the King himself. Such a Feasting as has cost some Readers 1000 l. After which the Reader wears a long Rob●different from other Barristers, and is then in a capacity to be made a Sergeant at Law, the Sergeants being usually chosen out of these Readers. The Manner of their Choice is thus. When the Number of Sergeants is small, the Lord Chief-Justice of the Common Pleas, by the advice and consent of the other Judges, makes choice of some of the most grave and learned of the Inns of Court, and presents their Names to the Lord Chancellor, or Lord Keeper. Who sends, by the King's Writ, to each of them, to appear on such a day before the King, to receive the State and Degree of a Sergeant at Law. At the appointed Time, they, being habited in particoloured Robes, come to Westminster-Hall, accompanied with the Students of the Inns of Court, and attended by a Train of Servants and Retainers in their Cloth Liveries. Where they take in public a solemn Oath, and are clothed with Coifs, which they wear always in public. After this, they feast the great Persons of the Nation in a most splendid manner, and present them with gold Rings, according to their Quality. Out of these Sergeants the King calls by Writ some of them to be of his Council at Law. These fit within the Bar in all Courts at Westminster, except in the Common-Pleas. The Inns of Court are so called, either because the Students therein are to serve the Courts of Judicature, or elf (as Fortescue affirms) because these Colleges received only the Sons of Noblemen and better sort of Gentlemen. They are the largest and the most beautiful Inns; Grays-Inn particularly being beautified of late with a fine Square, and another being now building in Lincolns-Inn, which will be a great Setoff and Ornament to it. The Two Temples (heretofore the Dwelling of the Knight's Templars, purchased above 300 years since by some Professors of the Common Law) are called the Inner and Middle Temple, in relation to Essex-House, now built up into Streets. Which House was part of the Knight's Templars, and called the Outer-Temple, because seated without Temple-Bar. Lincoln's Inn is so called from the ancient Earls of Lincoln, whose House it was; and Grays-Inn, from the noble Family of the Grays, to whom it formerly belonged. In these four Inns of Court are reckoned about 800 Students. The Inns of Chancery were heretofore preparatory Colleges for younger Students; where they were usually entered, before they could be admitted into the Inns of Court. Now they are for the most part taken up by Attorneys, Solicitors, and Clerks; who have here their Chambers apart, and their Diet at an easy rate. Here they eat in a Hall together, where they are obliged to appear in their Robes, and black round knit Caps. These Inns belong to the Inns of Court, some to one, some to another. As Bernard's and Staple-Inns to Gray's Inn, Thavies and Furnivals' to Lincolns-Inn, and the rest to the two Temples. Accordingly the Inns of Court send yearly some of their Barristers to Read in those Colleges, all which one with another contain about 500 Lawyers. Clifford's Inn, among the rest, was anciently the House of the Lord Clifford, from whence it is so denominated; Staple Inn belonged to the Merchants of the Staple; and Lion's Inn was anciently a common Inn with the Sign of the lion. But, besides those 8 Inns of Chancery, there is another in Chancery-Lane, known by the Name of Symonds Inn, being formerly a public Inn kept by one Symond. This is an Inn by itself, belonging to no Inn of Court, nor living under any Rules, such as the other Inns live under. Now 'tis to be observed, that the foresaid Societies are no Corporations, and have no Judicial Power over their Members. Only they have among themselves certain Orders, which by Consent have the force of Laws. Neither have they any Lands or Revenues, as Societies; and, for the defraying the Charges of the House, they have but what is paid at Admittances, and Quitrents for their Chambers. At the Colledge-Chappel, or Hall, and ●ll Courts of Judicature, they wear a black Robe and Cap; at other times they walk in gentlemen's Habit. For light Offences they ●re only Excommoned, and not to eat with the rest. For great Offences they lose their Chambers, and are expelled the College; ●nd, being once expelled, they are never received by any of the three other Societies. But, besides all the foresaid Inns, which ●re for the Common Law and Chancery, here 〈◊〉 also a College of Civilians, called Doctors ●ommons. For, though Degrees in the Civil ●aw may be taken only in Oxford and Camridge, and the Theory best there to be acquired; yet the Practice thereof is most of all in London. Where this College (standing near S. Paul's, in the Parish of S. Bennets Paulswharf) was founded by Dr. Harvey. Dean of the Arches, for the Professors of the Civil Law in this City. And here did commonly reside the Judge of the Arches, the Judge of the Admiralty, and the Judge of the Prerogative Court, with divers other eminent Civilians. From whose living, for Diet and Lodging, in a Collegiate manner, and Commoning together, it got the Name of Doctor's Commons. This College, in the time of the great Fire, being involved in the Ruins of the City, they all removed to Exete● House in the Strand. Till that being rebuilt, at their own proper Costs and Charges, in a more convenient and splendid manner than before they returned to it. Where they no● keep their several Courts and Plead every Term. But London being in a manner an University, there are in it several other Colleges worth our taking notice. I begin with the College of Physicians, which stood formerly in Knight-Rider Street; and was the Gift of Dr. Linacre, Physician to King Henry VIII. Since which a House and Ground was purchased by the Society of Physicians at the end of Amen-Street, whereon a stately Structure for a Library and a public● Hall was erected by Dr. Harvey, Anno 1652. who endowed the same with his whole Inheritance, which he resigned while he wa● yet living and in health. But this goodly Edifice could not escape the rage of the gr●● Fire. And that Ground being but a Lease the Society purchased a Piece of Ground in Warwick Lane near Newgate, whereon they have raised the present College, a magnificent Edifice. The Physicians of this College have, by Charters and Acts of Parliament, such Privileges as exclude all others (though Graduates in Physic, of Oxford or Cambridge) from practising Physic in London, or within 7 miles of it, without a Licence under the Colledge-Seal. And all Offenders in that Case, and divers others, they may fine, and imprison. They have Authority to search all the Shops of Apothecaries in and about London, to see if their Drugs and Compositions are wholesome and well made. And, by virtue of the said Charters, they are freed from all troublesome Offices, as to serve upon Juries, to be Constable, to keep Watch and Ward, to bear Arms, or provide Arms or Ammunition, etc. This College does chief consist of Fellows and Candidates; besides the honorary Fellows, and Licentiates. The Number of Fellows is always to be forty, besides the King's Physicians. And, when any Fellow dies, or leaves this City, the next Candidate succeeds to make up the Number. But the Candidates, before their Admission, are strictly examined (or at least ought to be so) in all Parts of Physic. The honorary Fellows and Licentiates do both enjoy the Privileges of the College, but have no share in the Government. The Title of Honourary was first bestowed on some worthy Physicians who were unwilling or unable to come in by the right Line of Candidates. The Licentiates are such as for want of sufficient Learning, etc. are judged unfit to be received into the Number of Fellows or Candidates. Yet, because they may be serviceable to the Public, and do good at least in some sorts of Diseases, they are, after due Examination and Approbation, licenced to practise. Of this College there is a Precedent, four Censors, and eight Elects, who are all principal Members of the Society. Out of these one is chosen every Year to preside, and Michaelmas is the Time of Election. But, if the Precedent chance to die before, the eldest Fellow has full power to execute his Place till the next Election. As for the Censors, 'tis their province to look to and correct those Interlopers that practise without Authority. Whose Number in London is great, and yet connived at, according to the Rule, Si Populus vult decipi, decipiatur. But one would wonder there should be so many, considering the Hazard both they and their Patients do run by their Practice. They by the Law of England, which makes it Felony in any one presuming to practise Physic without Authority, whose Patient dies under his hand. The next College of note is That of the Heralds, commonly called the Herald's Office, being upon S. Bennets Hill, near Doctor's Commons. An ancient House, first built by that Earl of Derby who married the Mother of Henry VII, and bestowed by Queen Mary on the King's Heralds and Pursuivants at Arms for ever. The greatest Part of which is rebuilt since the great Fire, which laid it in Ashes. Where some Officers of Arms do give a constant Attendance, to satisfy all Comers touching Descents, Pedigrees, Coats of Arms, etc. Within the Walls of London (in Bishopsgate Street) is also seated the College called Gresham College, from his Founder Sir Thomas Gresham, who also built the Royal Exchange. After the Building whereof he gave one Moiety of its Revenue to the Mayor and Commonalty of London, and their Successors; the other Moiety, to the Company of Mercers in trust, that the Mayor and Aldermen should find in all Time to come four able Persons to read within this College Divinity, Geometry, Astronomy, and Music, allowing each of them (besides their Lodgings) 50 l. a year; and that the Company of Mercers should find three more able Men to read Civil Law, Physic, and Rhetoric, with the same Allowance as to the former. The said Lecturers to read in Termtime every Day in the Week (except Sundays) Aforenoon in Latin, and Afternoon the same in English; the Music Lecture to be read only in English. This College is noted besides, for being the Meeting Place of that famous Society of Virtuoso's called the Royal-Society; made a Corporation by virtue of a Charter King Charles II. granted them, bearing date the 22th of April 1663. It consists of a Precedent, a Countil, and several Fellows; among which there is a Treasurer, two Secretaries, and a Number of Curators or Experimentors. Their Business is, by Experiments to promote the Knowledge of Natural Things, and useful Arts; which they have hitherto done in a great measure. For, by the great Number of their Experiments and Inventions, they have mightily improved the Naval, Civil, and Military Architecture, but especially the Art of Navigation. They have also inconraged Husbandry to that degree, that not only England, but many other Countries, and even the remotest of our foreign Plantations, feel the sweet effects of it. But, besides those Experiments of Fruit and Profit, they have made many curious Discoveries, such as the learned Lord Bacon calls Experiments of Light. And, if they have not answered to the full the Expectation of some People in point of Usefulness, they have at least very industriously laid a solid Groundwork for future Ages to improve Experimental Knowledge. Therefore King Charles gave them for their Coat of Arms a Scutcheon, with 3 Lions of England in chief, intimating that the Society was Royal; for the Crest an Eagle, and for the Supporter hunting Hounds, to intimate the Sagacity employed in penetrating and searching after the Works of Nature. And His Majesty was pleased, for the Credit of the Society, to list himself amongst them. Their Meeting is upon Wednesdays, at 3 a Clock in the Afternoon. And the Office of the Precedent is to call and dissolve the Meetings, to propose the Matter to be considered of, to put Questions, and call for Experiments, to admit the Members that from time to time shall be elected, etc. The Treasurer receives, and disburses all Moneys. The Secretaries read all Letters and Informations both from England and foreign Parts, directed to the Society, and make such Returns as the Society thinks fit. They take notice of the Orders and material Passages at the Meetings, segister all Experiments, all certain Informations, all Conclusions, etc. and publish whatsoever is ordered and allowed by the Society. Lastly, the Curators are to receive the Directions of the Society, and at another Meeting they bring all to the Test, the Society being Judges thereof. Whereby the World has the concurring Testimony of many Persons of undoubted Credit for the Truth of what they publish. The Council consists of 21 Members, eleven whereof are to be continued for the next Year, and the other ten to be chosen yearly upon the Feast of St. Andrew in the Morning. After which they all dine together at a Venison-Feast. The Manner of electing their Fellows is by Ballotting, according to the Venetian way. The Candidate is proposed at one Assembly by some that know him well, and the next he may be put to the Scrutiny. To carry it, he must have the major Number of 21 Suffrages at the least. And then at that, or the next Assembly, he may be introduced, and solemnly admitted by the Precedent. At his Admission he subscribes this Promise, That he will endeavour to promote the Good of the Royal Society of London, for the Improvement of Natural Knowledge; pays to the Treasurer only 40 Shillings, and so long as he continues a Member 13 Shillings a Quarter. But he may at any time free himself from this Obligation, by signifying under his hand to the Precedent that he desires to withdraw from the Society. Of this Society there have been all along, and are still, Persons of the highest Rank, and many eminent Gentlemen and Doctors, both English and Foreiners, sober, learned, solid, and ingenious Persons. Who, though of different Degrees, Religions, Countries, Professions, Trades, and Fortunes; yet, laying aside all Names of Distinction, have united together, amicably to promote Experimental Knowledge. Among which I cannot but make particular mention of the Honourable Mr. Robert Boyl, the Glory of England, and the Oracle of Europe in point of Philosophy. In this College is the Repository, consisting of many Rarities of Nature, some of 'em brought from the furthest Corners of the World. Such as Beasts, Birds, Fishes, Serpents, Flies, Shells, Feathers, Seeds, Minerals, Mummies, Gums, some things petrified, others Ossifyed, etc. The last College I am to speak of is another also within London, called Zion College, near Cripplegate. Founded by Thomas White, Doctor in Divinity, for the Use of the Clergy of London, and the Liberties thereof; and part for 20 poor People. To perform all which he gave 3000 l; and for the maintenance of those Poor, he settled 120 l. a year for ever. Besides 40 l. a year for a Sermon in Latin, at the beginning of every Quarter, and a plentiful Dinner for all the Clergy that shall then meet there. In this College (now repaired, since the dreadful Fire) is a fair spacious Library, built by John Sympson Rector of St. Olaves' Heart-street, and one of the said Founder's Executors. Which Library, by the Bounty o● divers Benefactors, has been well furnished with Books, especially such as relate to Divinity. There are likewise in London divers Public Schools endowed, as St. Paul's, Merchant Tailors, Mercer's Chapel, etc. which in other Countries would be styled Colleges. But especially Paul's School, a commodious and stately Building at the East end of St. Paul's Ca thedral. Founded in the Year 1512. by John Collet, Dr. of Divinity, and Dean of St. Paul's, for 153 Children to be taught there gratis. For which purpose he appointed a Master, a Sub-Master or Usher, and a Chaplain, with large Stipends for ever; committing the Oversight thereof to the Masters, Wardens, and Assistants of the Mercers in London, his Father Henry Collet (sometime Lord Mayor of London) having been of their Company. Moreover, for the Correction of Vagabonds, and other Persons of a lose Life and Conversation, there are several Work-houses. The principal of which is Bridewell near Fleet-Bridge. A stately Building, first built by King Henry VIII. for the Reception of the Emperor Charles the fifth, but since converted to this Use. And, for Trying of Malefactors, there is in the Old-Baily the Sessions-House, which may go with the rest among the Ornaments of this glorious City, as unpleasant as it is to many people that are there tried for their Lives. Within the Precincts of Westminster are also many Things worthy our Observation. I begin with Whitehall, belonging heretofore to Cardinal Woolsey, and since his Time become the usual Place of Residence of the English Monarches. 'Tis seated betwixt the Thames on the East and a fine Park on the West, amidst the Pleasures of the Water, and the Charms of a fine spacious Spot of Ground. The River of one side affording a great deal of Variety by the Multitude of Boats that cover it; the Park on the other side charming the Eye with its delicate Walks, well gravelled and as well shadowed, parted with a fine Canal in the middle, and this fronted with a brazen Statue, which for curious Workmanship is admired by Artists themselves. As for Whitehall itself, I confess its outward Appearance is not great, but it is very convenient, and more glorious within than without. And yet the Chamber at the front of it, called the Banqueting-house, is such a Piece of Building as for Spaciousness, Beauty, Painting, and exact Proportion, is not to be parallelled by any King in Europe; the Ceiling whereof was all painted by the hand of the famous Sir Peter Paul Rubens. Here is also, besides the Protestant Chapel, a neat one built by the late King James for his Use, which by the Grace of God ly's now dormant. And in one of the Courts stands his Brazen Statue, which has had better luck than that of Newcastle upon Tine. On the North-West side of the Park is another Royal Palace, called St. James, which gives name to the Park. In the Strand is another Palace, called Somerset-House, where the Queen Dowager resides, and keeps her Dourt. This was built by Edward, Duke of Somerset, Uncle to King Edward the fixth. But the Glory of Westminster is the Abbey-Church there, founded before the Norman Conquest by King Edward the Confessor, and most richly endowed; afterwards rebuilt from the Ground by King Henry III. This huge Fabric stands on that piece of Ground which formerly was called Thorney-Island; then surrounded with Water, and where of old stood a Temple dedicated to Apollo. In this Church is usually performed the Coronation of our Kings, with that Pomp and Magnificence as becomes such potent Monarches. On the East end of it is Henry the Sevenths' Chapel, built by that King with admirable artificial Work both within and without. And here are the Tombs and Monuments of several of our Kings and Queens, among which that of massy Brass is so curiously wrought, that it is scarcely to be parallelled. The Abbey was converted into a Collegiate Church by Queen Elizabeth, who placed therein a Dean, and 12 Prebendaries; besides about 30 petty Canons and others, belonging to the Quire. The Dean is entrusted with the Custody of the Regalia at the Coronation, and honoured with a Place of necessary Service at all Coronations. Adjoining to this Church is a famous School and College called Westminster School, a Seminary for the Universities. The College consists of 40 Scholars, commonly called Kings Scholars; who, being chosen out of the School, and put into the College, are there maintained. And, as they are fitted for the University, they are yearly elected away, and placed with good Allowances in Christ-Church College in Oxford, and Trinity College in Cambridge. Here is also in the Cloisters a fair public Library, free for all Strangers to study both Morning and Afternoon always in Termtime. Next this Church stood the Royal Palace of the Kings of England, a great Part whereof was burnt down in the Time of Henry VIII. What remained has still been employed for the Use of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, and for the chief Courts of Judicature. The great Hall where these are kept, commonly called Wesiminster-Hell, is 270 foot in length, and 74 in breadth, for its Dimensions not to be equalled by any Hall in Christendom. And were it set out according to its Greatness and the Dignity of the Courts that are kept there, it might pass for one of the most remarkable Buildings in Europe. Erected, as some say, by King William Rufus; or, according to others, by Richard TWO, about 3●0 years ago. But this is not all that Westminster affords wor●h our taking notice. The Brazen Statue of King Charles I, at Charing-Cross, the New Exchange, and Exeter Change in the Strand, the Savoy once a famous Hospital, several Nobleman's Houses more like Princely Palaces (such as Montague, Berkley, Wallingford, Southampton, and Northumberland House) the New Buildings raised from York, Arundel, Worcester, Essex, Newport, and Clarendon-House. Those of Sohoe, which alone might make a good large City, and many more too numerous to insist upon; All these, together with so many fine Piazza's or Squares I have already mentioned, are enough (if duly considered) to raise the Admiration of all Strangers. But, for a public Building of a late Erection, 'tis worth our while to step out of the Way, and take a View of Chelsey-H●spital. Begun by Charles II. continued by King James his Brother, and brought to perfection by our present King and Queen; for the Refuge and Maintenance of poor and disabled Soldiers that have faithfully served their King and Country. A stately Pile, which in some respects outdoes, in others is out done by the famous Hotel des Invalides at Paris. As for the Government of London and Westminster, the City of London, with the Liberties thereof, is governed in chief as to Civil Affairs, by a MAYOR, with the Title of Lord prefixed, given to no Mayor in England but that of London, and of late to the Mayor of York. In the Time of the Romans, he was called Perfect of London; in the Saxons time, Port-greeve, and sometimes Provost of London; and, after the Coming in of the Normans, Bailiff. 'Twas King Richard I, who in the Year 1189 (being the first of his Reign) changed the Name of Bailiff into that of Mayor, a French Word originally; which has continued ever since. This great and mighty Magistrate is yearly chosen by the Citizens, upon Michaelmas Day, the 29th of September. The Body out of which he is chosen are the 26 Aldermen, all Persons of great Wealth and Wisdom, at least ought so to be. Those that choose him are first the Livory-men, or Members of the several Companies of Tradesmen within the City, and at last the Aldermen; which is done in this manner. First, the Livery-Men do usually put up four Candidates, out of which they choose two by the Plurality of Voices; and, out of these two, the Court of Aldermen select whom they think fit. And, though they be free in their Choice, yet commonly they have a regard for the Signior Alderman that has not been Lord Mayor, and give him the Precedence. The Mayor Elect being Proclaimed, is sworn first at Guildhall, and afterwards at Westminster. There he swears to maintain the Privileges of the People; and here, to be True to the King. The Installation-Day is the 29th of October, a Month after the Election. The Solemnity of which Day upon his Account is so great, that no Magistrate in Europe appears with so much state and grandeur as the Mayor of London upon his Installation. First, he goes by water to Westminster in his Barge of state, accompanied with the Aldermen in all their Formalities, with their Scarlet Robes and Chains of gold hanging before their Breasts. The Twelve Companies also, in their several Barges, ●et out with their Arms, Colours, and Screamers on both sides, attend him in their furred Gowns. In his way he is saluted from the Shore with the noise of great Guns; and, as he passes by Whitehall, the King from thence viewing the Solemnity gives him and his Brethren a Mark of his Respect. At last being landed at Westminster Bridge, the several Companies march in order to their Hall, and after them the Mayor and Aldermen, with the Sword and Mace before them, the Sword-bearer with his Cap of Maintenance on his head. At their Entrance into the Hall, the Hall is Entertained with the harmonious Music of a Set of Oboe, marching in order before them, and playing all the Way. First they walk round the Hall, where they pay their respects to each Court of Judicature; and from the Hall they proceed to the Exchequer-Chamber, where the New Lord Mayor is Sworn by the Barons. This done, they walk again in Procession round the Hall, to invite the several Judges of each Court to Dinner at Guildhall. And, after this, the whole Procession returns in the same manner by Water to Blackfriar. From whence the Lord Mayor and Aldermen make their Cavalcade to Guildhall, all mounted upon Horses richly Caparisoned; the Livery-Men marching before in good order. And now the Artillery men make their best appearance, with their Buff-coats and Headpieces. But the most diverting Sight is that of the Pageants, here and there in motion to divert the Spectators. At last a most splendid Dinner, to which, besides the Judges, many of the great Lords and Ladies, the Privy Counselors, the foreign Ambassadors, and oftentimes the King and Queen are invited, concludes the Solemnity. Such is the Magnificence of the Lord Mayor of London, though always a Citizen and Tradesman, being a Member of one of the 12 Companies. Who, for his great Dignity, is usually Knighted by the King, before the Year of his Mayoralty be expired; unless he had received that Honour before, whilst he was an Alderman, as of late has been ●shal. His Authority reaches, not only all over this great City and part of the Suburbs, (except some particular Places) but also on the Thames as far as the Mouth of it, and Westward as far as Stanes-Bridge. And so great is his Power, that he may cause any Person inhabiting within London, or the Liberties thereof, to be Summoned to appear before him, upon the Complaint of any Citizen; and, for Non-appearance, may grant his Warrant to bring such Person before him. For he has Power to determine Differences between Party and Party. His Attendance, whilst he is a Mayor, is very considerable. For, besides his proper Servants, first he has four principal Officers that wait on him as Lord Mayor, who are reputed Esquires by their Places. And those are the Sword-bearer, the Common Hunt, the Common Crier, and the water-bailiff; whose Places are very advantageous, and purchased (when vacant) at a great rate from the Lord Mayor for the time being. Besides them, there is the Coroner, 3 Sergeants Carvers, 3 Sergeants of the Chamber, 1 Sergeant of the Channel, 4 Yeomen of the Waterside, 1 Under water-bailiff, 2 Yeomen of the Chamber, 3 Meal-Weighers, 2 Yeomen of the Wood-Wharf, and several others. Most of which have Servants allowed them, with Liveries. Among which the Sword-bearer has a 1000 l. a Year allowed him for his Table in the Lord Mayor's House. When he appears abroad on horseback (which is his usual Appearance) 'tis with rich Caparison, and always in long Robes, sometimes of fine Scarlet-Cloth richly furred, sometimes Purple, and sometimes Puke, with a black Velvet Hood over his Robes, and a great Chain of Gold (with a rich Jewel to it) hanging from his Neck downwards. Attended by several Officers walking before, and on both sides of him. He keeps an open Table all the Year to all Comers of any quality; and so well furnished, that it is always fit to receive the greatest Subject of England, or of any other Potentate. He has a Privilege to hunt, not only in Middlesex, but also in Essex and Surrey, and for this purpose has a Kennel of Hounds always maintained. On the King's Coronation-Day he claims to be the chief Butler, and bears the King's Cup among the highest Nobles of the Kingdom which serve on that Day in other Offices. And, upon the King's Death, he is said to be the prime Person of England. Therefore, when King James I, was invited to come and take the Crown of England, Robert Lee, than Mayor of London, subscribed in the first place, before all the Officers of the Crown, and all the Nobility. One Thing is observable, which happened not long since. I mean four Mayors the City had in little more than half a Year; viz. Sir John Shorter, Sir John Eyles, Sir John Chapman, and Sir Thomas Pilkington. For, upon the Death of the first in September 1688, Sir John Eyles was made Lord Mayor; and in October following, the Charter being restored, Sir John Chapman was chosen Lord Mayor. Who dying in March following, Sir Thomas Pilkington was chosen in his room. In whose Person the Chance is turned almost quite contrary. For, if he does outlive the Time appointed for his Mayoralty by his late Re-election, instead of being Mayor but one Year, according to the usual Course, his Mayoralty will reach near two Years and a half. Next to the Lord Mayor there are 26 Aldermen, A Recorder, Two Sheriffs, A Chamberlain. Besides the under-sheriffs, the Town-Clerk (or Common Clerk,) and a Remembrancer, these two last being both Esquires by their Places. The 26 Aldermen preside over the 26 Wards of the City, a peculiar Alderman being assigned to every Ward. Who has under him a certain Number of Common-Council-Men, and one of them his Deputy; besides Constables, Scavengers, Beadles, etc. Now the Aldermen who have been Lord Mayors, and the three eldest Aldermen that have not yet arrived to that honourable estate, are by the City-Charter Justices of Peace of the City. Upon the Death of an Alderman, the Lord Mayor issues out his Precept to the Ward whereof he was Alderman, to choose two substantial Men of the City, and return their Names to the Court of Aldermen. Which being done, the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen select one of the two, such as they judge fittest for that Station. The Recorder is usually a grave and learned Lawyer, well versed in the Laws and Customs of the City, and in that Capacity is an Assistant to the Lord Mayor. He takes his place in Councils, and in Court, before any Man that has not been Mayor; and 'tis he that delivers the Sentences of the whole Court. The two Sheriffs of this City are also Sheriffs of the County of Middlesex. They are yearly chosen in the Guildhall on Midsummer-Day, by the Livery-Men of the respective Companies, that is, by the Citizens from among themselves. A high Privilege, considering the Importance of this Magistracy, especially in their power of Impanelling Juries. Yet my Lord Mayor by his Prerogative may drink to any Citizen, and nominate him to be one of the Sheriffs; In which Case the Usage has been for the Commons to confirm such a Person, and to elect another to serve with him. However, the new-chosen Sheriffs are not sworn till Michaelmas Eve, and till than they do not enter upon their Office. If any of the Parties chosen refuse to hold, he inours a Penalty of 450 l. unless he do take his Oath, that he is not worth ten thousand pounds. Each Sheriff has under him an under-sheriff, and six Clerks, viz. a Secondary, a Clerk of the Papers, and four other Clerks. He has also a certain Number of Sergeants, and every Sergeant a Yeoman. The under-sheriffs have also Clerks under them. The Chamberlain is an Officer of great Power in the City. For without him no man can set up Shop, or follow his Trade without being sworn before him; neither can one be bound an Apprentice to any Tradesman, but by his Licence. He may Imprison any that disobeys his Summons, or anv Apprentice that misdemeans himself, or else he may punish him in another manner. But these are only general Notions of the chief Officers and Magistrates of London; for the Particulars, I refer you to the Courts of Judicature, in my Third Part. In relation to Trade, which is the Life of this City, the Traders thereof are divided into Companies, which are so many Bodies Politic, all enjoying large Privileges granted by former Kings unto them. Those Companies are in all about 70, twelve whereof are called the Chief Companies. Viz. The Mercers, The Grocers, The Drapers, The Fishmongers, The Goldsmiths, The Skinners, The Merchant Tailors The Haberdashers, The Salters, The Iron-Mongers, The Vintners, The Clothworkers. Each Company (or Mystery) has a Master yearly chosen from among themselves; and other subordinate Governors, called Wardens, and Assistants. Such is the Harmony of this Government, that these Companies do exactly correspond to the general Government of the City by a Lord Mayor and Common Council, who are selected out of these several Companies. For he that is chosen Lord Mayor must be free of one of these 12 Companies; and, if he be of any other Company, he presently removes to one of these. Which have got so great Credit and Reputation in the World, that several Kings have honoured some of them by taking their Freedom thereof. The present King was lately pleased to accept of the Freedom of the Company of Grocers; presented to Him in a golden Box in the Name of the City by Mr. Box; upon which he was Knighted by His Majesty. In short, such are the Privileges of the Citizens of London, that they are Toll-free throughout England. And the Lord Mayor usually, at the Request of any Citizen that trades in remote Parts, grants him his Warrant or Certificate. They have also the Privilege to keep out all Artificers and Handicraftmen not free of the City. So that if a Freeman of London do employ any such to work within the City or Liberties, he is liable to the Forfeiture of 5 l. a Day, and an Action lies against him for the same. An Alien indeed may be employed six Weeks, but no longer. And how severe soever this may seem to Foreiners, yet it is grounded upon Equity. For were it not for that Privilege, here would be such a Concourse of Foreiners, that it would prove (as it has by Experience) the utter undoing of a great Number of poor Citizens and Freemen, whose Livelihood depends upon their Handicrafts. Another great Privilege they have, is their sending no less than four Members to Parliament, which is twice the Number of other Cities and Borough-Towns in England. And it is observable, that their Members do usually appear in their Scarletrobes the first Day the Parliament sits, when all other Members (except the Speaker of the House) appear in their usual Habit. Thus the Lord Mayor of London, under the gracious Influences of the English Monarches, makes a Figure more like a Prince than a Subject. And the Citizens of London, though under the same general Government as all the rest of the King's Subjects, yet live within themselves, blest with so many Advantages, that I can compare them no better than to the old Citizens of Rome under the best of their Emperors. And indeed the main Thing which has encouraged Trade here to that degree as to render this Place so rich and flourishing, is the great Charters, Privileges, and Immunities it is invested with, by the Munificence of several of the former Kings. Whereby the Londoners are Impowered to choose their own Magistrates, to do themselves Justice, to maintain their own Peace, and pursue all the good and advantageous Ends of Trade, with the better Success and greater Security. In order to which they keep within themselves many Courts and Councils, where they make Laws for the better Government of the several Ranks and Orders of Men among them. And, though these grand Privileges were judged to be forfeited by the Court of King's Bench upon the Quo Warranto brought in at the latter end of Charles TWO his Reign, and a new Charter granted the City, but with several Restrictions of great moment; yet that Judgement was Reversed upon their late Application to the Parliament, and their ancient Charter Confirmed. So that Things run now, as they did before that Judgement, in their proper Channel. For Military Affairs, the City of London is a Lieutenancy of itself. So that the Power of a Lord Lieutenant is in the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, and other principal Members of the City, for the Time being. Who, by a peculiar Commission from His Majesty, are authorized to act as his Lieutenants in London, for the ordering the City-Militia, with the same Power that the Lord Lieutenants have in their respective Counties. Now the City-Militia consists of 6 Regiments of Foot, making about 90000 men; besides the Hamlets of the Tower 2 Regiments, and the Regiment of Southwark. To which if we add the Militia of Westminster, consisting of 2 Regiments, called Holborn and Westminster, each of 2000 men, we find in all eleven Regiments. But, in case of Necessity the Auxiliaries are raised, consisting of Apprentices, which make up six Regiments more; every Freeman that has two Apprentices finding one for that purpose. To supply the City Train-Bands and Auxiliary men with Commanders, there is a Nursery of Soldiers, called the Artillery Company, of above 60 Years standing. This Company consists of 600 choice men, commanded in chief by the King, and under his Majesty by a Leader. Who exercises this Company every Tuesday fortnight in the Artillery-Ground, a spacious Place near moorfield's, enclosed for that purpose with a fair Brickwall. And the other Tuesday the Exercise is performed by the several Members of the Company, who are there trained up to command, most of them being Commanders of the Train-Bands. They have a Court-Marshal, consisting of a Precedent, Vicepresident, Colonel, and 24 Members of the Company. On the second Tuesday in February is their general Rendezvous every Year, when they choose their Officers. Which, besides the Leader, are two Lieutenants, 2 Ensigns, 2 Sergeants, a Provost Marshal, 3 gentlemans of Arms, etc. The Church-Government is by the Bishop of London. The Parishes whereof, for the most part provided with able and eminent Divines under the Title of Rector or Vicar, are under his Jurisdiction. And, for maintaining these Divines, with their Families, there is in most Parishes a Parsonage, or Vicarage-House, with a yearly Allowance, besides the Perquisites arising from Christen, Marriages, and Burials. Which Allowance, since the Reformation, falls much short of what it was in the time of Popery; when, besides the Tithes of the Tradesmens Gains, the Mortuaries, Obits, etc. the Priest (tho' in a state of Celibacy) had 3 shillings and 5 pence in the pound of the yearly Rent of all the Houses and Shops in his Parish. Which afterwards was brought to 2 shillings, 9 pence in the pound, by an Act of Parliament under the Reign of Henry VIII, and that confirmed by a subsequent Act. But, since the Reformation, this being looked upon as too large an Allowance, it has been so curtailed, that 'twill be hard to bring back that golden Age. 'Tis true under the Reign of Charles II. a Regulation was made by Act of Parliament, but it concerned only those Parishes, whose Churches had been demolished by the dreadful Fire. And, according to the several Extents of Parishes, the Parsons thereof, by virtue of that Act, have a certain yearly Allowance, none under 100 Pounds, and none above 200; but most between one and two hundred Pounds. The same to be raised, in lieu of Tithe, within the said respective Parishes, by rating the Houses and Shops therein proportionably to their respective Rents. As to those Parishes all over the City and Suburbs where there is, besides the Parson, a Lecturer, he has his maintenance no otherwise than by a voluntary Contribution from the Parishioners. As for the City of Westminster, the Dean and Chapter are invested with all mander of Jurisdiction, both Civil and Ecclesiastical; not only within the City of Westminster, but also in other Places of their Jurisdiction, as the Precincts of S. Martin le Grand within the Walls of London, and some Towns in Essex. The Dean in particular has a Commission of Peace within the City and Liberties of Westminster. The principal Officer in it, called the High Steward of Westminster, is usually one of the prime Nobility. Under whom there is a Deputy Steward, than the Bailiff, and the two high Burgesses, these chosen every Year. Within the Precincts of Westminster, but chief near the Court, the Nobility and Gentry take up for the most part their Quarters. But the proper Station of the Lawyers is in their Inns, between the City and the Court; and that of Merchants and Seamen, in and about the East-end of the City. Thus you have a short Description of the famous City of London, the Metropolis of England, the Seat of the British Empire, the Epitome and Glory of this Kingdom. A City which for Greatness, Beauty, Conveniencies, Plenty of Provisions, Commerce, Riches, and good Government, is inferior to none beyond Sea. 'Tis a Magazine of all sorts of Commodities, necessary or expedient for the Use or Pleasure of Mankind. The great Rendez-vous of the Nobility, Gentry, Courtiers, Divines, Lawyers, Physicians, Merchants, Seamen, of the best Artificers, the most refined Wits, and the greatest Beauties of the Land. For a constant Supply of Provisions, here are abundance of Markets, the best furnished of any in Christendom; but especially Leaden-Hall-Market, near the Royal Exchange in the City, the greatest Flesh-Market about the City, and a great Magazine of Corn. So that there is scarce a great City in Europe, where poor People, or such as love a frugal Life, may live cheaper, or the splendid Liver, gallanter. To get a Livelihood, and raise himself in the World, no Place like this; by Mechanic or Liberal Arts, by Merchandizing, Offices, Preferments, etc. For Conveniencies and Delight, here all is at hand; and scarce any Thing wanting, that Money can purchase. In point of Society, here learned and unlearned, high and low, rich and poor, good and bad, may fit themselves any where. And this I must needs say to the Praise of London, that, there is not a Place in Europe of such a vast Confluence of all sorts of People, where Murders and Outrages, so frequent in great and populous Cities beyond Sea, are so seldom heard of. Which argues a great deal of Wisdom in the Magistrate, that so great a Body should be kept in so good Order. William the Conqueror, to prevent Disorders and Mischiefs in the Night, commanded that in every Town and Village a Bell (called Curfew-Bell, a Corrupt Word from the French Covure-feu) should be rung every Night at 8 of the Clock, and that all people should then put out their Fire and Candle. This continued in his Reign, and that of his next Successor William Rufus. But Henry I. revoked that Order; and Henry III Anno 1253. commanded Watches to be kept in Cities and Boroughs, for the Preservation of Peace and Quietness among his Subjects. Therefore there are in the respective Streets of London to this day convenient Stations for the Watchmen; who are to examine all Persons walking in unseasonable Hours, and to secure till next Day such as are either suspicious or riotous. And then they bring them before a Justice of Peace, who deals with them according to the Merit of the Cause. Thus Murders, Robberies, Felonies, Fires, and other Evils, are oftentimes prevented; which could not be avoided in so great and populous a Place, where a great many wicked People lie lurking for Mischief. This Duty of Watching is commonly performed by Men hired for that purpose, and paid for't by the Citizens, under the Command of a Constable, assisted by the Eeadle of the Parish. In case of a public Riot, the King usually sends a Party of his Guards to suppress it; and, if occasion requires, part of the Militia is raised. But, to draw to a Conclusion, if we cast our Eyes upon the vast Traffic and Commerce, whereby this Place is become so flourishing, it will every where afford matter of Admiration. The same does plainly appear by the Customs yearly paid for all Merchandise Imported and Exported, by the great Wealth of many Citizens, by the infinite Number of Shops both in the City and Suburbs for the Retailing Trade, and lastly by the incredible Abundance of Apprentices which are here brought up to all manner of Trades. The Customs for this City alone (tho' very moderate, in comparison of most other Places in Europe) did lately amount to near 400000 l. a Year. The Wealth of the Citizens so vast, that some of 'em, for great Estates in Money, etc. excel some Princes beyond Sea; and live accordingly in great state and plenty, few so penuriously as most of the Dutch Merchants do. The Number of Shops both in the City and Suburbs so great, and indeed so far beyond that of any foreign City, that it is to Strangers a just Matter of Amazement. Proportionable to which is That of the Apprentices, reckoned to be at least forty thousand. Now this great Trade of the Londoners runs into three several Streams, 1. among themselves, 2 in the Country, and 3 beyond Sea, of which in my second Part. Only I shall observe here, that the vast Trade of this Place has chief occasioned that great Appearance in it of Pictures in the Air, a Thing taken particular notice of at the first view by Strangers. I mean the Multitude of Signs which hang before the Houses; many of them very rich and costly, and all together yielding a fine Prospect. But, on the other side, its frequent Dirt in Winter, and Dust in Summer, are two such Nuisances as take off very much from the Glory of it. And yet both of them might with ease be Remedied, and will (I hope) in time. For, in point of Cleanness, few Towns are better Seated than London is, standing upon an easy Ascent from the River. And the Allowance for it from each Housekeeper is so considerable, that one would think it enough to keep it cleaner than it is. But the Truth is, there's a sort of Chemists, that can extract Gold out of Dirt. And I conjecture the less Care has been taken to take off that Reproach from so noble a City, because of the two great Conveniences it has to go free from the Dirt from one End of it to the other, that is, by Land in Coaches, and by Water in Boats. Besides that the principal Streets, and most of the New Buildings, are paved a good convenient Breadth on each side with smooth hewn Stone, for the benefit of Foot-Passengers. Which is a great Commodiousness, as well as an Ornament. I conclude, as to Loudon, with three notable Conveniencies it has, not elsewhere to be found; Viz. the New Lights, the Peny-Post, and the Insurance-Office for Houses in case of Fire. The New Lights is so ingenious and useful an Invention, that Mr. Edmund Heming the Inventor deserves an immortal Praise for it. He brought it to light about 6 Years ago, with a Patent from King Charles TWO, for the Enjoyment of the Profits thereof. And such is the Reflection of these Lights, tho' at a good distance from each other, that few of them serve to light a whole Street in the Night, better than ten times the Number of Glass Lanterns. For, by the regular Position of one of them before the Front of every tenth House on each side of a broad Street, there is such a mutual Reflection, that they all seem to be but one great solar Light. And so cheap is this Conveniency, that for five Shillings down and five Shillings a Year for five Years, to be paid at two Quarterly Payments, the Inventor obliges himself to light the Front of ones House from Michaelmas to Lady Day every Night from six to twelve, beginning the third Night after every Fullmoon, and ending the sixth Night after every New Moon, which is in all 120 Nights. The Peny-Post is such a Contrivance, that for one Penny a Letter, or Parcel not exceeding one pound Weight, or ten pounds in value, is presently conveyed from all Parts of the Town and Suburbs to the remotest Places thereof. And it has been so far improved, since the first settling of it, as to reath ten miles about London. He that sends pays the Penny; ●nd, when the Letter or Parcel goes beyond the Bounds of the Weekly Bills of Mortality, the Receiver pays another Penny. To carry on this useful Design, first there are about the Town four or five hundred Houses to take in Letters and Parcels. And, to convey them according to their Directions, there are about 100 messengers employed from Morning to Night, to call every Hour at the said Houses, and take what Letters and Parcels they find there. Who carry the same to their respective Offices, from whence the Letters and Parcels are dispatched away according to their Directions. The Offices are six in Number; Viz. The General Office. St. Paul's Office. The Temple Office. Westminster Office. Soutwark Office. The Hermitage Office. The General Office is in Star-Court in Cornhill, and has 3 Clerks belonging to it; whereas the rest have but two Clerks each. The whole Concern is managed in chief by three Persons, a controller, an Accountant, and a Receiver. Every one of the Messengers, employed in the bringing in and carrying out of Letters, gives 50 l. Security by Bond to the Office for his Fidelity. And for this Contrivance the Public is indebted to that ingenious Citizen of London, Mr. William Dockwrea, who settled it some Years since, not without much trouble and cost. But the late King, when Duke of York, sued him for the lame, as his Right, and carried it from the Inventor. So that the Benefit of it is now inherent in the Crown. The Insurance Office for Houses in case of Fire is also an Invention worth our taking notice. To Insure, for example, 100 l. upon a Brick-house, the Rates are 6 Shillings for one Year, 12 for two Years, 18 for three Years; and double for a Timber-house. But, if any Insure for four Years, there is a Discount allowed for paying down the Money, so that he pays but three Years and a Quarter; and proportionably five for seven, seven for eleven Years Insurance. And, as often as the House is Burnt, or Demolished by reason of Fire, within the Term Insured, the Money Insured on the House is to be paid; but, if only Damaged, then to be Repaired at the Charge of the Office. For the security of which Payment, the Office has a Fund to the Value of 60000 l. in Ground-Rents of Inheritance (which is above 2600 l. per annum) to answer Losses and Damages; and settled on Twelve Gentlemen trusties, by many of the most eminent Counsel at Law. This Ingenious and Useful Invention was first put into practice about 8 Years since, and has deservedly met with good Encouragement, insomuch that there are now above 7300 Houses Insured. The Office is kept on the Backside of the Royal-Exchange, and at the Rainbow Coffee-house by the Inner-Temple Gate in Fleetstreet. Now, to put a present stop, as far as is possible, to any su●den Fire, there are belonging to the Office a great many stout and lusty Servants in Livery with Badges, dwelling in several parts of the City, and always to be ready on all Occasions of sudden Fires. Who, in such Cases, do commonly expose themselves to the utmost Hazards, and with great Dexterity labour to suppress the Fire. There is also another Office of Insuring of Houses, called the Friendly Society, by a mutual Contribution agreed to by the trusties; That every Member of that Society shall pay yearly at the Office, before hand, only one shilling four pence for every 100 l. secured upon Timber-houses by way of Praemium. By this Office there are likewise a great many Houses secured. To conclude, the Arms of the City of London are Argent, a Cross Gules, with the Sword of St. Paul. CHAP. XIX. Of OXFORD, and CAMBRIDGE. FROM the great hurry of Trade in London I come now to the quiet Seats of the Muses, the two famous Universities of the Land, Oxford and Cambridge. Oxford. OXFORD, or Oxon, the principal Place of Oxfordshire, which from hence takes its Denomination, bears from London West-North-West, and is distant therefrom 47 miles, thus. From London to Uxbridge, 15; to Beaconfield, 7 more; thence to Wickham, 5; to Stoken-Church, 5 more; from thence to Wheatly-Bridge, 9; and to Oxford, 6 more. 'Tis finely seated, for health, for pleasure▪ and plenty, at the Influx of the Charwell into the Isis; where this divides itself into several Streams, wherewith and the Charwell most part of the City is encompassed. But, for the Conveniency of its Inhabitants, here are several Bridges. This is so ancient a City, as to fetch her Original from the Time of the Britain's. So large, as to contain 13 Parish-Churches, besides the Cathedral. And so beautiful, that whether one looks on the compacted Uniformity of private Houses, or the Magnificence of the public Structures, it must be allowed to be a fair and goodly City. Besides the Glory of being a most famous University, it is honoured with a Bishops See, founded by King Henry VIII. Anno 1541. and has been dignifyed above 500 years successively with the Title of an Earldom in twenty of the noble Family of the Veres. The first that enjoyed it was Aubrey de Vere, created Earl of Oxford by Henry II. Anno 1155. In whose Line it continues to this day in the person of the Right Honourable Aubrey de Vere, the present Earl of Oxford. As it is an University, this may be said o● it in general, without immodesty, and 〈◊〉 hope without dislike or envy, That for th● stateliness of the Schools and public Library, the bravery and beauty of particular Coledges all built of fair and polished Stone the liberal Endowments of those Houses and notable Encouragements of Industry and Learning in the Salary of the Professor in most Arts and Sciences, it is not to 〈◊〉 parallelled in the Christian World; and for th● Number of Students, and the well ordering of them by good Laws and Ordinances, not to be equalled by any but her Sister Cambidge. That Oxford has been for many Ages a Place of public Studies, is a Thing past all doubt. But it is true withal, that there has been a Time of Decay; when this City sharing with the rest of the Land in those common Calamities brought by the Saxons and Danes, the Muses were dispersed, and shifted for themselves. Alfred, the learned Saron King of England, was he that recalled them; who, having entirely subjected the irksome Danes to his Government, made it his business to restore this University, and repair the Ruins thereof. And, the better to invite Students to Oxford, he sent thither his Son Ethelward, which dr●●● the young Nobles from all Parts to Oxford. This came to pass about the latter end of the ninth Century. Then Oxford began to flourish again, and by degrees to grow to what it is. But, as now in Leyden and many other foreign Universities, so anciently in Oxford the Students lived in Citizens Houses, having only Meeting Places to hear Lectures and Disputations, and that without any distinction of Habit. After that, there were divers Houses (now called Halls) for Students only to live together in Society, as now the Inns of Court and of Chancery at London. Amongst which some afterwards Endowed by the bounty of divers Patrons of Learning; who thought best to settle for ever plentitiful Revenues in Lands and Houses, in order to maintain such Students as by merit and worth should from time to time be chosen, and to settle large Salaries for Professors to inftruct 'em, and for a Head to govern them, according to certain Statutes and Ordinances made by the said Patrons or Founders. And these are the Colleges, whereof the first thus Endowed in Europe were University, Balliol, and Merton Colleges. In short, there are in Oxford 18 of such Endowed Colleges, and 7 Halls. In which Halls the Students live with the same Discipline as those in the Colleges, but upon their own Means, except certain Exhibitions (or annual Pensions) annexed to one or two of them. The Names of the Colleges, and their Founders, together with the Time of their Foundation, you have in the following Table. Colleges, Founded by, Anno University King Alfred. 872. Balliol Jo. Bal●ol Knight and Deb. his Wife. 1263. Merton Walter de Merton, Clerk. 1267. Exeter Wa'ter Stapleton, Earl of Exeter. 1316. Oriel King Edward II. 1324. Queens Robert Eaglesfield, Clerk. 1340. New College William of Wickham, Bishop of Winton. 1349. Lincoln Richard Fleming, Bishop of London. 1427. All Souls Henry Chichley, Archbishop of Canterbury. 1438. Magdalen William of Wainfleet, Bishop of Winchester. 1458 hazen Nose Wil Smith Bishop of Lincoln, and Sir Richard Sutton. 1511 Corpus Christi Richard Fox, Bishop of Winton. 1516 christ-church King Henry VIII. 1546 Trinity Sir Thomas Pope. 1554 S. John's Sir Thomas White. 1555 Jesus Dr. Hugh Price. 1571 cadham Nich. Wadham, and Dor. his Wife. 1612 pembroke. Tho. Tisdale Esquire, and King Whitwich Clerk. 1624. The Seven Halls are Magdalen Hall. Edmund Hall. Albon Hall. Hart Hall. S. Marry Hall. Gloucester Hall. And New Inn. Now, to make a particular Description of those stately Colleges, their Halls, Chapels, and Libraries, their excellent Accommodation for young Noblemen and Gentlemen, their ●arge Revenues, great Salaries for public Professors, and Allowances for poor Scholars, etc. would require another Volume. But this I must say of the Bodlean Library, a notable lightsome Fabric, that for Number of choice Books, rare Manuscripts, diversity of Languages, liberty of studying, and facility of finding any Book, it scarce falls short of the famous Vatican. The New Theatre, built for Scholastic Exercises by Dr. Sheldon, the late most Reverend Archbishop of Canterbury, is so curious a Piece of Architecture, that it were a Trespass not to take notice of it. And the public Physic Garden, surrounded with stately Stonewalls, and abounding with Variety of choice Plants, is so delightful a Place, that I could not do less than mention it. But the lately erected Musaeum, finished in the Year 1683, deserves a brief Account. 'Tis a large and stately Pile of squared Stone, built at the Charge of the University, and designed not only to advance the Studies of true and real Philosophy, but also to conduce to the Uses of Life, and the Improvement of Physic. This Building borders upon the West-end of the Theatre, having a stately Portal on that side, sustained by Pillars of the Corinthian Order. But the Front of it is to the Street Northward. It consists of ten Rooms, whereof the three principal and largest are public, being in length about 56 foot, and in breadth 25. The uppermost is properly the Musaeum Ashmoleanum, so called from Elias Ashmole Esquire, who enriched it with a noble Collection of Curiosities. To which have been added since several Hieroglyphics, and other Egyptian Antiquities by Dr. Robert Huntingdon; an entire Mummy, by Mr. Aaron Goodyear; a large Cabinet of Natural Rarities, by Martin Lister, Dr. of Physic; besides several Roman Antiquities, as Altars, Medals, Lamps, etc. found here in England. So that in a few Years this is like to be one of the most famous Repositories in Europe. The middle Room is the School of Natural History, where the Professor of Chemistry reads 3 times a Week, on Mundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, during the time of the Chemical Course, which continues a whole Month. His Business is to explain the natures, qualities, and virtues, etc. of all natural Bodies, relating to and made use of in Chemical Preparations. The lower Room is the Laboratory, furnished with all sorts of Furnaces, and other Materials, in order to Chemical Practice. Near unto which is the Store-Room for Chemical Preparations, and another fitted for a Chemical Library. Now every College has within its own Walls Lectures and Disputations in all Liberal Arts; and some of them public Lectures for all Comers, with large Salaries for the Readers. Insomuch that they seem to be so many Universities. The whole Number of Students in Oxford, that live upon the Revenues of the Colleges, is about One thousand; and of other Students, about twice as many. Besides Stewards, Manciples, Butlers, Cooks, Porters, Gardeners, etc. He that intends to take any Degree is to take his Diet and Lodging, and have a Tutor constantly, in some College or Hall; where he must be subject to all Statutes, and to the Head of the House. He must be likewise subject to the chief Magistrate of the University, and the public Statutes thereof. He is constantly to wear a black Cap and Gown, only the Sons of Noblemen are herein indulged. By Night all Scholars are to be shut up in their several Houses. And, before they can attain to any Degree, they must perform all Exercises. The Degrees taken in the University are in Arts properly but two, viz. of Bachelor and Master. To take the Degree of Bachelor is required 4 Years, and 3 Years more for to be Master of Arts. In the three Professions of Divinity, Law, and Physic, there is a higher Degree, that of Doctor, which requires a great deal more time. For, to attain unto it, a Master of Arts must be first capable of being a Bachelor in any of those Professions; which in Divinity requires 7 Years more, in Law or Physic most commonly but 3. And, after that, before the Degree of Doctor can be had, 4 Years more is requisite. The Exercises required for taking these Degrees are many, and difficult enough; yet not such but that they may be performed in less time by any Man of good Abilities. But so much Time is required, first because Judgement and Discretion comes with Time and Years; and perhaps, that those of slower Parts might by Time and Industry make themselves capable of that Honour, as well as those of quicker Abilities. The Time of completing the Degree of Bachelor of Arts is in Lent, at which time there commonly proceed about 200 Bachelors. And that of completing the Degree of Master of Arts, or of Doctor in any of the three Professions, is always the Monday after the sixth of July, when there proceed Masters or Doctors yearly about 150. Then is the Act, that is the Time, not only for public Exercises, but also for Feast and Comedies, unless some extraordinary Occasion do hinder it. Which draw's a mighty Concourse of Strangers from all Parts to their Friends and Relations then completing their Degrees. Whereby, and by the set Fees, it usually costs a Doctor about 100 l. sterling, and a Master of Arts 20 or 30 pounds. But, besides these famous Societies in the Colleges and Halls of this University, there is another lately established, by the Name of the Philosophical Society, for the Improvement of real and experimental Philosophy. This Society (being much of the same nature as the Royal Society at London, with whom they have settled a Correspondency) meets every Tuesday in the Afternoon, by the permission and favour of the Government, in the Natural History-School. Lastly, as this City consists of two sorts of Inhabitants, Students and Citizens, living one among another, so they are wholly separate for Government and Manners. The chief Magistrate of the University is called the Chancellor, who is usually One of the prime Nobility, and nearest in favour with the King; Elected by the Students themselves in Convocation, to continue durante Vita. Whose Office is to take care of the Government of the whole University, to maintain the Liberties and Privileges thereof, to call Assemblies to hear and determine Controversies, to call Courts, punish Delinquents, etc. The next is the Vicechancellor, who is yearly nominated by the Chancellor, and is commonly the Head of some College. His Duty is, in the Chancellor's absence, to do whatever almost the Chancellor might do if he were present. He keeps Judicial Courts, wholly ruled by the Civil Law, which all Members of the University are subject to. And, by Charter of Henry IV, it is left to his Choice, whether any Member in the University there inhabiting, accused for Felony or High Treason, shall be tried by the Laws of the Land, or by the Laws and Customs of the University. Though now, where Life or Limb is concerned, the Criminal is left to be tried by the Laws of the Land. But in all Suits for Debts, Accounts, Contracts, Injuries, etc. betwixt the Students, he is the proper Judge; and has Power to determine such Causes, to Imprison, to give corporal Punishment, to excommunicate, to suspend, and to banish. 'Tis the Vice-Chancellor's Business to see, that Sermons, Lectures, Disputations, and other Exercises, be performed; that lewd people, Heretics, etc. be expelled the University, and the Converse with Students; that the Proctors, and other Officers of the University, duly perform their Duty; that Courts be duly called, and Law-Suits determined without delay. In a word, that whatever is for the Honour and Benefit of the University, or may conduce to the Advancement of good Literature, may be carefully obtained. Next to the Vicechancellor are the two Proctors, yearly chosen by turns out of the several Colleges. These are to assist in the Government of the University; more particularly in the business of Scholastic Exercises, and taking Degrees, in searching after and punishing all Violators of Statutes or Privileges of the University, all Night-Walkers, etc. They have also the Oversight of Weights and Measures, that Students may not be wronged. Next in order is the Public Orator. Whose Charge is to write Letters, according to the Orders of the Convocation or Congregation; and, at the Reception of any Prince or great Person that comes to see the University, to make proper Harangues, etc. Then there is the Custos Archivorum, or Keeper of Records. Whose Duty is to collect and keep the Charters, Privileges, and Records that concern the University; to be always ready to produce them before the chief Officers; and to plead the Rights and Privileges of the University. Lastly, there is a Register of the Univerfity; whose Office is to register all Transactions in Convocations, Congregations, Delegacies, etc. Besides the foresaid Officers, there are certain public Servants, the chief whereof are the six Beadles, and the Verger. Three of the first are called Squire Beadles, who carry large Maces of Silver gilt; and the other three, Yeomen Beadles, whose Maces are of Silver but ungilt. Their Office is always to wait on the Vicechancellor in public, doing what belongs to his Place; and, at his Command, to seize any Delinquent, and carry him to Prison; to summon, and publish the Calling of Courts or Convocations, to conduct Preachers to Church, and Lecturers to School, etc. But, upon Solemnities, the Verger appears with a Silver Rod in his hand; and, walking with the other six before the Vicechancellor, is to observe his Commands, and to wait on Grand Compounders, etc. I have already mentioned several great Privileges, granted by former Kings to this University. That of sending two Burgesses to Parliament they hold from King James I. Another, that no Victuals be taken by the King's Purveyors within 5 miles of Oxford, unless the King himself comes thither, is of a much more ancient Date. But one of the most considerable is That granted by Charter of King Edward III, whereby the Mayor of Oxford is to obey the Orders of the Vicechancellor, and be in subjection to him. Accordingly the Mayor, with the chief Burgesses in Oxford, and the High-Sheriff of Oxfordshire besides, every Year in a solemn manner take an Oath, given by the Vicechancellor, to observe and conserve the Rights, Privileges, and Liberties of the University of Oxford. And every Year on the tenth of February, being the Day of S. Scholastica, a certain Number of the principal Burgesses, publicly and solemnly do pay to each College a Penny, in token of their Submission to the Orders and Rights of the University. Thus you have a short Description of Oxford, as a City and an University. My next Business is the Description of Cambridge. Cambridge. CAMBRIDGE, the chief Town of Cambridgeshire, and that from whence the Country is denominated, bears from London North by East, and is distant therefrom 44 miles, thus. From London to Waltham 12; to Ware, 8 more; thence to Puckridge, 5; to Barkway, 7; and to Cambridge, 12 more. 'Tis seated at the Confluence of two Rivers, the Cam and the Grant; which running from thence Northward in one Channel empty themselves in the Ouse, 3 miles above Ely. By these Rivers it is separated into two (but unequal) Parts, but they have Communication by a Bridge. It is a Place of a large Extent, numbering 14 Parishes. And, according to Doctor Fuller's Observation in his Worthies of England, 'tis a Town within an University, whereas Oxford is an University within a Town. For in Cambridge the Colleges are not so surrounded with Streets as in Oxford, but for the generality seated in the Skirts of the Town, which afford them the better and more delightful Walks and Gardens about them. There are in Oxford (as I said before) 18 Endowed Colleges, and 7 Halls. In Cambridge there is but 12 Colleges, and 4 Halls. 'Tis true they are all Endowed, and generally so large that the Number of Students is commonly little different from that of Oxford. The Names of them, and of their Founders, together with the Time of their Foundation, you have in the following Table. Colled. & Halls, Founded by Anno. S. Peter's College Hugh de Balsham Bishop of Ely. 1284 Clare-Hall Rich. Badow Chanc. of the University. 1326 Pembroke-Hall Mary S. Paul. 1343 Gonvile & Cajus Edmund de Gonvile and Cajus. 1348 Trinity-Had Wil Bateman, Bishop of Norwich. 1350 Corpus Christi H. of Monmouth, D. of Lancaster. 1351 King's College King Henry VI. 1441 Queen's College Margaret, Wife to King Henry VI. 1448 Catharine Hall Robert Wood, Lord Chancellor of the University. 1475 Jesus College John Alcock, Chanc. of England. 1496 Christ's Colled. S. John's Coll. Margaret Countess of Richmond. 1505 Christ's Colled. S. John's Coll. Margaret Countess of Richmond. 1508 Magdalen Coll. Tho. Audley, Chanc. of England. 1519 Trinity College King Henry VIII. 1546 Emanuel College Sir Walter Mildmay, Chancellor of the Exchequer. 1582 Sidney and Sussex Francis Sidney, Chancellor of Sussex. 1598. The Degrees at Cambridge are usually taken as at Oxford, except in Law and Physic. For at Cambridge six Years after one has taken the Degree of Master of Art, one may take the Degree of Bachelor; and, after five Years more, that of Doctor. The Bachelors of Arts complete their Degree in Lent, beginning at Ash-Wednesday. And the first Tuesday of July is always Dies Comitiorum, there called the Commencement, wherein the Masters of Arts and the Doctors of all Faculties complete their Degrees respectively. Here is, as in Oxford, a Chancellor, a Vicechancellor, two Prectors, and a Register. But the Chancellor is not so durante Vita; for he may be elected every three years, or continue in the same Office durante tacito Consensu Senatus Cantabr. He has under him a Commissary, who holds a Court of Record of Civil Causes for all privileged Persons and Scholars under the Degree of Master of Arts; where all Causes are tried and determined by the Civil and Statute-Law, and by the Customs of the University. The Vicechancellor is a high Officer, chosen every Year on the 3d of Nou. by the Senate out of two Persons nominated by the Heads of the several Colleges and Halls. Together with the two Proctors, chosen as at Oxford, there are two Taxers chosen; who with the Proctors look to the Weights and Measures, as Clerks of the Market. Here are also three Esquire-Beadles, but only one Yeoman-Beadle. The Mayor of the Town is like that of Oxford, subject to the University, and takes a solemn Oath, at the Entrance into his Office, to observe and conserve the Privileges, Liberties, and Customs thereof. And on Friday before St. Simon and Judas he brings with him to St. Mary's Church, allotted for the Assembly of the whole University, two Aldermen, four Burgesses, and two of every Parish, to take their Oaths before the Vicechancellor, for the due search of Vagabonds, and suspected Persons, etc. At the same time are sworn 14 Persons for the University, and 14 for the Town, to look to the Cleansing and Paving of the Streets. The University has also a Court-Leet, held twice every Year, wherein are presented all Nuisances, etc. What remains is the Question about the Antiquity of Cambridge as a Place of Learning, in opposition to Oxford. To me it appears to be in that respect of an older date than Oxford. For Cambridge, in the time of the Romans, (among whom it was known by the Name of Camboritum, or, as some Copies have it, Camboricum,) was a Roman Colony, mentioned in the best Copies among the 28 Cities of Britain. And the Roman Colonies had their Schools of Learning, wherein the several Professors of Arts and Sciences did instruct both the Roman and British Youth. In the Bull of Pope Honorius the first, bearing date Febr. 20. 624, mention is made of Privileges granted to the University of Cambridge. The Bull says by Eleutherius, the 12th Bishop of Rome, who lived about the latter end of the second Century, but King Arthur's Diploma says by Lucius, a British King, the first Christian King in Europe, and Contemporary with the said Eleutherius. Which Diploma says, that King Lucius was converted by the preaching of the Doctors of Cambridge, for which reason he gave Privileges to that University, which were confirmed by King Arthur. Whether the Diploma be counterfeit or not, or whether the aforesaid Privileges were granted by King Lucius or Pope Eleutherius, is a Question by itself. Certain is, that both the Diploma and the Bull agree, in point of Time. So that here is Proof enough, to make it at least probable, that in the time of King Lucius and Pope Eleutherius there might be a sufficient Number of learned Men in Cambridge to have instructed King Lucius in the Christian Faith; and that Eluanus and Medwinus, who were sent by that King to Rome for his fuller Satisfaction in that point, might be of that Number. Upon these Grounds it must be granted, that Cambridge is a Place long since dedicated unto Learning; and I doubt much whether Oxford (as great a Respect as I have for it) can pretend to so great an Antiquity. But Dr. Heylin, an Oxonian, alleges a notable Reason for the Precedency of Oxford before Cambridge; Viz. the Resolution of the Commons in the first Parliament held under King James I. For (says he) when the Clerk of that House had put the Name of Cambridge before Oxford, they taking disdainfully that Hysteron-Proteron commanded the Antiquities of both Universities to be searched, and after search made gave place to Oxford. To clear this Point, we must take notice, that both Oxford and Cambridge, since their first Foundation, lay for several Ages forlorn and discontinued, during the long Wars of the Saxons and Danes in this Island. Till Oxford had the happiness to be first restored by King Alfred, towards the latter end of the Ninth Century. Which from that time grew into such esteem, as to be counted one of the four principal Universities of Europe, the other three being Paris in France, Bononia (now Bologna) in Italy, and Salamanca in Spain. Whereas Cambridge did not begin to flourish again, till the Reign of Henry I, for his Learning surnamed Beau-Clerc, that is in the beginning of the Twelfth Century. So that in point of Restauration, 'tis plain that Oxford has got the start of Cambridge. But let us leave this Speculation of Cambridge as an Academy, and look upon it as a Title of Honour. In this Point we shall find Cambridge to have the Preeminency. For it has been Dignifyed, not only with the Title of an Earldom in several eminent Persons, but also with the Title of a Dukedom, in four Sons of the late King James, when Duke of York. Three of them by the first Duchess, Charles, James, and Edgar, who all died very young; and the fourth, by the last Duchess Charles by Name, the short Hopes of the Popish Faction. Who, being born Nou. 7. 1677. died Dec. 12. following, and so lived but five Weeks. Thus I have done with OXFORD and CAMBRIDGE, those two great Fountains of Learning, both seated at almost an equal Distance from London, the one West, and the other North. From whence are yearly sent forth a great Number of Divines, Civilians, Physicians, etc. to serve all Parts of this Kingdom. For a constant Supply whereof there are several Colleges and famous Schools in England; the principal Winchester, Eton, Westminster, St. Paul's, Merchant-Taylors, and Charter-House, all richly Endowed, to maintain Masters, Ushers, and a certain Number of Scholars. So that a Child, once admitted into any of these Schools, may by his Capacity be preferred to be a Scholar, or Fellow in some College of one of these Universities. Where having a good Allowance, he will want little or no help from his Parents all his Life-time after. The End of the First Part. THE SECOND PART OF THE New State OF ENGLAND, Under Their MAJESTY'S K. William and Q. Mary. CONTAINING, An Account of the Inhabitants, their Original, Genius, Customs, Religion and Government; of Their Present Majesties, their Court, Power, Revenues, etc. London, Printed in the Year, 1691. THE NEW STATE OF ENGLAND. PART II. CHAP. I. Of the Inhabitants of ENGLAND. And first of their Complexion, Temper, Genius, Language; with an Account of the most famous Men of this Nation, either for Soldiery or Learning. THAT the Britain's were the ancient Inhabitants of England, is a Thing agreed by all. But, whether they ●ere the Aborigines, that is, the very first Inabitants of all, it may be made a Question, and such as can scarce be solved. Therefore that wise Roman Historian, Tacitus, puts it off with an Ignoramus; Qui Mortales (says he) Initio coluerint, parum compertum est. As to the Original of the Britain's themselves, Caesar proves them to be derived from the Gauls, by their Agreeableness in their Making, Speech, Manners, Laws, and Customs. A rude and illiterate Nation, whose Learning (such as it was) was all locked up in the breasts of the Druids, their Priests; who communicated what they knew to none but those of their own Order, and by that means kept the People (much like the Papists of our Days) in continual Ignorance of their sacred Mysteries. The Romans began the Conquest of this People under the Emperor Claudius, about the middle of the first Century, and completed it in the time of Domitian, as far at least as the Firths of Edinburgh and Dunbarton in Scotland; unwilling to venture further, where there was nothing to be got but blows, cold, and hunger. For, as to Julius Caesar, he rather discovered than conquered England; and his three next Successors, Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula, made no Attempt upon it. So that we cannot properly reckon the Conquest of England, but from the Empire o● Claudius, Uncle to Caligula. Thus the Britain's continued subject to the Romans about 400 Years after Christ, till the Reign of Honorius: When Italy being invaded by the Goths, the Romans abandoned Britain, to defend their own Country. After the Romans were departed, under whose Protection and easy Government the Britain's lived comfortably, they soon became a Prey to the Picts and Saxons; but chief t● the Saxons who never left off teazing of th● Britain's, till these quitted the Stage, and retired beyond the Severn into Wales. Thus England came to be wholly possessed by a new Nation, that is, a aggregate Body of many People amongst the Germans, who came hither to try their fortune. After the Saxons came the Danes, the next considerable, and the most cruel Actors on the Stage of England. Who, in the time of Egbert the Saxon Monarch, (that is, in the Ninth Century) first invaded this Country; and so exercised the patience of his Posterity, till at last they overpowred them, and got the Kingdom to themselves. But then the Saxons and Danes lived together, mixed in Marriages and Alliance, and so made one Nation consisting of Saxons and Danes. At last, in the eleventh Century, the Normans (a Northern People of France) came in with their Duke William. Who in one Battle got his pretended Right to the Crown of England, and from a single Victory the Title of Conqueror. Now the Normans mixing (as they did) with the Body of this Nation, we may say, that the English Blood at this day is a Mixture chief of Saxon, Dane, and Norman, not without a Tincture of British and Romish Blood. And, as the Country is temperate and moist, so the English have naturally the advantage of 〈◊〉 clear Complexion; not Singed as in hot Climates, nor Weatherbeaten as in cold Regions. The generality, of a comely Stature, graceful Countenance, well-featured, grayyed, and brown-haired. But for Talness and Strength the Western People exceed all the ●est. The Women generally more handsome than in other Places, and without Sophistications sufficiently endowed with natural beauties. In an absolute Woman, say the Italians, are required the Parts of a Dutch-Woman from the Waste downwards; of a French-Woman, from the Waste up to the Shoulders; and over them an English Pace. Therefore an Englishwoman makes one of the six Things wherein England excels, comprehended in this Latin Verse, Anglia, Mons, Pons, Fons, Ecclesia, Foemina, Lana. That is to say, For Mountains, Bridges, Rivers, Churches fair, Women, and Wool, England is past Compare. In short, there is no Country in Europe where Youth is generally so charming, Men so proper and well proportioned, and Women so beautiful. The Truth is, this Happiness is not only to be attributed to the Clemency of the Air. Their easy Life unde●●●e best of Governments, which saves them from the Drudgery and Hardship of other Nations, has a great hand in it. And the Experience of a Neighbouring People shows us sufficiently, there's nothing more destructive of good Complexion than that Monster of Slavery. A fit Subject therefore for that Sex, which is so tender of Beauty, to chew upon. The English Temper is naturally suitable to their Climate. They are neither so fiery a● the French, nor so cold as the Northern People; better tempered for Counsel than th● first, for Execution than the last. A happy temper besides for all sorts of Learning. The generality of them reserved and wary, not apt to communicate but with their best and serious Acquaintances. And as their Friendship is not easily gained, so when once got 'tis not easily lost. The Mischief is, that by their different Interests both in Civil Matters and Points of Religion, they are apt to be divided into Factions, which takes off very much from their Happiness. After so great a Deliverance as they were lately blessed with, who would have thought that there should be now a Party, (though inconsiderable) which repineth at it? And that a Protestant Party; who, like the Israelites, have a linger Mind after the Onions of Egypt. Brought as they are out of Captivity by the wounderful hand of Providence into a happy state of Liberty, they grumble, and weary of their happiness seem willing to exchange their Moses for a Pharaoh. Were none but they concerned in the Change, 'tis pity but they should have it, and be crushed into Common Sense. They put me in mind of those silly Women in Moscovy, (which according to Olearius) fancy their Husbands love them best that whip 'em most. For Courage, I cannot but say this for the English, That Death, the King of Terrors, is ●o where so affronted as it is amongst them. Whether I look upon those that die privately in their Beds, or publicly upon a Scaffold or Gibbet, I see so much Unconcernedness, that 'tis a wonder how a Nation that lives in so much case should value their Lives so little. In point of Fight, 'tis true they are not altogether so hasty as the French to fight out a single Quar●el. But 'tis not so much for want of Courage, as out of respect to the Laws, which are severe upon those that break the Peace. For, upon a public Account, when Men fight with Authority, no Nation shows more forwardness. As they are a free People, their Spirits are accordingly averse from Slavery, and as greedy of Glory. Their Fore father's Exploits, which by oral Tradition, and reading of Histories, they are generally pretty well acquainted with, adds much to their Courage, But especially the Notion of their Conquest of France is so universally spread all over the Nation, and their Antipathy against the French so great and universal, that one may reasonably expect a good Success from their first Attempt upon France, when Opportunity shall serve. For desperate Attempts no Nation like the English, either by Sea or Land. If they be bend upon Fight, they go to it undaunted, without telling the Number, or valuing the Strength of their Enemies. With this bold and undaunted Courage, not common with other Nations, they have sometimes outdone the very Romans themselves; and for this I appeal particularly to the History of France, where with a hand-full of Men they have routed and defeated the bravest Armies. 'Tis true they were at last expelled from thence, bu● their Expulsion was not so much the Fruit o● the French Valour, as the Effect of our Divisions. So redoubted they were afterwards i● France, that in the Wars between Charles VIII and the Duke of Bretagne, the Duke, to strike a Terror amongst the French, apparelled 150● of his own Subjects in the Arms and Cross 〈◊〉 England. But it proved as the Ass, when 〈◊〉 had on the Lion's Skin. For a further Proof of the English Valour, I might recount their Victories of old over the Irish, Scots, Cypriots, and Turks. And Spain itself has sufficiently experienced both by Sea and Land the English Valour, to its cost; but by Sea especially. Witness the Battle Anno 1588. where Q. Elizabeth, with a few Ships, vanquished the Spanish Fleet, which for the greatness of it was called Invincible. Sir Francis Drake, the Year before that, had with four Ships only took from the Spaniard one Million and 189200 Ducats in one Voyage. And afterwards with 25 Ships he awed the Ocean, sacked S. Jago, S. Dominico, and Carthagena; carrying away with him, besides Treasure, 240 Pieces of Ordnance. Sr. Richard Greenvile, Captain of one of the Queen's Ships called the Revenge, with 180 Soldiers (whereof 90 were disabled with Sickness) maintained a Sea-fight for 24 hours against an incredible Number of the Spanish Galleons, sunk four of the greatest, and killed several thousands of their Men. Till at last, her Powder being spent to the last Barrel, she yielded upon honourable Terms, yet was never brought into Spain. To this I shall add the famous Adventure of John Oxenham an Englishman, one of the Followers of Sr. Francis Drake, in the West Indies. Where being landed in a small Bark, with 70 of his Companions, a little above Nombre de Dios in the Isthmus of Panama, he drew his Bark on Land, covered it with Boughs, and marched over the Land with his Company, guided by Negroes, till he came to a River. There he cut down Wood, to make him a Pinnace; wherewith he entered the South Sea, and went to the Isle of Pearls. About which Island in few days he surprised two Spanish Ships, with an incredible Treasure of Gold and Silver, and so returned in safety to the Land. An Adventure not to be forgotten, and recorded by Spanish Writers with much admiration; so bold was the Attempt, so strange the Success, and so prodigious the Booty. These Things I thought fit to record, now this is a Time for Action. We have a great Enemy to encounter with, the Irish, but only great by their Numbers. 'Tis but fight with Ciphers. But with the French there is both Laurels and Booty to be got. And, if the English Soldiery will but seriously reflect how much this Nation has been in the late Reigns abused and undermined by Them, whose Masters they were formerly, I doubt not but with God's Blessing and their natural Courage, under the Conduct of a magnanimous King and of a great General, they will right themselves, and be a glorious Instrument for the settling the Peace of Europe upon a sure and lasting Foundation. The Character of Pride which Scaliger gives the English Nation, * Scaliger de Re Poetica, Lib. 3. Cap. 16. when he calls them Inflatos & Contemptores, is a Character common to most Nations, but to none so well adapted as to his own. For the French, like the Romans of old, look upon most other Nations as barbarous, and count themselves the most accomplished. I confess they have great many good Qualifications, but this presumptuous Conceit spoils all. And, all Things being considered, if the English have a little Pride, it is perhaps the best grounded of any Nation. Cruelty and Barbarity, which the same Author charges 'em with, when he calls them Inhospitales, Immanes, is a mere Phantasm of his own. 'Tis true, the English are not so fawning as the French upon Strangers, because they can make better shift without them; but I hope they don't want common Civility. They have indeed some thing of a natural Antipathy against the French, as there is to this day betwixt the French and the Spaniards. Yet, when the French Protestants fled to them for Refuge in the late Persecution, the strength of their Charity overcame their Nature. They laid aside their inbred Prejudices, and forthwith made it their business to relieve them as Brethren, who suffered for their Religion. How moderate they have been towards the plotting Papists, I leave the World to judge. Had the Huguenots of France plotted against the Government there, as the Papists have done here ever since the Reformation, what do you think could have expiated their Crime? Nothing but a quick and general Massacre, such as they suffered under Charles IX, without the least Provocation. The late Experience tells us, what Spirit of Cruelty has possessed the French; when, upon the King's Protestant Subjects utmost Submission to him in Civil Matters, and his most solemn and sacred Engagements to preserve their Liberties, this very Prince (whom they had lifted upon the Throne, with the expense of their Blood) contrary to Equity and the Laws of the Land, to his Oaths and Promises, and to the Rules of Gratitude and Humanity, let them lose to the Cruelty of his Apostolic Dragoons; by whom they were crushed, persecuted, and used beyond the Barbarity of the very Heathens themselves. But in England, as obnoxious as the Catholics are to the Government, ●●d liable to the lash of the Law, still they are toll ●●ted, and connived at, almost beyond measure. Were Scaliger alive, what could he say to all this? How could he answer the late cruel Burn and Devastations the French made in Germany, contrary to the Rules of War, and the very Practice of the most barbarous Nations? And what could he say to their genteel Way of Poisoning, wherein they have been of late so dexterous, and the English so dull? But, to clear further the English from that foul Imputation of Cruelty and Barbarity, if we look upon their Plantations abroad, who more courteous and gentle than this Nation? If we inspect their Proceed against Malefactors, no Nation in the World shows so much humanity, or proceeds with more equity. The barbarous Use of Racks, apt to extort Confession right or wrong, is absolutely laid aside amongst us. Nothing but the Prisoners unforced Confession, or the Deposition of Witnesses upon Oath made out with good Circumstances, will take a Man's Life away. The Breaking on the Wheel, and other like torturing Deaths, are looked upon here as too cruel for Christians to use. Neither are the Criminals, who with their Lives have expiated their Crimes before the World, denied Christian Burial, except in particular Cases. All this shows a great deal of Moderation, and averseness from Cruelty. And, if we look upon the English in their private Families, there we shall find a greater Harmony than perhaps in any Nation. For here generally Husbands are the most Kind to their Wives, Wives as tender of their Husbands, and Parents indulgent to Children. The first is so great a Truth, that England is every where acknowledged to be the Paradise of Women, as it is the Hell of Horses. And it is a common Byword among the Italians, that, if there were a Bridge over the Narrow Seas, all the Women of Europe would run into England. For here they are neither so servilely submissive as the French, nor so jealously guarded as the Italian. Here they have the upper hand in the Streets, the upper place at Table, the Thirds of their Husband's Estates, and in many Cases share in all Lands. I wish I could clear the English aswell from Wantonness and Debauchery, as I have from Cruelty. But, if they have too much degenerated in this point from their Ancestors, the Reason of it is at hand, Regis ad Exemplum totus componitur Orbis. And, if that Rule be constantly true, we have now the fairest Prospect of a Reformation that ever Nation had, and the greatest Reason to hope shortly to see the English, now under a sober and religious (as well as a warlike) Prince, recover their Reputation, which has been so long obscured by the Licentiousness of two effeminate Reigns. From their Temper I proceed to their Genius, wherein our Characterizer is no less abusive. And one would think his too much Learning made him mad, when he calls the English no less than stolidos, amentes, inertes, that is, witless, and dull. The Truth is, other Nations are as deeply engaged as the English against him in this Quarrel, of whom he gives likewise an unmanly Character. But, to confute him in this Point, this I dare aver, that no Nation has been more industrious than the English in Mechanic Arts, and the World to this day is obliged to them for many of their useful Inventions and Discoveries. For Merchandizing and Navigation, no People can compare with them but the Hollanders, and their great Wealth arising from thence is a plain Proof and Demonstration of it. For Literature, especially since the Reformation, there is no Nation in the World so generally knowing. And, as Experimental Philosophy, so Divinity both Scholastic and Practical has been Improved here beyond all other Places. Which makes Foreign Divines, and the best sort of them, so conversant with the learned Works of those famous Lights of the Church, our best English Divines. In short, the English Genius is for close Speaking and Writing, and always to the Point. They look upon lose and rambling Discourses with contempt and indignation, tho' they be seasoned with never so much wit. The gaudy part and pomp of Rhetoric, so much affected by the French, is slighted by the English; who, like Men of Reason, stick chief to Logic. And what they speak in public they deliver it with a Gravity suitable to the Subject, slighting those mimical Gesticulations so much used beyond Sea, and endeavouring not so much to move the Hearer's Affections as to convince his Reason. Gutta cavat Lapidem. No Nation perhaps is more Satirical, and quicker in Repartees, but still with much gravity; and I have often wondered at the Acuteness of some of the common Sort, which argues more Wit than our Censurer allows. To express themselves significantly, and with the greatest advantages, they have a most happy Language, tho' (like their Blood) it be but a Mixture. For it is a Compound chief of these three, Saxon, Latin, and French; but so that the Saxon is the Stock, in which the other two are Engrafted. As for the Excellency of it, I have little to add to what has been lately published by Mr. Miege in his Prefatory Discourse to his English Grammar. The Excellency (says he) of the English Tongue consists in these four Things, viz. its Facility, Copiousness, Significancy, and Sweetness. It's Facility is easily demonstrable in its Exemption from Flexions, from that Multiplicity of Cases, and other Variations, which an Author calls the Emblems of Babel's Curse and Confusion. The Invariableness of its Nouns Adjective makes their Concordance easy with the Substantives. The Pronouns, so puzzling and intricate in French, admit of little difficulty in English; and what is more easy than the Conjugation of English Verbs? Instead of one Particle (To) used before the Infinitive, the French have no less than three Prepositions, de, a and pour, differently used in that Mood. Nor is the English troubled with Verbs Reciprocal, one of the hardest Ingredients of that Language; especially when used with an Interrogation, and these intricate Particles en, y, ne, and pass, the right placing of which is so puzzling to Strangers. The Copiousness I need not use much art to demonstrate. For, besides the Treasures of the old Saxon which the English retains in its Monosyllables, the choicer Wits of the Nation have fetched hither the very Quintessence of some foreign Languages; who, like Bees, have gathered the best, and left the worst. By which means they have so happily improved their Mother-Tongue, that those amongst Foreiners who understand the Genius of it are in a maze to see this Language so far outdo their own, and to find many of their transplanted Words thrive better in England than in their proper and natural Soil. And, whereas the French is stinted, and grown barren through its exceeding Nicety, the English on the contrary is grown mighty Copious, by its innate Liberty of making such Compounds and Derivatives as are proper and suitable to abridge the Expression, and to say Multum in parvo. Insomuch that it does almost equalise the Greek, and even exceed the Latin, in a peculiar grace of compounding Words together, which is one of the greatest Beauties that can be in a Language. Nor does its Abundance lie here altogether; there being Court and Country English, and peculiar Dialects (besides the general one) in the West and North Countries. In short, no Vulgar Language can deliver a Matter with more Variety, either plainly by Synonima's, or by Circumlocution with Metaphors. The Significancy of the English is made out to my hand by the Vindex Anglicus, in Words to this effect. There is scarce, says he, any Variety that any other Nation can brag of, but the English has almost with equal felicity made its own. Witness the Italian Courtier, the French Sallust, the Spanish Guzman, the Latin Naso, and the Greek Polybius. Whoever reads that matchless Essay of Mr. Sandys upon the Aeneids, would think it writ so by the peerless Maro himself. How properly has the renowned Lord Bacon taught us to speak the Terms of Art in our own Language? A Thing Judged impossible, till we saw it performed. What matchless and incomparable Pieces have we seen in our Time, and where shall one see more sense in so few Words? What Poetry has more Majesty, and bears a greater sense than the English, when it flows from a true Poet? In point of Sweetness, whereas the Italian swarms with Vowels, and the Dutch with Consonants, the English has the Advantage of them both in a happy Mixture. 'Tis true, the Italian is an excellent, Princely, and pleasant Language; but it wants Sinews, and passes as silent Water. The French is truly delicate, but something too nice and affected; the Spanish Majestical, but terrible and boisterous; the Dutch manly, but harsh. Now the English is both sweet, and manly. 'Tis true, there are in it some particular sounds unknown to the French Tongue; which are indeed something harsh and uncouth in the mouth of a French Learner, and yet very smooth when they run in their proper and natural Channel. Viz. i long, as in Vice; ou and owe, in Cloud, Vow, &c. o and i, as in God, Lord, bird, and shirt, pronounced with a mixed sound of the French o and a. But those which puzzle most of all the French Learner are the found of g before e and i, and (which is the same Thing,) of j Consonant before any Vowel, as in ginger, jack, jest, jil, jog, and jug; of ch, as in Chamber; but chief of th', called a t aspirate, as in thanks, thief, thorough, thunder, etc. In short, such is the mixture of the English, that one may frame his Speech majestical, pleasant, delicate, or manly, according to the Subject. Of all which Advantages inherent to the English Tongue Foreiners are at last become very sensible. For, whereas they used to slight it as an Insular Speech, not worth their taking notice, they are at present great Admirers of it. What remains is to answer the usual Objections against it, whereby some People pretend to degrade it from the Worth of a Language, viz. its Mixture, and Mutability. Mixture, a Thing so very natural to Languages, that none but the Hebrew (if that) is free from it. The Latin itself had a great Mixture of Greek and Gothish. The French consists of Latin, Dutch, and old gallic. The Spanish, of Latin, Gothish, and Morisco. And the German itself, as Original as it is pretended to be, has a taste of the Roman Empire, and the bordering Neighbours. As for its Mutability, 'tis at lest as groundless an Objection. For 'tis well known, that Languages, as States, have their Infancy and Age, their Wax and Wane. But now the English Tongue is come to so great Perfection, now 'tis grown so very Copious and Significant, by the accession of the quintessence and life of other Tongues, 'twere to be wished that a stop were put to this unbounded Way of Naturalising foreign Words, and that none hereafter should be admitted but with Judgement and Authority. For the Truth is, there is as much in it as is needful, and as much as the English Soil is well able to bear. I conclude, according to the Title of this Chapter, with an Account of the most famous Men of this Nation, either for Soldiery or Learning, extracted from Dr. Heylin's Cosmography. Which will serve as a further Confutation of our Hypercritick Scaliger, and other French conceited Authors since his Time, who valuing no Nation but their own, made it their Business to decry the English. But I shall do it with my Author's Caution, that is, without mentioning the late great Men this Nation has bred, that I may give no ground for Invidiousness. The most valorous Soldiers of this Country, when possessed by the Britain's, were Cassibelane, who twice repulsed the Roman Legions, though conducted by Caesar himself; and had not a Party here at home been form against him, 'tis like he had been still too hard for the Romans. Prasutagus, King of the Iceni. Constantine the Great, the first Christian Emperor. Arthur, One of the World's Nine Worthies. In the Times of the Saxons. Egbert, the last King of the Westsaxons, and the first of England. Alfred, his Grandson, who totally united the Saxon Heptarchy into one Estate, and subjected the Danes to his Commands, though he could not expel them. Edmund, surnamed Ironside. Guy, Earl of Warwick. After the Normans came in. Richard, and Edward the First, so renowned in the Wars of the Holy Land. Edward III, and his Son Edward the black Prince, duo Fulmina Belli, famous in the Wars of France. Henry V, and John Duke of Bedford, his Brother. Montacute, Earl of Salisbury. Sir John Falstaff, and Sir John Hawkwood, who shown their Valour both in France and Italy. Hawkins, Willoughby, Burroughs, Jenkinson, Drake, Frobisher, Cavendish, and Greenvile, all famous Sea-Captains. Scholars of most note, Alcuinus, one of the Founders of the University of Paris. Beda, who for his Piety and Learning obtained the Attribute of Venerabilis. Anselm, and Bradwardin, Archbishops of Canterbury, Men famous for the Times they lived in. Alexander of Hales, Tutor to Thomas Aquinas & Bonaventure. Wicleff, and Thomas of Walden his Antagonist, the first Parson of Lutterworth in the County of Leicester, who valiantly opposed the Power and Errors of the Church of Rome. And since the Reformation, John Jewel, Bishop of Salisbury, to whose learned and industrions Labours in defence of the Religion here established by Law we are still beholden. Dr. John Raynolds, and Mr. Richard Hooker; the first a Man of infinite Reading, the second of as strong a Judgement. Dr. Whitaker of Cambridge, the Antagonist of the famous Bellarmine. Dr. Tho. Bilson, and Dr. Lancelot Andrews; both Bishops of Winchester, the Ornaments of their several Times. Bishop Montague of Norwich, a great Philologer and Divine. Dr. John Whitgift, and Dr. William Laud, Archbishops of Canterbury. But I cannot pass by the remarkable Story of the foresaid Dr. John Raynolds, and William his Brother. William was at first a Protestant of the Church of England, and John trained up beyond Sea in Popery. The first, out of an honest Zeal to reduce his Brother, made a Journey to him, and they had a Conference. Where it so fell out, that each was overcome with his Brother's Arguments; so that William of a Zealous Protestant became a virulent Papist, and John of a strong Papist a most rigid Protestant. A strange Accident, and a rare subject for this excellent Epigram, made upon it by Dr. Alabaster, who had tried both Religions. Bella inter geminos plusquam Civilia Fratres Traxerat ambiguus Religionis Apex. Ille Reformatae Fidei pro partibus instat, Iste Reformandam denegat esse Fidem. Propositis Causae Rationibus, alter utrinque, Concurrere pares, & cecidere pares. Quod fuit in Votis, Fratrem capit alteruterque; Quod fuit in Fatis, perdit uterque Fidem. Captivi gemini sine Captivante fuerunt, Et Victor Victi transfuga Castra petit. Quod genus hoc Pugnae est, ubi Victus gaudet uterque Et tamen alteruter se superasse dolet? For Men of other Studies, Lindwood, the Canonist. Cousins, and Cowel, eminent in the Civil Laws. Bracton, Briton, Dier, and Coke, as eminent for their Knowledge in the Laws of England. Johannes de Sacro Bosco, the Author of the Book of the Sphere. Roger Bacon, a noted Mathematician in the darker Times. The Lord Bacon. Viscount of S. Alban. Sir Thomas More, Lord Chancellor, one of the Restorers of Learning to the Isle of Great Britain. Sir Henry Savile of Eton, the Reviver of Chrysostom. Sir Henry Spelman, a learned Antiquary, and a religious Assertor of the Church's Rights. Cambden, the Pausanias of the British Islands. Matthew Paris, Roger Hoveden, Henry of Huntingdon, William of Malmesbury, Matthew of Westminster, and Thomas of Walsingham, all known Historians. For Poetry, Gower, and Lydgate, a Monk of Bury. The famous Geosry Chaucer, Brother in Law to John of Gaunt, the great Duke of Lancaster. Sir Philip Sidney, and the Renowned Spencer. Sam. Daniel, and Michael Drayton, That the Lucan, and This the Ovid of the English Nation. Beaumond, and Fletcher, not inferior unto Terence and Plantus. And lastly, Ben. Johnson, equal to any of the Ancients for the exactness of his Pen, and the Decorum he kept in the Dramatic Poems, never before observed on the English Theatre. CHAP. II. Of the English Names, and of their Way of Computing. CHristian Names, says Cambden, were first imposed for the Distinction of Persons; Surnames, for the Distinction of Families. The first, amongst the English, are either Saxon; as Edward, Gilbert, Henry, Richard, Walter, William, etc. Or taken out of the Holy Writ; as Abraham, Jacob, James, Jsaac, etc. 'Tis rare for the English to have two Christian Names together, as they have in Germany. But it is not unusual with them to christian Children by their Godfathers Surnames, which is unpractised beyond Sea. The Ancients took particular care to give their Children significative and good Names, according to the Proverb, Bonum Nomen, Bonum Omen. And the Pythagoreans affirmed the Minds, Actions, and Successes of Men to be according to their Fate, Genius, and Name. In short, such was men's Superstition of old in this particular, that they used a kind of Divination by Names, called Onomantia, which was condemned by the last General Council. The Story of Augustus the Emperor is remarkable upon this Subject. The Day before his Sea-fight at Actium, the first Man he met was a poor Man, driving his Ass before him. Augustus' demanded his Name; and he answered Eutyches, that is, Happy-man; then he asked his Asse's Name, which proved to be Nicon, that is, Victor. Augustus took it for a good Omen; and having accordingly obtained the Victory, there he built Nicopolis, or the City of Victory, and erected brazen Images of the Man and his Ass. Alfonso IU. King of Castille had two Daughters, by one of the Daughters of Henry II. King of England. The Eldest, Vrraca by Name, was far surpassing her Sister Blanch in beauty. Lewis VIII. of France sent to Alfonso, to demand one of the Daughters. They were both presented to the Ambassadors Choice; who, enquiring of their Names, preferred the Lady Blanch, and made choice of her, contrary to all expectation. The Name of Vrraca, though the more beautiful Lady, proved unpleasing; and that of the Lady Blanch, signifying Fair and Beautiful, carried it, as a Name that would be more acceptable in France. For my part, though I am not so much a Pythagorean as to think a Man's Name should interpret his Fate; yet I think it not amiss to name Children with Names of a happy signification, as it was usual among the Primitive Christians, were it but to stir them up to live according to their Names, and not give themselves the lie. As for the English Surnames, they are generally Saxon, some few Danish, as Whitfeld, and Wren. The Whitfelds, a very ancient Family, came over with King Canute into England; and their chief Branch is continued to this day in Northumberland, with a good Estate. In Q. Elizabeth's Time, there was a Whitfeld sent hither Ambassador from the King of Denmark. But the Surnames now of best account in England are Local, and so were many Names among the Romans. Those you will find deduced from Places in Normandy, or Countries adjacent; being either the Patrimonial Possessions, or native Places of such as served the Conqueror, or came in after out of Normandy. As Mortimer, Albigny, Percy, Gournay, Devereux, Nevil, Ferrer, Montfort, Courtney, Cressy, etc. Or from Places in England, and Scotland; as Barkley, Clifford, Lumley, Ratcliff, Willoughby, Douglas. Some of which Local Names were formerly used with the, prefixed; but of late generally neglected, or joined to the Name, as Darcy, Devereux. Others had at prefixed, as At More, At Wood, At Down, which has been removed from some, and has been conjoined to others, as in these, Atmore, Atwood, Atwells, etc. Many have also had their Names from Rivers, as Trent, Eden, Small, Stoure. From Trees near their Habitations, as Oak, Box, Elder, Beech. Some from their Situation in respect to adjoining Places; as North, South, East, West, according to the Greek Names Anatolius, Zephyrius, etc. Others from several Parts of a House; as Hall, Parlour, Cellar, Lodge, etc. From Towns where they were born, or from whence they came, without being Lords or Possessors of them; as Compton, Egerton. Or from several Denominations of Land and Water, as Hill, Wood, Warren, Field, Ford, Pool, and Wells. Among Foreiners, several retained the Names of their Countries; as Scot, Picard, Fleming, French, Lombard, Poitevin, German. And these had commonly Le prefixed in Records, and other Writings, as Le Fleming, Le Picard. Next to these Local Names, I shall take notice of those that have been assumed by some Families from Civil Honours, and Dignities; as King, Duke, Prince, Lord, Baron, Knight, and Squire, probably because their Ancestors ha●acted such Parts, or were Kings of the Bean, Christmas Lords, etc. Agreeable to which are the old Greek and Roman Names, Archelaus, Augustulus, Regulus, Basilius, Caesarius, Flaminius, though they were neither Kings, Caesar's, Dukes, or Priests. Others have been assumed from Offices; as Chamberlain, Steward, Page, Cook, Spencer, Gardener, Butler, Porter, Foster, Parker, Falconer, Fowler, Forester, Woodward, Clark, Sergeant, etc. From Ecclesiastical Functions; as Bishop, Abbot, Priest, Monk, Dean, Deacon. But most of all from Trades; as Tailor, Smith, Potter, Fisher, Baker, Chapman, Spelman, etc. Some from Parts of the Body; as Head, Arm, Leg, Foot. Others from Qualities of the Body, good or bad; as Greathead, Whitehead, Strong, Armstrong, Long, Low, Short, Fair, and Bell in the same sense, Fairfax, and Whitelock, in the same sense, Thin, Heile or healthful, etc. No more to be disliked than these Roman Names, Romulus and Nero, which signify Strong, Capito, Ped●, Labeo, Naso, Longus, Longinus, Minutius, Crispus, Calvus, Gracchus, Salustius, Cocles, and the like. Not a few got their Names from the Colour of their Complexions, Hair, or Garments; As, White, Black, Brown, Red, Green, and these Norman Names, Blanch or white, Blount for Blond Flaxen Hair, Rous for Roux red, and these derived from the two last, viz. blundel, Russel. Others have received their Names from their Age; as Young, Old, Child, Stripling. In Imitation of the Romans Juvenalis, Junius, Virginius, Senecio, Priscus. Others again from that which they commonly carried; as Palmer, and Wagstaff. Some from the Qualities of the Mind; as Good, Goodman, Goodenough, Wise, Sharp, Speed. And such the Greeks and Romans of old had; witness Agathias, Andragathius, Eubulus, Eumenius, Sophocles, Thraseas, Prudentius, Lepidus, Valens, Constans. Some took their Names from Beasts; as Lamb, Lion, Bear, Buck, Fox, Hind, Hound, Hare, Hog, Pig, Roe, Badger, etc. And the like you will find among the noblest Romans; as Leo, Catulus, Lupus, Leporius, Aper, Apronius, Caninius, Castor. Cyrus (a Dog) was common amongst the Persians. Others derive their Surnames from Birds; as Eagle, Kite, Swan, Wild-goose, Gosling, Partridge, Parrot, Woodcock, Alcock, Wilcock, Handcock, Peacock, Dove, Lark, Finch, Chaffinch, Nightingale, Wren, Hulet or Owlet, Corbet or Raven, Arundel or Swallow. As good as these Roman Names, Corvinus, Aquilius, Milvius, Gallus, Picus, Falco, Livia, or Stock-Dove. From Fishes; as Salmon, Trout, Plaice, Sole, Gurnard, Herring, Pike, Pickerel, Bream, Burt, Whiteing, Crab, Mullet, Base, etc. Nothing inferior to these Roman Names, Muraena, Phocas, Aurata, etc. which happily they took, or were given them, because they loved these Fishes best. From Flowers, and Fruits, as Lily, Rose, Peach, Filbert, Peascod. As fair Names as Len●●lus, Piso, Fabius, which sounded great amongst the Romans. Many have got their Surnames by adding s to Christian Names, as Philip's, Williams, Rogers, peter's, Davis, Harris, Roberts, Simonds, Guyse, Stephens, Richards, hugh's, Jones, etc. Others, by adding of s to these Nicknames or Nurse-Names; as Robins, Nicks, Nichols, Thoms, Dicks, Hicks, Wills, Sims, sam's, Collins, Jenks, Hodges, Hobbs, Saunders, Gibs, Wats, etc. Many likewise have been made by adjoining Kins to those Nurse-Names, making them as it were Diminutives: As Dickins from Dicks, Perkins from Peir for Peter, Tomkins from Tom, Wilkins from Will, Lambkins from Lambert, Hobkins and Hopkins from Hob, Atkins from Arthur, Jenkins from John, Watkins from Wat, Tipkins from Tibald, Daukins from Davy. And so did the Romans vary their Names; as Constans, Constantius, Constantinus, Justus, Justulus, Justinus, Justinianus, Aurelius, Aureolus, Aurelianus, Augustus, Augustinus, Augustinianus, Augustulus, etc. Or else, by adding in's too curtailed Names; as Hutchins, Huggins, Hitchins, and Higgins from Hugh, Gibbins from Gibby, Jennings from John, and Rawlins from Raoul, that is, Ralph. To which add Diminutive Surnames, ending in et or ot; as Willet from Will, Bartlet from Bartholomew, Millet from Miles, Huet from Hugh, Eliot from Elias. But you will find many more of these Diminutive Surnames, by the addition of Son, to the Father's Christian or Nickname. As Williamson, Richardson, Dickson, Harrison, Gibson, Simson, Stevenson, Robinson, Nicholson, Tomson, Wilson, Watson, Wilkinson, Johnson, Jackson, Sanderson, and Pattison from Patrick. To which answers the ancient Way of Norman Families, when a Son took for his Surname his Father's Christen-Name, with the wor● Fitz prefixed, which signified Son. As Rob●● Fitz-William, that is, Robert the Son of William; Henry Fitz Gerard, that is, Henry the Son of Gerard. What remains is to answer the Question, how people came by their Names. Cambden thinks (as it is probable enough) that some took up their Names themselves, and others had their Names given them by the People, in whom lies the Sovereignty of Words and Names. Amongst the first he reckons those that assumed local Names of such Places as they were Owners of. And, amongst the Authors of the last, especially the Diminutives, he brings in the Nurses as the principal. Neither is it improbable, says he, but that many Names, that seem unfitting for Men, as those of brutish Beasts, etc. came from the very Signs of the Houses where they inhabited. And he alleges for Instance some that, living at the Sign of the Dolphin, Bull, and White-Horse, were commonly called Thomas at the Dolphin, Will at the Bull, George at the White-Horse. Which Names (as many others of the like sort) with omitting At, became afterwards hereditary to their Children. Another Thing observable in Names is their frequent Change, a Thing practised of old by the Romans themselves. For some have changed their Names, to avoid the Opinion of Baseness; others, in remembrance of their more honourable Progenitors. Some upon the Account of Adoption, others in remembrance of some particular Favours. Some again, by taking the Names of those whose Lands they had; and others, by taking the Name of their own Office. As when Edward Fitz-Theobald was made Butler of Ireland, the Earls of Ormond, and others descended from them, took the Name of Butler. The Pride of Scholars has also wrought Alterations in some Names. And the fear of Punishment has been all along the Occasion of several men's changing their Names, to avoid being discovered. But Time especially has changed Names the most, by contracting, curtailing, and mollifying of them in such a manner, that they are quite another Thing from what they were at first. Lastly, Foreiners may observe, that Women in England at their Marriage change their Surnames, and pass into their Husband's Names. Which is but reasonable, because married people Non sunt duo, sed Caro una, they are but one Flesh. And yet in France, and elsewhere, married Women retain so far their own Names with their Husbands, as to write themselves by their Father's Surnames. I come now to the English Way of Computing. Who do not begin the Year till the 25th of March, being the Day of Christ's Incarnation; wherein they agree with Spain. This is the Rule, both in Church and State; according to which they date all their public Writings. Though, according to the Cycles of the Sun and Moon, they allow the Year to begin only the first of January; which therefore is by them called, as by most other Christians in Europe, the New-Years Day. And, to distinguish that mongrel Time from the first of January to the 25th of March following, 'tis usual with many, in the Dates of their Letters during that Interval, to set down both the Years thus, as from the 1st of January 1688. to the 25th of March 1689/90 As for the Natural Day, consisting of 24 hours, the English begin (as most Parts of Europe do) at Midnight, counting 12 hours to Noon the next Day, and 12 hours more to next Midnight; according to the Custom of the Egyptians, and ancient Romans. Whereas in some other Countries, as Italy, Poland, and Bohemia, they reckon 24 hours together, from Sunset to Sunset, which must needs be very troublesome to tell after the Clock. In Moscovy, and some Places in Germany (as Nuremberg, and Wirtemberg) they begin the Day and end it with the Sun; so that the first Hour of the Day is with them at Sun rise, and the first hour of the Night at Sunset, which is according to the old Babylonian Account. The Old Style is used in England, as in most Protestant States; and the New Style, in all Popish States. According to this Style, these reckon ten Days before us regularly, as to the beginning of Months, and all fixed Festivals; but for all movable Feasts, the Account proves various. The Old Style is otherwise called the Julian Account, from Julius Caesar; who, 43 Years before our Saviour's Birth, ordained the Year to consist of 365 Days and 6 ●ours. And, as these 6 hours, at 4 Years end, make up 24 hours, therefore a Day is then added to the Month of February; and that Year called Leap Year, or Bissextile Year, from the Latin Bissextilis. The New Style is otherwise termed the Gregorian Account, from Pope Gregory XIII; who, above 100 Years ago, undertook to correct the Calendar, by the advice and direction of Antonius Lilius, and other excellent Mathematicians. For, though the Julian Account for many Ages seemed to have no sensible Error; yet it was at last discovered to be not altogether agreeable with the natural Motion of the Sun. In short, it was made out, that the Julian Year exceeded the true Solar Year by 10 Minutes and 48 Seconds; whereby the Equinoxes and Solstices yearly changed their places, and flew back so many minutes and seconds. Therefore Pope Gregory ordered the Year to consist of 365 Days, 5 hours, 49 minutes, 12 seconds. And, that the Vernal Equinox (which then was on the 11th of March) might be reduced to the 21th, as it was at the time of the first Nicene Council, he commanded ten Days in October to be left out, by calling the fifth Day thereof the fifteenth. To find Easter, the Church of England observes still the Cycle found out and finished in the sixth Century by that worthy Roman, Dionysius Exiguus, or Abas. Whereas the Roman Church, having invented new Rules about Easter, it happens sometimes that their Easter is full five Weeks before ours, sometimes with, but never after ours. CHAP. III. Of the English Way of Living, as to Lodging, Fuel, Food, Raiment, Exercise, Recreations, and some particular Customs. WHen I compare the Modern English Way of Building with the Old Way, I cannot but wonder at the Genius of old Times. Nothing is more delightful and convenient than Light, nothing more agreeable to health than a free Air. And yet of old they used to dwell in Houses, most with a blind Staircase, low Ceilings, and dark Windows; the Rooms built at random, often with Steps from one to another. So that one would think the Men of former Ages were afraid of Light and good Air, or loved to play at Hide and Seek. Whereas the Genius of our time is altogether for lightsome Staircases, fine Sash-Windows, and lofty Ceilings. And such has been of late our Bvilder's Industry, in point of Compactness and Uniformity, that a House after the new Way will afford upon the same Quantity of Ground as many more Conveniences. The Contrivance of Closets in most Rooms, and the painted Wainscotting now so much used, are also two great Improvements; the one for Conveniency, the other for Cleanness and Health. And indeed, for so damp a Country as England is, nothing could be better contrived than Wainscot, to keep off the ill Impression of damp Walls. In short, for handsome Accommodations and Neatness of Lodgings, London undoubtedly has got the preeminence. The greatest Objection against the London-Houses (being for the most part Brick) is their Slightness, occasioned by the Fines exacted by the Landlords. So that few Houses, at the common rate of Building, last longer than the Ground-Lease, that is about 50 or 60 Years. In the mean time, if there happens to be a long fit of excessive Heat in Summer or Cold in Winter, the Walls being but thin, become at last so penetrated with the Air, that the Tenant must needs be uneasy with it. But those Extremes happen but seldom. And this Way of Building is wonderful beneficial to all Trades relating to it; for they never want Work in so great a City, where Houses here and there are always repairing, or building up again. The plastered Ceilings, so much used in England beyond all other Countries, make by their Whiteness the Rooms so much lightsomer, and are excellent against a raging Fire. They stop the passage of Dust, and lessen the Noise overhead. In Summertime the Air of the Room is something the cooler for't, and the warmer in Winter. The Use of Stoves, so common in Northern Countries, as Germany, Denmark, Sueden, Poland, and Moscovy, and even so far Southward as Switzerland, is in a manner unknown in this Country. And indeed its Temperateness does no way require it. Therefore the English use no outward Remedy against Cold Wether but a Chimney-Fire, which is both comfortable to the Body, and cheerful to the Sight. 'Tis true, there is a double Conveniency in Stoves. First in point of Savingness, for once heating of a Stove in the Morning, keeps the Room warm a whole Day. Secondly, in Point of Warmth, the Room being so warm with it, that all Places in it feel the benefit thereof. But those two Conveniences are more than overbalanced by one Inconveniency, viz. the aptness of Stoves to gather and foment all the noisome Smells of a Room for want of Vent, which must needs be very unwholesome; whereas a Chimney-fire draws 'em to it, and there they find vent with the Smoke. To that Inconveniency we may add the chilling Impressions of a cold and sharp Air, upon ones coming into it out of so warm a Room as commonly Stove-rooms are. Besides the Cumbersomness of Stoves in Summertime, when being altogether useless, they take up a great deal of room to no purpose. As for Fuel, England affords three Sorts, Wood, Coals, and Turfs; but Coals is the most common, in London especially, where they have 'em by Sea from Newcastle and Sunderland. A lasting sort of Fuel, being a mixture of small and round Coals together, which by their aptness to cake, is the most durable of any; and for Kitchen Use, far beyond Wood itself, as yielding not only a more even, but more piercing Heat. The Smoke of it is indeed grosser, and of a corrosive nature; but yet nothing so offensive to the Eye, whatever it is to the Lungs, as some pretend it to be. In many Parts of the Country they have Pit-coals, which is a cleaner and more cheerful Fuel, but not so durable as Sea-coals. But the Cheapness of these at London in Time of Peace is worth taking notice; where for so small a matter as two or three pence a Day one may keep a constant moderate Fire from Morning till Bedtime. Which is a mighty Advantage to so vast and populous a Place, especially considering it comes 300 miles by Sea. And whatever the Parisians can say to the praise of their Wood-fires, I dare say the common sort of People there would be glad, could they compass it, to change in Wintertime Fuel with the Londoners. The English Diet falls next under our Consideration; which for the eating part, does most consist in Flesh, and chief in Butcher's Meat. For, though they have great Plenty and Variety of Fish and Fowl, Roots and Herbs, yet they are most commonly used but as a Supplement or an Accessary to the Principal. And therefore the English ever went amongst Strangers for the greatest Flesh-eaters. Which is certainly the best, and the most proper nourishment for this Country. But, whereas formerly the English used to eat three or Four Meals a Day, the generality of them, since the long Civil Wars in the Reign of Char. I. have used themselves to eat but one Meal a Day. If then they eat plentifully, and perhaps beyond the rate of other People, who eat three or four times a Day, it is no matter of amazement. Some thing more than ordinary must be laid up in store, to hold out 24 Hours. There is the less Time lost in eating, and the more saved for Business. So that, if other Nations live to eat, the English may be said to eat only to live. In short, all things considered, we may reckon the English, (who heretofore were perhaps not unjustly taxed of Gluttony, and to be a People most given to their Bellies) to be now one of the most sober Nations of Europe, as to Eating. Not but that in their Feast, both public and private, they are as great as any Nation. Witness (for public ones) the Feasts at Coronations, at the Installation of the Knights of the Garter, Consecration of Bishops, Intertainments of Ambassadors, the Feasts of the Lord Mayor of London, of Sergeants at Law, and of Readers in the Inns of Court. And yet, as sumptuous and magnificent as they are in these Times, they are not to compare to the wonderful Feast of elder Times. 'Tis recorded (says Dr. Chamberlain,) of Richard Earl of Cornwall, Brother to Henry III, that at his Marriage-Feast he had thirty thousand Dishes of Meat; and that King Richard TWO, spent daily at a Christmas 26 Oxen, and 300 Sheep, besides Fowl, and all other Provision proportionably. Anciently, says Fortescue, at a Call of Sergeants at Law, each Sergeant spent 1600 Crowns in Feasting, which in those Days was more than 1600 Pounds now. But the Civil Wars aforesaid are not the only Thing which has brought the English to this Moderation of eating but one Meal a Day. The frequent Use of Tobacco, Tea, and Coffee, has had also a great hand in it. And the Experience of making but slight Suppers, or rather of turning Suppers into Beverages, has proved so conducive to Health, that few People in England make a set Supper. Whereas, beyond Sea, 'tis counted the principal Meal. The Plainness of the English Diet is also very observable in point of Health. Their usual Way is downright Boiled and Roasted, without any Sophistication; and 'tis certainly the most agreeable to one's Health. The French Kickshaws are mere Kitchen Sophistry, invented more toplease a curious Palate, than to satisfy a natural Appetite. Their Cooks mere Legerdemains. You take one thing for another, the proper Taste of the Meat is gone, and another by the virtue of Coquus Pocus is substituted: Thus the Palate is gratified, and the Stomach cheated. 'Tis true, the dainty Frenchified Palates in England love this kind of Transmigration; but those who are for Variety, may find here pretty Knacks enough, without running to France for it. For Pastry no Nation excels the English, but in Venison-Pasties they excel all Nations. But if we go from the Kitchen to the Buttery, here indeed the English Butler does outdo the French Cook in point of Variety. Besides the Diversity of Wines from abroad, from the East and from the South, here we find Beer and Ale, small and strong of both sorts; and of the last twenty Species, all noted for some peculiar quality, most for their strength. Nothing pleasanter than this to the Eye, or to the Palate, when skill and age has brought it to perfection; but nothing more treacherous. It goes down gently and palatably; but, as if it were too noble a Liquor for those lower Parts, it presently flies up to the Head, and puts all there in a confusion. So quick is the Operation of those strong sorts of Liquors, upon too large a Dose, that they run a Man out of his Senses, before he can have an Interval of Mirth. I speak of Men that are not so well used to those sorts of Liquors as the North Country Men are, who know best how to deal with them. But, besides the Variety of Wines from abroad, of Beer and Ale brewed at home, here is drunk abundance of Cider, Perry, Mead, Metheglin, Mum, and since the Plague, French Brandy, and Irish Usquebach: two dangerous sorts of Drink, when taken immoderately. To conclude, I wish I could say the English are as sober in point of Drinking, as they are in their Eating. But, since Scaliger's Time, they have in a great measure clubbed with the Germans, their old Kindred, in the Character he gives of these in one of his Epigrams. Tres sunt Convivae, Germanus, Flander, & Anglus; Dic quis edat meliùs, quis meliùsve bibat. Non comedis, German, bibis; tu non bibis Angle, Sed comedis; comedis Flandre, bibisque bene. In English thus. Dutch, Flemings, English, are your only Guests; Say which of all does eat, or drink it best. Th' English love most to eat, the Dutch to swill, Only the Fleming eats and drinks his fill. Thus was it in Scaliger's time with the English Nation. But now the Case is altered, so far at least as concerns the English, who are at this time less Eaters, but more addicted to Drinking than formerly; and yet not to that excess neither generally, as the Germans are. The Use of Coffee and Tea, two sober Liquors now so prevalent in England, does take off people considerably from drinking of strong Liquors. And, were it but for that, the Coffeehouses ought to be kept up and encouraged. Now Coffee is made with the berries of a Tree that grows in the Levant, and Tea with the leaves of an India Plant; both hot and dry, and therefore very proper for Phlegmatic people. And, whereas strong Liquors are apt to disorder the Brain, these on the contrary do settle and compose it. Which makes it so much used by Men of Learning and Business, who know best the virtue of 'em. As for Tobacco, the Use whereof is indeed more universal, 'tis a Remedy for phlegmatic people, and consequently not amiss in this Country. 'tis a Companion in Solitude, an Amusement in Company, an innocent Diversion to Melancholy, and a Help to Fancy in private Studies and Meditations. I come now to the English Wearing Apparel, wherein this Nation has showed in former Ages much Pride and Levity. So foolish and extravagant they were, so superfluous and obscene, that divers Statutes were made against that Excess, even before the Reformation. Then an Englishman was wont to be pictured naked, with a pair of Shears in his hand, a piece of Cloth under his Arm, and Verses annexed, intimating that he knew not what fashion of clothes to have. In Q. Elizabeth's Time, sometimes they took up the Germane, and sometimes the Spanish Mode. But the French Fashion has prevailed for the most part since. Only there was a Time in King Charles the second his Reign, that is, about 23 Years since, when Men took up a grave sort of Habit, something like that of the Oriental Nations. But it was soon laid aside, and the French Mode taken up again, which has continued ever since. Cloth, amongst Men, is the general and almost the only Wear. And that with so much plainness and comeliness, with so much modesty and so little prodigality, that the English, formerly so apish in imitating foreign Nations in their Garb, might go now for a Model. The Women indeed, who value themselves most upon a fine outward Appearance, cannot keep within those Bounds. Whether it be to make a Figure in the World, or out of Emulation amongst themselves, or out of Design upon Men, they go still in rich Silks, with all the Set-offs that Art can possibly invent from time to time. They know that Love does love Toys, and that Men love to be caught in a fine Net. And herein the Citizen's Wives, and Maid-Servants, do run into such Excess as makes a Confusion. So hard it is sometimes to know a Tradesman's Wife from a Lady, or the Maid from the Mistress. As for the English Exercises and Recreations, some they have common with other Nations, as Hunting, Hawking, Fowling, Fishing, Tennis, Bowling, Shooting at Bow and Arrows, Leaping, Wrestling, Dancing, Music, Stage-Plays, Operas, Mascarades, Balls, Ballets, etc. Amongst which their Way of Bowling in fine Greene's, contrived and kept for that purpose, is beyond any Thing that foreign Countries do afford. Wrestling is an Exercise, wherein they have a peculiar Skill, but chief the North and Western People. Their Music, like their Temper, inclines to gravity. And, if France outdo's the English in Comedies, England may be said to outdo all Europe in Tragedies. But, besides those Exercises and Recreations usual with other Nations, they have some more peculiar to themselves; such as Paddock-Courses, Horse-races, cockfighting, Bear-baiting, Bull-baiting, Prizes, Cudgels, Football, Throwing at Cocks, and their Way of Ringing of Bells. Amongst which the Races show the Swiftness of English Horses brought up for that purpose, which to Foreiners unacquainted with it goes almost for a Romance. cockfighting shows the Courage of their Cocks; Bear-baiting, and Bull-baiting that of their Dogs; and Prizes, the dexterity of some Men in handling of Weapons, tho' with some effusion of Blood. Foot ball is a rude Diversion for the common sort of People in frosty Wether. Throwing at Cocks is not only rude, but cruel. And, as to the Musical Way of Ringing the Bells in England, the frequency of it makes it rather a Recreation to the Ringers than others. The Public Days for Feasting, amongst the English, are first the Holy Days at Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide, but chief Christmas holidays: When 'tis usual for Landlords to treat their Tenants, for Relations and Friends to invite each other, and pass the Time in Merriments. And, though those holidays are not kept of late Years with that Profuseness as formerly they were; yet I could wish they were kept with more devotion, and less intemporateness. From All-Saints Day to Candlemas, 'tis usual for each Inn of Court to have Revels on holidays, that is, Music and Dancing; and for this they choose some young Student to be Master of the Revels. Before Christmas, the Students, who are for the most part Gentlemen of quality that come hither only to learn so much Law as may serve their turn to preserve their Estates, meet together in order to keep a solemn Christmas. At this Meeting, which they call a Parliament, Officers are chosen from among them to bear Rule in the House during the whole Christmas; as a controller, Treasurer, etc. Sometimes, when their public Treasury can reach it, they make a Prince among themselves, who keeps a Court accordingly. By whom many of the chief Nobility and great Officers of State are feasted, and entertained with Interludes, etc. But, whether a Prince or no, the whole Christmas-time (except Sundays) is devoted here to Feasting, Music, Dancing, and Di●ing. This last, being allowed to all Comers, is so excessive, that the Box-mony does usually amount to about 50 l. each 24 hours. Which Money goes a great way towards the defraying the Charges of the whole Christmas, the rest being made up by a Contribution from each Student. But, besides Christmas holidays (which may be called the Carnaval of England) there are other Days of public Rejoicing. As, the King and Queen's Birth and Coronation-Days; the present King's Birthday being the 4th of November, the Queens the 30th of April, and their Coronation Day April the 11th. The 5th of November, being Gunpowder Treason Day, when the Popish Conspirators had prepared all Things to blow up King James I. and his Parliament then sitting, is a Day of Thanksgiving, solemnly kept to the eternal Confusion of Popery. This is the Day, when the Pope, by way of Retaliation, used solemnly to be burnt in Effigy at Temple-Bar in King Charles the Seconds Time, with so much State and Pomp, that the Undertakers spared for nothing to have it done suitable to the Subject. But, this being discontinued, since the late King came to the Crown, and being looked upon besides by sober people as a Piece of Exorbitancy, I have done with it, and hope it won't be renewed. My Lord Mayor's Day, being the 29th of October, is also a solemn Day of public Rejoicing and Feasting for the City of London. Societies have likewise their Feasting Days, when they meet in a Body, either upon the Election of a new Officer, or on some other account. But, of all the Societies, there is none to be compared in this point to the Inns of Court, for state and magnificence. As to private Families, 'tis usual with many to celebrate their Birth and Marriage-Days with their most intimate Friends. To improve Society, the life of Recreation, the English have, besides their usual and friendly Meetings called Clubs, the Conveniency of Coffeehouses, more common here than any where else. In these all Comers intermix together, with mutual freedom; and, at the small Charge of a penny or two pence of such Liquors as are sold there, Men have the Opportunity of meeting together, and getting Acquaintance, with choice of Conversation, and the advantage of reading all foreign and domestic News. S. Bartholomew's (vulgarly called Bartelmy) Fair is a particular Time for Diversion to the City of London. It gins on S. Bartholomew's Day the 24th of August, and continues 14 Days in West-Smithfield; at the end whereof it removes for so many Days more to Southwark, on the other side of the River. Then is the dead Time of the Year, which amongst Citizens is the most proper for their Diversion. This Fair is famous, not so much for Things bought or sold, as for its great Variety of Shows, either of Nature or Art. So that one may apply to it what the Romans of old used to say of afric, Quid novi fert Africa? For here is always to be seen strange sorts of living Creatures. And for such as love Feats of Activity, Comical, or Tragical Shows, here they are to be seen in the utmost persection. Which draws daily during the Fair a great Concourse of people, to the benefit of the Showers and the satisfaction of the Beholders. And now, amongst the English particular Customs, I shall in the first place take notice of their Way of Pledging one another, whereof this is the Original. When the Danes Lorded it over England, they used, when the English drank, to stab them, or cut their Throats. To avoid which Villainy, the Party then drinking requested some of the next to him to be his Surety or Pledge, for his Life. From whence came the Expression used to this day of Pledging one another, when the Party drunk to takes his turn, and drinks next after him. Another Custom the English had formerly upon the Danes account; which Time has so corrupted, that there remains no sign of the first Institution, except in the Name Hock-tide, an old Saxon Word, which signifies the Time of Scorning, or Triumphing. The English, in the Reign of King Ethelred, were so oppressed and broken by the Danes, that Ethelred was fain to buy his Peace of them at the yearly Tribute of 10000 pound, soon after enhanced to 48000, which Monies were raised upon the Subjects by the Name of Danegelt. But the King, weary of this Exaction, plotted with his Subjects to kill all the Danes, as they slept in their Beds. Which was accordingly done on S. Brice's Night, Nou. 12.1012. The joyful English, having thus cleared their Country of the Danes, instituted the annual Sports of Hock tide; in Imitation of the Romans Fugalia, at the expulsion of their Kings. This Solemnity consisted in the merry Meering of the Neighbours in those Days during which the Festival lasted, and was celebrated by the younger sort of both Sexes, with all manner of Exercises and Pastimes in the Streets. At Coventry they yearly acted a Play called Hock-Tuesday, till Q. Elizabeth's Time. The 14th of February, being S. Valentine's Day, has been kept Time out of mind, (and is so to this day) both by the English and Scots, with some relation to the Instinct of Animals. For Nature teaches us, that about this time of the Year the Beasts of the Field and Fowls of the Air feeling a new heat by the approach of the Sun, the Males choose their Females, and begin to couple. From whence it is probable young Men and Maidens took occasion to meet together at this time to an equal Number; and, having their respective Names writ down severally upon pieces of paper rolled up, the Men draw the Maiden's Names, and these the men's. So the Lot gives every Man a She Valentine, and every Maid a He one; the Men wearing their Lots for some Days rolled up about their Hatbands, and the Women before their Breast. Whereupon they make each other a Present, and sometimes it comes to be a Match in good earnest. These Particulars, so well known to the whole Nation, I would not have insisted upon, but for the satisfaction of Foreiners. Upon whose Account I shall likewise explain, but in few Words, the Story of the Welsh Custom of wearing Leeks on their Hats the first day of March, being S. David's Day. Once upon a time (to use the old English Style) the Welsh Liberty lay grievously at stake; and they must either be victorious, or lose it. In that Extremity they called for help upon S. David, their Patron. Armed with Confidence in that Saint, they crossed Fields sowed with Leeks, before they came to engage; and, for distinction sake, each Soldier took up a Leek. The Welsh got the Victory; and, to perpetuate the Memory thereof, as well as out of respect to the Saint, they made a Law amongst themselves, that on S. David's Day every Man should wear a Leek about his Head. Which is religiously by them observed every Year; the common people wearing but Garden Leeks, and the better sort wrought ones. The King himself, out of Complacency to that People, wears one upon that Day. The Scots, on their fide, wear a blue Cross on the forepart of their Hats upon S. Andrew's Day, their Patron. And the Irish a red Cross on one side of their Hats, to the Memory of their old Patron, S. Patrick. CHAP. IU. I. Of the English Way of Travelling by Land, either Horseback, or in Coaches. II. Of the general Post, for Intercourse of Letters. III. Of the English Coins, Weights and Measures, in relation to Trade. iv Of the great Trade of England, in foreign Parts. BEsides the Conveniency of Travelling by Water, either by Sea, or here and there upon Rivers, I may say the English Nation is the best provided of any for Land-Travel, as to Horses and Coaches. And the Truth is, there is not perhaps a Country so proper for't, 'tis generally so open and level. Travelling on Horseback is so common a Thing in England, that the meanest sort of People use it as well as the rest. Which sometimes fills the Roads with Riders, not without frequent Disputes about giving the way, which is unusual beyond Sea. And, as English Horses are the best for Expedition, so 'tis rare upon the Road to see an Englishman but upon the Gallop. But for Persons that are tender, or disabled, England excels all other Nations in the Conveniency of Coaches, but especially in that of Stage-Coaches; a very commodious and easy Way of Travelling. Here one may be transported without overviolent Motion, and sheltered from the Injuries of the Air, to most noted Places in England. With so much speed, that some of these Coaches will reach above 50 Miles in a Summer Day; and at so easy Rates, that it is in some Places less than a Shilling for every Five Miles. As to the Post, for Intercourse of Letters, there is a general Office in the City of London, from whence Letters and Pacquets are dispatched to all Parts, and the Returns according to their respective Directions. This Office, now in Lombardstreet London, is managed in chief by the Postmaster General, who is constituted thereto by the King's Letters Patents under the Great Seal of England, whose Place is counted to be worth 2000 l. a Year. Under him he has a Deputy, and other Officers to a great Number, who give their actual attendance respectively in the Dispatch of Business. Upon this General Post-Office depends 182 Deputy Post-Masters in England and Scotland; most of which keep regular Offices in their Stages, and Sub-Post Masters in their Branches. So that there is no considerable Market-Town but has an easy and certain. Conveyance for Letters to and from the said Post Office in the due Course of the Nails every Post. There are Weekly three general Post Days to send from London to any Part of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, viz. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The Returns certain upon Mundays, Wednesdays, or Fridays; except Ireland, from whence the Return is not so certain, by reason of the Sea. As to Kent and the Downs, the Post goes thither from London every Day of the Week, except Sundays. The Post Days fixed for France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, are Mundays and Thursdays. For the Low-Countries, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and other Parts that way, Tuesdays and Fridays. But, since our late Breach with France, his Majesty to out off all immediate Correspondency with that Kingdom, has settled the Correspondency with Spain and Portugal by Sea, from Falmouth i● Cornwall, to the Groin a Seaport Town of Gallicia in Spain. And the Letters to Italy go by the way of Flanders. For the Transports of Letters and Pacquets over Sea, there are Between England and Flanders, 2 Packet, Boats. Between England and Holland, 3 Packet, Boats. Between England and Ireland, 3 Packet, Boats. Between England and Spain, 2 Packet, Boats. The last of which goes out on Tuesdays every Fortnight. All which Offices, Post-Masters, and Packet Boats are maintained at the Postmaster General's own Charge. For the better Ordering whereof, he has several Officers under him, amongst which these are the chief, viz. two Comptrollers, one of th● Inland, and the other of the Outland Office, 〈◊〉 Receiver General, an Accountant General, a● twelve Clerks, whereof six of the Inland, a● the other six of the Outland Office. Now for the Conveniency of the Londoners that live far from the Post-Office, there are particular Post-Houses from Place to Place appointed to take in the Letters, to be transmitted from thence in due time to the General Post-Office. By what is said, it may easily be guessed in general, that the Charge of the Post-Office is infinitely great. But the Return of it to the King does so much overbalance it, that this Office yields to his Majesty yearly about Fifty thousand pounds, all Charges born. Another Use of this excellent Conveniency is in relation to Travellers, whose Business requires expedition. To which purpose there are always Post-horses in readiness in every Post-Stage, which is the main Profit of the Deputy Post-Masters. The Pay is 3 pence for every English Mile, besides the Allowance to the Post-Boy for Conducting. As for the Peny-Post, which is used only for London and its Neighbourhood, I have already spoke of it in my Description of London. And so I proceed to the Coins. Formerly all English Coins were coined or stamped by Hammers; but, since the Restauration of King Charles TWO, a new Way of Stamping by a Mill or Screw was found out, and followed ever since. Which makes the English Coins, for neatness and security from Counerseiting to be the most excellent. The Money of England is either Gold or Sil●er, called Sterling Mony. The Gold is either Guinea, or a half Guinea; the first valued at 〈◊〉 Shillings, and six pence, the half Guinea pro●rtionably, that is, at Ten shillings nine pence. ●lled Guinea, from a Country of that Name in Africa, from whence is brought the Gold whereof this Coin is made. But there is besides, an old sort of Gold, called Jacobus, from King James I. under whose Reign it was Coined, at the value of 22 shillings, now current at 25 shillings 6 pence. Another Coin, called Broad-piece, coined in the several Reigns of King James and King Charles I, at the value of 20 Shillings, and now current at 23 and 6 pence. But the Broad-pieces and Jacobus', being both a pure sort of Gold, are kept close by the Curious, and therefore seldom seen abroad. The Silver Coins now current in England are a Crown, Half-crown, Shilling, sixpence, Fourpences, Threepences, Twopences, and One Penny. Amongst which the Half-crowns, Shillings, and Six-pences are the most common. 'Tis true there are still besides some Ninepences, and Fourpences half peny's; also, some pieces of Thirteen-pence-half-peny, and others half their value. But these are at this time very scarce. For the Conveniency of small Change, and the Benefit of the Poor, Farthings and Halfpences, first of Copper, and lately of Tin, have been suffered to be Coined; but no man is bound to receive them in pay for Rent or Debt. But, besides the Species, we have (as other Nations) such Collective Words as signify a Sum, greater or lesser. As the Word Piece for 20 Shillings; Pounds, when the Sum amounts to 60 Shilling, and above; a Mark, which is 13 Shillings 4 pence; an Angel, 10 Shillings; a Noble, 6 Shillings 8 Pence. 'Tis true there are Angels to be seen in Specie, which is a piece 〈◊〉 Gold so called from the Impression of an Angel. But the proper Use of it has been, in former Reigns, for such as the King touched for the Evil. The Spanish, French, and Flemish Gold is almost of equal fineness with the English; and so is the French Silver almost as fine as the English. The Office of the Mint, where all English Coins are coined, is kept in the Tower of London. And the Officers that belong to it were made a Corporation by King Edward III, by virtue of whose Charter they have been always exempted from all public Offices, and their Estates free from all Taxes and Parish Duties. The chief Mint Officers are l. The Warden, Whose Fee is 400. The Master and Worker, Whose Fee is 500 The controller, Whose Fee is 300. The Assay-Master, Whose Fee is 250. The Two Auditors, each Whose Fee is 20. The Surveyor of the Melting, Whose Fee is 100 The Weigher and Teller, Whose Fee is 100 The His Assistant, Whose Fee is 40. The Engineer, Whose Fee is 100 The Two Gravers, each Whose Fee is 125. The Warden, or Keeper of the Mint, receives the Gold and Silver brought in by the Merchants, Goldsmiths, and others, and pays them for the same. He is the chief Officer, and oversees all the rest. The Master and Worker receives the Bullion, (that is, the Gold and Silver to be coined) from the Warden, causes it to be melted, delivers it to the Moneyers, and when it is Minted, receives it again from them. The Comptroller's Office is to see, that the Money be all made according to just Assize, and to control the Officers, if it don't prove accordingly. The Assay-Master weighs the Bullion, and sees that it be according to the Standard. The Auditors take and make up the Accounts. The Surveyor of the Melting sees the Bullion cast, after the Assay-Master has made trial thereof; and that it be not altered, after it is delivered to the Melter But, besides the foresaid Officers, there is the Provost of the Company of Moneyers, the King's chief Clerk, and four other Clerks for the Receipt Office, the Melters and Smiths, the Blanchers, Moulders, Labourers, etc. The Weights and Measures ought to be by Magna Charta, the same all over England, that is, according to the King's Standard kept in the Exchequer by the Clerk (or controller) of the Market. The Weights now used throughout all England are of two sorts, the one called Troy-Weight, and the other Avoir du pois; the first containing 12 Ounces, and the other 16 in the Pound. But then the Ounce Avoir du pois is lighter than the Ounce Troy by almost a 12th part. For, whereas in Troy-Weight the Ounce consists of 480 Grains, the Ounce Avoir du pois containeth but 438 Grains. By the Troy-Weight are weighed Pearls, precious-Stones, Gold, Silver, Bread, all manner of Corn and Grain; and this Weight the Apothecaries do or aught to use. By Avoir du pois are weighed all Grocery Ware, Flesh, Butter, Cheese, Iron, Hemp, Flax, Tallow, Wax, Led, Steel, and all things whereof comes Waste. In consideration whereof 112 Pound Avoir du pois goes to a Hundred-Weight, and proportionably 56 pound to half a Hundred, and 28 to a Quarter, or Tod. A Stone amongst London Butchers makes 8 pounds of this Weight, but in the Country 'tis for the most part 14. In Troy-Weight 20 Grains make a Scruple, thus marked ℈, 3 Scruples a Drachm ʒ, 8 Drachms an Ounce ℥, and 12 Ounces a Pound lb. In Avoir du pois Weight, 16 Drachms make an Ounce, 16 Ounces a Pound, 28 Pound a Quarter, 4 Quarters a Hundred, and 20 Hundred a Tun. In Troy Weight, 24 Grains of Wheat make a Peny-Weight Sterling, 20 Peny-Weights an Ounce, and 12 Ounces a Pound. And, when Wheat is at 5 Shillings the Bushel, the Penny Wheaten Loaf is then by Statute to weigh 11 Ounces Troy, and three half Peny White Loaves to weigh as much. But the Household Peny-Loaf is to weigh 14 Troy Ounces, and two thirds. As for the Weight called Venice-Ounce used here, as in other Countries by Silk-men, there is no Standard of it, nor is it allowed by Law. This Ounce being but 13 Penny Weight and 12 Grains, it falls out that 12 Ounces Venice is but 8 Ounces 4 penny Troy, and 9 Ounces Avoir du pois. Measares are either Applicative, or Receptive, that is, such as Things are measured by outwardly, or inwardly. Of the first Sort, there is first an Inch, or finger's Breadth, 4 whereof make a Hand-full, and 12 a Foot. Now 3 Foot makes a Yard, and one Yard and a quarter an Ell. Five Foot makes a Geometrical Pace, 6 a Fathom, 16 and a half a Perch, Pole, or Rod. Forty Perches make a Furlong, 8 Furlongs (or 320 Perches) an English Mile, and 3 English Miles a French League, whereof 3 go to a Degree. But this observe by the way, that by a Statute under the Reign of Henry VII, an English Mile ought to be 1760 Yards, or 5280 Foot, that is 280 Foot more than the Italian Mile. Now an Acre of Land in England consists of 40 Perches in length, and 4 in breadth; a Yard-Land, commonly of 30 Acres; and an Hide of Land of 100 Acres. The Receptive Measure is twofold, that is, either for liquid, or dry Things. For Liquid, as a Pint, which is subdivided into lesser Parts, as half a Pint, a Quartern or quarter of a Pint. Now 2 Pints make a Quart, 2 Quarts a Pottle, 2 Pottles a Gallon, 8 Gallons a Firkin of Ale, and 9 a Firkin of Beer. Two Firkins of either sort make a Kilderkin, and 2 Kilderkins a Barrel. But still the Difference in the Number of Gallons as to Beer and Ale ought to be minded and allowed. For, as a Kilderkin of Beer contains 18 Gallons, and one of Ale but 16; so a Barrel of Beer being double a Kilderkin, contains 36 Gallons, and one of Ale but 32. Now a Barrel and a half of Beer (being 54 Gallons) make a Hogshead, 2 Hogshheads a Pipe or Butt, and 2 Pipes a Tun. Note, that a Barrel of Butter or Soap is the same with a Barrel of Ale. As for Wine-Measures, they fall so much short of those of Ale and Beer, that Four Gallons of these make Five Gallows of Wine measure. Thus they hold proportion as four to five. Of these Gallons a Roundlet of Wine holds 18, half a Hogshead 31 and a half, a Tierce 42, a Hogshead 63, a Punchion 84, a Pipe or Butt 126, a Tun 252. For dry Things, such as Corn or Grain, there is first the Gallon, of a fize between the Wine and the Beer Gallon. Two of these Gallons make a Peck, 4 Pecks a Bushel, 4 Bushels a Comb or Curnock, 2 Curnocks a Quarter, 10 Quarters a Last or Weigh. To conclude now with the Great Trade of England to Foreign Parts, besides the several Companies I have took notice of in my Description of London, there are other Companies or Societies of Merchants, established for the promoting or encouraging of foreign Trade. Which have Power and Immunities granted them to make Acts and Orders, for the benefit of Commerce in general, and of their Companies in particular. Such are amongst others, the Company of Merchant Adventurers, the Russia, Turkey, and East-India Companies, and the Royal African Company. Besides the Spanish, French, East-Land, and Greenland Companies, and the Company trading to Hudson's Bay, the Privileges and Trade of which last were lately confirmed by Act of Parliament. The first being the Company of Merchant Adventurers, is the most ancient of all, having had their Original in the Reign of Edward I, and their Continuance ever since. Grounded at first upon the Exportation of Wool only, being the prime and staple Commodity of England; since converted into Clothing, and now including all manner of Drapery. This Company is managed in England by a Governor, Deputy, and certain Assistants; beyond Sea, by a Deputy, and certain Assistants. The Russia Company had their Beginning in the Reign of Edward VI, upon the Discovery made by the English of the North-East Passage to Archangel, whereby they opened a great Trade in the Dominions of the ●zars of Moscovy, removed hither from Narva upon the Baltic. Their Charter was afterwards confirmed and enlarged by Queen Elizabeth. The Turky-Merchants, otherwise called the Levant Company, from their Trade in the Levant, was Incorporated by Queen Elizabeth, and had their Charter Confirmed and Enlarged by King James I. But the greatest and most eminent Company is that which manages the East-India Trade, which begun likewise in Queen Elizabeth's Time, Anno 1600. For the Managing whereof, they employ a joint Stock, and have a great House in Leaden-Hall-Street, called the East-India House. By which Trade and Stock they have built a great Number of Warlike Ships, and brought hither those Indian Commodities which before were brought to us by the Portugueze, being the first Discoverers of the East-India Passage. So that by the East-India and the Levant Companies, England, and many other Countries by their second Transportation, have ever since been supplied with those Rich Merchandizes which Italy, Turkey, Arabia, Persia, India, and China yield; where they have their respective Agents. On the Coast of Coromandel is the Fort St. George, belonging to the East-India Company, where they have a Precedent of all the Factories on that Coast, and of the Bay of Bengala. As to the Royal African Company, King Charles TWO was pleased by his Letters Patents, to grant them a Liberty of Trading all along the Western Coasts of afric, from Cape Vert as far as the Cape of good Hope, with prohibition of Trading there to all his other Subjects. At Cape-Coast is the Residence of the chief Agent of the Company, where they have a strong Place or Fort. I pass by the other Companies, though some of them very considerable; and the great Trade of the West-Indies, generally managed by Merchants not Incorporated. Only I shall add, that every Company has the Privilege to govern themselves by settled Acts and Orders, under such Governors, Deputies, Assistants, and Agents as they think fit to choose among themselves. And this way has been found to be so profitable and beneficial, by Exporting the native Commodities thereof, by setting the Poor on Work, by building of many brave Ships, and by Importing hither of foreign Commodities both for Use and Ornament, that the Benefit accrueing thereby to these Nations cannot be expressed. The principal Commodities exported from hence into foreign Countries are Woollen clothes of all sorts, broad and narrow, the English being now the best Clothworkers in the World. To which add Satins, Tabies, Velvets, Plushes, and infinite other Manufactures; some of which make very good Returns from the foreign Plantations. Abundance of Tin, Led, Alum, Copper, Iron, Fuller's Earth, Salt, and Sea-Coal, of most sorts of Grains, but Wheat especially, of Skins and Leather, of Trane Oil and Tallow, Hops and Beer, Saffron and Liquorish, besides great Plenty of Sea-fish, is yearly transported over Sea to foreign Conntries. From whence the Merchants make good Returns, and bring a great deal of Treasure and rich Commodities, to the Enriching of themselves, the unspeakable benefit of the Nation, and the Credit of the English in general. Who are as industrious and active, as fair Dealers, and great Undertakers as any Nation in the World. For, though the Hollanders perhaps do drive a greater Trade, 'tis neither for want of Stock, nor for want of Industry, on the side of the English. The Hollanders, being squeezed as they are within the narrow Bounds of their Country, find little or no Land to purchase, with the Returns of their Trade. This puts 'em upon a kind of Necessity of improving still their Stock, and of sending back those Riches a floating upon the Sea which they cannot fix on the Land. Whereas our English Merchants having the Opportunity of Enjoying the Fruits of their Industry, in a spacious, delicate, fruitful Country, by purchasing Estates for themselves and Families, are apt to yield to the Temptation, and to exchange the hurry of Trade for the pleasures of a Country-life. CHAP. V. Of the English Laws, and Religion. THE Laws of England are of several Sorts, and severally used according to the Subject. First there is the Common Law, that is, the Common Customs of the Nation, which have by length of time obtained the force of Laws. This is the Summary of the Laws of the Saxons and Danes, first reduced into one Body by King Edward the Elder, about the Year 900. Which, for some time being lost, were revived by King Edward the Confessor, and by Posterity named his Laws. To these William the Conqueror having added some of the good Customs of Normandy, he caused them all to be written in his own Norman Dialect; which, being no where vulgarly used, varies no more than the Latin. Therefore to this day all Reports, Plead, and Law-Exercises, Declarations upon Original Writs, and all Records are written in the old Norman. But where the Common Law falls short, the Statute Law makes it up. Which are the Laws made from time to time by King and Parliament. The Civil Law, which is counted the Law of Nations, is peculiarly made use of in all Ecclesiastical Courts, in the Court of Admiralty, in That of the Earl Marshal, in Treaties with foreign Princes, and lastly in the Two Universities of the Land. The Canon-Law, otherwise called the Ecclesiastical Laws, takes place in Things that merely relate to Religion. This Law comprehends the Canons of many ancient General Councils, of many National and Provincial English Synods, divers Decrees of the Bishops of Rome, and Judgements of ancient Fathers, received by the Church of England, and incorporated into the Body of the Canon Law. By which she did ever proceed in the Exercise of her Jurisdiction, and does still by virtue of an Act in the Reign of Henry VIII, so far as the said Canons and Constitutions are not repugnant to the Holy Scripture, to the King's Prerogative, or the Laws of this Realm. But, whereas Temporal Laws inflict Punishment upon the Body, these properly concern the Soul of Man. And, as they differ in several Ends, so they differ in several Proceed. The Martial Law reaches none but Soldiers and Mariners, and is not to be used but in time of actual War. But the late King, who ran headlong to Arbitrary Power, made nothing of violating this, and most other Laws. The Forest-Law concerns the Forests, and in flicts Punishment on those that trespass upon them. By virtue of this Law, the Will is reputed for the Fact; so that, if a Man be taken hunting a Deer, he may be Arrested as if he had taken it. Lastly, there are Municipal Laws, commonly called Peculiar (or By) Laws, proper to Corporations. These are the Laws which the Magistrates of a Town or City, by virtue of the King's Charter, have a Power to make for the benefit and advantage of their Corporation; Provided always, that the same be not repugnant to the Laws of the Land. These By-Laws properly bind none but the Inhabitants of the Place, unless they be for public Good, or to avoid a public Inconvenience. In which Case they bind Strangers. Thus much in general as to the Laws of England. The chief Particulars will come in of course, when I come to treat of the Government. The Religion of England, as it is established by Law, is the best Reformed Religion, and the most agreeable to the primitive Times of Christianity. But, before I come to show the Occasion, Time, and Methods of its Reformation, it will not be improper to give a brief historical Account how the Christian Faith came to be planted in this Island, to set forth its Progress, Decay, and Restauration; then its Corruption with Rome, and at last its Reformation. That Christianity was planted here in the Apostles Times, long before King Lucius, is plainly demonstrated by the Antiquity of the British Churches, writ some Years since by Dr. Stillingfleet, the present Bishop of Worcester. Where he learnedly disproves the Tradition concerning Joseph of Arimathea (supposed by many to have been the first Planter of the Gospel here) as an Invention of the Monks of Glassenbury, to serve their Interests, by advancing the Reputation of their Monastery; and makes it highly probable, that S. Paul (rather than S. Peter, as others would have it) was the first Founder of a Church in this Island. But, by reason of Persecutions, or for want of a supply of Preachers, Christianity did not flourish here till the Reign of Lucius the British King, and the first Christian King in Europe. Of whose embracing Christianity the learned Bishop gives this Account from the Testimony of ancient Writers, that the was first inclined thereto by the Persuasion of Eluanus and Eduinus, two British Christians, who were probably employed to convince him. But, being worked upon on the other side by his Druids, he would not come to any Resolution, till he had sent to Rome for his further Satisfaction, and to know how far the British Christians and those of Rome agreed. Elentherus was then Bishop of Rome, and the twelfth from the Apostles. To whom he sent the foresaid Eluanus and Meduinus about the Year 180, presuming (as he might reasonably then) that the Christian Doctrine was there truly taught, at so little distance from the Apostles, and in a Place whither a Resort was made from all Parts, because of its being the Imperial City. For there was then no Imagination of S. Peter's having appointed the Head of the Church there, nor a long time after in the British Churches, as appears by the Contest of the British Bishops with Augustine the Monk. King Lucius, being satisfied upon the Return of his Ambassadors from Rome, embraced the Christian Faith, and received the Baptism. So that by the piety of his Example, and the diligence of the first Preachers, Christianity soon spread over his Dominions, and sometime after over all the Island. And then the Britain's had Bishops of their own, without any Juridical Dependency from the See of Rome, the British Church continuing a distinct and independent Church from all others. But, when the Heathen Saxons came to be possessed of this Part of the Island, and the Natives forced to take shelter amongst the Mountains of Wales, the Christian Faith fled with them, and this Country was again darkened with Heathenism. Till about the Year 596. Austin the Monk was sent by Pope Gregory the Great, to preach the Gospel here. By whose Diligence and Zeal the Work prospered so well, that all the Saxons were by degrees converted to the Christian Faith, and Austin made the first Arcsh-bishop of Canterbury, but with a subjection to the Church of Rome. Thus, as the Errors crept on in the Roman, the British Church grew infected with them, and continued subject to the Power and Errors of Rome, till King Henry VIII laid the Ground for a Reformation, by his resuming the Power of the Christian British Kings his ancient Predecessors, and removing by virtue of it the forfeited Primacy of Rome to the See of Canterbury. But 'tis Observable withal, that this Ejection of the Pope's Authority was not done (as in other Nations) tumultuously, and by the Power of the People, but by the Counsel and Advice of godly and learned Divines assembled in Convocation by the King's Authority, and ratified by the Three States in Parliament. Thus the ancient Dignity and Supremacy of the Kings of England being restored, and the Subjects delivered from the Spiritual Tyranny of the Pope of Rome, the King and Clergy took this Occasion to inquire into and reform the great Abuses and Errors crept into the Church. Whose Method in this Work (begun in Henry's Reign, and brought to perfection in his next Successor's Time) Dr. Heylin sets forth in these Words. The Architects, says he, in this great Work, without respect unto the Dictates of Luther or Calvin, looking only on God's Word and the Primitive Patterns, abolished such Things as were repugnant unto either, but still retained such Ceremonies in God's public Worship as were agreeable to both, and had been countenanced by the Practice of the Primitive Times. A Point wherein they did observe a greater Measure of Christian Prudence and Moderation, than their Neighbour Churches, Which in a mere detestation of the See of Rome, allowed of nothing which had formerly been in use amongst them, because defiled with Popish Errors and Abuses; utterly averting thereby those of the Papal Party from joining with them in the Work, or coming over to them when the Work was done. Whereas, had they continued an allowable Correspondency in these Extrinsecals of Religion with the Church of Rome, their Party in the World had been far greater, and not so much stomached as it is. And this Opinion of his he backs with the Sentiment of the Marquis de Rhosne in this point, after Duke of Sully, and Lord High Treasurer of France, one of the chief Men of the Reformed Party there. Who, being sent Ambassador to King James from Henry iv King of France, admired the Decency of God's public Service in the Church of England. Three Things principally are to be considered in point of Religion, viz. The Doctrine, the Manner of public Worship, and the Church Government. As for the Doctrine of the Church of England, 'tis the same in all Points with other Reformed Churches, as it appears by her Confession of Faith contained in the 39 Articles. The Manner of public Worship differs in nothing from them, but in the Excellency of it. So many admirable Prayers the English Liturgy contains, suitable to all Occasions, digested in a plain Evangelical Style, without Rhetorical Raptures, which are fit for a designing Orator than an humble Addresser to the Mercy-Seat of God. In short, there is nothing wanting in the Church of England, in order to Salvation. She uses the Word of God, the Ten Commandments, the Faith of the Apostles, the Creeds of the Primitive Church, the Articles of the four first General Councils, an excellent Liturgy, the Administration of the Sacraments, and all the Precepts and Counsels of the Gospel. She attributes all Glory to God, worships his most holy Name, and owns all his Attributes. She adores the Trinity in Unity, the Unity in Trinity. She teaches Faith and Repentance, the Necessity of good Works, the strictness of a holy Life, and an humble Obedience to the Supreme Power. Charity, which is the grand Mark of the true Church, is so essential to this, that she does not engross Heaven to herself, so as to damn all others into Hell. For the public Service and Worship of God she has Places, Times, Persons, and Revenues set apart for that purpose; and an uninterrupted Succession of Bishops, to ordain Priests and Deacons, and do all other Duties iucumbent to that Dignity. Happy were it for England, if all its Subjects would live in the Communion of this Church, and not separate from it; which is 〈◊〉 Thing more to be wished, than hoped for. But such is the designing and ambitious Spirit of Popery, to weaken the Church of England (ever since the Reformation looked upon as the chiefest Bulwark against Popery) that it has caused all our Distractions, in order to fish the better in troubled Waters. Yet whatever have been the Effects of it hitherto, God has wonderfully defeated their Designs. Insomuch that this Church, formerly scattered and eclipsed in the Reign of Charles I, restored (but afterwards undermined) by Charles TWO, and lately threatened with utter Ruin by his immediate Successor, is now, by the special Providence of God, in a Hourishing Condition, under the happy Influence of our present King William, the Restorer of our Laws, Religion, and Liberties. As for the Spirit of Persecution which the Church of England has been charged with in relation to Dissenters, it cannot be justly laid to her Charge. For whatever has been done in that Case was but according to Law, and the Penal Laws were made (as all Statute-Laws) in a regular Manner by the Votes of Parliament, the Representatives of the People, as well Dissenters as others. 'Tis true, the Church-Party proved the most predominant. And yet, in point of Execution, the sober part of the Church were always very tender, and none but hot Men amongst them ready for Execution. Influenced thereto by the Court; which, far from designing the Dissenters Union with the Church, used the Rigour of the Law, to create an implacable Hatred betwixt the afflicting Church and the suffering Body of the Dissenters. Which had a suitable Effect. For these, imbittered what with Fines, what with Imprisonments, though according to Law, failed not to clamour on all sides against the persecuting Spirit of the Church of England, and against those bloody Laws, as they used to call 'em. The Sense of their present state made them forget what they had done, when they usurped the Regal Power; and how busy they were to imprison, to banish, to sequester. With Grief I rake up these old Sores, and nothing but a just Desire of righting both Parties could have extorted this from me. But now the Dissenters have got Liberty of Conscience by a late Act of Parliament, with the ready Concurrence of the Church-Party in both Houses, I hope there's no Ground left for Animosities between the Church and Them. And, if the Presbyterians, who are the nearest to the Church of England, and the greatest Party among Dissenters, now they have seen so much of her incomparable Learning, and invincible Steadfastness to the Protestant Religion and Interest, would but shake off their groundless Prejudices, and prefer the happiness of a Reunion before the Danger of a Schism, what a Blessing it would prove to this Nation is almost unconceivable. 'Tis not long since the Church was their Sanctuary, when they expected no Mercy from a late King, who came to the Throne, full of Resentment and Indignation against them. Tho afterwards, to compass his own Ends, he tacked about, and killed them almost with Kindness. And why they should now separate from a Church, which was so lately their Refuge, when they crowded the very Churchmen out of Church, it is passed my Understanding. For the Church of England is the same still. Were they but so well-minded as to make the least step towards a Reunion, I am assured the Church of England would be very forward to meet them. Rather than they should continue their Separation, and be Accountable to God's Tribunal for it, I am more than confident she would readily part with such Ceremonies as give 'em most offence. But it is feared, they would not be satisfied with those small Condescensions. They are for more substantial Things, which for Peace sake I shall forbear to name, and leave for the Reader to guests. The main Points wherein they differ from the Church of England is the Church Government, and the public Worship. They hold, that the Church was governed in the beginning by Presbyters or Elders, and that it should be so governed still, not by Bishops; upon which account they got the Name of Presbyterians. They except both against the latitude of the Bishop's Power, and the largeness of their Revenues, as if neither of them could be used by the Clergy with Christian Moderation. But it is more probable, the unshaken fidelity of Bishops to Monarchy which many of the Dissenters were never very fond of, sticks most in their Stomach For public Worship they use no Liturgy wherein they differ from the Protestant Churches, beyond Sea. They look upon Se● Forms as dead Prayers, and delight only o● Extemporal. Therefore the Lord's Prayer i● in a manner exploded by the rigid Sort o● them. Yet one would think when their Minister prays before the Congregation, his Prayer ●s a set Form to such as pray with him. The Surplice, the Sign of the Cross, the bowing ●t the Name of Jesus, and the kneeling at the Communion, are to them so many Sins. They deal plainly with God, at least in outward appearance; and are resolved, as far as 〈◊〉 see, to serve him without Ceremony. Great Predestinarians many of 'em are, and very strict Observers of the Sabbath. In short, their apparent Soberness in Conversation, and Zeal in their Devotion, has so increased their Number, that they are looked upon as the chief Party amongst all the Dissenters. Next to whom, both in their Opinions and Number, are the Independents, or Congregationalists. So called, for that they will have every particular Congregation to be ruled by their own Laws, without dependence upon any other in Church-Matters. For they prefer their own Gathered Churches in private Places to the public Congregations in Churches, which in contempt they call by the name of ●ceeple-Houses. In most Things else they ●●mp with the Presbyterians. Except those particular Tenets some of 'em have intertain●d, which for brevity's sake I forbear to enumerate. The riged sort of 'em (called Brownists) ●efuse to Communicate with any of the Reformed Churches. The Anabaptists are so called from Rebapti●ing those who coming to their Communion ●ere baptised in their Infancy. For one of their chief Tenets is against Pedobaptism, or baptising of Children. They hold besides, ●hat Lay-people may preach. As for those blasphemous Opinions, their Forefathers have been charged with, I hope few of the modern And baptists in England are guilty of them. The Millenarians, or Fifth-Monarchy-Men, are so called from their Expectation of Christ's temporal Kingdom here on Earth for a thousand Years. And this they ground upon several Places of Scripture, which from a Spiritual they wrist into a Carnal Sense. The Quakers are a sort of Enthusiasts; so called, because they use to quake and groan, when they wait for the Spirit. Whereas the Spirit of God is a Spirit of Peace and Quietness, not to be found in Fire, Earthquakes, and Whirlwinds, but in the soft and still Voice. They reject all Ministerial Ordinances, and rail against premeditated Preaching o● Praying. The Holy Scripture is no Rule for 'em to go by, but Inspiration and the Light they pretend to is all in all with them. So that any Man or Woman in their Meetings that fancies first to be seized with the Spirit, is free to stand up for a Teacher to the Congregation, and utter what comes next. They use no Sacraments, and consequently they are but half Christians. Their Principle is for Equality amongst Men, which of itself tends to Anarchy. Therefore they show respect to no Man, though they love it well enough from Men of other Principles. They Thou all Men, Kings and Cobblers alike, without any distinction, and pull off their Hats to none. They affect a singular Plainness in their Speech, in their Garb, and in their Deal. They are for plain Yea and Nay; and not a word of an Oath, though imposed by the Magistrate. A Ribbon, a Loop, or a Lace, is a mortal Sin with them; and this Plainness I should not much condemn, if Pride did not lurk under it. In their Deal, they have indeed got a good Name, and ● hope it is not groundless; though some unlucky men have endeavoured to check it, by representing them as a crafty and subtle Generation. These are the principal Sects that are now 〈◊〉 this Kingdom. Besides the Roman Catholics, properly called Recusants, whose Number and interest is much decayed since the Fall of King ●ames. As for Ranters, Adamites, Familists, Antino●ians, Sweet-Singers, Muggletonians, and I know not what else, as they suddenly sprung up like mushrooms, so they are in a manner dwindled ●nto nothing. And indeed their Opinions were ●oo blasphemous and senseless, to hold out long longest Men of any Sense. In Conclusion, 'tis observable how the Difference of Sentiments in Matters of Religion ●●ters the very Temper of Men of the same ●lation; so that one would think they don't ●reath the same Air, nor live in the same Climate. The Church of England Men, as sober ●●d reserved as they are, comparatively to a neighbouring Nation, yet they are far more ●ee, sociable, and open-hearted than the generality of the Dissenters; Who, looking upon ●emselves as the sober Part of the Nation, 〈◊〉 on a Countenance accordingly. I won't ●etch it so far as to call it starched, stern, au●●re, and morose; but grave it is in the high●● degree. If those incline to Jollity, these ●e fo● Melancholy; If to Prodigality, these ●e for Penuriousness. If some of them be ●ilty of Libertinism, 'tis ten to one but some 〈◊〉 these prove guilty of the opposite Sin, which the fouler of the two, though the less contagious. Lastly, if the Churchmen in their way of Dealing buy of all Men, without any distinction for Conscience sake, these out of Brotherly kindness trade most amongst themselves. So true it is, that the very outward Profession of Religion works upon the inward Parts, either for better or for worse. This Observation may be further Illustrated by the late Conduct of the French, a Nation which for many Ages has been looked upon as a● Pattern of Civility and good Manners. To see how a false Notion of Religion has turned in that Kingdom Men into very Brutes, and Genteelness into Barbarity, is almost past my Understanding. The Popish Massacre of the French Protestants in the Reign of Charles IX, as cruel and bloody as it was, was nothing to the late refined Persecution. In that Massacre those that suffered were presently dispatched, and rid of their Sufferings; but in this Persecution a present Death of the Persecuted was a Penance to the Persecutor. For the Design of the Persecutors was not to take away the Lives of Protestants, but all the Comforts of their Lives by Want and barbarous Usage, spoiling an● plundering, dark Prisons and loathsome Du●geons, by parting the Husband and Wife, an● robbing Parents of their dearest Children. An● all this to humour a fancy of a proud Monarch who never knew much of any Religion; an● yet would have all his Subjects to be of hi● by fair or foul means, right or wrong. Whe● he thought he had pretty well rob h●● Neighbouring Princes, this Giantlike Monarch made War with God himself, and we● about to undermine his Kingdom over Me● Consciences. I have but one Reflection more upon our several Ways of Worship. Which is, that the Dissenters serve God Slovenly, the Church of England Decently, and the Papists Gaudily. Est in Medio Virtus. CHAP. VI Of the English Government, in general. ENGLAND, if we except the late distracted Times before the Restauration of Charles TWO, has been always governed by Sovereign Princes. Before the Romans came in, the Britain's being divided into several Nations, each of them was governed by its own Kings and particular Princes. When Britain became a Member of the Roman Empire, than the Britain's were under the Roman Emperors. Yet so, that many of their Tribes had their own Kings, who were suffered ●o govern by their own Law, but then they ●ere Tributary. Such Kings were Codigunus ●●d Prasitagus mentioned by Tacitus, Lucius ●he first Christian King, and Coilus the Father 〈◊〉 Helena, Mother of Constantine the Great. ●nd 'tis observable, that the Policy of the Ro●ans in suffering Kings in the Conquered Counties, was to make them (as Tacitus says) Ser●tutis Instrumenta, that is, instrumental to the ●oples Bondage. After the Romans had quitted the Stage of Britain, upon the Irruption of the Huns into Italy in the Empire of Honorius, (which happened in the Fifth Century) the Kingly Government returned to the Britain's. Who chose for their King Constantine, Brother of Aldroinus, King of Britain in France, a Prince of the British Blood. To whom succeeded Constantius his Son; then Vortiger, who usurped the Crown, and to defend his Title against his Enemies first called in the Saxons. These having got sure footing in this Kingdom, never left the Britain's quiet, till they were possessed of the Whole. And, though they were overthrown in many Battles by King Vortimer, the Son and immediate Successor of Vortiger, and afterwards by King Arthur, One of the World's Nine Worthies, yet the Britain's were soon after his Death so broken and weakened, that they were forced at last to yield, and to exchange this Part of Britain for the Mountains of Wales. Thus the Britain's left the Stage, and the Saxons entered, but still with a Regal Power. By these the Country was divided into Seven Kingdoms, the several Names and Extent whereo● you have in my First Part. But, for the further satisfaction of the Reader, I shall he●● subjoin the Names of the first Kings, with th● Dates of their Accession to their respective Kingdoms. The first King of Kent, Hengist 455. The first King of South-Saxons, Ella, 488. The first King of Westsaxons, Cerdic, 522. The first King of East-Saxons, Erchenwin, 527. The first King of East-Angles, Offa, 575. The first King of Northumberland, Ida, 549. The first King of Mercia, Criodda, 582. This Heptarchy continued thus for several Ages separate and distinct, till the prevailing Fortune of the Westsaxons united them all into one, by the Name of England. Which happened Anno 819, in the Reign of King Egbert, the last King of the Westsaxons, and the first of England. Who, having vanquished all the rest of the Saxon Kings, and added most of their Estates to his own, caused the whole united Body to be called Engel-lond, since turned into England, in a Parliament (or Council) held at Winchester, in the Year aforesaid. And by that Name he was then crowned in the presence of his Nobles, and the rest of his Subjects. Though the Truth is, King Alfred, a Grandchild of Egbert, was he who totally united the Saxon Heptarchy into one Estate. Thus, from the Time of Egbert to this present Time, England has continued a Monarchy above 870, Year. First, under 15 Kings of the Saxon Base; then under 3 Danish Kings; and next to them, under Edward the Confessor, and Harold TWO, two Kings of the Saxon Blood. Who were succeeded by four Norman Kings. And after Stephen the last of the Four, the Saxon Blood was again restored in the Person of King Henry TWO, Anno 1155, in whose Blood the Crown has continued ever since. Now the English Monarchy is none of those Despotical Monarchies, where the Subjects (like Slaves) are at the Arbitrary Power and Will of their Sovereign. An unnatural sort of Government, and directly contrary to the true end of Government, which is the Preservation, Welfare, and Happiness of the People. And what Happiness can a People propose to themselves, when instead of being protected, they may be plundered and murdered at the will of their Prince? Men had as good live in a state of Anarchy, as lie at some Prince's Mercy, whose unlimited Power serves only to make them furious and outrageous. And where lies the Advantage, when the King proves a cruel Tyrant, to be Rob or Murdered by a Royal, or a common Robber? The Government of England, Thanks be to God, is better Constituted. 'Tis a Monarchy, but not with that Dominion which a Master has over his Slave. For then the King might lawfully sell all his Subjects, like so many Head of cattle, and make Money of his whole Stock when he pleases. Here the Legislative Power is divided betwixt the King and his People, but the Executive Power is lodged solely in the King. Here the King has his Prerogative, which is the Support of the Crown; and the People their Privileges, which assert their Liberty. If the King stretches his Prerogative so far beyond its Bounds, as to overthrow the Liberty of the Subject, he unhinges the Government; and the Government being dissolved, He and the Nation are to seek as in the late King's Case. If any part of the Subjects encroach upon his Prerogative, they undergo the lash of the Law; which is no less tender of the King's Prerogative, than of the Subjects Liberty. But the Question is, in case of a Difference betwixt the King and his People, who is a competent Judge. To answer this Objection, I shall make use of the Inquiry into the Measures of Submission to the Supreme Authority. 'Tis to be considered, says the Learned and Judicious Author, that some Points are justly disputable and doubtful; and others so manifest, that any Objections made against them are rather forced Pretences, than so much as plausible Colours. If the Case be doubtful, the Interest of the public Peace and Order ought to carry it. But the Case is quite different, when the Invasions that are made upon Liberty and Property, are plain and visible to all that consider them. But, upon such an Invasion, how can the Subjects of England take up Arms against their King, when the Militia is by several express Laws lodged singly in the King; and those Laws have been put in the form of an Oath, which all that have born any Employment either in Church or State have sworn? So that, though the Subjects have a Right to their Property by many positive Laws, yet they seem now to have no Right or Means left to preserve it. And here seems to be a Contradiction in the English Government; viz. a public Liberty challenged by the Nation, and grounded upon Law, and yet a Renouncing of all Resistance, when that Liberty is invaded, and that also grounded upon Law. This is indeed the main Difficulty. But, in Answer to it, this we must take for a general Rule, when there seems to be a Contradiction between two Articles in the Constitution: That we ought to examine which of the two is the most evident, and the most important, and so fix upon it; then we must give such an accommodating sense to that which seems to contradict it, that so we may reconcile 'em together. 'Tis plain, that our Liberty is only a Thing that we enjoy at the King's Discretion and during his Pleasure, if the other against all Resistance is to be understood according to the utmost extent of the Words. Therefore, since the chief Design of our whole Law, and of all the several Rules of our Constitution, is to secure and maintain our Liberty, we ought to lay that down for a Conclusion, that it is both the most plain, and the most important of the two. And the other Article against Resistance ought to be so softened, as that it do not destroy us. If the Law never designed to lodge the Legislative Power in the King, as it is self-evident, 'tis plain it did not intent to secure him in it, in case he should go about to assume it. Therefore the not resisting the King can only be applied to the Executive Power, that so, upon no pretence of ill Administrations in the Execution of the Law, it should be lawful to resist him. Another Proof that the Law only designed to secure the King in the Executive Power, is the Words of the Oath, which makes it unlawful to bear Arms against the King, or any Commissionated by him. For, if the Commission be not according to Law, 'tis no Commission; and consequently those who act by virtue of it, are not Commissionated by the King in the sense of the Law. Besides, all general Words, how comprehensive soever, are still supposed to have a tacit Exception and Reserve in them, if the matter seem to require it. Thus Children are commanded to obey their Parents in all Things; and Wives are declared by the Scripture to be subject to their Husbands in all Things, as the Church is unto Christ. For odious Things ought not to be suspected, and therefore not named upon such Occasions; but when they fall out, they carry still their own force with them. So by our Form of Marriage, the Parties swear to one another, till Death them do part; and yet few doubt but that this Bond is dissolved by Adultery, though it is not named. In short, when a King of England strikes at the very Foundations of the Government, as the late King did, and that his Maleversations are not only the effect of Humane Frailty, of Ignorance, Inadvertencies, or Passions, to which all Princes may be subject, as well as other Men, in such Cases that King may fall from his Power, or at least from the Exercise of it, and such his Attempts (in the very Judgement of the greatest Assertors of Monarchy,) naturally divest him of his whole Authority. To this purpose we have still fresh before us the Example of the late King of Portugal, who for a few Acts of Rage fatal to very few Persons, was put under a Guardianship, and kept a Prisoner till he died, and his Brother the present King made Regent in his place. Which it seems was (at least secretly) approved by most of the Crowned Heads of Europe, and even our Court gave the first Countenance to it. Though of all others, King Charles II. had the least Reason to do it, since it justified a Younger Brother's supplanting the Elder. But the Evidence of the Thing carried it even against Interest. These are my Author's Arguments, which I thought fit to insist upon, to justify the Nations taking up Arms for the Defence of their Laws, Religion, and Property, against the late King's actual and bare-faced Subverting the whole Frame of this most happy and blessed Government. A Government which has made many King's glorious beyond the Great Nimrod of France, and their People happy beyond all other Nations. A Government which allows enough to a King that cares not to be a Tyrant, and enough to the People to keep them from Slavery. When the King's Prerogative does not interfere with the Liberty of the People, or the People's Liberty with the King's Prerogative, that is, when both King and People keep within their own Sphere, there is no better framed Government under the Sun. Here is Monarchy without Slavery; a great King, and yet a free People. And, the Legislative-Power being lodged in the King, Lords, and Commons jointly, 'tis such a Monarchy as has the main Advantages of an Aristocracy in the Lords, and of a Democracy in the Commons, without the Disadvantages or Evils of either. The Government of England being thus constitued, I see no Ground there is for passive Obedience, where the King's Commands are visibly contrary to Law, and destructive of the Constitution. The Measures of Power, and consequently of Obedience, must be taken from the express Laws of the State, or from Immemorial Customs, or from particular Oaths which the Subjects swear to their Princes. And, in all Disputes between Power and Liberty, Power must always be proved, for Liberty proves itself; that being founded only upon a Positive Law, this upon the Law of Nature. Now 'tis plain, the Law of Nature has put no Difference (or Subordination) amongst Men, except it be that of Children to their Parents, or of Wives to their Husbands. So that, with relation to the Law of Nature, all Men are born Free; and this Liberty must be still supposed entire, unless so far as it is limited by Contracts, Provisions, and Laws. And, as a private Person can bind himself to another Man by different Degrees, either as a common Servant for Wages, or as an Apprentice appropriate for a longer Time, or as a Slave by a total giving himself up to another; so may several Bodies of Men give themselves upon different Terms and Degrees to the Conduct of others. And, as in those Cases the general Name of Master may be equally used, though the degrees of his Power are to be judged by the nature of the Contract; so in these all may carry the same Name of King, and yet every ones Power is to be taken from the Measures of that Authority which is lodged in him, and not from any general Speculations founded on some equivocal Terms, such as King, Sovereign, or Supreme. But this has been of late so learnedly argued, that I shall wave any further Discussion of this Matter. This only I shall add, that the King of England is, by the moderate Assertors of this Monarchy, called Pater Patriae, and Sponsus Regni. By which Metaphorical Characters the King and his Subjects come within the Relation of a Father and Children, or within that of a Husband and Wife; which is proper enough to represent the Nature and Mildness of the English Government. Others make King and Subject to be no other Relation than that of Guardian and Ward. Ad tutelam namque (says Fortescue) Legis Subditorum, ac eorum Corporum & Bonorum, Rex hujusmodi erectus est; the King being ordained for the Defence or Gardianship of the Laws of his Subjects, and of their Bodies and Goods. I have done, and now I proceed to a further Description of this Monarchy. 'Tis Free and Independent, that is, not holden of any Earthly Potentate, or any ways obliged to do Homage for the same; as the Kingdom of Naples, holden of the Pope by the King of Spain, and that of Scotlund which held in Capite of the Crown of England. Whereas the Kingdom of England owns no Superior upon Earth. A Monarchy that justly challenges a Freedom from all Subjection to the Emperor, or Laws of the Empire. For, though the Roman Emperors were anciently possessed of this Country, and got by force of Arms the Possession of it; yet, upon their quitting the same, the Right (by the Law of Nations) returned to the former Owners pro Derelicto, as the Civilians speak. The same is also free from all manner of Subjection to the Pope of Rome, and consequently from those several Inconveniencies and Burdens which lie upon Popish Kingdoms. As Taxes paid to that Bishop, Provisions and Dispensations in several Cases to be procured from the Court of Rome, and Appeals thither in Ecclesiastical Suits. 'Tis an Hereditary Monarchy, and such as allows of no Interregnum; free therefore from those Mischiefs and Inconveniencies which frequently attend such Kingdoms as are Elective. Though it is granted, at least it seems apparent by History, that England has been an Elective Kingdom, especially in the Time of the Saxons; When, upon the King's Death, those Persons of the Realm that composed the then Parliament assembled, in order to the choosing of another. And, though one or other of the Royal Blood was always chosen, yet the next in lineal Succession was often set aside, as is evident from the Genealogies of the Saxon Kings. But, however it was in those and after Times, certain it is that ever since King Henry VII. the Crown has run in a course of lineal Succession by Right of Inheritance. Till the late King, having forsaken the Government and abdicated the Kingdom, the Crown (with the general Consent of the Nation) was set upon the Head of the Prince of Orange (our present King) jointly with the Princess the next Heir to King James, and the Succession settled as will appear afterwards. And upon William and Mary, our Gracious King and Queen, may the Crown long flourish. To conclude, whatever be the Bend and Inclination of some Men amongst us for a Commonwealth, the Generality of the Nation is so much for Monarchy, that it is like so to continue as long as the World endures. In that Eclipse of Monarchy which happened before the Restauration of King Charles TWO, how busy then the Commonwealth Party was to provide against its Return, and to settle here Democracy for ever, all the World knows. No Stone was left unturned, and what came of it? As soon as ever Opportunity served, the very Presbyterians themselves joined with the Royalists to bring in the exiled King, and re-establish the ancient Government. So soon the Nation grew sick of the Commonwealth, and so strong was then the Current for Monarchy, that, without the shedding of a drop of Blood, the first was in a manner hissed out of the Nation, and Monarchy restored with the greatest Pomp and Joy imaginable. I set aside the Zeal of our English Clergy for Monarchy, and their Influence upon the Laity. The great Number alone of our Nobility and Gentry, with their proportionable Ascendent upon the People, makes me look upon it as a moral Impossibility for Commonwealth-Government ever to prevail here. 'Tis well known, the Genius of Commonwealths is for keeping down the Nobility, and extinguishing all those Beams of Royalty. Therefore as 'tis their Interest, so I suppose it will be their Care, to stick to Monarchy. CHAP. VII. Of the KING of ENGLAND. And first of his Dominions, Titles, Arms, his Ensigns of Royalty, and Marks of Sovereignty. THE King of England is otherwise called King of Great-Britain, as being the sole Sovereign and supreme Head of this great and famous Island, containing the two Kingdoms of England and Scotland, besides the Principality of Wales. Which Principality was first united, by Conquest, to the Crown of England Anno 1282, by King Edward I. Who overcame and slew in Battle Llewellen, the last Sovereign Prince of Wales, of the Race of Cadwallader the last King of the Britain's. After the Conquest thereof, he took all the provident Care imaginable to secure it to the Crown; but the Welsh seldom contained themselves within the bounds of true Allegiance, till the Reign of Henry VII, who was extracted from the Welsh Blood. In whose Successor's Reign, Henry VIII, they were made by Act of Parliament one Nation with the English, subject to the same Laws, capable of the same Preferments, privileged with the same Immunities, and enabled to send Knights and Burgesses to the English Parliament. So that the Name and Language only excepted, there is now no Difference between the English and Welsh. A very happy Union. Scotland was also brought into Subjection by the same King Edward; so that he received Homage of its King and Nobility, and had there his Chancery and other Courts under a Viceroy. But with much struggling they recovered at last their Liberty, and set up a King of their own, Robert Bruce; who had the luck to be confirmed in it by the Defeat given to Edward TWO, one of our unfortunate Kings. 'Tis true his Son King Edward III, a most virtuous and valorous Prince, changed the face of Affairs in Scotland, and brought again the Scots to Obedience. Insomuch that he excluded David, the Son of Robert Bruce from the Crown, then forced to fly into France, and restored the House of Balliol to the Kingdom, in the person of Edward Son of King John Baliol. Who, upon his coming to the Crown, did Homage to this King Edward, as his Father had done to King Edward I. But 'twas not long before the Scots quitted again their Subjection and Vassalage to the Crown of England, the Roll of Ragman being treacherously delivered into their hands by Roger Mortimer Earl of March. Which Roll contained a Confession and Acknowledgement of the Estates of Scotland, subscribed by all their Hands and Seals; whereby they owned the Superiority of the Kings of England, not only in regard of such Advantages as the Sword had given them, but as of their original and undoubted Right. But, setting aside this point of Vassalage, the Kings of England are Kings of Scotland by a better Title. For King James VI of Scotland, and the first of England, succeeded Q. Elizabeth in the Realm of England, as the next Heir to the Crown, Anno 1602; being descended, by Mary Queen of the Scots his Mother, from Margaret, the eldest Daughter of Henry the VII. King of England, and Wife to James IV, of Scotland. And here the Wisdom and prudent Foresight of Henry is very remarkable. Who, having two Daughters, bestowed the Eldest (contrary to the Mind of his Council) on the King of Scots, and the younger on the French King; that, if his own Issue Male should fail, as it did by the Death of his Grandson King Edward VI, and that a Prince of another Nation must inherit England, than Scotland as the lesser Kingdom, should depend upon England, and not England wait on France, as upon the greater. In which Succession of the Scots to the Crown of England, the Prophecy of the fatal Stone received accomplishment. I mean the Stone which the Scots looked upon as their Palladium, kept at Scone in Scotland, the usual Place for the Coronation of the Scotish Kings; upon which they received their Crown, till the Removal of it unto Westminster by King Edward I. The Verses of old engraven upon this Stone run thus, Non fallat Fatum, Scoti quocunque locatum, Invenient Lapidem, regnare tenentur ibidem. Translated in old Meeter thus. The Scots shall brook that Realm as natif Ground, If Weirds fail not, where ere this Stone is found. Thus the Scots, so often quelled and kerbed by the English, never subdued England but by this blessed Victory. Ever since this happy Union, Scotland has been deprived of its King's Residence there, who changed the worse Seat for the better. But under the King there is a chief Governor appointed by his Majesty, the Lord High Commissioner of Scotland; who, by that Title, enjoys the ordinary Power and Authority of a Viceroy. In this manner Scotland has continued to this day a separate Kingdom, governed by its own Laws. 'Tis true there have been several Attempts made to unite it into one Kingdom with England, as Wales was by Henry VIII. But hitherto they proved unsuccesful. So far we have cleared in few Words by History the whole Isle of Great Britain to the King of England; with the numerous Islands about it, the principal of which are the Isles of Shepey, Thanet, Wight, Anglesey, and Man. The next that offers itself is the Kingdom of Ireland, a great Part whereof was Conquered by the English about the Year 1172. in the Reign of Henry TWO, and the Occasion thus. Ireland being then divided amongst several ●petty Kings, the King of Leinster was by the King of Meath driven out of his Kingdom. He fled to England for Refuge; where, applying himself to King Henry, Henry resolved to attempt his Restauration; which he did effectually, and in the doing of it, brought the best part of the Island under the English Subjection. King John, the Younger Son of Henry, was the first who was Entitled Lord of Ireland. Which Style was granted him by Pope Urban III, and continued to his Successors (though in effect Kings thereof) till the Year 1542; when Henry VIII, was declared in an Irish Parliament King of Ireland, as a Name more sacred and replete with Majesty. But the English never made a full and entire Conquest of that Kingdom till the latter end of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, upon the great Defection of the Irish. Which ended in a total Overthrow of the Rebels, then under the Conduct of Hugh O Neal, Earl of Tiroen; and the consequence of it, according to the Rule, That every Rebellion, when 'tis suppressed, does make the Prince stronger, and the Subjects weaker: Which I hope will be the effect of the present Rebellion in that Kingdom. But, besides Great Britain and Ireland, the King of England is possessed of Jersey, Garnsey, Alderney, and Sark, four Islands of good note (especially the two first) on the Coast of Normandy in France. The same are holden in right of that Dukedom, which was Conquered by Henry I, of England, and continued English till the Days of King John; when Philip TWO, of France, surnamed Augustus, seized on all the Estates the English had in France, as Forfeitures, Anno 1202. And, since the French seized upon Normandy, they have often attempted Jersey, and Garnsey, but always with repulse and loss. So affectionate are the People to the English Government, and jealous of the Privileges they enjoy under it, which they could not hope for from the French. In America the King of England is possessed of New-England, Virginia, Mary-Land, New York, Pensylvania, Carolina, and Hudsons-Bay. Besides many noted Islands, as Newfound Land, Jamaica, Bermudos, Barbados; and, amongst the Leeward Islands, Nevis, Antego, Montserat, Anguilla, etc. In Asia he has the Isle of Bombay near Goa, which was Part of the present Queen Dowagers Portion; besides Conveniencies for Traffic in India, China, and the Levant. The same he has upon the Coast of afric. The King of England has a Claim besides to the Sovereignty of all the Seas round about Great Britain and Ireland, and all the Isles adjacent, even to the Shores of all the Neighbouring Nations. Therefore all Foreiners Ships have anciently demanded Leave to Fish, and to pass in these Seas; and to this day lower their Topsails to all the King's Ships of War. Our Law faith, the Sea is of the Liegeance of the King, as well as the Land. And accordingly Children born upon our four Seas (as sometimes it does happen) are accounted natural born Subjects of the King of England, without being naturalised. The King of England has moreover a Title to the Kingdom of France. First Challenged by King Edward III, as Son and Heir of Isabel, the Daughter of King Philip the Fair, and Sister of Lewis IX, Philip V, and Charles the Fair, who reigned successively, and died without Issue Male. To prosecute which Title, he entered into France with an Army, took upon him the Title of King of France, and caused the Flower de luces to be quartered with the Lions of England; which has been continued ever since amongst all his Successors. The French (opposing his Title by virtue of a pretended Salic Law, disabling Women from the Succession to the Crown) he overthrew in two great Battles, with a small Force under the Conduct of the incomparable Edward the Black Prince his Son, Duke of Aquitain. Those were the Battles of Cressy and Poitiers, the first being fought Anno 1343, in the Reign of Philip VI, surnamed the Valois, and that of Poitiers in the Reign of his Son King John, who was taken Prisoner with Philip his Son, and brought over into England. But such is the Vicissitude of Humane Affairs, that the English soon after lost all they had got in these Wars, Calais excepted. For Charles V, of France, the Son of John, proved too hard for Richard TWO, of England, one of our unfortunate Kings, the next Successor of King Edward III, and his Grandson by Edward the Black Prince. But Henry V, his next Successor but one, did so far pursue the Title of France, that he won it, after he had won the great Battle of Agincourt, which happened Anno 1415. The Opportunity was great, whether we consider the Weakness and distracted Condition of Charles VI, than King of France, or the very Distraction of the Kingdom at that time occasioned by the Faction of Burgundy against that of Orleans. So that, being sought to for Peace, he granted it with these Conditions, that upon his Marriage with the Lady Catharine, Daughter to King Charles, he should be made Regent of France, during Charles his Life, and after the Death of Charles, the Crown of France and a●● its Rights should remain to King Henry and his Heirs for ever; which was agreed to ●n ●oth sides. And, though Henry did not live ●o possess the Kingdom, yet his Son Henry VI, ●ad the fortune to be Crowned King of France in Paris; which he held during the life of his Uncle John of Bedford, an● Humphrey of Glo●ester. After whose Deaths he not only lost France to the French, but England and his Life to the Yorkish Faction. Thus Charles VII, Son of Charles VI, after 〈◊〉 long and bloody War, recovered from the English, then divided at Home, all their Possessions in France, except Calais. Which last remained under the English till Queen Mary's Reign, and was taken from her by Henry TWO, of France. And ever since Things have remained much in the same Posture, the Kings of England with the Title to France, and the French Kings with the Possession. Nay we have had two Kings of late so passionately enamoured with the present French King, that far from attempting to take the least Flower of his Crown from him, have promoted his Greatness, and encouraged his Rapines and unjust Usurpations. The Scope whereof at last appeared to be no less than the Enslaving this Nation, with the Assistance of France; and, far from raising the Glory of the English, to make them an Object of Scorn and Contempt to the World. But now we are blest with a wise, just, and magnanimous King, three Virtues that have been long absent from the Throne of England, we may hope shortly to see France, if not Conquered again, at least so humbled and weakened, that it shall not be in her power to insult and encroach upon her Neighbours as she has in our Time, to the Ruin and Desolation of the best Part of Europe. 'Twas a notable (if not Prophetic) Answer which an Englishman made to a French Officer; who, after the English had lost France, asked him in a scoffing manner, When they would return thither? Whe● your Sins, says he ●●re greater than ours. As ba● as this Nation 〈◊〉 been, 'tis apparent the French have far outdone us in their Pride and Lewdness, Cruelties and Usurpations. So that I hope, from the Disposition of the present Affairs of Europe, the Time is come for France to give an Account thereof to God and Man. I come now to the King of England's Titles, which run thus at present, jointly with Queen Mary; William and Mary, by the Grace of God, King and Queen of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, Defenders of the Faith. Which last Title was given by Pope Leo X, to King Henry VIII, for a Book written by him against Luther, in Defence of some Points of the Romish Religion; and afterwards confirmed by Act of Parliament, for Defence of the ancient Catholic and Apostolic Faith, as it is now professed by the Church of England. Whereas the King of France is called Most Christian, and the King of Spain Most Catholic. The Title of Majesty came not into use in England till the Reign of Henry VIII. Instead whereof the Title of Grace, now appropriated to the Dukes and the two Archbishops, was given to former Kings; and that of Highness to the foresaid King Henry, till the Word Majesty prevailed. When we speak to the King, the Word Sir is often used, besides Your Majesty; according to the French Sire, which is likewise applied ●o that King. For the King's Arms, or Ensigns Armorial, He ●ears in the first place, for the Regal Arms of ●rance, Azure, 3 Flower de luces Or; quartered with the Arms of England, which are Gules 〈◊〉 Lions passant Gardant in pale Or. In the se●ond place, for the Royal Arms of Scotland, a ●ion rampant Gules, within a double Tressure ●unter flowered de luce Or. In the third place, or Ireland, Azure, an Irish Harp Or, stringed ●rgent. In the fourth place, as in the first. To which has been added, since the present King's accession to the Crown, another Lion in the ●iddle, thus blazoned; Azure a Lion rampant ●r, between an Earl of Billets Or. And all this within the Garter, the chief En●gn of that Order; above which is an Helmet, ●swerable to his Majesty's Sovereign Jurisdiction, and upon this a Mantle. The Mantle 〈◊〉 Cloth of Gold doubled Ermine, adorned with 〈◊〉 Imperial Crown, and surmounted for a Crest 〈◊〉 a Lion Passant Gardant, Crowned with the ●●ke. The Supporters a Lion Rampant Gardant 〈◊〉, Crowned as the former, and an Unicorn Ar●●t Gorged with a Crown; thereto a Chain affed, passing between his Forelegs, and re●xed over his Back Or. Both standing upon Compartment placed underneath, and in the ●ce of the Compartment this Royal Motto, ●en & mon Droit, that is, God and my Right. ●hich Motto was taken up by Edward the ●ird, when he first claimed the Kingdom of ●ance. Who also gave the Motto upon the ●●ter, Honi soit qui mal y pense, that is, Shame to him that evil thereof thinketh. The Arms of France are placed first, as being the greater Kingdom, and perhaps thereby to induce the French the more easily to ow● the English Title. The Ensigns of Royalty, such as Crowns, Sceptres, Purple-Robe, Golden-Globe, and Holy Unction, the King of England has them all. And so he has all the Marks of Sovereignty As the Power of making Treaties and League with foreign States, of making Peace or Wa● of sending and receiving Ambassadors, Creating of Magistrates, Convening the Parliament of Adjourning, Proroguing, and Dissolving the same, when he thinks fit, of conferring Title of Honour, of pardoning some Criminals, o● Coining, etc. All which Marks of Sovereignty are by Law lodged in the Crown. Accordingly the King of England, without the Concurrence of his Parliament, levies Me● and Arms for Sea and Land-Service, and may (if need require) press Men for that purpose He has alone the Choice and Nomination of a●● Commanders and Officers, the principal Direction and Command of his Armies, and th● Disposal of all Magazines, Ammunition, Castles Forts, Ports, Havens, Ships of War. The Militia is likewise wholly at his Command. And though he cannot of himself raise Money upon his Subjects without his Parliament, yet he ha● the sole Disposal of public Moneys In the Parliament He has a Negative Voice that is, he may (without giving any Reason for it) refuse to give his Royal Assent to an● Bill, though passed by both Houses of Parliament; and, without his Assent, such a Bill 〈◊〉 but like a Body without Soul. He may at 〈◊〉 pleasure increase the Number of the House 〈◊〉 Peers by creating more Barons, or summoning thither whom he thinks fit by Writ; and of the House of Commons, by bestowing Privileges on any other Town, to send Burgesses to Parliament. He has the Choice and Nomination of all Counselors and Officers of State, of all the Judges, Bishops, and other high Dignities in the Church. In short, the King is the Fountain of Honour, Justice, and Mercy. None but the King has the Sovereign Power in the Administration of Justice; and no Subject has here, as in France, Haute, Moyenne, & basse Jurisdiction, that is, High, Mean, or Low Jurisdiction. So that the King only is Judge in his own Cause, though he deliver his Judgement by the Mouth of his Judges. By Him is appointed the Metal, Weight, Purity, and Value of Coin; and by his Proclamation he may make any foreign Coin to be lawful Money of England. So tender is the Law for the Preservation of his Sacred Person, that, without any overt Act, the very Imagining or intending the Death of the King, is High Treason by Law. And, though by Law an Idiot or Lunatic, Non Compos Mentis, cannot commit Felony, nor any sort of Treason; yet, if during his Idiocy or Lunacy, he shall Kill, or go about to Kill the King, he shall be punished as a Traitor. In point of Physic, by an ancient Record, it is declared, That no Physic ought to be administered to the King, without a Warrant signed by the Privy Council, by no other Physician but what is mentioned in the Warrant, and the Physicians to prepare it themselves with their own hands. If there be occasion for a Surgeon, he must be likewise authorized by a Warrant. And such is the Honour and Respect the King of England receives from his Subjects, that 〈◊〉 Prince in Christendom receives more Homage Not only all Persons stand bare in his presence, but even in his absence, where he has a Chai● of State. All People at their first Address kneel to him, and he is at all times served upon the Knee. 'Tis true, the King of England is not free to act contrary to, or to dispense with the known established Laws. Neither can he of himself repeal a Law, or make any new Law, without the Concurrence of both Houses of Parliament. A happy Impotency, both to King and People. For, whilst the King keeps within the Bounds of the Law, he can do no Wrong, and the People can receive no Harm. Had the late King but acted accordingly, he might have been a most glorious Monarch, instead of being now a general Object of Pity. Far from being necessitated to creep under the shelter of a Proud Monarch, he might have been a Curb to his Pride, and the Refuge of many Nations that suffered Fire and Sword, to advance what he called his Glory. Three Crowns at once are too great a Sacrifice, not to God, but to a Mercenary Crew of Priests and Jesuits. Tantum Religio potuit suadere Malorum. As to the Rank and Reputation of the Kings of England, when all Christendom in the Council of Constance was divided into Nations, the English was one of the Principal, and not Subaltern, having its Voice of equal balance with the Nations of France or Italy. In those General Councils the Emperor of Germany was counted Major Filius Ecclesiae, the King of France Minor Filius, and the King of England Filius tertius & adoptivus. Whereas, with submission, methinks it had been more proper, especially in such Assemblies, to look upon the King of England as Primogenitus Ecclesiae, the Eldest Son of the Church, out of respect to the British King Lucius, who (as I said before) was the first King in the World that embraced Christianity. In those Councils, the King of France had place next the Emperor on his right hand, the King of England next on his left hand, and the King of Scotland next before Castille. However the King of England acknowledges no Precedence to any Monarch, but only to the Emperor, and that upon the Score of Antiquity. For the Crown of England is free and independent, and therefore has been declared in Parliaments long since to be an Imperial Crown. CHAP. VIII. Of the Solemn Proclamation, and Coronation of the King of England. THE Kings of England are both Proclaimed and Crowned with so much Solemnity, that it won't be improper to describe the Manner of it, it being a Solemnity not at all disagreeable to the Design of this Work. I begin with the Proclamation, which is the first Step to the Crown. And, being we are upon the New State of England, I shall describe the Manner how the present King William and Queen Mary were Proclaimed at Whitehall-Gate, within Temple-Bar, in Cheap-side● and the Royal Exchange. Which happened o● the 13th of Febr. Anno 1688/9. The Lords and Commons, being then Assembled at Westminster, came to the Banqueting-house, where they presented the Prince and Princess of Orange the Instrument in Writing agreed upon for Declaring Their Highness' KING and QUEEN of England, France and Ireland, with all the Dominions and Te●tories thereunto belonging, and received Their Consent thereto. About 11 of the Clock, the said Lords and Commons came down to Whitehall Gate, preceded by the Speakers of their respective Hous●● viz. the Marquis of Hallifax Speaker 〈…〉 Lords, and Henry paul Esq Speaker of 〈…〉 mons, each of them attended by a 〈…〉 Arms, in order to see Their Majesty's 〈…〉. Being come down to the Gate, there they found the Heralds of Arms, the Sergeants at Arms, the Trumpets, and other Officers, all in readiness, being assembled by Order from the Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal of England. And Sr. Thomas S. George Knight Garter, Principal King of Arms, having received a Proclamation in Writing, with an Order from the Lords House to the King's Heralds and Pursuivants of Arms for Publishing or Proclaiming the same forthwith, the Persons concerned disposed themselves in Order before the Ourt-gate, for making the said Proclamation. The Trumpets having sounded a Call three several times, the last of which was answered by a great Shout of the vast Multitudes of People there assembled, the Noise ceasing, the said Garter King of Arms read the Proclamation by short Sentences or Periods; Which was thereupon proclaimed aloud by Robert Devenish Esq York Herald, being the Signior Herald, in these Words. WHEREAS it has pleased Almighty God, in his great Mercy to this Kingdom, to vouchsafe as a Miraculous Deliverance from Popery and Arbitrary Power, and that our Preservation is due, next unto God, to the Resolution and Conduct of His Highness the Prince of Orange, whom God has chosen to be the Glorious Instrument of such an Inestimable Happiness to us and our Posterity; And being highly sensible and fully persuaded of the Great and Eminent Virtues of her Highness the Princess of Orange, whose Zeal for the Protestant Religion will no doubt bring a Blessing along with Her upon the Nation; And whereas the Lords and Commons now Assembled at Westminster have made a Declaration, and presented the same to the said Prince and Princess of Orange, and therein desired Them to Accept the Crown, who have Accepted the same accordingly; We therefore the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, Together with the Lord Mayor and Citizens of London, and others of the Commons of this Realm, Do, with a full Consent, Publish and Proclaim, according to the said Declaration, William and Mary Prince and Princess of Orange, to be KING and QVEEN of England, France, and Ireland, with all the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging; Who are accordingly so to be owned, deemed, accepted, and taken by all the People of the aforesaid Realms and Dominions, who are henceforward bound to acknowledge and pay unto The● all Faith and true Allegiance. Beseeching God, by whom King's Reign, to bless KING WILLIAM and QVEEN MARY with long and happy Years to Reign over us. God save King William and Queen Mary. Jo. Brown, Cleric. Parliamentorum. Which being ended, and the Trumpe● sounding a Flourish, was answered by several repeated Shouts of the People. And Direction being given to proclaim the same with in Temple-Bar, in Cheapside, and at the Royal-Exchange, the Proceeding marched in this manner. I. The several Beadles of the Liberties of Westminister. II. The Constables of the said Liberties, all on foot, with the high-Constable on horseback. III. The Head-Bayliff of Westminster, and his Men, all on horseback, with white Staves, to clear the Way. iv A Class of Trumpets, nine in all, on horseback, the six first riding two and two, and the three last together; Followed by the Sergeant-Trumpeter, carrying his Mace on the Shoulder V A Pursuivant of Arms single; a Pursui ●ant, and a Sergeant at Arms; and next an ●ther Pursuivant, and 〈◊〉 Sergeant at Arms. The Pursuivants in ●heir rich Coats of the ●oyal Arms, and each ●f the Sergeants carrying his Mace on his Shoulder, all of them on horseback. VI Four Heralds of Arms, one after another, each with a Sergeant at Arms on his left hand, carrying his Mace on the Shoulder; and the Heralds being all in their rich Coats of the Royal Arms. VII. Garter, King of Arms, in his rich Coat of Arms, carrying the Proclamation; Accompanied with Sr. Tho. Duppa Kt. Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, in his Crimson Mantle of the Order of the Garter, and his Black Rod of Office, likewise on Horseback. VIII. The Speaker of the House of Lords in his Coach; Attended by Sr. Roger Harsnet elder Sergeant at Arms, with his Mace. IX. The Speaker of the House of Commons, in his Coach; Attended by John Topham Esq, Sergeant at Arms to the said House, with his Mace. X. The Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal, and Premier Duke of England, in his Coach with his Marshal's Staff in his hand. XI. The Peers in order in their Coaches. XII. The Members of the House of Commons, in their Coaches. In this Order they proceeded towards Temple-Bar. And, being come as far as the Maypole in the Strand, two of the Officers of Arms, with a Sergeant at Arms, and two Trumpets, went before to Temple-Bar; where the Lord Mayor, aldermans, and Sheriffs were by this time arrived, and had ordered the Gates to be shut. The Herald at Arms knocked thereat; and the Sheriffs being come to the Gate on Horseback, he acquainted them, That he came, by Order of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal assembled at Westminster, to demand Entrance into that famous City, for the Proclaiming of WILLIAM and MART King and Queen of England, France, and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging, and therefore required their speedy Answer. Whereupon the said Sheriffs ordered the Gates to be opened. Thus the Head-Bayliff, Constables, and Beadles of Westminster being left without the Bar, the rest of the Proceeding entered Where they found the Lord Mayor, aldermans, Recorder, and Sheriffs, all in their Formalities, and on Horseback; Except the Lor● Mayor, who was in his Coach, attended by the Sword-bearer; and other of his Officers The Proceeding being there joyfully received they made a Stand between the two Temple-Gates, and Proclaimed Their Majesties a second time. From whence they marched towards Cheapside, a Class of the City-Trumpets, and the Lord Mayor's Livery-men leading the Way, the said Aldermen and Lord Mayor falling into the Proceeding. And near Wood-street end (the Place where Cheapside Cross formerly stood) they made another stand, and Proclaimed Their Majesties a third time. At last arriving at the Royal Exchange about two of the Clock, they Proclaimed Them a fourth time. Each Proclamation was echoed with universal Acclamations of Joy by the Multitudes of people which crowded the Streets, Windows, and Balconies; the Streets all the way from Temple-Bar to the Royal Exchange being lined with four Regiments of the City Militia. And the Night was concluded with Bonfires, Ringing of Bells, and all other Expressions of Duty and Affection towards Their Majesty's King WILLIAM and Queen MARY, with hearty Wishes for Their long and happy Reign. Their Coronation was performed at Westminster in Manner following, Apr. 11th 1689. Their Majesty's being come about Noon from Whitehall to the Palace at Westminster, where the Nobility and others who were to go into the Proceeding were assembled, came down in State from the House of Lords to Westminster-Hall, then fitted up for this great Solemnity. Where being seated on the Throne, the Sword of State, the Curtana or pointless Sword, being an Emblem of Mercy, and the two pointed Swords, together with the gold Spurs, were presented to Their Majesties, and laid on a Table before Them. Then the Dean and prebend's of Westminster, having before brought the Crowns and other Regalia in solemn Procession from the Collegiate Church there, came up the Hall, and presented them severally to Their Majesties. Which being likewise laid on the Table were, together with the four Swords and Spurs, delivered to the Lords appointed to carry them in the Procession, which was thus. First marched The Drums, and Trumpets. The Six Clerks in Chancery, two abreast, as the rest of the Proceeding went. Chaplains having Dignities. The Aldermen of London. Masters in Chancery. Solicitor and Attorney General. Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber. Judges. Then the Children of Westminster, and of the King's Chapel. The Choir of Westminster. Gentlemen of the Chapel. Prebend of Westminster. Master of the Jewel-House. Privy Counsellors not Peers. Two Pursuivants. The Baronesses. Barons. Bishops. A Pursuivant. A Vicountess. The Viscount's. Two Heralds. The Duchess'. The Dukes. Two Kings of Arms. The Lord Privy Seal. Lord Precedent of the Council. Archbishop of York. The Prince of Denmark. Two Persons in Robes of State, representing the Dukes of Aquitain and Normandy. Next, the Lords who bore Their Majesty's Regalia, with the Sergeants at Arms going on each side of them. Viz. The Earl of Manchester carrying S. Edward's Staff, and the Lord Grey of Ruthen (now Viscount of Longueville) the Spurs. The Earl of Clare carrying the Queen's Sceptre with the Cross, and the Earl of Northampton the King's. The Earls of Shrewsbury, Derby, and Pembroke, the three Swords Then Garter King Arms, between the Usher of the Black Rod and the Lord Mayor of London. The Lord Great Chamberlain, single. The Earl of Oxford with the Sword of State, between the Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshal, and the Duke of Ormond Lord High Constable for that Day. Next, the Earl of Bedford with the Queen's Sceptre of the Dove, and the Earl of Rutland with the Kings The Duke of Bolton with the Queen's Orb, and the Duke of Grafton with the Kings. The Duke of Somerset with the Queen's Crown, and the Earl of Devonshire Lord Steward of the King's Household, and Lord High Steward of England for that Day, with the King's Crown. The Bishop of London with the Bible, between the Bishop of S. Asaph with the Paten, and the Bishop of Rochester with the Chalice. The KING and QUEEN followed next under a rich Canopy, born by Sixteen Barons of the Cinque-Ports; the King assisted by the bishop of Winchester, and the Queen by the Bishop of Bristol. Both Their Majesties arrayed in Royal Robes of Crimson Velvet furred with Ermine, the King with a Velvet Cap, and the Queen with a gold Circlet on her head. His Majesty's Train born by the Master of the Robes, assisted by the Lords Eland, Willoughby, Lansdowne, and Dunblain; and Her Majesties by the Duchess of Somerset, assisted by the Ladies Eliz. Pawlet, Diana Vere, Eliz. Cavendish, and Henrietta Hyde. The Gentlemen Pensioners marched on each side of the Canopy. Next to the King followed a Gentleman, and two Grooms of the Bedchamber. And, after the Queen, a Lady of the Bedchamber, and two of Her Majesty's Women. Who were followed by the Captain of His Majesty's Guard, between the Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard, and the Captain of the Band of Pensioners. And these, by the Officers and Band of the Yeomen of the Guard, who closed the Proceeding. Thus Their Majesties, with all the Nobility in Crimson-Velvet Robes and their Coronets in their hands, and the rest of the Proceeding being richly habited, or wearing their proper and peculiar Robes, proceeded on foot upon blue Cloth, spread from the Steps of the Throne in Westminster-Hall to the Steps of the Theatre in the Choir of the Collegiate Church of S. Peter Westminster. The whole Passage was Railed in and Guarded with Their Majesty's Horse and Foot-Gards, all the Way and Houses on each side being Crowded with vast Number of Spectators, expressing their great Joy and Satisfaction by loud repeated Acclamations. Being entered the Church, and the Nobility and others all duly placed, Their Majesties ascended the Theatre. Who being seated in their Chairs of State, the Bishop of London, who performed this great Solemnity, began with the Recognition, which ended with a mighty Shout. Then Their Majesties Offered, and the Lords who bore the Regalia presented them at the Altar, where they were deposited. After that, the Litany was sung by two Bishops. And after the Epistle, Gospel, and Nicene Creed, the Bishop of Salisbury began the Sermon, his Text being taken out of 2 Sam. 23. V 3 & 4. The Sermon ended, Their Majesties took the Oath. And, being conducted to their Regal Chairs placed on the Theatre, that they might be more conspicuous to the Members of the House of Commons who were seated in the North-Cross, They were Anointed. After the Unction they were presented with the Spurs and Sword, invested with the Palls and Orbs, and then with the Rings and Sceptres. At four of the Clock the Crowns were put upon their Heads; at sight whereof all the People shouted, the Drums and Trumpets sounded, the great Guns were discharged, and the Peers and Peeresses put on their Coronets. Then the Bible was presented to Their Majesties; and, after the Benediction. They vouchsafed to kiss the Bishops. Being Enthroned, first the Bishops, and then the Temporal Lords did their Homage, and Kissed Their Majesty's left Cheeks. In the mean while the Treasurer of the Household threw about the Coronation Medals; which were of Silver, about the bigness of a half-crown Piece, representing of one side the King and Queen, with their Names thus, Gulielmus & Maria Rex & Regina. And, on the Reverse, giddy-brained Phaethon, unskilfully guiding the Chariot of the Sun; with Jupiter above striking him with a Thunderbolt; and this Motto about it, Ne Totus Absumatur, that is, Lest the whole World be Consumed with fire. A very pat Emblem to the present Juncture, as those may best judge who are well acquainted with the Story of Phaethon. Next, followed the Communion. And Their Majesties, having made Their second Oblation, received the holy Sacrament. Then the Bishop read the final Prayers. After Prayers, Their Majesties retired into S. Edward's Chapel, where they were new Arrayed in Purple Velvet. And in this Habit they returned to Westminster-Hall, with Their rich Crowns of State upon their Heads, and the Nobility their Coronets. A splendid Dinner being prepared in the Hall for Their Majesties, and the whole Proceeding, the first Course for Their Majesty's Table was served up with the proper Ceremony, being preceded by the great Officers, and the High Constable, High Steward, and Earl Marshal. But the Tables of the Nobility, etc. were all ready furnished, before their Coming in. Before the second Course, Charles Dymoke Esq Their Majesty's Champion, came into the Hall on horseback, between the High Constable and the Earl Marshal; where be performed the Challenge. After which the Heralds proclaimed Their Majesty's Styles. Dinner being ended, and the whole Solemnity performed with great Splendour and Magnificence, Their Majesties about eight in the Evening returned to Whitehall. CHAP. IX. Of the King's peculiar Prerogatives. Also, of His Power, Court, and Revenues, in general. BEsides the Royal Marks of Sovereignty inherent in the Crown of England, the King has certain Privileges, properly called by the Name of Prerogatives, which are so many Flowers of the Crown. The principal are these that follow. First, all Estates, for want of Heirs, or by Forfeiture, escheat (or revert) to the King. To Him also belong all Lands of Aliens, dying before Naturalisation or Denization, unless they leave Issue born within his Dominions; All Waste Ground or Land recovered from the Sea; All Gold and Silver Mines, in whose Ground soever they are found; All Wayfs, Strays, and Wracks, not granted away by Him or any of his Predecessors; All Treasure found, as Gold, Silver, Plate, Bullion, etc. the Owner whereof is unknown; All Royal Fishes, as Whales, Dolphins, etc. And Royal Fowl, as Swans not marked, and swimming at liberty on the River. The King, by his Prerogative, has the Right of Pre-emption of all Sorts of Victuals near the Court; and may take Horses, Carts, Ships, and Boats, for his Carriages, at reasonable Rates. By his Letters Patent he may erect new Counties, Cities, Boroughs, Universities, Colleges, Schools, Hospitals, Fairs, Markets, Forests, Chases, Free-Warrens, etc. And, without his Authority, no Forest, Chase, or Park can be made, or Castle built. He has Power likewise to Infranchise an Alien, and make him a Denizen, whereby he is enabled to purchase Houses and Lands, and to bear some Offices. But none can be Naturalised but by King and Parliament. The King only can give Letters of Mart or Reprisal. And, in case of Losses by Fire or otherwise, He only can give Patents to receive the charitable Benevolences of the People, without which no Man may ask it publicly. Debts due to the King are in the first place to be satisfied, in case of Executorship and Administratorship; and, till the King's Debts be satisfied, He may protect the Debtor from the Arrest of other Creditors. He may Distrein for the whole Rent upon one Tenant, though he do not hold the whole Land; Is not obliged to demand his Rent, as others are; and may sue in what Court he pleases, and Distrain where he list. No Occupancy can stand good against the King, nor any Entry before Him prejudice him. And the Sale of the King's Goods in open Market does not take away his Property therein. All Receivers of Money for the King, or Accomptants to Him for any Branch of his Revenues, are chargeable for the same at all times, in their Persons, Lands, Goods, Heirs, Executors, and Administrators. And, when any Debtor to the King is disabled to pay him, by reason of Debts owing him which he has not been able to recover, in such a Case the King's Debtor being Plaintiff has some Privileges above others, by virtue of a Quo minus in the Exchequer. In Doubtful Cases, always there ought to be a particular Regard and favourable Presumption for the King. And Judgements against the King's Title are always entered with a Salvo Jure Domini Regis; That if at any time the King's Council at Law can make out his Title better, that Judgement shall not prejudice Him. Which is not so for a Subject. The King's Servants in Ordinary are free from Arrest; also, from all Offices that require their Attendance, as Sheriff, Constable, Churchwarden, etc. And, for reasonable Causes Him thereunto moving, He may protect any Man against Suits at Law, etc. with a Noli Prosequi. As to Church Matters, the King by Act of Parliament is the Supreme Head of the Church, as He is of the State; and is looked upon as her Guardian, and Nursing Father. He is (as Constantine the Emperor said of himself) an external Bishop of the Church, and in some Sense a Priest aswell as a King. Therefore at his Coronation He is Anointed with Oil, as the Priests were at first, and afterwards the Kings of Israel, to intimate that his Person is Sacred and Spiritual; and has the Dalmatica, and other Priestly Vests, put upon Him. By virtue of his Prerogative, He has Power to call a National or Provincial Synod; and to make such Alterations in the Church-Discipline as they shall judge expedient. And, as He is the Lord Paramount, or Supreme Landlord, of all the Lands in England; so He has all over England the Supreme Right of Patronage, called Patronage Paramount. Insomuch that, if the mean Patron, or the Ordinary, or the Metropolitan, present not in due time, the Right of Presentation comes at at last to the King. As for the Bishoprics, the King only has the Patronage of them. For none can be chosen Bishop, but whom he nominates in his Congee d'Estire; and a Bishop Elect cannot be Consecrated, or take possession of the Revenues of the Bishopric, without the King's special Writ or Assent. In short, as the King is the only Sovereign and Supreme Head both in Church and State, so there lies no Appeal from Him, as from some other States and Kingdoms beyond Sea, either to the Pope of Rome, or to the Emperor. But indeed the greatest and safest of the King's Prerogatives is, as the present King wrote in a late Letter to his Council of Scotland, to Rule according to Law, and with Moderation. The Dispensing Power, so much contended for in the late Reign by the Court-Party as a Branch of the King's Prerogative, and as vigorously opposed by some true Patriots, is ●ow quite out of Doors by the Act of Settlement, which makes it plainly Illegal. And, as to that divine Prerogative which the Kings of England claimed as a Thing de Jure divino, I mean the Curing of the King's Evil, only by the King's laying his hands on the Sick, assisted with a short Form of Divine Service, it is now laid aside, as a Traditional Error, at least a Doctrine not fit to be trusted ●o. So that the French King is at this time the only Monarch that pretends to this Miraculous Privilege. Our Historians derived it here from King Edward the Confessor, who lived so holy a Life, that (as they say) he received Power from above, Entailed to his Royal Successors for ever, to cure this stubborn Disease. But now 'tis looked upon as a Doctrine not so fit for Protestants as bigoted Papists, to whom no Miracle is amiss. I come now to the King's Power, with relation to foreign Parts; Which I shall describe as near as I can, first as Defensive, secondly as Offensive. In the first Sense, England, if well united, is of all the States in Europe the least subject to an Invasion, especially since the Conjunction of Scotland. The whole Island is naturally so well sensed with the Ocean, and (when Occasion requires) so well guarded by those moving Castles, the King's Ships of War, the strongest and best built in the whole World. The Kingdom besides is so abundantly furnished with Men and Horses, with Provisions and Ammunition, and Money the Sinews of War, that nothing but our intestine Divisions can make us a Prey to the greatest Potentates of Europe, though united together. As for the King's Power abroad, not only our Neighbours, but the most remote Places, have sufficiently felt it, and this at a time when Scotland and Ireland were usually at enmity with Him. 'Tis true, since the Reign of Q● Elizabeth, what with our Distractions at home, and the Weakness or Effeminacy of some of one Kings, England has either been Idle, or taken up with Intestine Broils. Only, in Cromwel's Time, we humbled the Hollanders, scoured the Algerines, kept the French and the Pope in awe, and took Jamaica from Spain. Our greatest Exploits were upon our own selves, when, being unhappily involved in Civil Wars for several Years together, we destroyed one another with a fatal Courage. Then were computed about two hundred thousand Foot, and fifty thousand Horse, to be in Arms on both, sides; which, had they been employed abroad, might have shaken the greatest part of Europe. And here I cannot but with an aching heart apply the Words of Lucan, Heu! quantum potuit Coeli Pelagique parari Hoc quem Civiles fuderunt Sanguine Dextrae! In English thus, How much both Sea and Land might have been gained By their dear Blood, which Civil Wars have drained? Of so martial Spirit the English are, and their fear of Death so little, that (as Dr. Chamberlain has well observed) no Neighbour●●ation scarce durst ever abide Battle with ●hem, either by Sea or Land, upon equal Terms. ●nd now we are engaged in a just War both with Ireland and France, under a Prince of ●o great Conduct and Courage, encouraged by ●●s Parliament, assisted and faithfully served by the greatest General now in Europe, I cannot but hope well from our Armies both by Seu and Land, if our provoked God do not fight against us. The next Thing that offers itself to our Consideration, is the King of England's Court, which for State, Greatness, and good Order, besides the constant Concourse of Nobility and Gentry resorting thither, when there is no Jealousy between the King and his People, is one of the chief Courts of Europe. It is, as an Author says, a Monarchy within a Monarchy, consisting of Ecclesiastical, Civil, and Military Persons, the two last under their proper Government. To support the Grandeur of this Court, and the other Charges of the Crown in time of Peace, the Kings of England have always had competent Revenues. Which never were raised by any of those sordid Ways used in other Countries; but consist chief in Domains or Lands belonging to the Crown, in Customs, and Excise. Anciently the very Domains of the Crown, and Fee-Farm Rents, were so considerable, that they were almost sufficient to discharge all the ordinary Expenses of the Crown, without any Tax or Impost upon the Subject. Then there was scarce a County in England but the King had in it a Royal Castle, a Forest, and a Park, to Receive and Divert Him in his Royal Progresses. A piece of Grandeur, which no King else could boast of. But, upon the Restauration of King Charles, the Crown Revenues being found much Impaired, and the Crown Charges increasing upon the growing Greatness of our Neighbours the French and Dutch, the Parliament settled upon the King a Yearly Revenue of Twelve Hundred Thousand Pounds, by several Imposts; besides the Domains and other Profits arising to the Crown in Tenths and First-Fruits, in Reliefs, Fines, Amerciaments, and Confiscations. And the whole Revenue improved to that degree, that in the late Reign it was judged to amount to near two Millions. Which is a Fair Revenue in Time of Peace. In Time of War, the Parliament supplies the King, according to his Occasions, by such Taxes to be raised upon the Nation as they think most convenient. CHAP. X. Of the Government of England by Regency; Also, of the Succession to the Crown. THere are three Cases, wherein the Kingdom of England is not immediately governed by the King, but by a Substitute Regent. And those are the King's Minority, Absence, or Incapacity. The King is by Law under Age, when he is under twelve Years old. And, till he has attained to that Age, the Kingdom is governed by a Regent, Protector, or Guardian, appointed either by the King his Predecessor, or (for want of such Appointment,) by the Three States assembled in the Name of the Infant King. Who, in such Case, usually make choice of such a Person among the Nobility, as is fit for that Station, whose private Interest is to preserve the King's Life and Authority, and to whom least benefit can accrue by his Death or Diminution. Thus, in the Case of Edward VI, the Duke of Somerset, his Uncle by the Mother's side, was made Lord Protector during the King's Minority. And, when this Rule has not been observed, as in the Minority of Edward V, it has proved of very ill consequence. But this is observable withal, that when th● King comes to be 24 Years of Age, he may b● his Letters Patents under the Great Seal (according to a Statute made in the Reign of He●ry VIII,) revoke and utterly null whatsoever has been Enacted in Parliament during his Minority. When the King was Absent upon any so reign Expedition (as several of our Kings have been with good success,) the Custom was for merly to constitute a Vicegerent, by Commission under the Great Seal, with the Tit● of Lord Warden (or Lord Keeper) of the Kingdom, and sometimes that of Protector. And such was the Latitude of his Power, that, except wearing of the Crown, he was as great a● the King. But sometimes the Kingdom, during the King's Absence, has been committed to th● Care of several Noblemen. During the Absence of Henry VIII, in France which happened two several times, the Quee● was made Regent. And so is at this time o●● Gracious Queen Mary, during his Majesties so reign Expedition. So, in case of the King's Incapacity to govern, either through Age, or Weakness, or by reason of some Incurable Disease, a Guardian 〈◊〉 Regent is constituted to govern the Kingdom for Him. Such a one was John Duke of L●● caster, in the latter Days of King Edward 〈◊〉 appointed by the King himself; who then what with Age and Weakness, what with Sickness and Grief for the untimely Death of 〈◊〉 dear Son the Black Prince, was much decays both in Body and Mind. I come now to the Succession to the Cr●● Which is not in England as in France, Tur●● and amongst Barbarians, by excluding Females from the Crown. For the Crown of England, in its natural Course, descends from Father to S●n, for want of Sons to the eldest Daughter, and her Heirs; for want of Daughter, to the Brother and his Heirs; for want of Brother, to the Sister and her Heirs. In short, upon the Death of the King or Queen upon the Throne, the next of Kindred (though born out of the Dominions of England, or of Parents not Subjects of England) is immediately King or Queen, before any Proclamation, or Coronation. And, contrary to the Descent of Estates among Subjects, the Half Blood inherits; as in the Case of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, who succeeded King Edward the Sixth, though they were his Sisters only by the Father's side. But the Government being lately Dissolved by King James his Misgovernment as well as Abdication, the Crown was settled in this manner by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons assembled at Westminster in the Month of December, Anno 1689. First upon William and Mary, than Prince and Princess of Orange, during their Lives, and the Life of the Survivor of Them; but the sole and full Exercise of the Regal Power to be only in, and executed by the said Prince of Orange, in the Names of the said Prince and Princess, during their joint Lives. And, after their Deceases, the said Crown and Royal Dignity to be to the ●eirs of the Body of the said Princess. And, for default of such Issue, to the Princess Anne of Denmark, and the Heirs of her Body. And, for default of such Issue, to the Heirs of the Body of the said Prince of Orange. Upon which the said Prince and Princess (now King and Queen of England, etc.) did accept th● Crown and Royal Dignity of the Kingdom's o● England, France, and Ireland, and the Dominions thereunto belonging. And, for preventing all Questions and Divisions in this Realm, by reason of any pretended Titles to the Crown, and for preserving a Certainty in the Succession thereof, the Settlement of the Crown (as aforesaid) was Confirmed by an Act of the Ensuing Parliament, which passed the Royal Assent, Dec 16. 1689. With this excellent Proviso, That, Whereas it hath been found by Experience, that it is Inconsistent with the Safety and Welfare of this Protestant Kingdom, to be Governed by a Popish Prince, or by any King or Queen Marrying Papist, all and every Person and Persons tha● is, are, or shall be Reconciled to, or shall hol● Communion with the See or Church of Rome or shall profess the Popish Religion, or shal● Mary a Papist, shall be Excluded, and be soever Uncapable to Inherit, Possess, or Enjoy th● Crown and Government of this Realm and Ireland, and the Dominions thereunto belonging, or any Part of the same, or to Have, Us● or Exercise any Regal Power, Authority, or Jurisdiction within the same; And, in all and 〈◊〉 very such Case or Cases, the People of the● Realms shall be, and are hereby Absolved 〈◊〉 their Allegiance; and the said Crown and Government shall from time to time Descend 〈◊〉 and be Enjoyed by such Person or Persons, ●●ing Protestants, as should have Inherit●● or Enjoyed the same, in case the said P●●son or Persons, so Reconciled, holding Communion, or Professing, or Marrying, as aforesaid, were naturally Dead. By which Act, further Confirmed and Asserted by the Act of Recognition passed in the last Session of Parliament, the Crown is by Law for ever Insured into Protestant Hands, and all Pretence of Popish Succession Nulled and Invalidated. CHAP. XI. Of the Royal Family; Particularly of the Queen, and the Sons and Daughters of England. THe Queen of England is either a Sovereign, or Queen Consort, or else Queen Dowager. When the Queen is Sovereign, as were Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, (the two Daughters of Henry VIII, and Sisters of Edward VI) he is invested with all the Regal Power, and acts as Sovereign. And whoever she does marry ●o, far from following her Husband's Condition, ●he is her Husband's Sovereign, as Queen Mary ●as Philip's. The Case indeed of our present Queen Mary is different. She is a Sovereign, jointly with her husband's King William; but the Administration 〈◊〉 the Government, and the sole Executive Power unlodged only in the King during their Joint ●●ves. Except the Time of his Majesty's Absence 〈◊〉 his foreign Expedition; during which, Her ●jesty is Vested by a late Act of Parliament with the Administration, and acts as Queen Regent. A Queen Consort, without Sovereignty, is Reputed however the Second Person in the Kingdom, and Respected accordingly. The Law sets so high a value upon Her, as to make it High Treason to conspire her Death, or to violate her Chastity. She has her Royal Court, and Officers apart; with a large Dower to maintain her Greatness. And, though she be an Alien born, yet without Denization or Naturalisation, she may purchase Lands in Fee-simple, make Leases and Grants, and sue in her own Name, without the King; which is not in the power of any other Feme-covert (or married Woman) to do. A Queen Dowager or Widow-Queen, is still Respected as a Queen in her Widowhood, and keeps a Court accordingly. And, though she should marry a private Gentleman (as did Queen Catharine, King Henry the Fifths Widow,) she does not lose her Dignity. By the Sons and Daughters of England, I mean the King's Children. So called, because all the Subjects of England have a special Interest i● Them; though their Education, and the Disposing of Them, is only in the King. The Eldest Son, commonly called the Prince of Wales, is born Duke of Cornwall, and afterwards created Prince of Wales. Upon his Birth he is by Law of full Age to sue for the Livery of the said Dukedom, as if he were full a Years of Age. But so much of the Lands 〈◊〉 Demesns of it have been Alienated, that h● Revenues are chief out of the Tin-Mines i● Cornwall. Which, with all other Profits of the Duchy, amount yearly to the Sum of 140● Pounds; and the Prince's whole Revenues, to about 20000 l. When King Edward I, had completed the Conquest of Wales, He divided it into Seven Shires, to which Henry VIII, added five more out of the March Lands. Over each of the Seven Shires King Edward placed a particular English Lieutenant, and over the whole he designed a Vicegerent. The Welsh being disgusted at this, He sent for his Queen, then great with Child, to Caernarvan, where she was delivered of a Son. Upon the News whereof, the King assembled the Chief Men of that Nation, and offered to name them a Governor born in Wales, who could not speak one word of English, and against whose Life they could take no just exception. Such a one when they had all sworn to obey, he named his young Son Edward. Whereupon He created him Prince of Wales; and since that time, the Kings of England eldest Sons have been called Princes of Wales. Whereas, while Normandy was in the Power of the English, which lasted till the Reign of King John, they were styled Dukes of Normandy. The Investiture is performed by the Imposition of a Cap of Estate, and a Coronet on the Prince's Head, as a Token of his Principality; by delivering into his hand a Verge of Gold, the Emblem of Government; by putting a Gold Ring on his Finger, in token that he must be a Husband to his Country, and a Father to her Children; and by giving him a Patent, to hold the said Principality to Him and his Heirs Kings of England. By which Words the Separation of it from the Crown is prohibited, and the King keeps to himself an excellent Occasion of obliging unto Him his Son, when he pleases. In Imitation of which Custom, John I, King of Castille and Leon, made his Son Henry Prince of the Asturias; a Country so Craggy and Mountainous, that it may not improperly be called the Wales of Spain. And all the Spanish Princes ever since have been honoured with that Title. The Mantle worn in Parliament by the Prince of Wales has (for Distinctions sake) one guard more than a Duke's; his Coronet, of Crosses and Flower de luces, and his Cap of State indented. His Arms differ from the Kings, only by addition of a Label of three points. And his peculiar Device is a Coronet beautified with three Ostrich Feathers, inscribed with ICH DIEN, that is, I serve; Alluding perhaps to that in the Gospel, The Heir, while he is a Child, differs not from a Servant. Which Device was born at the Battle of Cressy by John King of Bohemia, serving there under the French King, and there slain by Edward the Black Prince. Since worn by the Princes of Wales, and by the Vulgar called the Princes Arms. In short, the King of England's Eldest Son has ever since been styled Prince of Wales, Duke of Aquitain and Cornwall, and Earl of Chester and Flint; these Earldoms being conferred upon him by Letters Patent. As Eldest Son to the King of Scotland, he is Duke of Rothsay, and Seneschal of Scotland from his Birth. Though he is a Subject, yet the Law looks upon his Person as so Sacred, that it is high Treason to imagine his Death, or violate his Wife. The Younger Sons of England depend altogether upon the King's Favour, both for Titles, of Honour, and Revenues suitable to their Birch. For they are not born Dukes, or Earls; but are so created, according to the King's Pleasure. Neither have they, as in France, certain Appanages; but only what Revenue the King pleases to bestow upon them. They are indeed by Birthright, as well as the Prince of Wales, Counsellors of State, whereby they may fit themselves to manage the weighty Affairs of the Kingdom. The Daughters are called Princesses. And, to violate them unmarried is High Treason. The Title of Royal Highness is common to all the King's Children. All Subjects ought to be uncovered in their Presence, to kneel when they are admitted to kiss their hands, and to be served on the Knee at Table, unless the King be present. Lastly, all Persons of the Royal Blood, being a Lawful Issue, have the Precedency of all others in England. As for the King's Natural (or Illegitimate) Sons and Daughters, they are commonly created Dukes and Duchess'; and bear what Surname the King pleases to give them. King Henry I. and Charles II. of blessed Memory, are noted to have had the most of any. CHAP. XII. Of the Nine Great Officers of the Crown. NEXT to the Royal Family, the Great Officers of the Crown come of course to be Inquired into, which are Nine in Number. Viz. The Lord High Steward, The Lord High Chancellor, The Lord High Treasurer, The Lord Precedent of the King's Council. The Lord Privy Seal, The Lord Great Chamberlain, The Lord High Constable, The Lord Earl Marshal, The Lord High Admiral. The Lord High Steward of England is the highest Officer under the King. His Office not unlike that of the Mayre of the Palace under the ancient Kings of France, is to rule and govern the Kingdom under the King, in Time of Peace and War, during his Reign, Which Power being thought too large and exorbitant for a Subject to have, this Great Officer has been discontinned ever since Henry of Bullingbrock, Son to John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, afterwards King of England under the Name of Henry IU. Only at a Coronation, also for the Trial of a Peer or Peeress for Treason or Felony, or some other great Crime, the King makes a High Steward for that Time. Who, during his Stewardship, is called His Grace; and bears a white Staff in his hand, which he openly breaks when the Business is over, and so ends his Office. By virtue of his Office at a Coronation, he sits Judicially at the King's Palace at Westminster. Where he receives the Bills and Petitions of all such Noblemen and others, who (by reason of their Tenure, or otherwise) claim to do Services at the King's Coronation, and to receive the accustomed Fees and Allowances. In the Procession on the Coronation-Day, 'tis he that carries the King's Crown. The Right Honourable the Earl of Devonshire was honoured with this great Office in the last Coronation. Upon the Trial of a Peer he sits under a Cloth of State, and his Commission is to proceed secundum Legem & Consuetudinem Angliae. He is not Sworn, nor the Lords who are the Tryers of the Peer arraigned; and, though he call all the Judges of the Land to assist him; yet he is the sole Judge. Next to the Lord High Steward is the Lord High Chancellor, who in Civil Affairs (now there is no High Steward) is the highest Person in the Kingdom next to the Royal Family, as the Archbishop of Canterbury is in Ecclesiastical. His Oath is to do Right to all manner of People, rich and poor, after the Laws and Customs of the Realm, truly to counsel the King, and keep secret the King's Counsel, to stand for the Rights of the Crown, etc. The Great Seal of England is in his Custody. He is the Judge of the Court of Chancery, otherwise called the Court of Equity; where he is to judge, not according to the Rigour and Letter of the Law, but with Equity and Conscience. He also bestows all Ecclesiastical Benefices in the King's Gift under 20 l. a Year in the King's Books. Since the Reign of Henry VII. this great Office has been commonly executed by Lawyers; whereas formerly Bishops, and other Clergymen learned in the Civil Laws, were usually entrusted with it. The Lord High Chancellor holds his Place but durante Regis Beneplacito, during the King's Pleasure. And his Place is counted to be worth 8000 l. a Year. Anciently he had sometimes a Vicechancellor, commonly called Keeper of the Great Seal. But of later Times they differ only in Name. For the late Kings have always beflowed the Great Seal, either with the Title of Lord Keeper, or of Lord Chancellor; but still with the same Power, and Right of Precedence. Only the Lord Chancellor receives a Patent from the King for his Office, which the Lord Keeper does not; and by the Title of Chancellor he is looked upon as in greater favour with the King. But his present Majesty, since his Accession to the Crown, thought fit to have this Office managed by Commissioners; and accordingly it has been hitherto managed by three Lords Commissioners. The third Great Officer of the Crown is the Lord High Treasurer, who has the Charge and Government of all the King's Revenue kept in the Exchequer. He has the Gift of all Customers, comptrollers, and Searchers in all the Ports of England; and the Nomination of all Escheators in every County. He has also the Check of all the Officers employed in collecting all the Revenues of the Crown. He has power either by himself, or with others joined in Commission with him, to let Leases of all the Crown-Lands. And it is he that gives Warrants to certain Persons of Quality, to have their Wine Custom-free. Anciently he received this Office and Dignity by the delivery of the golden Keys of the Treasury, which is now done by delivery of a white Staff to him by the King. His Oath does not differ much from that of the Lord Chancellor; and he holds his Place, as he does, during his Majesty's Pleasure. His Place is also reckoned to be worth 8000 l. per ann. But this great Office is now executed by four Persons, called the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. Next is the Lord Precedent of the King's Privy Council, an Officer as ancient as King John's Time, made by the King's Letters Patent under the Great Seal, durante Beneplacito. His Office is to manage the Debates in Council, to propose Matters from the King, and report the Transactions to his Majesty. In the late Reigns this Office was often supplied by the Chancellor. Next to the Lord Precedent is the Lord Privy Seal, whose Office is of great Trust and Skill. He is so called from the Privy Seal, which is in his custody. All Charters and Grants of the King, and all Pardons signed by the King, pass through his hands, before they come to the Great Seal of England. And h●● ought not to put this Seal to any Grant, with● out good Warrant under the King's Privy Signet; nor with Warrant, if it be against Law or Custom, until the King be first acquainted. He manages also divers other Matters of less concernment, which do not pass the Great Seal. He is, by his Place, of the King's Privy Council, and takes his Oath accordingly; besides a particular Oath, as Lord Privy Seal. Whe● there is a Court of Requests, he is the chie● Judge of it. His Place is also during the King's Pleasure 〈◊〉 and his Salary is 1500 l. per annum. The sixth Great Officer of the Crown i● the Lord Great Chamberlain of England, a Officer of State, and of great Antiquity, whose chief Business is on the Coronation-Day. For it is his Office that Day to bring the King his Shirt, Coyf, and Wearing clothes before his Majesty rises; and to carry at the Coronation the Coyf, Gloves, and Linen to be used by the King upon that Occasion. In the Church where the King is Crowned he undresses and attires his Majesty with Robes Royal, and give● Him the Gold which is offered by Him at the Altar. Before and after Dinner he serves the King with Water, to wash his hands. For this Service he has 40 els of Cri●●son Velver forhis own Robes, the King's Be● and all the Furniture of his Bedchamber all the King's Night-Apparel, and the Baso● and Towels used at Dinner, for his Fees. He has also Livery and Lodging in the King's Court, certain ●ees from all Peers of the Realm at their Creation, and from each Archbishop or Bishop when they do their Ho●●age or Fealty to the King. To him belongs the Care of providing all Things in the House of Lords in Parliament-Time, and therefore has an Apartment allowed him near the House of Lords. This Office is Hereditary, and belongs to the Earls of Lindsey. The Lord High Constable is another great Officer, but of too great Authority and Power to be continued, and therefore is only created for the Solemnity of the King's Coronation. The Duke of Ormond was High Constable in the last. The next is the Earl Marshal of England, a Officer of great Antiquity, and anciently of great Power. His proper Office is to summon the Nobility to the King's Coronation, with such Directions for State and public Appearance as becomes that Solemnity. He also takes Cognizance of Matters of War and Arms out of the reach of the Common Law, and in these Matters he is commonly guided by the Civil Law. Neither can any obtain a Coat of Arms, but he must first apply himself to the Earl Marshal, to whom the Herald's College is subordinate. The last is the Lord High Admiral of England; an Office held by Patent, and of so great a Trust, that it has usually been given to Princes of the Royal Blood. For the Lord High Admiral is Entrusted with no less than the Management of all Maritime Affairs, with the Government of the King's Navy, with Power of Decision in all Causes Maritime, aswell Civil as Criminal, of all Things done upon or beyond the Sea in any Part of the World, in all Ports and Havens, upon the Seacoasts, and all Rivers below the first Bridge next towards the Sea. In short, the Admiralty being in a manner a separate Kingdom from the rest, the Lord High Admiral may be reputed at least the Viceroy thereof. A Multitude of Officers high and low are under him, both at Sea and Land; some of a Military, others of a Civil Capacity; some Judicial, others Ministerial. And under him is held the High Court of Admiralty, the Places and Offices whereof are in his Gift. The last High Admiral of England was the late King, when Duke of York. For, since he came to the Crown, the Office was executed by Seven Lords Commissioners, as it is to this day. CHAP. XIII. Of Their present Majesties, King WILLIAM and Queen MARY, With a brief Account of Their Accession to the Crown. KING WILLIAM, our present Monarch, is the only Issue of the late Illustrious Prince William of Nassaw, Prince of Orange, and of the Deceased Princess Royal Mary, eldest Daughter to King Charles I, who was wedded to the foresaid Prince in the Year 1641. His Majesty was born in Holland Nou. 4th 1650, ten days after his Father's Death; and was Christened by the Names of William Henry, William being his Father's Name, and Henry his Grandfathers. The House of Nassaw is an Ancient and most Illustrious Family, so called from Nassaw, a Town and County in Weteravia a Province of Germany. That Branch of it from whence the King is descended had their usual Seat at Dillenburg, not far from Nassaw, before they settled in the Low-Countries; whence, for Distinctions sake, they were named the Earls of Nassaw of the House of Dillenburg. Otho of Nassaw, who died Anno 1190, was the Founder of the present Family of the Princes of Orange; out of which descended Adolph, Earl of Nassaw, who was chosen Emperor in the Year 1292. By the Marriage of Engelbert, the seventh Earl of this House, with Marry Daughter and Heir of Philip Lord of Breda in Brabant, that Town and Barony, with many other fair Estates in the Netherlands was added to the Family. And by the Marriage of Henry (the tenth Earl of Nassaw) Anno 1515. with Claude of Chalons, Sister and Heir of Philibert Prince of Orange, this Principality, bordering upon Provence and Dauphene within the Dominions of France, accrued to the Family. So much the worse for having so ill an Neighbour as the present French King, who has long since rapaciously seized upon it; but left however what he could not take away, the King's just Title to it. In short, our Gracious King William is the 18th Earl of Nassaw, beginning with Otho aforesaid; and the 7th Prince of Orange of his Family, beginning with Rene of Nassaw, Son of Henry and Claude, who succeeded Philibert his Uncle in the Principality of Orange. A Family as much honoured for the personal Merit of the Princes of it as any other in Europe, and to which the States of Holland owe the Liberty and Greatness they enjoy. All the World knows how great a Patron and Assertor of the Belgic Liberties against the Spaniard was the most noble and generous Prince William of Nassaw, one of his Majesty's Ancestors. And, to pass by the generous Exploits of his noble Successors till the present King William, 'tis well known what his Majestly has done to rescue, not only his Native Country, but the best Part of Europe from its Oppressors. It has been of late Years, both at home and abroad, the Maxim of some Princes, to outvie each other in preying upon and destroying not only their Neighbours, but their own Protestant Subjects, by all Methods of Perfidiousness and Cruelty. To establish or maintain their Tyranny, they went about to introduce a general Ignorance. For where Subjects part with their Reason, 'tis easy for them to part with their Liberty; witness those miserable Enslaved Countries where Popery domineers. On the contrary the House of Orange has always appeared against that ravenous and inhuman Principle. And, as if Providence had appointed them for a Check to Tyranny, God has been pleased accordingly to bless their just Endeavours. Never the Liberty of England, and the Protestant Interest in general, lay more at stake than it did in the late Reign. 'Tis plain there was a general Design to extirpate heresy in a Popish Sense, and to enslave all Europe. The Plot was laid in the Reign of blessed King Charles, who with a show of Proteslantism made the Way smooth for Popery. At last, when all Things were finely prepared to the hand of his next Heir, King Charles goes off the Stage; and his Brother, to play the last Act, enters, and ascends the Throne. No Prince more Courteous, more Obliging, or more Promising at first than He was to his new Subjects. The Church of England Triumphed in his Exaltation, and Addressed Him from all Parts of the Kingdom, as their Tutela● Angel. The People in general looked upon him as an Incomparable Hero, who would quickly make it his Business to pull down the Hector of France, and to carry the Glory of England beyond all his Predecessors. In short, so great were the Hopes of this King, that Edward III, and Henry V, the most glorious Monarches of England, were upon his Account to be hissed out of our English Chronicles. No body dreamt of a Popish Catechism, to be the first step to this Glory, nor of an Army to be raised for the defence of it. Under whose shelter, besides a secret League with France, the Prerogative began presently to swell above its Banks, the Laws to be Overwhelmed the Liberty and Property of the Subject Invaded, the Church of England Crushed that had raised the King to the Throne, Popery crowing over all the Nation, and to crown all their Hopes, presto, a Prince of Wales. In short, to speak in terms of War, the Miner was fixed, and we must either Surrender, or be Stormed. This was our Condition, when the Prince of Orange (our present King) undertook our Deliverance, and effected it, under God, in a miraculous manner. Upon whose Approach our Mass-Hero fled, left us to shift for ourselves, and the Popish Party to the mercy of the Rabble. This happened Dec. 11th. 1688, a fatal Year in this and the foregoing Age to Popery i● England. In that state of Anarchy, what could the Nation do less than provide for a Settlement under the gracious Influences of the Prince. Which was accordingly done, in as regular 〈◊〉 Way as the present state of Affairs would ●ow. King James having thus deserted the Government, nine and twenty of the Lords Spi●●al and Temporal, such as ●●●ned to be at ●t time in and about the Cities of London ●d Westminster, immediately assembled at ●ildhall, Where they unanimously Re●●ved to apply themselves to His Highness 〈◊〉 Prince of Orange, and to assist Him ●●th their utmost Endeavours in the obeying with all speed such a free Parliament, 〈◊〉 the security of our Laws, Liberties, and ●operties, as thereby the Church of England 〈◊〉 particular, (with a due Liberty to Prote●●nt Dissenters,) and in general the Protestant religion and Interest over the whole World ●ight be supported and encouraged, to the ●lory of God, the Happiness of these Kingdoms, and the Advantage of all Princes and ●ates in Christendom. Whereof they made public Declaration, signed by every one of 〈◊〉 Lords; amongst which the Earl of Pem●ke, the Lord Viscount Weymouth, the Bishop 〈◊〉 Ely, and the Lord Culpeper, were chosen to ●tend forthwith His Highness with the said declaration, and at the same time acquaint 〈◊〉 with what they had further done at that ●eeting. Few days after this, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons of the City of London in ammon Council Assembled, made an humble address to the Prince, wherein they returned 〈◊〉 Highness their Thanks for his glorious Un●rtaking to rescue these Kingdoms from Poory and Slavery, looked upon him as their Re●●e, implored his Protection, and humbly beyght Him to repair to this City, where he should be received with Universal Joy and S●tisfaction. The Prince was then at Henly, where he received the Addressers in the most obliging ma●ner, with A●●rances of his Protection, a● of his Readiness to comply with their Desires. In the mean time King James was unhappy taken in a Disguise at Feversham in Kent, as 〈◊〉 was going for France. Where being soon D● covered, he was at last prevailed upon to Return; so that his Guards and Coach being se● for Him, he came back to Whitehall, Sund●● Dec. 16, and reassumed the Government. Whil● King James came up to London from the South the Prince made his Way thither from t●● West, in hopes that his Majesty would come 〈◊〉 an amicable and equitable Accommodation by referring all Grievances to a free Parliament. But the King, not being able to bear the h●● of a Free Parliament, after so many notority Violations of the Laws of the Realm, grew fo● uneasy at Whitehall, and his Heart beat ag● for France, as his only Place of Refuge. 〈◊〉 Rochester he goes, from whence few Days ●●ter he privately Withdrew himself the sec●● time; but with more success than the 〈◊〉 For he got clear to France, where the Qu●● and the supposed Prince of Wales had so● time before taken Sanctuary. Mean while the Prince of Orange was 〈◊〉 to St. James', Dec. 19th, where his High●● received the Compliments of all the Nobi●● and other Persons of the chiefest quality Town; and at Night the Streets were 〈◊〉 with Bonfires, with Ringing of Bells, and there public Demonstrations of Joy. Then the Scene of Affairs was so very much ●ered, that nothing but a new Settlement ●●uld Resettle us. In order to which a great Assembly of Lords and Commons, Members of ●rmer Parliaments, besides the Lord Mayor, aldermen and Common Council of the City of London, was held at Westminster, to consult ●hat was fit to be done. Who, after some De●●tes upon the present Juncture, came to this resolve, that his Highness the Prince of O●●nge should be humbly Entreated to Summon 〈◊〉 Convention of Lords and Commons by his Circular Letters (these to be chosen by the People, in a Parliamentary Way) to meet at Westminster on ●he 22th. of January following; And that His sighness in the mean time would be pleased ●o take upon Him the Administration of public Affairs both Civil and Military, and the disposal of the public Revenue. Which was ●one accordingly. The Convention being met at the Time appointed, the House of Commons broke the 〈◊〉, Voted the Abdication of the Government by King James, and the Vacancy of the ●●rone, that is in short, a Dissolution of the whole Frame of Government. The House of Lords, being divided as to the Word Abdicate, ●●d several Conferences about it with the Commons', till at last their Lordships Concurred with them by Plurality of Votes. Which happened on the 6th of Febr, the same Day upon which King James had ascended the Throne. The Government being thus declared in a ●ate of Dissolution, and the Throne Vacant, ●he next Business was to Resettle the first by ●lling up the last. It was then in their power 〈◊〉 bestow the Crown upon whom they pleased. 〈◊〉, after several Debates, the Two Houses at last fully agreed upon a joint Declaration concerning the Misgovernment of King James, the Offer of the Crown to the Prince and Prince of Orange, the Abrogation of the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, and the new Oaths t● be taken instead of them. All this was done by the 12th of February upon which Day Her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange arrived at Whitehall, about tw● in the Afternoon; the welcome News whereo● was received with universal Demonstrations o● Joy. The next Day, Febr. 13th, both Houses being Assembled at Westminster, came to th● Banqueting House, where they presented t● the Prince and Princess of Orange the Instrument in Writing agreed upon for Declaring Their Highness' KING and QUEEN o● England, France, and Ireland, with all the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging, and received Their Consent. Whereupon Their Majesties were immediately Proclaimed, in tha● solemn Manner as I have already described i● the Seventh Chapter. And thus was accomplished the Curse of King James, I, (a Prince whose Learned Pen baffle● all the Conclave,) which he solemnly pronounced on any of his Posterity that should turn Papists. I am hearty sorry that it should fall 〈◊〉 heavy upon the late King; but it is better so than that three Kingdoms should perish. And yet had he kept within some reasonable Bounds, and his Religion to himself, without his open Violations of the Laws, as it were i● defiance, 'tis very likely the Nation would ha●● been upon his account very indulgent to th● Roman Catholic Party. They might have g● by this means some legal Toleration, which 〈◊〉 the space of few Years would have Incoura●●d and Strengthened their Party here conside●bly. So quick of growth are the Roman catholics, where they find Encouragement. Therefore the very Court of France did openly declare his Errors to the World, and ●ssed this Verdict upon him, That his whole conduct had been very little Judicious. The emperor on the other side, in his Letter to ●ing James, from Vienna, Apr. 9 1689, could ●●t forbear, amongst his tender condoling ●xpressions, to tell him the Cause of his ●in. But King James would never be advised to Moderation, and no Counsellors were welcome 〈◊〉 him but such as prompted him to Vio●nce. The Issue whereof proved accordingly; ●ll Covet, all Lose. I conclude with a Character of Their Ma●sties, a bold Thing I confess for my Pen to ●●dertake; but such as I can make it, it may ●ake us the more sensible of our Happi●ess. The King is a Prince perhaps the best qualitied for a Throne. He is Great without Pride, ●rue to his Word, Wise in his Deliberations, secret in his Counsels, Generous in his Attempts, Undaunted in Dangers, Valiant with●●t Cruelty, Unchanged under all Events. He ●ves Justice with Moderation, Government without Tyranny, Religion without Persecution, and Devotion without Hypocrisy or Su●rstition. How often has he exposed his Life through ●re and Sword for a sinking Commonwealth, ●ll at last he rescued it from the open Violence of one King, and the Undermining of another No Temptation could draw him away from 〈◊〉 generous Principle, nothing but true Greatness could make him Great. To Save us here, when we were at the Brit● of Ruin, designed for a Prey to those two Inseparable Monsters, Popery and Slavery, He h●ventured his Life by Sea and Land. By Sea 〈◊〉 the worst Season of the Year, in the face 〈◊〉 Two great Monarches his Professed Enemies, an● upon an Element which at his first setting o● seemed to Declare against Him. By Land, h●ving a great Army to oppose, many Hardship to undergo, Uncertainties to struggle with, t●● Romish consecrated Daggers and Poison to p●vent. Undaunted he went through all; and without shedding of Blood, restored of a su●den two languishing Nations. France, th● laughed at the Attempt, was amazed at th● Success; and her superfine Politics blushed 〈◊〉 the sight of this. But that which is admirable is to see a Prin● of a Temper so even, as neither to be dishea●ned with Hardships and Misfortunes, nor p● up with Success. Always the same, though ●●der various Circumstances; which is a tr● Symptom of a great Soul. Whereas Mutahi●ty is the proper Character of a mean a●cowardly Soul, sometimes huffing, other tim● sneaking; sometimes ready to tear his Subjects to pieces, at other times fawning up●● them. From those great Things His Majesty 〈◊〉 done hitherto, one may guests at his next attempt, assoon as Ireland is reduced. The Fre● King's Invasions and Devastations, and his horrid Persecution of his Protestant Subjects, 〈◊〉 ●hings not to be forgotten. Manet alta ment ●●stum, and I am much mistaken if the wild 〈◊〉 at last don't meet with a Hercules. I va ●●no va sano. As for the Queen, She is the Glory of her ●ex; the fairest, and yet the best natured ●incess in the World. Humble and affable in ●er Conversation, never seen in any Passion, ●ways under a peculiar Sweetness of Temper. ●loved of her Friends, admired by her Enemy's. Moderate in her Pleasures, full of Zeal 〈◊〉 her Devotions, and of Charity towards People in Distress. A professed Enemy to Idleness, and as great a Lover of Virtue and Knowledge. In a word, She is a Princess of many extraordinary Virtues and Excellencies, without any appearance of Vanity, or the least mixture of Vice. So that we have, under this Government, ●●e fairest Prospect imaginable of a future Happiness. And, after several weak and inglorious ●eigns, we are like in this (with God's Blessing) if we be not wanting to ourselves, to ●e once more the Delight of our Friends, and 〈◊〉 Terror to our Enemies. CHAP. XIV. The unreasonableness of the Disaffected Party, under Their Majesty's Gracious Government. UNder our happy Circumstances of 〈◊〉 gentle and easy Government, of seeing our Laws and Property Restored, w● want nothing but Union, to complete our Happiness. But, instead of it, we have Men amongst us that are already sick of it, some Churchmen, some Dissenters, besides the generality of Roman Catholics. These indeed have the most reason to grumble; who, by losing King James, have lo●● their greatest Hopes. Yet, if they do seriously consider what Indulgence they met with when they expected nothing but Vengeance they ought to rest satisfied, and blush at their bloody Principles. What have they suffered for all their Clamours, Threats, Insults, and Outrages, during the Reign of King James Scarce a Man hurt amongst them, and but a few Houses pulled down by the Rage of the Mobile, encouraged thereto by the Desertion of King James, when he left us without an● form of Government. Ever since they have enjoyed the same Protection with the other Subjects of this Kingdom, whatever has bee● maliciously suggested and published beyond Se● to the contrary; and have been no where (at least with Authority) hindered in their Devotions. So very Indulgent the King has been hitherto to his greatest Enemies. But, suppose King James had prevailed, they would have had indeed Popery Triumphant, fine Processions, Monks in their proper Habits, and our Saviour walking the Streets in a Box. But what's all this to Property? A Belly full of domineering Popery makes many an empty Belly, for Slavery always attends it. The Church of Rome is an hungry Church, and the Princes of her Communion know best how to squeeze their Subjects. Whilst they work upon the ●ody, she works upon the Soul. They pull one way, she another; and so they divide the Spoil, making a Prey of the People every where. Therefore, if the English Papists understand their true Interest, as their Wise Ancestors did, they ought to stand for the English Liberty, as ●ong as they can have any Indulgence in matter of Religion. But, besides the Roman Catholics, which are ●●deed the most excusable in this Case, who ●ould have imagined that Protestants should be ●anable of lessening themselves their own Happiness in this Change? And amongst them ●senters, disgusted, but for what? Because 〈◊〉 King has declared Himself particularly for 〈◊〉 Church of England. I bear a Love to Dis●●ters, as Christians, and Protestants, and So●er People for the generality. But they cannot spect to be blameless, as long as Envy and Reynge (two Passions very opposite to Conten●ness and Meekness) do so far possess some of ●●em, as never to be pleased, till they get the ●●ff in their hands. Time was when they desired ●hing more but the Liberty of Serving God in their Way, without Molestation. This Liberty they got since this Change by Act of Parliament, with the ready Concurrence of the Church of England Members, and the King's Assent to it; but now it won't serve their turn. If nothing will please them but to see a Church run down that stood alone at the Gap in the late Reign, that so learnedly baffled all the Popish Writers, and was therefore by a Roman Decree to be stripped of all, and destroyed, when the Dissenters were much in favour in that Court, God forbidden they should ever be pleased. The King knows who are the best Friends to the Crown, and upon whom he may safely rely. He loves all his Subjects, but perhaps not all alike. The Mischief is, that some of our Churchmen are also out of Humour, or rather out of order. One lies sick of a Scruple of Conscience, another languishes in love with King James, a third is even distracted betwixt a King De Jure and a King De Facto. But those Diseases (I thank God) are not so Epidemical, as to endanger a Convulsion in the State. There are excellent and approved Remedies for them in the Pastoral Letter of the present Bishop of Salisbury, and in the Collection of Papers, but particularly in the late Book put out by that eminent Divine Dr. Sherlock, to which for brevity sake I refer● the Diseased. But, if Reason cannot, Time (I hope) will wear out their Distempers. And so I bid them Farewell. CHAP. XV. Of the present KING and QVEEN's Court. THeir Majesty's Court is composed of two distinct Bodies, one of Laymen, another of Churchmen. I shall begin with the first, not out of any Disrespect to the second, but because this seems to me the most proper and natural Method. The Court-Laymen are subdivided into two distinct Parts, Civil and Military. But, before we descend to Particulars, 'tis to be observed, I. That the Court, wherever it is, has within itself a certain Latitude of Jurisdiction, called the Verge of the Court; which is every way within 12 miles of the chief Tunnel of the Court, except London, which is exempted by Charter. II. That the King's Court, or Palace where is Majesty resides, is counted so sacred a Place, ●at not only Striking of any one there in ●assion is severely forbidden, but also all Occasions of Striking. The first, by the ancient ●aws of England, was punished with Death, ●●d Loss of Goods. And to this day, who●●er presumes to strike another within the Pal●ce where the King's Person resides, and does 〈◊〉 draw blood by his Stroke, is liable, without His Majesty's Pardon, to lose his right Hand, to be Fined at the King's Will, and lie in Prison till the Fine be paid. And, further to deter any one from presuming to Strike in the King's Court, the Punishment for it is executed with great Ceremony. III. That, as great as the Court is, yet it falls much short of what it has been formerly, whether we consider the prodigious Plenty the Court lived in, or the Greatness of the Household. The Diminution whereof was first occasioned by the Troubles in the Reign of Charles I, continued by Charles his Son and made greater by the late King James. Before the Troubles aforesaid, this Court went far beyond all others in Plenty and Magnificence, no less than 86 Tables being kept here, furnished in all with about 500 Dishes each Meal, with all Things suitable. A Profuseness (I confess) becoming the Times, when the English were more addicted to Feasting, than they are at present. But, to come to the present State of the Court, the King's Household is managed in chief by these three principal Officers; whose respective Salaries I have annexed. Viz. Wages. Board-wages. The Lord Steward 100 00 00 1360 00 00 The Lord Chamberlain— 100 00 00 1100 00 00 The Master of the Horse. 1200 00 00 Under whom are almost all the King's Officers and Servants. The Lord Steward is the Principal Officer o● the King's Household. To whom the State o● the House is committed, to be ruled by hi● Discretion, and all his Commands in Court to be obeyed and observed. His Authority reaches over all Officers and Servants of the King's House; except those of the King's Chamber, the Stable, and the Chapel. He is a White-Staff Officer, and the White-staff is taken for a Commission. In the King's Presence he holds it up in his hand; and at other times, when he goes abroad, 'tis carried by a Footman bareheaded. Upon the King's Death, he breaks his Staff over the King's Hearse, and thereby discharges all Court-Officers under him. By his Office, without any Commission, he judges of all Treasons, Murders, Felonies, and Bloudsheds committed in the Court, or within the Verge. Which is much for the King's Honour, that where His Majesty is, no Justice should be sought but immediately from his own Officers. At the beginning of Parliaments he attends the King's Person, and at the end he adjusts the Parliament Expenses, etc. To take the Accounts for all Expenses of the King's Household there is a Place at Court called the Compting-House. And in this House is kept that ancient Court of Justice called the Green Cloth, of a Green Cloth whereat the Court sits. The Officers that sit in the Compting-House, and at the Board of Green Cloth, with their respective Salaries, are, Besides the Lord Steward in chief, Wages. Board-wages. The Treasurer and Cofferer of the Household 223 14 08 The controller 107 17 06 1092 02 06 The Master of the Household 66 13 04 433 06 08 Two Clerks of the Green Cloth, and Two Clerks Comptrollers, each 44 06 08 455 13 04 Amongst which the Lord Steward, the Treasurer, and the controller are usually of the King's Privy Council; and the two last are also White-Staff Officers. Their Office in the Counting House is there to sit day by day, to take (as I said before) the Accounts for all Expenses of the King's Household, to make Provisions for it, to make the Payments, and such Orders as they think fit for the Servants In short, to Them is committed the Charge and Government of the King's House; with Power to correct all the Servants therein that shall any way offend, and to keep the Peace not only within it, but within the Verge of the Court. And, whereas the King's Servants are free from Arrest, the Creditors of such as are backward to pay have no other way for Payment, but to make their application to the Board of Green Cloth, which upon hearing of the Matter, take care to see Justice done to the Creditors. In the Lord Steward's Absence, the Treasurer has power, with the controller, and Steward of the Marshalsea, (by virtue of their Office, and without Commission) to hear and determine Treasons, Felonies, and other Crimes committed within the King's Palace, and that by Verdict of the King's Household. And, if any Servant within the Check-Roll be found guilty of Felony, he is incapable of the Benefit of the Clergy. The Comptroller's Office is to Comptrol the Accounts of the Green Cloth. The Cofferer pays the Wages to the King's Servants, above and below Stairs; and for the Household Provisions, according to the Allowance and Direction of the Green Cloth. He has also a particular Charge and Oversight of the inferior Officers of the King's House. The Master of the Household surveys the Accounts of the House. The Clerks of the Green Cloth sum up all Bills of Comptrolment, Parcels, and Brievements. And the two Clerks Comptrollers do let and allow them. But, besides the foresaid Officers belonging to the Counting House and Green Cloth, there are inferior Officers and Servants, relating to the same. Viz. Per Annum. Wages. Board-wages. Two Yeomen, each 05 00 00 73 00 00 Two Grooms, each 02 13 04 54 15 00 A Messenger. 02 13 04 37 06 08 In the inferior Offices below Stairs, all under the Lord Steward, there is In the Bakehouse, A Clerk 06 13 04 73 06 08 Two Yeomen, each 05 00 00 45 00 00 Two Grooms, each 02 13 04 37 06 08 In the Pantry, Per Annum. Wages. Board-wages. A Gentleman and Yeoman 11 08 01½ 48 11 10½ A Yeoman Mouth to the Queen 05 00 00 55 00 00 Three Grooms, each 02 13 04 37 06 08 In the Cellar, A Sergeant 11 08 01½ 48 11 10½ A Gentleman and Yeoman 11 08 01½ 48 11 10½ A Yeoman Mouth to the Queen, and Keeper of the Ice and Snow 05 00 00 55 00 00 Two joint Grooms, each 05 00 00 45 00 00 A Yeoman Field to the King 05 00 00 45 00 00 A Yeoman Field to the Queen 05 00 00 45 00 00 A Groom 02 13 04 37 06 08 In the Buttery, A Gentleman and Yeoman 11 08 01½ 48 11 10½ A Yeoman 05 00 00 45 00 00 Three Grooms, each 02 13 04 37 06 08 In the Spicery, Two joint Clerks, each 32 00 00 168 00 00 A Purveyor In the Chandlery, Per Annum. Wages. Board-wages. A Sergeant 11 08 01½ 48 11 10½ Two Yeomen, each 05 00 00 45 00 00 Three Grooms, each 02 13 04 37 06 08 In the Confectionary, Two Yeomen, each 05 00 00 45 00 00 Two Grooms, each 02 13 04 37 06 08 In the Ewery, Two Yeomen, each 05 00 00 45 00 00 Two Grooms, each 02 13 04 37 06 08 In the Laundry, A Laundress of the Table and Household Linen 20 00 00 100 00 00 In the King's Privy Kitchin. A chief Clerk 44 06 08 205 13 04 A second and third Clerk, each 11 08 01½ 138 11 10½ A Master Cook 11 08 01½ 138 11 10½ A Yeoman of the Mouth 05 00 00 45 00 00 A Yeoman Pottagier 05 00 00 45 00 00 Two Grooms, each 02 13 04 37 06 08 Per Annum. Wages. Board-wages. Two Children, each 02 00 00 33 00 00 Two Scowrers 04 00 00 56 00 00 Six Turn-broaches 180 00 00 One Doorkeeper 30 00 00 In the Queen's Privy Kitchen, A Master Cook 11 08 01½ 108 11 10½ A Yeoman of the Mouth 05 00 00 45 00 00 Another Yeoman 05 00 00 45 00 00 Two Grooms, each 02 13 04 37 06 08 Two Children, each 02 00 00 33 00 00 Two Scowrers 04 00 00 56 00 00 Four Turn-broaches 120 00 00 One Doorkeeper 30 00 00 In the Household Kitchen, A Master Cook 11 08 01½ 80 00 00 A Yeoman 05 00 00 45 00 00 A Groom 02 13 04 37 06 08 Two Children, each 02 00 00 33 00 00 Two Scowrers, 04 00 00 36 00 00 Four Turn-broaches 120 00 00 A Doorkeeper 30 00 00 In the Larder, Two Yeomen, each 05 00 00 45 00 00 Three Grooms, each 02 13 04 37 06 08 In the Acatry, A Sergeant 11 08 01½ 48 11 10½ Two joint Clerks 06 13 04 113 06 08 A Yeoman of the Salt Stores 05 00 00 10 00 00 In the Poultry, Per Annum. Wages. Board-wages. A Clerk 06 13 04 73 06 08 A Yeoman 05 00 00 45 00 00 Two Grooms, each. 02 13 04 37 06 08 In the Scalding-house, Two Yeomen, each 05 00 00 45 00 00 Two Grooms, each 02 13 04 37 06 08 In the Pastry, A Clerk 06 13 04 73 06 08 Two Yeomen, each 05 00 00 45 00 00 Two Grooms, each 02 13 04 37 06 08 A Child 02 00 00 33 00 00 A Salsary-man 30 00 00 A Turner 30 00 00 In the Scullery, A Clerk 06 13 04 73 06 08 Two Yeoman, each 05 00 00 45 00 00 Two Grooms, each 02 13 04 37 06 08 Two Pages, each 02 00 00 33 00 00 Three Children, each 02 00 00 33 00 00 Two Pan-Keepers 60 00 00 In the Woodyard, A Clerk 06 13 04 73 06 08 A Yeoman 05 00 00 45 00 00 Two Grooms, each 02 13 04 37 06 08 In the Almonry, Per Annum. Wages. Board-wages. A Sub-Almoner 06 18 00 A Yeoman 05 00 00 45 00 00 A Groom 02 13 04 37 06 08 In the Verge, A Clerk 06 13 04 23 06 08 A Coroner 06 13 04 23 06 08 Harbingers, Two Gentleman Harbingers, each 11 08 01½ 48 11 10½ Five Yeomen Harbingers, each 05 00 00 45 00 00 Porters at the Gate, A Sergeant Porter 11 08 01½ 108 11 10½ Three Yeomen, each 05 00 00 45 00 00 Three Grooms, each 05 00 00 37 06 08 Cartakers, Three Yeomen, each 05 00 00 45 00 00 Three Grooms, each 02 13 04 37 06 08 Officers of the Hall, A Marshal 13 00 08½ 18 05 00 Three Waiters, each 02 00 00 28 00 00 To which add, Per Annum. Wages. Board-wages. A Cock and Crier 18 05 00 Four Groom Purveyors of long Carts 10 13 04 Two Bread-bearers 04 00 00 26 00 00 Two Wine-Porters 04 00 00 A Yeoman Porter at S. James' 05 00 00 45 00 00 In each of the foresaid Offices 'tis the way to rise from a lower to a higher Office; as from a Groom to become Yeoman, than Gentleman, than Sergeant, as one happens to outlive them above him. And so the Clerks of the Particular Offices have the Prospect of rising from one Office to a better, as the Vacancies happen, as far as the Place of Cofferer. So far we have gone through the Offices that are under the Lord Steward. Next to whom is the Lord Chamberlain, also a White-Staff Officer; Who has the Oversight of all Officers and Servants belonging to the King's Chamber, and above Stairs. Except the Precincts of the King's Bed Chamber, which is wholly under the Groom of the Stole. He has also under his Charge the Officers both of the standing and removing Wardrobes, the Heralds, Pursuivants, and Sergeants at Arms, the King's Physicians, Surgeons, and Apothecaries, Barbers, the Revels, Music, Comedians, Huntsmen, Messengers, and Tradesmen retained in the King's Service. And, which is unusual in other Kingdoms, he has (though a Layman) the Oversight of the Chaplains. To him also belongs the Oversight of Charges of Coronations, Marriages, Entries, Cavalcades, Funerals, and other like Solemnities; Of all Furniture in the Parliament, and in the Rooms of Addresses to the King, etc. The Officers and Servants under the Lord Chamberlain. Per Annum. Wages. Board-wages. A Vice-Chamberlain 66 13 04 492 15 00 Three Cupbearers, each 33 00 00 Four Carvers, each 33 06 08 Three Gentlemen Sewers, each 33 06 08 Two Esquires of the Body, each 33 06 08 Belonging to the Privy Chamber, Forty eight Gentlemen, in Ordinary Four Gentlemen Ushers each 30 00 00 50 00 00 Four Daily Waiters, each, 150 00 00 Eight Quarter-Waiters, each, 50 00 00 Four Grooms, each 20 00 00 53 00 00 To the Presence Chamber. Four Gentlemen Ushers, Daily Waiters, each 20 00 00 130 00 00 Eight Gentlemen Ushers, Quarter-Waiters, each 10 00 00 140 00 00 Two Barbers, each 20 00 00 180 00 00 Four Pages, each 02 00 00 23 00 00 Amongst which the Gentlemen Ushers Daily Waiters attend next to the King's Person; and, after the Lord Chamberlain and the Vice-Chamberlain, they order all Affairs. The chief of them is called the Black-Rod, from a black Staff which he bears in his hand. Of whom I shall speak more at large in another place. To the Great Chamber, Per Annum. Wages. Board-wages. Fourteen Grooms, or Messengers, each 40 00 00 As to the Bedchamber, 'Tis under the peculiar Direction and Conduct of the Groom of the Stole, so called from the Latin Stola, a Robe of State, or long Robe. His Office is to put on the King's first Garment or Shirt every Morning, and to order the Things of the Bedchamber. His Wages are 33 06 08 Board-Wages 966 13 04 In all 1000 00 00 He is the first Gentleman of the Bedchamber, whereof there are nine in all. Their Wages, each 1000 00 00 They are usually of the prime Nobility. And their Office in general is to wait, each of them in his turn, one Week of nine, in the King's Bedchamber; where they lie by the King, on a Pallet-Bed, all night. They also wait upon the King, when he eats in private; for then the Cupbearers, Carvers, and Sewers do not wait. Next to the Gentlemen of the Bedchamber, are Per Annum. Wages. Board wages. Seven Grooms, each 500 00 00 And Six Pages, each 02 13 04 77 06 08 Amongst the other Officers and Servants of the King's House are also reckoned, Two Secretaries of State, one at 730 l. Board-Wages, the other at 292 l. Who have each his Vnder-Secretary, and several Clerks. As to their Office, I shall explain it, when I come to speak of the Privy Council, in my Third Part. Four Clerks of the Signet, each at 30 l. Board Wages. The Master of the Great Wardrobe a Superior and Independent Officer, whose S●●ry is 2000 l. per Annum. This is a great Office, made by King James I. a Corporation (or Body Politic) for ever. An Office which furnishes the Court and foreign Ambassadors Houses at their first Arrival here with Beds, Hang, and other Necessaries; that makes Provisions for Coronations, Marriages, and Funerals; that provides Presents for foreign Princes and Ambassadors, clothes of Estate, and other Furniture for the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and all his Majesty's Ambassadors abroad. This is the Office which provides all Robes for foreign Knights of the Garter, for the Officers of the Garter, Coats for Heralds and Pursuivants at Arms, and Liveries for His Majesty's Servants. The King has also out of this Office all the Linen and Lace that he wears. The Master of this Wardrobe, Kept in York-Buildings since the Fire, has under him several Officers, and sworn Servants to the King. The principal whereof is a Deputy, at 200 a Year Sa●ary; and a Clerk, whose Place is worth 300 l. a Year. But, besides this Great Wardrobe, there are divers standing Wardrobes at Whitehall, Windfor, Hampton-Court, the Tower of London, Greenwich, and other Places, whereof there are fivers Officers, all under the Lord Chamberlain. ●nd to the Keeper of the Standing Wardrobe, where the King shall reside, there is an Allow●ce of 127 l. 15. shill. per Annum. Lastly, there is the Removing Wardrobe, which ●ways attends upon the Person of the King, ●een, and their Children; upon Ambassadors, christenings, Masques, Plays, etc. Whose Officers are also at the Lord Chamberlain's Command. Viz. Per Annum. A Yeoman 230 00 00 A Clerk 160 00 00 Two Grooms, each 130 00 00 Three Pages, each 100 00 00 To the foresaid Officers add The Master of the Robes, who has the Charge of all His Majesty's Robes, and wearing Apparel. He has under him a Clerk, whose Salary is 100 l. a Yeoman, 100 l. two Grooms, each 50, a Brusher 40 l. and a Page 30. Master of the Jewelhouse; who has 400 l. Board-Wages. Treasurer of the Chamber. Privy Purse. Master of the Ceremonies. An Office instituted by King James I, for the Reception of Ambassadors and Strangers of quality, with a Salary of 200 l. a Year. He has under him a● Assistant and Marshal. A Knight Marshal, 26 l. per Annum. Five Vnder-Marshals, at 20 l. each per Annum. Three Kings of Arms, the first called Garter the second Clarencieux, the third Norroy. The Garter's Office is chief to attend and direct those Ceremonies and Solemnities that concert the most noble Order of the Garter, to marsha● the Solemn Funerals of the Knights of that O●der, and other Peers of the Realm, and to give Directions in all other Things relating to Ar● and appertaining to Peerage. Clarencieux hi● Province is in the Counties that lie in the South of Trent, where he properly directs all Thing relating to Arms. And Norroy does the fame i● the North Parts of Trent. To those three Kings of Arms, six Herald four Pursuivants, and nine Sergeants at Arms are Subordinate; who give attendance with them at all public Solemnities. Each Sergeant's Salary is 100 l. per Annum. A Groom Porter. Whose Office is to see the King's Lodgings furnished as they ought to be; to find Cards, etc. when the King or Queen plays, and to decide differences arising at any Game. His Yearly Fee is 2 l. 13. s. 4. d. and his Board-wages 127 l. 15 sh. A Knight Harbinger. The Keeper of the standing Wardrobe. A Body-Laundress, whose Salary is 20 l. and Board-Wages 199 l. per Annum. A Master of the Revels. Who is to order all Things concerning Comedies, Balls, and Masques at Court. He has a Yeoman under him, whose Fee is 46 l. 11 s. 8 d. A Keeper of the King's private Armoury, whose Fee is 13 l. 6 s. 8 d. besides his Board Wages, 26 l. 13 s. 4. d. A Surveyor of the Chamber and Dresser, at the yearly Salary of 11 l. 8 s. 1½. Housekeeper at Whitehall, at 650 l. a Year. Theater-Keeper at Whitehall, at 30 l. a Year. Two Gallery-Keepers, each at 3 sh. a Day. Forty Messenger in Ordinary, who attend the Council and Secretaries of State, at 40 l. each per Annum. Master of the Barges, at 50 l. a Year. Master of the Tennis Courts. There is also Per Annum. A Master Falconer 1500 00 00 A Sergeant of the Hawks 136 00 00 Master of the Hart and Buck-hounds, who for himself and the Huntsmen is allowed 2341 l. per Annum. Ranger of S. James' Park. Ranger of Hyde-park. For the King's Diversion, there is moreover A fine Set of Music, consisting of 40 Musicians in ordinary. And Two Playhouses, with a great many Servants. For Physic and Surgery, there are Four Physicians, the first at 400 a Year, the second at 300, the third 250, and the fourth being Physician to the Household, 200. Three Apothecaries, the two first at 500 l. each, and the third being Apothecary to the Household, 160. Two Surgeons, one to his Majesty's Person, at 396 l. 13 s. 4 d. The other being Chirur●urgeon to the Household, 280 l. Amongst the King's Servants in Ordinary, are also reckoned The Poet Laureate. Hydrographer. Library-Keeper. Public Notary. Officers of the Works. A Surveyor General. Master of the Mechanics. controller. Paymaster. Six Clerks of the Works, at 2 s. 3 d. a Day. A Mason. Carpenter. Sergeant Painter. Sergeant Plummer. Bricklaeyer. joiner. Glazier. Plasterer. The third Great Officer of the King's Court 〈◊〉 the Master of the Horse; Who has the Ordering of all the King's Stables, Races, and Breed of Horses, and of all Officers and Servants belonging thereto. He only has the Privilege of applying ●o his own Use some of the King's Liverymen; being allowed one Coachman, Four footmen, and Six Grooms under the King's Pay, and with his Livery, to attend his Service. At any Solemn Cavalcade, he rides next behind the King, leading a Leer Horse of State. According to the late Establishment, commencing from the 1 of April 1689, the Master of the Horse is to Keep, for his Majesty's Service, 36 Coursers, Hunters, and Pads, and 42 Coach-Horses. Besides 12 Horses for the Ma●er of the Horse, 4 for the Gentleman of the Horse, 2 Surgeon Horses, 2 Bottle-Horses, and 〈◊〉 Hunting Horses. In all 102. Under the Master of the Horse there are these following Officers and Servants, with their Salaries annexed. Viz. Per Annum. The Avener and Clerk Martial 260 00 00 Seven Querries, or Ecquerries, each 256 00 00 Three Pages of H●●●ur, each 156 00 00 A Sergeant of the Carriages, 86 00 00 A Master of the Studs, and Surveyor of the Race, 82 00 00 They are Forty in Number, besides Of● cers, all of them Gentlemen-born, at lea● ought so to be. And their Pay is 100 l. Yearly. They wait half at a time Quarterly in the Presence Chamber, and with their gilt Pole-Axes attend the King's Person to and from his Chapel Royal. But on Christmas, Easter, and Whitsun-Days, All Saints, St. George's Feast, Coronation Days, and other extraordinary Occasions, they are all obliged, under the Penalty of the Checque, to give their Attendance. On the Coronation-Day, and at St. George's Feast, they have the Honour to carry up the King's Dinner. And at those times the King does usually confer the Honour of Knighthood on two of them, such as the Captain presents to his Majesty. In Time of War they are bound to attend the King on Horseback, with Cuirassiers Arms. And therefore each of them is obliged, even in Time of Peace, to keep two Horses and a Servant, who is likewise to be armed; but the King usually dispenses with this part of their Duty. Their Standard born in Time of War, is A Cross Gules in a Field Argent. They are not under the Lord Chamberlain, but only under their own Officers. The chief whereof is the Captain, who is always a Nobleman of the Realm, or a Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter, whose Yearly Pay is 1000 l. Next to whom is the Lieutenant, whose Yearly Pay is 500 l. The Standard-bearer, 300 l. And the Clerk of the Checque, who is the Paymaster of the Band, 150 l. By this Clerk all the Band and Officers, except the Captain) are Sworn, for which ●e has a Fee of 5 l. 10 Shill. And 'tis his Office besides, to take notice of those that are absent, when they should be upon their Duty. To provide Lodgings for them, and to supply the Clerk in his absence, as his Deputy, there is a Gentleman Harbinger, whose Fee is 70 l. Yearly. In short, this Band of Pensioners is a Nursery to breed up young Gentlemen, and fit them for Employments both Civil and Military, as well abroad as at home. Next to them in the King's Palace, is another Body to guard their Majesties. Viz. the Yeomen of the Guard, who wait in the first Room above Stairs, called the Gard-Chamber. They were wont to be 200, of a larger Stature than ordinary, when every one of them was to be six foot high. At present they are but 100, whereof 24 wait in the Daytime, and 12 watch by Night. And, when the King or Queen goes abroad, always a Party of them attend on Foot their Royal Persons; Some with Guns, and others with Partisans, all with large Swords by their Sides. They, and the Warders of the Tower, have a peculiar Habit; Viz. Scarlet Coats and Breeches, both guarded with black Velvet, the Coats only down to the Knee, with Badges upon them before and behind. Instead of Hats, they wear black Velvet Caps, round and broad-crowned, according to the Mode in the Reign of Henry VIII. Their Pay now (besides their Diet at Court when upon Duty) is not above 30 l. a Yea● which falls much short of what it has been formerly. For their Officers they have a Captain, a Lieutenant, an Ensign, a Clerk of the Checque, and four Exempts or Corporals. The King and Queen, for their Guard abroad, have four Troops of Horse, three English, and one Dutch, consisting each of 200, in all 800 Men, besides Officers. A fine Body of Horse, for the most part composed of Gentlemen; well mounted, armed, and equipped, and allowed 4 Shill. a Day. These four Troops are all distinguished from each other by their different Ribbons, Carbine Belts, Hooses, and Holster-caps, embroidered with Their Majesty's cipher and Crown. Each Troop is divided into four Divisions, two of which (making up 100 Horse) mount the Guard, commanded by one principal Commissionated Officer, two Brigadiers, and two Sub-Brigadiers. When the King or Queen goes abroad, either in a Coach or Chair, a Party is sent from the Guard to attend their Persons. But, when They are upon a Journey, than a Detachment is made out of the several Troops. Each Troop is commanded in chief by a Captain. Next to whom there are two Lieutenants, a Cornet, a Guidon, four Exempts, four Brigadiers, an Adjutant, who acts as Quartermaster, and four Sub-Brigadiers. There is also to each Troop a Chirurgeon, a Clerk, one Kettle-Drummer, four Trumpeters; and, for Divine Service, a Chaploin. Now 'tis to be observed, that the Captains of Their Majesty's Troops of Guards, always command by their Commission as eldest Colonels of Horse, the Lieutenants as eldest Lieutenant Colonels of Horse, the Cornets and Guidons as eldest Majors, the Exempts as Captains, and the Brigadiers, as Lieutenants. As for the Adjutant and Sub-Brigadiers, they command not by Commission, but by Warrant. In case of Detachments, every Office precedes according to the Date of his Commission. But, when several Troops march with their Colours, the Officer of the eldest Troop commands those of equal Rank with him in the others, though their Commissions be of elder Date. The Pay of each Captain is 20 shill a Day, of a Lieutenant 15, of a Cornet 14, of a Guidon 12, of each Exempt 12, of a Brigadier 10, of an Adjutant and Sub-Brigadier twelve pence above the Pay of a private Trooper. The Chaplain's Pay is 6 shill. 8 Pence a Day; the Surgeon's 6 shill. and two more for his Chest-Horse; the Trumpeter's, and Kettle-Drum●er's, 5 shill. According to the Musterroll, the Chaplain 〈◊〉 listed next to the Guidon, and the Surgeon ●ext to the Chaplain. Next to the Surgeon, he Exempts, and Brigadiers; then the Audjment, and Sub-Brigadiers. To each Troop of the Horse Guards there ha● been added, few Years since, a Company of Horse-Granadiers. Which consists of 60 Men, besides Officers, all under the Command of the Captain of the Troop of Guards to whom they belong. And their Pay is 2 shill, 6 pence a Day. Their proper Commanders are 2 Lieutenants, 2 Sergeants, and 2 Corporals; the Pay of a Lieucenant being 8 shill. a Day, of a Sergeant 4, and of a Corporal 3. In each Troop of Granadiers there is 4 Hoboys, and 2 Drummers, their Pay being each a shill. 6 pence a Day. Next to the four Troops of Horse-Gards there is a Regiment of Horse, commonly called the Oxford Regiment, because Commanded by the Earl of Oxford. It consists of Nine Troops of 50 Men in each Troop. And the Colon● hereof has Precedencys next to the Captain's o● the Guards, before all other Colonels of Horse whatsoever Change may be of the Colonel and all the Officers thereof. In every Troop of this Regiment there is, besides the Captain, but one Lieutenant, a Cornet, a Quartermaster, two Corporals, and two Trunpeters. A Captain's Pay is 14 sh. a Day, a Lieutenants 10, a Cornet's 9, a Quarter-Master's 6● a Corporals 3, and each Trumpeter's 2 sh. 8 p. Th● Troopers have but 2 shill. 6 pence each. Lastly, there are three Regiments of Foot-Gar● two English, and one Dutch; the first and 〈◊〉 consisting of above 2000 Men each, divided i● 4 Battalions, each Battalion into seven Colonies, of 80 Men each, besides Ossicers. Whereas the second Regiment consists only of ●3 Companies, which make up 1000 Men. The Colonel's Pay, as Colonel, is 12 sh. a Day; the Lieut. Colonel's; as such, 7 shill. the Major's, as Major, 5; the Adjutant's, 5; a Captain's, 8; a Lieutenant's, 4; an Ensign's, 3; 〈◊〉 Sergeant's, 1 sh. 6 pence; a Corporal's, and Drummer's, 1 sh. a common Soldiers, 10 pence, ●nd out of London but 8. To each Battalion of the foresaid Regiments belongs a Company of Foot Granadiers, of 80 ●en each; and the Dutch Regiment has be●●des a Company of Cadets, or young French Gentlemen. So much for the Civil and Military Part of ●heir Majesty's Court, which concerns the ●ody; I come now to the Ecclesiastic Part, ●hich properly does regard the Soul, and ●heir future Happiness. In order to which there is a Royal Chapel, besides the King's Closet, or private Oratory) ●r God's Servico and Worship. Where Prayers ●e read thrice a Day, two Sermons preached very Sunday, besides other particular Times; ●e Communion administered every first Sunday 〈◊〉 the Month throughout the Year, besides ●e great Festivals, and all Things performed ●th great Decency and Order. For the doing whereof, there is first a ●an of the Royal Chapel; who is usually some ●ave learned Prelate, chosen by the King, and ●o (as Dean) owns no Superior but the ●ng, For, as the Royal Palace is exempt ●m all inferior Temporal Jurisdiction, so is 〈◊〉 Chapel from all Spiritual. 'Tis a Regal Peculiar, reserved to the King's Visitation and immediate Government; who is Supreme Ordinary, and as it were Prime Bishop over all the Churches and Bishops of England. Under the Dean there is a Subdean, or Pracentor Capellae; and next to him 12 Priests. Whereof ones peculiar Office is to read the first Morning Prayers to the King's Household, to visit the Sick, to examine and prepare Communicants, and to do all other Duties-proper for his Station. Next to the Priests there are 20 Gentlemen, commonly called the Gentlemen (or Clerks) of the Chapel; who, with the aforesaid Priests, perform in the Chapel the Office of Divine Service in Praying, Singing, etc. And three of these are chosen to be Organists. To whom, upon Sundays and holidays, is joined a Consort of the King's Music. Moreover, for the Service of the Chapel, there are 12 Children in Ordinary, who make up the Musical Choir. These are instructed in the Rules and Art of Music by one of the ablest Clerks, who is allowed considerably for their Board and his Teaching. Here are also attending the Chapel, four Officers, called Vergers, from the Silver. Rods which they carry in their Hands. The chief whereof is called a Sergeant, the next two Yeomen, and the fourth Groom of the Chapel. For the Preaching part, the King has no less than 48 Chaplains in Ordinary, who are usually eminent Doctors in Divinity, and most Deans or prebend's. These are under the particular Charge and Direction of the Lord Chamberlain, who appoints them the Time for their Service at Court, being to wait four of them together Monthly. But, besides those 48, there are always Supernumeraries; some whereof wait by appointment in lieu of those, who, by reason of Sickness or otherwise, can't give their attendance. And, as Lent is a particular Time of the Year for Devotion (though it is not observed in England with that Strictness and Superstition as it is in the Roman States) so the Royal Chapel shows an excellent Example, at that time especially, to all other Churches and Chapels of England. In order to which the Lord Chamberlain, some time before Lent, does appoint the Lent-Preachers, and causes a List of them to be printed, with their respective Times for Preaching during Lent. Then the Sermon-Days are Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, Weekly. The first Wednesday, being Ash-Wednesday, is fixed for the Dean of the Chapel to preach before the King; and the Friday after for the Dean of S. Paul's. Each Wednesday after, one of the King's Chaplains is appointed to preach; every Friday, the Dean of some Cathedral or Collegiate Church, and on Good Friday the Dean of Westminster. Every Sunday, a Bishop; on Palm-Sunday, an Archbishop; and Easter-Day, the Lord Almoner. Upon Christmas, Easter, and Whitsunday, the King and. Queen do usually receive the Holy Sacrament, only with some of the Royal Family, and two or three of the principal Bishops. Those are three Days of twelve in the Year, on which Their Majesties, attended with the principal Nobility adorned with their Collars of the Garter, together with some of the Heralds in their rich Coats, make in a grave sodemn manner their Offering of Gold at the Altar, which by the Dean of the Chapel is distributed afterwards among the Poor. The same is a Sum of Gold, to this day called the Besant, or the Bizantine, from Byzantium the old Name of Constantinople, where the piece of Gold was coined which anciently was Offered by the Kings of England. The Gold to be offered is delivered to the King and Queen by the Lord Steward, or some other of the principal Officers; and it is Offered to God by Their Majesties, as an Acknowledgement that by his Grace They hold their Kingdoms of him. The other Days of the Year on which they make the same Offering, are All-Saints, New-Years Day, Candlemas, Annunciation, Ascension Day, S. John the Baptist, and Michaelmas Day, when only Gold is offered. To which add Twelfth Day, when Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh are Offered by the King in several Purses. The Lord Almoner is usually a Bishop. Whose Office is to dispose of the Moneys allowed by the King for Alms, of all Deodands, and Goods of Self Murderers, forfeited to the King, and always bestowed in Alms to the Poor. He has the Privilege to give the King's Dish, that is, the first Dish at Dinner, which is set upon the King's Table, to whatsoever Poor-man he pleases, or Money in lieu thereof upon his Majesty's account. Wherever the Court resides, 24 Poor men are nominated by the Officers of the adjacent Parish, among whom Money, Bread, and Beer, or all Money, is equally divided at the Court Gate by the Lord Almoner Order at 7 of the Clock every Morning. And it has been the Custom for every Poor-man, before he received the Alms, to repeat the Cre●● and the Lords Prayer, in the presence of one of the King's Chaplains deputed by the Lord Almoner. Besides, there are many poor Pensioners to the King and Queen below Stairs, who have a Competency duly paid unto them by the Almoner. And, when the King is in his Progress, his Lordship, or his Sub-Almoner for him, is to scatter new-coined Twopences in the Towns and Places where the King passes through in his Progress, to a certain Sum by the Year▪ The Lord Almoner is to see all these Things done; for the Performance whereof he has 3 Officers allowed under him, to wit a Sub-Almoner, a Yeoman, and a Groom. And for that purpose there is at Court a particular Office, from hence called the Almonry. On Maundy Thursday, (being the Thursday before Easter) so called from the French Manned a sort of Basket, is performed the Ceremony of Washing the Feet of as many Poor-men as the Years the King has reigned. Which is done sometimes by the King himself, and in his absence by the Lord Almoner; a piece of Humility taken from the Pattern of our Saviour. When the poormen's Feet are washed, he wipes them with a Towel. Then he gives every one of them for Clothing two Yards and a half of Woollen-Cloth, Linnen-Cloth for Two Shirts, a pair of Shoes, and a pair of Stockings. For Eating, six Peny-loaves of Bread, with 3 Dishes of Fish in Platters; whereof one of Salt Salmon, another of green Fish or Cod, the third of pickle or red Herrings, or red Sprats. For Drink, a Gallon of Beer, and a Quart bottle of Wine. And, for Pocket Money, a red-leather Purse, with as many single Pence as the King is Years old; and, in such another Purse, as many Shillings as the King has reigned Years. The Queen does also do the like to divers poor Women. Lastly, the King has a Clerk of the Closet, who is commonly a reverend, sober, and learned Divine. His Office is to attend at the King's right hand during Divine Service, to resolve all Doubts concerning Spiritual Matters, and to wait on his Majesty in his Closet or private Oratory. The Dean of the Chappel's Fee is 200 l. Yearly, and a Table; the Sub-Dean's, 100; the Priests and Clerks of the Chapel, each 70 l. The Lord Almoner has not Fee. The Sub-Almoner has but 6 l. 18. sh. a Year. But the Yeoman has 30, and the Groom 20 l. a Year. The Clerk of the Closet receives a Fee of 20 Nobles per Annum. So far I have done with the King's Court, which the Queen, as His Royal Consort, has a great share unto. And yet Her Majesty has her own Court besides to Herself, consisting both of Men and Women, with a suitable Revenue to support it. First she has Per Annum. A Lord Chamberlain 1200 00 00 A Vice-Chamberlain 300 00 00 A Secretary 200 00 00 Three Gentlemen Ushers of the Privy Chaember, each 200 00 00 Two Cupbearers, each 33 06 08 Two Carvers, each 33 06 08 Two Sewers, each 33 06 08 Three Gentlemen Ushers, daily Waiters, each 150 00 00 Four Gentlemen Ushers, Quarterly Waiters, each 75 00 00 Four Grooms of the Privy Chamber, each 60 00 00 Two Pages of the Presence, each 40 00 00 One Page of the Robes, 30 00 00 Six Pages of the Back Stairs, each 80 00 00 Six Grooms of the Great Chamber, each 40 00 00 One Physician 300 00 00 One Apothecary 200 00 00 A Clerk of the Closet 06 13 04 A Treasurer and Receiver general 50 00 00 An Auditor general 100 00 00 The Auditor's Clerk 20 00 00 The Treasurer's Clerk 40 00 00 The Secretary's Clerk 10 00 00 Two Messengers, each 11 01 08 A Porter of the Back-Stairs 40 00 00 A Master of the Barges 20 00 00 Four and twenty Watermen, each 03 02 06 Officers and Servants of the Stables. A Master of the Horse 800 00 00 Three Equerries, each 220 00 00 Two Pages of Honour, each 100 00 00 A Purveyor 40 00 00 A Yeoman Rider 100 00 00 A Yeoman of the Carriages 18 00 00 Five Coachmen, each 75 00 00 Twelve Footmen, each 53 00 00 Three Grooms, each 40 00 00 Four Chairmen, each 36 00 00 A Bottleman 50 00 00 A Groom Farrier 20 00 00 A Groom-Sadler. 20 00 00 A Groom of the Stole, and Lady of the Robes 1200 00 00 Five Ladies of the Bed Chamber, each 500 00 00 Six Maids of Honour, the first 300 00 00 The other five, each 200 00 00 Six Women of the Bedchamber, each 200 00 00 A Laundress 260 00 00 A Seamstress, and Starcher 100 00 00 A Necessary Woman. 60 00 00 A Woman to clean the Privy Chambers. 30 00 00 CHAP. XVI. Of their present Majesty's Land and Sea Forces, and the Management thereof. THeir Majesty's Land-Forces are either Ordinary, as the Horse and Foot Guards, the several Garrisons, and the standing Militia of the Country. Or Extraordinary, as the present victorious Army in Ireland. The Horse and Foot-Guards I have already described in the foregoing Account of the King and Queen's Court, where it appears they amount to 7000 Men at least. The principal Garrisoned Places in England are Portsmouth, Plymouth, the Tower of London, Windsor-Castle, Chester, Carlisle, Hull, Berwick, Dover-Castle, and these two Forts on the Thames, Sheerness and Tilbury. In the Isle of Wight there are constant Garrisons, at Cows, Sandham Fort, West-Yarmouth, and Carisbrook. So there is at Hurst and Calshot Castles, upon two Points of Hampshire shooting forth into the Sea over against the said Isle. To which add Upner Castle in Kent, Landguard Fort in Suffolk, Clifford Tower and Scarborough Castle in Yorkshire, Tinmouth Castle in Northumberland, and Holy Island near the Coast of that County, S. Mary's Castle among the Isles of Scilly, Pendennis in Cornwall, and Portland Castle in Dorsetshire. Besides the Islands of Jersey and Garnsey, on the Coast of Normandy. The Number of Men in each of those Garrisons is uncertain; for it is greater or lesser, as Occasion serves. Most of them are unregimented Companies. These, together with the Royal Guards, being the standing Land-Forces in Their Majesty's Pay, there is for the Paying of them, first a general Officer, called the Paymaster General, who has several Clerks under him. Next is the Commissary General of the Musters, who has a Deputy Commissary in London; besides eight other Deputy-Commissaries, who have their distinct Circuits in the Country, for Mustering the Forces which lie in the several Garrisons. There is also a Secretary at War, with several Clerks, and a Messenger under him. Which three considerable Offices are kept at the Horse-Guard. Moreover, there is a Judge Advocate, a Scout-Master General, an Adjutant General, and a Marshal of the Horse; besides a Chirurgeon General. Amongst Their Majesty's Land Forces we may reckon the Militia, or Train Bands of every County, as being wholly at the King's Disposal, and bound to Assist Him upon all Occasions within the Bounds of the Realm. In Queen Elizabeth's Time a general Muster was made, by her Order, of all Men able to bear Arms, from the Age of 16 to 60; who then amounted to three Millions of Men, whereof six hundred Thousand fit for War. But, in Time of Peace, the Matter is so regulated, that there is not above one hundred thousand Horse and Foot actually Enrolled for the Defence of the Realm. The Management whereof is in the hands of the Lord Lieutenants of the several Counties of England, who are usually of the principal Rank amongst the Peers of the Realm, chosen for that purpose by the King, and so created by his Commission. They have Power by Act of Parliament to charge any Person with Horse, Horsemen, and Arms, that has 500 l. a Year, or 6000 l. personal Estate; and with a Foot Soldier, any Person that has 50 l. yearly Revenue, or 600 l. personal Estate. Those that have meaner Estates are to join two or three together, either to find a Horse and Horseman, or a Foot Soldier, according to their Estates. They have also Power to Arm, Array, and Form the Forces into Companies, Troops, and Regiments, and to make their Officers by giving them Commissions; and, upon any Rebellion or Invasion, to lead and employ the Men so Armed within their respective Counties, or into any other County, as the King shall give Order. They name their Deputy Lieutenants, and present them to the King, for his Confirmation. Who are to be of the principal Gentry of the Country, and have the same Power as the Lord Lieutenant in his absence. To find out Ammunition and other Necessaries, there is a Tax of 70000 l. a Month upon the whole Kingdom, whereof the Lord Lieutenants or Deputies, or any three (or more) of them, may levy a Fourth Part of each Man's Proportion in it. And, when occasion shall be to bring the Militia into actual Service, the Persons so charged are to provide each Soldier respectively with pay in hand for a Month, at the rate of 2 shill. a Day for a Horseman, and 12 pence for a Foot Soldier. For Repayment of which Money, and the satisfaction of the Officers for their Pay, during the time aforesaid, Provision is to be made by the King out of the public Revenue; and, till the same be actually performed, none can be charged with another Months Pay. These Forces are always to be in readiness, with all Things necessary at the beat of Drum, or sound of Trumpet, to appear, muster, and be at certain times trained and disciplined. Now, to give speedy notice of an approaching Invasion, there are all over England high Poles erected upon eminent Places both Inland and Maritime, with Pitch-barrels fastened on the Top, known by the name of Beacons. Which being set on fire, one by the sight of another, the whole Kingdom has thereby notice in few Hours of the approaching Danger. Whereupon the Militia, to secure the Kingdom, makes haste to the Seacoasts. As for the present Army, which God has lately blest with a glorious Victory, carrying with it the Reduction of Ireland, and (I hope) a Fate upon France, it was lately Computed to be near Fifty thousand strong, Horse, Foot, and Dragoons; consisting of English, Irish, French, Danish, and Dutch Forces. I wish, for the satisfaction of the Reader, that I could give a particular and exact Account of this brave and gallant Army. But, rather than do it imperfectly, I beg the Reader's leave to decline it. And so I come to the Maritime Power of England. Which consists in general of about 130 Men of War; besides Fireships, Yachts, Hulks, Ketches, Sloops, Hays, and Smacks, and several other Vessels for Tenders and Victuallers. The Men of War are divided into six Rates, or Ranks; Built in several Places, but most at Woolwich, Chatham, Deptford, Blackwall, Harwich, and Portsmouth. The following List gives you the Names of them, according to their Rates, in the Alphabetick Order, with the Year when they were built; also the Number of Tuns, Men, and Guns each of them commonly carries abroad in Time of War. Those whose Names be in the Roman Letter, are the Thirty that were built by an Act of Parliament made in the Year 1676. First Rates. Ships. Built An. Tuns. Men. Guns. S. Andrew. 70 1313 730 96 Britannia. 82 1620 815 100 Charles. 67 1229 710 96 Royal Charles. 72 1531 780 100 Royal James. 75 1422 780 100 London. 70 1328 730 96 S. Michael. 69 1101 600 90 Royal Prince. 70 1403 780 100 Royal Sovereign 1605 815 100 Rebuilt. Second Rates. Albemarle 81 1462 660 90 Catharine 64 1050 540 82 Coronation 85 1475 660 90 Duke 82 1546 660 90 Duchess 79 1475 660 90 S. George 22 891 460 72 Neptune 83 1475 660 90 Ossory 82 1300 660 90 Rainbow 17 868 410 64 French Ruby 868 570 80 Sandwich 79 1395 660 90 Triumph 23 891 460 70 Vanguard 78 1357 660 90 Victory Rebuilt 63 1029 530 82 Unicorn 33 823 410 64 Windsor Castle. 78 1462 660 90 Third Rates. Berwick 79 1089 460 70 Breda 79 1050 460 72 Burford 79 1174 460 70 Cambridge 941 420 70 Captain 78 1164 460 72 Defiance 75 881 420 70 Dreadnought 53 732 355 62 Dunkirk 51 662 340 60 Eagle 79 1057 460 70 Edgar 68 994 445 72 Elizabeth 79 1151 460 70 Essex 79 1068 460 70 Exeter 79 1070 460 70 Expedition 78 1057 460 70 Grafton 79 1184 460 70 Hampton Court 78 1105 460 70 Harwich 74 993 420 70 Hope 78 1058 460 70 Kent Rebuilt 79 1064 460 70 Lenox 78 1096 460 70 Lion Rebuilt 58 717 340 60 Mary 49 777 355 62 Monk 59 703 340 60 Monmouth 66 856 400 66 Montague Rebuilt 75 829 355 62 Northumberland 79 1115 460 70 Royal Oak 74 1107 470 70 Pendennis 79 1093 460 70 Plymouth 53 742 340 62 Resolution 67 885 420 70 Restauration 78 1032 460 70 Revenge 762 360 70 Rupert 65 832 400 70 Sterling Castle 79 1114 460 70 Suffolk 80 1151 460 70 Swiftsure 73 978 420 70 Warspight 66 742 420 70 York 80 734 460 70 Fourth Rates. Adventure 46 392 190 44 Advice 50 544 230 48 Antelope 53 560 230 48 Assistance 50 550 230 48 Assurance 46 340 180 42 Bonadventure Reb. 63 514 230 48 Bristol 53 534 230 48 Charles Galley 76 492 220 32 Constant Warwick Re. 66 379 180 42 Crown 53 535 230 48 Deptford 88 S. Alban S. David 66 685 280 54 Diamond 51 548 230 48 Dover 54 530 230 48 Dragon 47 470 220 46 Falcon 66 349 180 42 Foresight 50 522 230 48 Greenwich 66 654 280 54 Hampshire 53 479 220 46 Happy Return 54 609 280 54 James Galley 76 436 200 30 Jersey 54 556 230 48 Kings Fisher 75 663 220 48 Leopard 58 645 280 54 Mary Rose 53 566 230 48 Mordant 81 663 230 48 Newcastle 53 628 280 54 Nonsuch 68 368 180 42 Oxford 74 670 280 54 Phoenix 71 389 180 42 Portland 52 608 240 50 Portsmouth 49 463 220 46 Princess 60 602 280 54 Reserve 50 513 230 48 Ruby 51 539 230 48 Swallow 53 549 230 48 Sweepstakes 66 376 180 42 Tiger Rebuilt 81 453 190 44 Tiger, a Prize 649 230 48 Woolwich 75 761 280 54 Yarmouth 53 608 280 54 Fifth Rates. Dartmouth 55 266 135 32 Garland 54 260 130 38 Garnsey 54 245 130 30 Hunter 72 265 130 30 Mermaid 51 286 135 32 Norwich 55 253 130 30 Orange-tree 77 280 130 30 Pearl 51 285 130 30 Richmond 55 211 125 28 Rose 74 229 125 28 Saphire 75 333 135 32 Success 75 246 135 32 Swau. 57 294 135 32 Sixth Rates. Drake 52 146 75 16 Fanfan 65 33 30 14 Francis 66 140 75 16 Greyhound 72 184 75 16 Lark 75 199 85 18 Roebuck 60 129 75 16 Soldadoes. 73 188 75 16 To the foresaid Men of War add these Pri●es from Barbary, viz. the Two Lions, the Golden Horse, the Half-Moon, the Rose of Sally, and the Rose of Algiers. Besides Heldenberg, Dunbarton, etc. the first being Monmouths, and the last Argiles Ship. As for Fireships, there's no certain Number of them. As Occasion serves, Ships are bought for this Use, that have been otherwise Employed, few of them being new built for this purpose. Some carry six, some twelve, most but eight Guns. Yachts are a sort of Ships of great Use for Expedition, being built for quick ●ailing. They carry most of 'em 8 Guns, some but 4, with Men proportionably. Their Majesties have eighteen of these, according to the following List. Yachts. Built An. Tuns. Men. Guns. Aun 61 100 30 8 Bezan 61 35 8 4 Catharine 74 135 30 8 Charlot 77 142 30 8 Cleveland 71 107 30 8 Deal 73 28 8 4 Fubs 62 142 30 8 Henrietta 64 106 30 8 Jemy 62 25 4 4 Isle of Wight 73 24 8 4 Kitchen 70 103 30 8 Mary 77 166 30 8 Merlin 66 109 30 8 Monmouth 66 103 30 8 Navy 73 74 30 8 Portsmouth 74 133 30 8 Queenborough 71 29 4 4 Richmond. 72 64 30 8 There are moreover 7 Hulks, 2 Ketches, 12 Sloops, 3 Hoys, and 5 Smacks. Five of the Hulks are Dutch Prizes, and the two other (viz. the America, and the Arms of Horn) were bought. Amongst which the Alphin carries 4 Guns, the America 20, the Arms of Horn 8, the Arms of Rotterdam 7, the Elias 2, the Slothony 7, and the Stadthouse 4. The two Ketches are the Deptford, carrying 4 Guns; and the Quaker 10. The Sloops carry all 4 Guns each; the Hoys and Smacks, none. Now, as to our Men of War in particular, 'tis to be observed, that for Strength they are Incomparable, being built of English Timber, which is the most excellent for that purpose. For Beauty they yield to none, being so proportionably and spaciously built, so curiously and richly adorned, that they seem so many Royal Palaces amongst other Ships at Sea. And for Sailing, they are so well Contrived, that the French took their Model from us; and, for aught I know, were Complimented to it by the late King Charles. The Royal Sovereign, amongst the rest, being a first Rate Ship, carries 1605 Tuns, 815 Men, and 100 Guns. Her Length is 131 foot, Breadth 48, Depth 49, and Draught of Water 23 and an half. She has 18 Masts and Yards, the Main Mast 130 foot long, and 38 inches diameter; the Main Yard to it 105 foot long, and 23 inches Diameter; and the Maintop, 15 foot diameter. Her greatest Sail, called Main-Course (together with the Bonnet) contains 1640 Yards of Ipswich Canvas double. She has six Anchors, the biggest weighing 6000 pounds, and the least 4300. Of fourteen ●ables that belong to them, the greatest being 21 inches in compass, weighs 6000 pound, and the least 8 inches in compass weighs 1300. Her Guns, all of brass, are disposed of in three Tire; viz. in the upper Tyre 44, in the second 34, and the lower Tyre 22. She carries a long Boat of 50 foot, a Pinnace of 36, and a Skiff 27 foot long. The Britannia, a new Ship, is much the same; but that she was not perhaps so carefully built as the Royal Sovereign, there being found lately some Defect in the Timber, which is now repairing. As to the Charge of Building so great a Vessel, together with Guns, Tackle, and Rigging, besides Victualling, 'tis computed at least to 60000 pound. Whereby the Reader may judge of other Ships proportionably. And, for every Month that a first Rate Ship is at Sea, it stands the King in 3500 l. for Victuals, Ammunition, Wages, Wear and Tear. For Manning of their Majesty's Fleet, England is provided with a vast Number of able and stout Seamen, who are looked upon as the chiefest Bulwark of the Nation. Whom the King by his Prerogative, may press for his Service; as he may Merchants Ships, upon an urgent Occasion. And, for a constant Supply of Men for thei● Majesty's Service by Sea and Land, the Kin● has lately raised two Marine Regiments, ea●● consisting of 1800 Men. Which is to be 〈◊〉 standing Nursery for Men to be bred up i● Maritime Affairs, in order to serve the Kin● and their Country either by Sea or Land, as Occasion shall require. They wear blue Coats a●● Caps, with the figure of an Anchor in the forepart of the Cap. And their Pay is to each 1 l. 16 sh. a Month, besides their Diet whilst they are on Shipboard. For the Command of a Man of War, there is first a Captain, and a Lieutenant, whose Pay is thus by the Day. Only 'tis to be observed, that in a sixth Rate Ship the Captain is only called Master. 1 Rate. 2 Rate. 3 Rate. s. d s. d. s. d. Capt. 15 00 12 00 10 00 Lieut. 03 00 03 00 02 06 4 Rate. 5 Rate. 6 Rate. Capt. 07 06 06 00 05 00 Lieut. 02 06 The Lieutenants of the fifth and sixth Rate Ships are paid by the Month, and so are all others belonging to the Ships. Now you must know, that in the several Rates, there is a Proportion greater or lesser of some sort of Officers. As in a first Rate Ship, 6 Master's Mates and Pilots, in a second 4, and in a third 3, in a fourth and fifth 2, in a sixth 1. Quarter-Masters, 4 in all Rates, except the fifth and sixth, which have but 2 each. Quarter-Master's Mates, 4 in the first and second Rates, 2 in the third and fourth, 1 in the fifth and sixth. Boatswains Mates, 2 in the first, and but 1 in ●he rest. Yeomen of Sheets, 4 in the first and second Rates, 2 in the third and fourth, that is in each of them. Gunner's Mates, 2 in the first and second, and but 1 in each of the rest. Quarter-Gunners, 4 in the first, second, and third, 1 in each of the rest. Carpenters-Mates, 2 in the first and second, 1 in each of the rest. Ordinary or Crew, 9 in the first, 6 in the second, 4 in the third, 3 in the fourth, 1 in each of the fifth and sixth. Midshipmen, 8 in the first, 6 in the second, 4 in the third, 3 in the fourth, 2 in the fifth, and 1 in the sixth. For the Building, Repairing, and Cleaning of their Majesty's Ships, there are six great Yards, where they are usually laid up; Viz. Chatham, Deptsord, Woolwich, Harwich, Sheerness, and Portsmouth. Fitted with several Docks, Wharves, Lanches, and Graving places; always furnished with great Quantities of Timber, and other Materials; having convenient Storehouses, with vast Quantities of Cables, Rigging, Sails, Blocks and other sorts of Stores; with great Rope-Yards to make Cables, and all sorts of Cordage for the Navy. In those Yards are employed divers Officers, the principal whereof are as follow, with their Yearly Salaries. Viz. l. A Clerk of the Checque 245 A Store-Keeper 260 A Master Attendant 124 His Assistant 80 A Master Shipwright 133 His Assistants, each 70 Clerk of the Survey 160 Note, that the Charges of the Clerks and Instruments are included in their Salaries. All these are under the Direction and Management of the Navy Office, kept in the Crouched Friars, London. Where the whole Business concerning the King's Ships is managed by four principal Officers, and four Commissioners of the Navy, besides other Commissioners for Victualling the Navy. The four principal Officers are the Treasurer, C●mptroller, Surveyor, and Clerk of the Acts. The Treasurer's Office is to pay the Charges of the Navy out of the Exchequer, having first a Warrant for the Money from the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, and for the Payment thereof another Warrant from the principal Officers of the Navy. His Allowance is 3000 l. a Year. The Comptroller's Office is to attend and control all Payments of Wages. He is likewise to know all the M●rket Rates of all Stores for Shipping, to audit and examine all Treasurers, Victuallers, and Store-Keepers Accounts. His Salary is 500 l. per Annum; and his Assistants 400. The Surveyor's Business is to know the state of all Stores, and see their Wants supplied; to survey the Hulls, Masts, and Yards, and have their Defects repaired at reasonable rates. What Stores the Boatswains and Carpenters receive in order to a Voyage, he is to charge them with by Indenture; and at their return, to state and audit their Accounts. His Salary is 400 l. a Year. The Clerk of the Acts is to record all Orders, Contracts, Bills, Warrants, etc. relating to the Navy; and his Salary is 500 l. pen Annum. Amongst the four Commissioners, one's Province is to Control the Victualler's Accounts; another's, the Accounts of the Store-keepers of the Yards; and the two others have the managing of Their Majesty's Navy, the one at Chatham, and the other at Portsmouth. The Salary of each is 500 l. Both the principal Officers and Commissioners hold their Places by Patent, under the Great Seal of England; and have Clerks allowed to each of them, with respective Salaries, for the Dispatch of Business. The Commissioners for Victualling the Navy are commonly four, and their Salary is each 400 l. a Year. Lastly, the Navy-Office is subordinate to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, as they execute the Office of the Lord High Admiral of England; of whose Power and great Privileges I have already spoken amongst the Great Officers of the Crown. For transacting of Maritime Affairs, they keep a Court, called the Court of Admiralty, of which in my Third Part. By virtue of their Place, they appoint in divers Parts of the Kingdom several Vice-admirals', with their Judges and Marshals by Patent, under the Great Seal of the High Court of Admiralty. Now there are 17 of these Vice-Admiralties in England, besides 2 in Wales Those in England are Chester Parts. Cornwall North Parts Cornwall South Parts Devonshire Dorset Durham, Northum, berland, Westworland, and Cumberland. Essex Gloucester Kent Lancaster Lincoln Norfolk Somerset Southampton, or Hampshire Suffolk Sussex York In Wales there's but two Vice-Admiralties, one in the North, and the other in the South Parts of Wales. To reflect upon what is past relating to our Naval Force, this (I confess) was much weakened by the late King Charles his strange Neglect of Shipping and Seamen, to the great discredit and damage of this Nation. Then, and not till then, the French grew upon us; and grew (like a Weed) so fast, that they have been ever since a great Discouragement and Obstruction to our English Trade. To see those Sea-Mushrooms, the French, dare be so bold as to crow over the English, who would not have Employed them for Swabbers some Years since, 'twere enough to enrage a sensible Nation. But, if one may guests at future Events from the present Disposition of Things, I am apt to think this prodigious Gallicinium, or Crowing of the French King, is a Presage of his Fall. And, without Enquiring into the secret Causes of the late unusual and wonderful Tameness of our Fleet, (which gave him the satisfaction to rove a while undisturbed in our Seas) now such Measures are taken as will in all probability make him lower his Topsail. As for Tourville his Admiral's Exploit at Ting●nouth, 'tis such as deserves Derision, more than a Triumph. Tingmouth, a small, open, and obscure Place, the Resort of a few Fishermen who had there some Thatched Houses, was wonderfully Stormed, and irresistibly Burnt by this Victorious Fleet. Which, flushed with this great Expedition, and its happy Come-off in the Sea-fight, sailed few Days after with flying Colours for Breast. Breast, which expected great Spoils from the British Shore, and some Return for Millions expended to make this proud Appearance at Sea, wondered to see nothing but their Fleet come short home; some Ships wanting, and others halting, with part of what Men they had left alive half starved, or sick to death, as if they had come from Terra Incognita. But the Paris Gazette made amends, which celebrated this Expedition at that rate, that one would have thought the Venetians Victory over the Turks in the Gulf of Lepanto fell short of this paltry one. And, to raise the Credit of the great Exploit at Tingmouth, there Tingmouth was represented as a flourishing Harbour, crowded with Men of War, and Merchant Ships richly laden, of which a Sacrifice was made to the new French Neptune. Thus, by a false and pompous Relation (which indeed sounded much to the glory of a Hamlet) the French Court designed to amuse the World, to raise on the one side the Spirits of the drooping French, and at the same time strike an Aw amongst the Confederates. Which shows what shifts the French are put to in this Juncture of Time, to support their Reputation. What remains is to give an Account of Their Majesty's Office of Ordnance, relating to their Forces both by Sea and Land, and Kept within the Tower of London. Which Office concerns all the principal Preparatives and Instruments of War for the Defence and Safety of the Kingdom, and has the ordering and disposing of all the Magazines, as well for Sea as Land. The principal of these Magazines is the Tower, where there are Arms for 60000 Men, and a fine Train of Artillery Kept, with all stores proportionable. This, and all other Magazines in the Kingdom (as those of Portsmouth, Plymouth, Windsor-Castle, etc.) are under the Master-General of the Ordnance, a Place of great Trust, and of a general Influence over all the Kingdom. Under whom there are Six principal Officers, and others subordinate, all holding their Places by Patent under the great Seal. The principal Officers are The Lieutenant General. The Surveyor. The Clerk of the Ordnance. The Keeper of the Stores. The Clerk of the Deliveries. The Treasurer, or Paymaster. The Lieutenant of the Ordinance receives at the Board, with the rest of the principal Officers, all Orders from the Master General, and is to see them duly executed. In the Master General's Absence, he may make Orders upon Occasion, for Things that are not of that high Importance as to require the King's or the Lord High Admiral's Warrants. He is to see the Train of Artillery, and all its Equipage, fitted for Motion upon any Occasion. And from him ●ssue Orders for the discharging the great Guns, when required, upon Coronation-Days, Festivals, Triumphs, and the like. The Surveyor's Office is to survey all Their Majesty's Ordnance and Stores in the Store-Keeper's Custody, and to see them placed to the best advantage. He is likewise to Keep Checque upon all Labourers and Artificers Works, to see that all Stores brought in be good and serviceable, and to allow all Bills of Debt. The Clerk of the Ordnance records all Patents and Grants relating to the Office, with the Names of all concerned therein. Also, all Instructions and Orders sent from the King to the Office, or from the Office abroad; with such Letters, Instructions, Commissions, Deputations, and Contracts as are for His Majesty's Service. He draws all Estimates for Provisions and Supplies to be made, makes all Bills of Impressed and Debenturs for Work done, or Provisions received, and Keeps Quarter-Books for the Salaries and Allowances of all Persons belonging to the Office. He likewise Keeps Journals of the Receipts, Delivery, and Returns of the King's Stores; which serves as a Checque between the two Accounts of the Office, the one for Money, and the other for Stores. The Keeper of the Stores has in his particular Charge all the Ordnance and Stores. For the safe Keeping whereof, and giving a true Account from time to time, he must give good Security. He is to see that all the King's Storehouses be well Accommodated, and Kept i● good Repair, and the Stores kept in such O●der and Lustre as becomes the Service and Honour of His Majesty. He is bound not to receive any Provisions but such as have been 〈◊〉 Surveyed by the Surveyor, and proved by th● Proof-Masters. Nor is he to issue any part of the Ordnance, Munition, or Stores, but what is agreed upon, and signed by the Officers, according to the appointment of the Master of the Ordnance, by the King's Order, or six of the Privy Council; and, if it be for the Use of the Navy, by the Lord Admiral's (or the Commissioner's) Warrant. Neither is he to receive back any Stores formerly issued, till they have been reviewed by the Surveyor, and registered in the Book of the Remains. The Clerk of the Deliveries draws up all Orders and Proportions for delivering any Stores or Provisions at any of Their Majesty's Magazines, and is to see the same duly executed. And, for the better discharging of the Store-Keeper, he is by Indenture or Receipt to charge the particular Receiver of the Stores, and to register both the Warrants for Deliveries and the Proportions delivered. The Treasurer, or Paymaster, makes the Payments of all the Salaries and Bills of Debt; but so that no Money is to be by him allowed to any Person, without being listed, or appointed to be paid by the Master General under his hand. So that, except Salaries, all the Money of the whole Office goes towards Building, Buying in of Stores, Fortifications, and the like; and all this Money runs through the Pay-Master's hands. Amongst the Subordinate Officers we may reckon in the first place the Master Gunner of England. Who is to show the best of his Skill to all that are employed in Gunnery in Their Majesty's Service; and, at each one's Admittance, to administer unto him an Oath, which binds him not to serve any foreign Prince or State, without Leave, and not to teach any Man the Art of Gunnery but what has taken the said Oath. And, before any one can be actually employed as Their Majesty's Gunner, the said Master must be so well satisfied with his Skill, as to Certify to the Master of the Ordnance his Sufficiency and Ability to discharge the Duty of a Gunner. Here is also a Principal Engineer, to whom are subordinate all the King's other Engineers. Most of whom have their Salaries and Allowances out of this Office, from whence they receive their particular Orders and Instructions, according to the King's Pleasure signified unto them by the Master of the Ordnance. The Keeper of the small Guns is another Officer relating hereunto. Who has the Charge and Custody of their Majesty's small Guns, as Muskets, Carabines, Pistols, etc. with their Furnitures. I pass by a great Number of inferior Men employed in this Office; as the Under-Clerks, the Proof-Masters, Messenger, and great many Artificers, such as the Master Gun-smith, the Furbisher, the Master Smith, the Master Carpenter, Master Wheel-Wright, and others. CHAP. XVII. Of Their Majesty's present Revenues, and the Management thereof. THE present public Revenues of the King and Queen, as they were lately settled by King and Parliament, differ in several Points from the Settlement made in the Reign of Charles TWO, and Confirmed to the late King James. 'Tis true, the Excise (which consists in certain Impositions upon Beer, Ale, and other Liquors) is Settled upon Them for their Lives, and the Life of the Survivor of Them. But out of it a Yearly Rend of 20000 l. comes to Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Denmark, and her Issue, during Their Majesty's Lives, and the Survivor of Them. The Custom upon Commodities Imported and Exported, which was settled upon King Charles TWO, and afterwards his Successor, for their respective Lives, is now Confined within the Term of four Years, to commence on the 24th Day of December 1690. And that great Branch of the Revenue, the Hearth-Mony, which was for ever Settled in the Crown, to the great Grievance of the People, is now lopped off by Act of Parliament, upon the King's generous Motion, for the Relief of His Subjects. As to Their Majesties other Revenues, I refer you to the Ninth Chapter. Which, with the Excise and Custom, come to above Twelve hundred thousand Pound a Year, that is about 16 Millions of French Livers. A Revenue which may serve in Time of Peace to Keep up the Honour of the Crown, not to enable any Ambitious (or Over-covetous) Prince to Invade the Property and Liberty of the Engglish Subjects, or under a vain Pretence of his own Glory to disturb the Peace and Quiet of his Neighbours. A sad Experience whereof we have seen of late Years by the Practice of that Ambitious Monarch, the French King; whose exorbitant Incomes have helped him to Crush first his Subjects, and then most of his Neighbours. But, when the Nation is concerned in a foreign War, and the War grounded upon Equity and Honour, the Parliaments of England seldom fail of Supplying the King with Subsidies suitable to the present Occasion, by a Land-Tax, Poll-Mony, and such other Ways as they think most convenient. In the mean time, as the Custom and Excise are the two principal Branches of Their Majesty's Revenues, let us see how the same are managed, how the Products thereof come into the Exchequer, and are there disposed of by such thrifty Methods, that (all Charges born) it costs the King little above 2 Shillings in the Pound. For the Managing of the Custom-Revenue, there are in the first place at present Seven Commissioners, who have the Charge and Oversight of all Their Majesty's Customs in all Ports of England. Which Customs amount to about 600000 l. a Year, whereof the Port of London only pays two Thirds, that is about 400000 l. Yearly The said Commissioners sit day by day at the Customhouse, London, They hold their Places by Patent from the King, and have each a Salary of 1000 l. per Annum. Under these are a great Number of Officers employed, both at London and in the Out-Ports, some of them of considerable quality and ability. Such as Collectors, Customers, Comptrollers, Surveyors, Registers, Searchers, Waiters. etc. whose due Perquisites are so considerable, that to some they are more than their respective Salaries. First there is A Collector Inwards, and for the Act of Navigation 966 13 04 A Collector Outwards 276 00 00 A Customer of the Cloth, and petty Customs 277 06 08 Two Customers of the great Customs, each 50 00 00 A controller General of the the Accounts 500 00 00 A controller of the Cloth, and petty Customs 100 00 00 A Surveyor General 500 00 00 A Surveyor of the Out-Ports 250 00 00 A Register of the Seizures 106 00 00 A Head-Searcher 120 00 00 Nineteen King's Waiters, each 52 00 00 Forty Land-Waiters, each 80 00 00 There is also a Secretary, a Ware-house-Keeper, a Surveyor of the Warehouse, 7 Land-Surveyors, 8 Tide-Surveyors, 7 Under-Searchers, (these at 12 l. per Annum.) and many more Officers that I pass by for brevity's sake. Besides several Persons Commissioned to seize Uncustomed Goods, either Inward or Outward bound; 80 Tide-Waiters, whose Fee is each 5 l. a Year, and 3 shill. a Day; besides extraordinary Tide-Waiters, allowed no Salary, but only 3 shill. a Day, when Employed. To which add Noon-Tenders, Watchmen, and abundance of other inferior Officers. The Excise Office is Kept in a stately House in Broad Street; where this Revenue is also managed by Seven Commissioners, who receive here the whole Product of the Excise all over England, and pay it into the Exchequer. They have each of them 1000 l. Salary per Annum, and are obliged by Oath to take no Fee nor Reward but from the King only. Under these is A Register and Secretary 500 00 00 An Auditor, who for himself and Clerks is allowed 700 00 00 A controller, and his Clerks 1240 00 00 There are other considerable Places belonging to this Office, both within Doors and without, which are enjoyed and officiated by very sufficient Persons. Particularly the House-Keeper's Place, worth 400 l. per Annum. And, to collect the Excise-Duty all over the Kingdom, a great Number of Men appointed for that purpose, whose Salary is 20 shill. a Week. But 'tis Observable, that from the foresaid Commissioners there lies an Appeal to five others, called the Commissioners of Appeal, whose yearly Salary from the King is 200 l. each. These, and all other Their Majesty's Revenues, are paid at Westminster into the Exchequer, that Ocean of Treasure, which receives all those Streams, and returns them again to refresh the Kingdom by the constant Payments out of it. Whereby is caused a great Circulation of Money, throughout the Land. And, as there are a great many Officers for Collecting the King's Revenues, so there are not a few to Receive and Disburse the same, according to His Majesty's Order. The principal Officer is the Lord Treasurer, One of the Great Officers of the Crown. Whose Place is sometimes, as it is at this present, managed by Commissioners, appointed by His Majesty. The next is the Chancellor of the Exchequer, an Officer of great Account and Authority; whose Power extends not only in the Exchequer Court, but also here, in the managing and disposing of the King's Revenue. He is Under-Treasurer, has the Exchequer-Seal in his Custody, and a Superintendency over the Lord Treasurer's Roll. The Places of the controller of the Pipe, of the Clerk of the Pleas, the Clerk of the Nichils, and the two Praisers of the Court, besides the Seal thereof, are all in his Gift. Then there are two Chamberlains, who 〈◊〉 in their Custody many ancient Records the Standards of moneys, Weights, and 〈◊〉, and Doomsday Book, otherwise called 〈…〉 Book of the Exchequer. First Known by the Name of Rotulus Wintoniae, and since named Doomsday Book, as containing an exact account of all the Lands of England, with the true Value of them, and their Owners Names. So that when this Book was opened upon any Difference, the Cheat appeared, and Judgement was given accordingly. This Tax-book has been written above 600 Years ago, viz. in the Reign of William the Conqueror, and was six Years a making. The same is Kept under three Locks and Keys, not to be looked into under 6 s. 8 d. and for every Line transcribed is to be paid 4 d. Under the two Chamberlains are their Deputies, who sit in the Tally-Court, where they examine the Tallies; and there is also a Tally●utter attending, this Way of Tallies being found by long experience to be absolutely the best Way to avoid all Cozenage in the King's Revenue. Which is after this manner; He that pays any moneys into the Exchequer receives for his Acquittance a Tally, that is, a stick with Words written on it on both sides, containing the Acquittance proper to express what the Money received is for. This being cloven asunder by the Deputy-Chamberlains, the Stock is delivered to the Party that paid the Money, the Counter-stock (or Counter-foil) remaining with them. Who afterwards deliver it over to other Deputies to be Kept till it be called for, and joined with the Stock. After which they send it by an Officer of their own to the Pipe, to be applied to the Discharge of the Accountant. Next to the two Chamberlains is the Auditor of the Receipts, who files the Bills of the Tellers, whereby they charge themselves with all the moneys received, and upon the Lord High Treasurer's Warrant, or the Lords High Commissioners, draws all Orders to be signed by him or them, for Issuing forth all moneys by virtue of Privy Seals. Which Orders are recorded by the Clerk of the Bells, and are entered and lodged in the said Auditor's Office. He also, by Warrant of the Lord Treasurer or Commissioners, makes Debenturs to the several Persons, who have Fees, Annuities, or Pensions by Letters Patents from the King out of the Exchequer, and directs them for Payment to the Tellers. He daily receives the state of each Teller's Account, and weekly certifies the Whole to the Lord High-Treasurer or Lords Commissioners, who immediately present the Balance to the King. Twice a Year, viz. at Lady-Day and Michaelmas, he makes an Abstract of all Accounts made in the preceding Half-Year, whereof he delivers a Copy to the Lord Treasurer, and another to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. He keeps the several Registers, appointed for paying all Persons in course, upon several Branches of the King's Revenue. Lastly, he has five Clerks, to manage under him the estate of moneys received, disbursed, and remaining. Next, there are four Tellers; whose Office is to receive all moneys due to the King. And, though their Salary from the King be small and inconsiderable, yet they are bound to His Majesty in 20000 l. Security, and Keep each of them two Clerks, who constantly attend their Offices. There is moreover a Clerk of the Bells, so called from Pellis a Skin, his Office being to enter every Teller's Bill into a Parchment Skin. He has two Clerks under him, one for Incomes, the other for Issue. Lastly, there are three Ushers of the Receipt, a Tally-cutter, and four Messengers. The Ushers Office is to see the Exchequer secured Day and Night, and to find Paper, Books, etc. for the Use of the Exchequer. 'Tis observable, that in case of a Gift from the King, or Pension out of his Exchequer, he that receives it pays but 5 l. per Cent. amongst all the Officers. And out of public Payments, as for the Navy, Ordnance, Wardrobe, Mint, etc. there goes not amongst them so much as 5 s. per Cent. On the other side, for moneys paid in by any of the King's Tenants, it costs them at the most but 3 s. for every Payment under a thousand pounds; and that goes only to the Clerks for their Pains in writing and attending. CHAP. XVIII. Of the Queen Dowager, the Princess Ann of Denmark, Prince George, and the Duke of Gloucester. QUeen Catharine, the Widow of the late King Charles, and now the third Person in the Kingdom, is the only Sister of Pedro, the present King of Portugal. Where she was born, Nou. 14th, 1638; and married to the late King Charles, in the Year 1662. The Portion she brought with her was about 300000 pounds Sterling, besides Tangier in the straits upon the Coast of afric, and the Isle of Bombay near Goa in the East-Indies. To which was added a Privilege for any Subjects of England to Trade freely in the East and West-India Plantations belonging to the Portugueze. Her Majesty's Jointure, by the Articles of Marriage is 30000 pound a Year. To which King Charles added 10000 l. more, which he settled on her Majesty for her Life. So that the Queen Dowager has 40000 pound a Year, wherewith she keeps a Court suitable to Her Majesty. The Princess Ann of Denmark, second Daughter to the late King James, and only Sister to our Gracious Queen Mary, was born in Febr. 1664. And July 28th 1683 (being S. Ann's Day) she was married to the Illustrious Prince George, the only Brother to Christiern V, the present King of Denmark. His Royal Highness was born at Copenhagen, the chief City of Denmark, in April 1653. At 15 Years of age he began his Travels into Holland, England, France, and Italy, which lasted about two Years. Being 20 Years old, in the Year 1673, he traveled into Germany, where he saw the Imperial and the French Armies near the Rhine. Anno 1675, his Royal Highness served in the War against the Swedes, and was at the taking of Wismar. The next Year he commanded a part of the Danish Army at the Battle of Lunden in Schonen, against the King of Sweden. And in the Year 1677, he commanded again a part of the Danish Army at the famous Battle of landscroon, where he signalised his Valour. Afterwards His Royal Highness made several Voyages into Germany, and continued some Years abroad. And, after his Return into Copenhagen, the Treaty of Marriage with Him and the Lady Ann being set on foot, was happily brought to Conclusion. By which Treaty His Royal Highness is declared to be received as one of the Princes of the Blood Royal of England; all his Officers and Servants to be from time to time appointed by and with the Approbation of the King of England; and his Revenue coming from Denmark to be 17500 pounds sterling Yearly, which is a great Revenue in that Country. The Princess' Portion is 30000 l. a Year, to be paid by th● King. To which 20000 l. per Annum being lately superadded, and payable out of the Excise, the whole Yearly Revenue of the Prince and Princess amounts to 67500 l. sterling. Wherewith they Keep a Court suitable to their Royal Highnesses. The Prince has four Sisters. The first married to John George, the present Elector of Saxony. The second, to Christian Adolph, Duke of Holstein Gottorp. The third, to the late Elector Palatine of the Rhine, who died without Issue. And the fourth, to the present King of Sweden, Charles XI. His Brother, the present King of Denmark, has three Sons, and two Daughters. The eldest Son is Frederick, the Heir apparent, born in the Year 1671; and the two others are Christiern, and Carolus. The Duke of Gloucester is the only Son and Heir of their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Denmark. He was born July 24th, 1689, and on the 27th he was Christened at Hampton-Court by the Lord Bishop of London, and named William; the King, and the Earl of Dorset Lord Chamberlain of His Majesty's Household, being Godfathers, and the Lady Marchioness of Hallifax Godmother. CHAP. XIX. Of the Nobility of England. THE English Nobility is divided into five Degrees. Viz. Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, and Baron. And they are called the Peerage of England, because they are all Peers; the Barons as well as the rest. They have also, all of them, the Title of Lord. All these Honours are given by the King, who is the sole Fountain of Honour; and whatever Title a Subject of England receives from any foreign Prince is not only Insignificant here, but Unwarrantable by Law. All Noblemen at their Creation have two Ensigns, which signify two Duties. Their Heads are adorned, in token that they are to assist their King and Country with good Counsel in time of Peace; and they are girt with a Sword, as being to support the King and defend the Kingdom with their Lives and Fortunes in time of War. A Duke is created by Patent, Cincture o● Sword, Mantle of State, Imposition of A Cap and Coronet of gold on his head, and a Verg● of gold put into his hand. A Marquis and a● Earl, by Cincture of Sword, a Mantle of State, with a Cap and Coronet put upon him by the King himself; and a Patent delivered into his hand. Viscounts and Barons are made by Patent, and these sometimes by Writ, whereby they are called to sit in the House of Lords. All the Peers have Coronets, but with these Distinctions. A Baron has six Pearls upon the Circle; a Viscount, the Circle of Pearls without number; an Earl has the Pearls raised upon Points, and Leaves low between; a Marquis, a Pearl and a Strawberry-leaf round, of equal height; and a Duke, Leaves without Pearls. Only the Dukes of the Royal Blood bear (like the Prince of Wales) a Coronet of Crosses and Flower de Luce. Which is the same with the King's, excepting the Arches, Globe, and Cross on the top of the King's Crown. But the greatest Distinction amongst the Nobles is their Parliament Robes, in their several Guards on their Mantles, and short Cloaks about their Shoulders. For a Baron has but two Guards, a Viscount two and a half, a Earl three, a Marquis three and a half, and a Duke four. Besides that the Mantle of a Duke, Marquess, and Earl is faced with Ermine; that of a Viscount and Baron with plain white Furr. Dukes were at first so called a ducendo, being anciently Generals and Leaders of Armies in time of War. Marquesses, from their Government of Marches, and Frontire-Countries. Earls, in Latin Comites, because they had the Government of Counties. Viscounts, in Latin Vicecomites, as being Assistants or Deputies in the Government of Counties. Barons, according to Bracton, quasi Robur Belli; the safety of the King and People, in Time of War, depending upon their Courage and Skill in Martial Affairs. Anciently a Duke was made so for Term of Life, then held by Lands and Fees; till Dukes came to be Titular and Hereditary. In those Times likewise there was no Earl but had a County or Shire for his Earldom; who, for the support of his State, had the third Penny out of the Sheriff's Court, issuing out of all Pleas of that County whereof he was Earl. Also, those Barons only were accounted Peers of the Realm, that held of the King per integram Baroniam, which consisted of 13 Knights Fees, and one third part, that is of 400 Marks, each Knight's Fee being 20 l. And whoever had so much was wont to be summoned to Parliament. But then 100 Marks was as much as 2000 pounds at this day, as may be guessed by comparing the Prices of Things. 'Tis true King Henry III, after he had with much ado suppressed his Barons, called by Writ unto Parliament only such great Men as had continued loyal, or were like so to be. Which Example being followed by his Successors, they only were accounted Peers of the Realm that were so called by the King's special Writ. Till Barons came to be made by Patent, as well as by Writ; and at last most by Patent, which makes it hereditary. But there are Barons in England, that have no● share in the Peerage, as such; viz. the Barons of the Exchequer, and the Barons of the Cinque-Ports Such as these the Earls Palatines, and the Earth of England Marches, had anciently under them and such there are yet in Cheshire. The chie● Burgesses of London were also called of o● Barons. All Dukes, Marquesses, and Earls at this day have their respective Titles from some Shire, or part of a Shire, Town or City, Castle, Park, or Village. Except two Earls, whereof one is Officiary, and the other Nominal; the first being the Earl Marshal of England, and the last the Earl Rivers, who takes his Denomination from an Illustrious Family. Barons are so denominated from their chief Seat, or a Castle belonging to the Family. Which is not to be divided amongst Daughters, if there be no Sons; but must descend to the eldest Daughter. None of these Honours can be lost but these two Ways. Either by want of Issue male, except where the Patent extends to Issue female, as sometimes it does. Or else by some heinous Crime; and than it cannot be restored to the Blood, but by Act of Parliament. A Duke has the Title of Grace given him; and the other Peers, that of Lordship on Honour. Accordingly we commonly give to these the Epithet of Right Honourable. All Dukes and Marquis' Sons, are called Lords by the Courtesy of England, and the Daughter's Ladies. I say by the Courtesy of England; for the Law makes no such Distinction, but looks upon all as Commoners that have no Right to sit in the House of Peers. Of an Earl none but the eldest Son is called Lord, though all the Daughters be Ladies. And, as for the Issue of Viscount's and Baron's, none of their Sons is Lord, nor of the Daughter's Lady. A Duke's eldest Son is called Lord Marquis; and the younger Sons by their Christen-names, with the Title of Lord prefixed, as Lord William, Lord Thomas, etc. A Marquis' eldest Son is called Lord of a Place; and the younger Sons, as those of a Duke, that is by their Christen-names with the Title of Lord prefixed, as Lord William, Lord Thomas. An Earl's eldest Son is born as a Viscount, and called Lord of a Place. In point of Precedency, this is the Rule. Af-the Princes of the Blood, the first amongst the Nobility are the Dukes, and these are thus followed. Viz. Dukes. Marquesses. Duke's eldest Sons. Earls. Marquis' eldest Sons. Duke's younger Sons. Viscount's. Earls eldest Sons. Marquis' younger Sons. Barons. Viscount's eldest Sons. Earls younger Sons. Baron's eldest Sons. Viscount's younger Sons. Baron's younger Sons. But 'tis to be observed, that all Dukes that are not Princes of the Blood are preceded by these four Great Officers of the Crown, though they be but Barons; viz. the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasurer, the Lord Precedent of the Privy Council, and the Lord Privy Seal. I leave out the Lord High Steward of England, because none of this Office is continued beyond the present Occasion. As for the Lord Great Chamberlain of England, the Lord High Constable, the Lord Marshal, the Lord High Admiral, the Lord Steward of the King's Household, and the Lord Chamberlain of the King's Household, they sit above all of their Degree only. The Nobility of England have at all times enjoyed many considerable Privileges. Though neither Civil nor Common Law allow any Testimony to be valid but what is given upon Oath, yet the Testimony of a Peer of England, given in upon his Honour, without any oath, is esteemed valid. And, whereas the law allows any one of the Commonalty arraigned for Treason or Felony to challenge 35 of his Jury without showing Cause, and others by showing Cause; a Peer of the Realm cannot challenge any of his Jury, or put any of them to their Oath, the Law presuming that they being Peers of the Realm, and judging upon their Honour, cannot be guilty of Falsehood, Favour, or Malice. In Criminal Causes a Peer cannot be tried but by a Jury of the Peers of the Realm; who are not, as other Juries, to be put to their Oath, but their Verdict given in upon their Honour sufficeth. All Peers of the Realm being looked upon as the King's constant Counsellors, their Persons are at all Times privileged from Arrests, except in Criminal Cases. Therefore a Peer cannot be Outlawed in any Civil Action, and no Attachment lies against him. The only Way for satisfaction from a Peer is by Execution taken forth upon his Lands and Goods, and not by Attachment, or Imprisonment of his Person. So tender is the Law of the Honour, Credit, Reputation, and Persons of Noblemen, that there is a Statute on purpose, called Scandalum Magnatum, to punish all such as by false Reports ●ring any scandal upon them. They are exempted from all Attendance at Leets, or Sheriffs Turns, where others are obliged to take the Oath of Allegiance. And, whereas, for the suppressing of Riots, the Sheriff may raise the Posse Comitatus; yet he cannot command any Peer of the Realm to attend that Service. In Civil Causes, they are not to be Impanelled upon any Jury or Inquest de facto, though in a Matter between two Peers; and, if a Peer be returned upon any such Jury, there lies a special Writ for his Discharge. They are, upon no Case, to be bound to their good Behaviour, or put to swear they will not break the Peace; but only to promise it upon their Honour, which was ever counted so sacred as upon no terms to be violated. Every Peer of the Realm summoned to Parliament may constitute, in his lawful absence, a Proxy to Vote for him; which none of the Commons may do. And any Peer in a Place of Trust is free to make a Deputy, to act in his absence, whilst he attends the Person of the King. Where a Peer of the Realm is Defendant, no Day of Grace is to be granted to the Plaintiff; the Law presuming, that a Peer of the Realm must always be ready to attend the Person of the King, and the Service of the Commonwealth Therefore he ought not to be delayed any longer than the ordinary Use of the Court, but t● have expedition of Justice. In any Civil Trial, where a Peer of the Real● is Plaintiff or Defendant, there must be at leas● one Knight returned of the Jury. Otherwise the Array may be quashed by Challenge. In all Cases wherein the Privilege of the Clergy is allowed to other Men, and in divers Cases where that Privilege is taken away from them, a Peer of the Realm, upon his Request, shall be for the first time adjudged as a Clerk Convict, though he cannot read. And that without burning in the Hand, loss of Inheritance, or Corruption of Blood. In case of Amerciaments of the Peers of the Realm upon Non-Suits, or other Judgements, a Duke is to be amerced but Ten Pounds, and all others under Five. This to be done by their Peers, according to Magna Charta; though it has been often done of late by the King's Justices. A Peer of the Realm, being sent for by the King to Court, Parliament, Council, or Chancery, has the Privilege, passing by the King's Park or Forest, both coming and returning, to Kill one or two Deer. An Earl has 8 Tun of Wine Custom-free, and the rest proportionably. All Peers of the Realm have a Privilege of Qualifying a certain Number of Chaplains, to hold Plurality of Benefices, with Cure of Souls. But it must be with a Dispensation first obtained from the Archbishop, and the same ratified under the Great Seal of England. Thus a Duke may qualify six Chaplains, a Marquis and Earl five, a Viscount four, and a Baron ●hree. A Peer of the Realm has also the Privilege ●f Retaining six Aliens, whereas another may ●ot Retain above four. These are the chief Privileges belonging to ●e Nobility of England, which are great and considerable. And yet none of them ever had the Privilege of the Grandees of Spain, to be covered in the King's Presence, except Henry Ratcliff, Earl of Surrey. 'Tis true the Princes of the Blood have often had the honour of being covered, but than it was by the King's gracious Command, not by virtue of any constant Privilege. Neither are our Noblemen exempted, as in France, from Tailles and Contributions; but always bear a share proportionable. And, in case of a Poll-Act, they are usually thus Rated, according to their several Degrees of Honour. Viz. l. s. d. A Duke 50 00 00 A Marquis 40 00 00 An Earl 30 00 00 A Viscount 25 00 00 A Baron 20 00 00 Those of their Sons which have attained to 16 Years of Age are thus taxed. As. l. s. d. The Eldest Son of A Duke 30 00 00 The Eldest Son of A Marquis 25 00 00 The Eldest Son of An Earl 20 00 00 The Eldest Son of A Viscount 17 00 00 The Eldest Son of A Baron 15 00 00 A Younger Son of A Duke 25 00 00 A Younger Son of A Marquis 20 00 00 A Younger Son of An Earl 15 00 00 A Younger Son of A Viscount 13 06 00 A Younger Son of A Baron 12 00 00 The Nobles to bear up their Rank, have generally great and plentiful Estates, some of them beyond those of several Princes beyond Sea. And, till the Civil Wars in the Reign of Charles I. they lived with suitable splendour and Magnisicence; Keeping a plentiful Table, and a numerous Attendance, with several Officers; delighting in noble Exercises, and appearing abroad according to their Rank and Quality. Honour and Integrity, Justice and Sobriety, Courage and Wisdom, were Virtues they excelled in. A Lord's House was then looked upon as a well disciplined Court, where Servants lived not only in Plenty, but in great Order, with the Opportunity of getting good Breeding, and the Prospect of raising themselves in the World by their Lord's Bountifulness and innate Generosity. How far the Case is altered, 'tis but too plain. Yet it is hoped, a virtuous and generous Prince will bring back that Golden Age. But there is an additional Honour, the most ancient Order of the Garter, wherein some of the chief of our Nobility have ever had a share, since its first Institution. The Founder of this Order was that warlike and potent Prince, King Edward III, who several times triumphed over France and Scotland. Polydore Virgil gives it a slight Original; but his Grounds by his own Confession, grew from the vulgar Opinion. Which is, that Edward III, having obtained many great Victories (King John of France, and David Bruce of Scotland being both his Prisoners, King Henry of Castille the Bastard expulsed, and Don Pedro restored by Edward the Black Prince) did upon no weighty Occasion first erect this Order, Anno 1350. Who dancing with the Queen, and other Ladies of the Court, took up a Garter that happened to fall from one of them. Whereat some of the Lords smiling, the King said, that e'er it were long he would make that Garter to be of high Reputation, and shortly after instituted this Order. A very unlikely Thing, that so noble an Order should be raised on so mean a Foundation. Whereas, according to Cambden, and several others, the Institution of this Order by the foresaid King Edward was upon his good success in a Skirmish, wherein the King's Garter was used for a Token. The Order first Instituted by the Name of the Order of S. George, the Patron of England, and of this Order in particular. And, because the Garter was the only part of the whole Habit of the Order, made choice of at first to be constantly worn, it came in process of Time to be called the Order of the Garter. The same consists of a Sovereign (which is always the King of England) and 25 Companions, called Knights of the Garter; some of them Princes of other Countries, and the rest Noblemen of this Kingdom. And 'tis observed, that there have been of this Order, since the Institution, no less than 8 Emperors, and 27 or 28 foreign Kings, besides many Sovereign Princes of a lower Rank. The Garter, to be daily worn upon the left Leg by the Companions of this Order, is a blue Garter decked with Gold, Pearl, and precious Stones, and a Buckle of gold. They are not to be seen abroad without it, upon pain of paying two Crowns to any Officer of the Order who shall first claim it. Only upon a Journey a blue Ribbon may serve instead of it. The Meaning of the Garter is, to put the Companions of the Order in mind, that, as by this Order they were joined in a firm League of Amity and Concord, so by their Garter, as by a fast Tie of Affection, they are obliged to love one another. Now, to prevent an ill Construction of it, King Edward commanded these French Words to be fixed upon it, Honi soit qui mal y pense, that is, Shame be to him that thinks evil of it. And it was done in France, because England being then possessed of a great Part of France, the French Tongue was the usual Language in the King of England's Court. Besides the Garter, the honourable Companions are to wear at Installations and high Feasts, a Surcoat, a Mantle, a high black Velvet cap., a Collar of pure gold, with other stately and magnificent Apparel. The Collar composed of Roses enameled Red, within a Garter enameled Blue, with the usual Motto in Letters of gold, and between each of these Garters a Knot with Tassels of gold. By an Order made April 1626., they are to wear on the left side of their Upper Garment (whether Cloak or Coat) an Escutcheon of the Arms of S. George, that is, the Cross of England incirled with the Garter and Motto, from whence round about are cast Beams of Silver, like the Rays of the Sun in full lustre, which is commonly called the Star. To this Order belongs a College, seated in the Castle of Windsor, with S. George's Chapel there erected by King Edward, and the Chapterhouse. The College, being a Corporation, has a great Seal, and several Officers belonging to it. The principal of these is the Prelate of the Garter, which Office is settled on the Bishopric of Winchester. Next, the Chanceliour of the Garter, the Bishop of Salisbury for the time being. A Register, the Dean of Windsor. Garter, the principal King at Arms, who manages and marshals their Solemnities at their Installations and Feasts. And lastly, the Usher of the Garter, who is also the Usher of the Black-Rod. To the Chapel there belongs 14 Secular Canons, and 13 Vicars, all Priests. Besides 26 poor Knights, maintained by this College, for their Prayers to the Honour of God, and S. George. The Solemnity of this Order is performed yearly on S. George's Day, the 23th of April. As for the Orders and Constitutions belonging to this Society, touching the Solemnities in making these Knights, their Duties after Creation, and their high Privileges, they are too long to be inserted here. CHAP. XX. Of the Gentry of England. NExt to the Nobility, which is looked upon as the Flower of the Kingdom, let us take a View of the English Gentry, called by some the lesser (or lower) Nobility, and Keeping a middle Rank betwixt the Nobles and the Common People. Of these there are three Degrees; Knights, Esquires, and Gentlemen. We have now but three sorts of Knights in England, besides the Knights of the Garter. Viz. Baronet's, Knights of the Bath, and Knights Bachelors. The Degree of Baronet's is the next to Barons, and the only Degree of Knighthood that is Hereditary. An Honour first Instituted by King James I, Anno 1611, conferred by a Patent upon a Man, and his Heirs Males of his Body lawfully begotten. The Purchase of it does commonly arise, Fees and all, to 1200 l. the Purchaser being to pay, besides the Fees, as much Money as will pay for 3 Years 30 Foot-soldiers at 8 pence a Day, to serve in the Province of Ulster in Ireland. Therefore they have the Privilege to bear in a Canton of their Coat of Arms, or in a whole Scutcheon, the Arms of ulster, viz. in a Field Argent a Hand Gules. In the King's Armies, they have place in the gross near the King's Standard. And for their Funerals they have also particular Privileges. The whole Number of them, by the first Institution; is not to exceed 200 at one and the same time. After which Number completed, as any one for want of Heirs come to be extinct, the Number is not to be made up by new Creations, but be suffered to diminish, as appears by their Patent. And yet the very Founder, King James I, transgressed the first his Rule, by creating 203. Charles, his next Successor, made 455. But King Charles TWO, outdid them both, by creating near upon 900 during his Reign. At this time there are reckoned above 700 living. Sir Nicholas Bacon of Suffolk was the first Baronet created, whose Successor is therefore styled Primus Baronettorum Angliae. No Honour is ever to be created between Barons and Baronet's. As for the other two Degrees of Knighthood, they are but Personal, and not Hereditary; so that the Honour dies with the Person Knighted, and descends not to his Son. Knights of the Bath are so called, from their Bathing the Night before the Creation within the Lists of the Bath. The first of this sort were made by Henry IV; but now they are usually made at the Coronation of a King or Queen, or Creation of a Prince of Wales. They wear a Scarlet Ribbon Belt-wise; and take place of Knights Bachelors, but come after Baronet's. There are but a few Knights of this Order. Knight's Bachelors are the lowest sort of Knights, and the most common. Anciently this Degree was in greater esteem than it is at the present, when it was only conferred upon Swordmen for their military Service, who from the Gilt Spurs usually put upon them were called in Latin Equites Aurati. Whereas now a days this Honour is also bestowed upon Gownsmen, viz. Lawyers and Physicians. And all the Ceremony used in their Creation is their Kneeling down before the King, and His Majesties lightly touching them on the shoulder with a naked Sword. Anciently there was another Sort of Knights now disused, I mean the Knight's Bannerets, who were Knighted in the Field. This Order was accounted very honourable, had the precedency of the Knights of the Bath, and bore their Arms with Supporters, which was not allowed to any under this Degree. Next to Knights are the Esquires, so called from the French Escuyer, this from the Latin Scutiger; which Name was given of old to him that attended a Knight in time of War, and carried his Shield. Whereas Esquire with us is a mere Title of Dignity next to and below a Knight, and signifies a Gentleman, or one that beareth Arms as a Testimony of his Nobility and Gentry. They who by right claim this Title now are all the younger Sons of Noblemen; and, by the Common Law of England, their very eldest Sons are Esquires, and no more. Next are the Esquires of the King's Body, the eldest Sons of Nobleman's younger Sons, Knight's eldest Sons, and their elder Sons for ever. Next, Esquires created by the King, by putting about their Necks a Collar of S', and bestowing on them a pair of Silver Spurs. Those that are reputed, or looked upon as equal to Esquires, though none of them be really so, are several Magistrates, and Officers in the King's Court; as Judges, Sergeants at Law, Sheriffs, Mayors, Justices of the Peace, Counsellors at Law, and the principal Commanders of an Army. So Heads of Houses in the Universities, Doctors of Law, Physic, and Music, usually take place next to Knights, and before ordinary Gentlemen. Lastly, Gentlemen are properly such as are descended of a good Family, bearing a Coat of Arms, without any particular Title. And these we call Gentlemen born. But Use has so far stretched the signification of this Word, both high and low, that every Nobleman, nay the King himself, may be called a Gentleman. And, on the other side, any one that, without a Coat of Arms, has either a liberal, or genteel Education, that looks Gentlemanlike (whether he be so, or not) and has wherewithal to live freely and handsomely, is by the Courtesy of England usually called a Gentleman. Others, by their Offices, are looked upon as such; particularly most of the King's Menial Servants, and the principal Officers in Nobleman's Families, etc. The Military Profession, which has been always counted Noble, seems to give the very meanest Professors of it a Title to this Quality. But it is more particularly adapted to two distinct Bodies of the King's Guards; the one called Gentlemen Pensioners, who guard his Person within Doors; and the other the Gentlem●n of the Guard, by whom is meant his Body of Horse Guards, who guard the King's Person on horseback without Doors. As in Germany all Nobleman's, so in England all gentlemen's Arms descend to all the Sons alike. Only the eldest Son bears Arms without difference, which the younger may not. Besides above 700 Knights Baronet's, and the few Knights of the Bath, there are reckoned to this day above 1400 ordinary Knights, and 6000 Esquires and Gentlemen; whose younger Brothers in all may make up at least 12000 all over England. And the Land in the Possession of them all has been computed to amount at least to four Millions yearly. The Law of England, which is so Favourable to the Nobility, has not a proportionable Regard for the Gentry. For, whether they be Knights, Esquires, or Gentlemen, they are all reckoned by law, even Nobleman's Sons, amongst the Commons of England. So that the eldest Son of a Duke, though by the Courtesy of England styled an Earl, shall be Arraigned (if charged with a Crime) by the Title of Esquire only, and tried by a Jury of Common Freeholders'. In Parliament he can sit only in the House of Commons, if elected, unless he be called by the King's Writ to the House of Lords. Knights are distinguished in England by the Title of Sir prefixed to their Christian names. And Gentlemen have no other Title but that of Master when spoken of; and that of Sir, when spoken to. But, if one writes to an Esquire, the Direction ought to be thus, as To Thomas Whitfield Esquire. The Epithet of Honourable is usually given to any Knight, Esquire, or Gentleman, distinguished by some eminent and personal Worth. CHAP. XXI. Of the Commonalty of England. BY the Commonalty I mean Yeomen, Merchants, Artificers, Tradesmen, Mariners, and all others getting their Livelihood after a Mechanic Way. Yeomen are such amongst the Commonalty who having Land of their own to a good value, Keep it in their own hands, husband it themselves, and live with their Families upon it. They are therefore by the Law called Freeholders, because they hold Lands or Tenements Inheritable by a perpetual Right to them and their Heirs for ever. Their Number is great in England, and many of them have Estates fit for Gentlemen. Forty or Fifty pounds a Year is ve●●●ordinary, 100 or 200 l. a Year in some Counties is not rare, in Kent there are those who have 1000 l. and some more per Annum. Which is not easy to be found amongst Men of this Rank any where else in Europe. And, whereas Husbandry is commonly looked upon as the most innocent Life, and the freest from the Corruption and Cheats that attend other Professions, therefore the Law of England has a better Opinion of the Yeomanry that occupy Lands, than of Tradesmen or Artificers. And accordingly Yeomen are capable of bearing some Offices, as of Constable, and Churchwarden, to serve upon Juries, to be Train-Souldiers, to vote in the Election of Knights of the Shire to serve in Parliament, etc. And, by the Statutes of England, certain Immunities are given to Freeholders and Land-men, though they are not Gentlemen. Next to Freeholders are the Copy-holders', who are much of the same nature. I mean those Copy-holders', that hold Copy-holds certain. Which is a kind of Inheritance, in many Places called Customary; because the Tenant dying, and the Hold being void, the next of Blood, paying the Customary Fine (as two Shillings for an Acre, or such like) may not be denied his Admission. They are called Copy-holders', from the Copy of Court-Roll of the Manor within which they hold their Land, by which Copy only they hold it. For this is all a Copyholder has to show for his Title, which he takes from the Steward of the Lord of the Mannor's Court. But, as England is one of the most trading Countries in Europe, so the greatest Body of its Commonalty is that of Traders, or Men that live by Buying and Selling. The most eminent whereof are those we call Merchants, who trade only by Wholesale. These are the Men who, by their Stock and Industry, have found the Way, not only to Enrich themselves, but to make the whole Nation thrive and flourish by a perpetual Circulation of Trade, by exporting homebred and importing foreign Commodities, by encouraging thereby Navigation, and by procuring comfortable Employment to a vast Number of Artificers, Tradesmen, and ●●etailers. In short, such is the benign Influence of Trade and Commerce by their means all over the Nation, that there is scarce any part of it but feels the Benefit thereof. And for this great Advantage to the Public, as well as their private Wealth, they have got a proportionable esteem and respect from the rest of the Nation. Insomuch that, whereas Trading formerly rendered a Gentleman ignoble, now an ignoble Person makes himself by Merchandizing as good as a Gentleman; and many Gentlemen Born (some of them Younger Sons of Noblemen) take upon them this Profession, without any prejudice or blemish to their Birth. Nay, the Law of England, that ever had but a slight Opinion of Traders, is so far Obliterated in this Point by Custom and Interest, that, whereas by Law a Ward come to Age may bring his Action of Disparagement against his Guardian for offering any such in Marriage, now 'tis common for gentlemen's and Merchant's Sons and Daughters to Intermarry. The truth is, Gentility with competent Means is an excellent Compound; but without it, 'tis but a wretched Condition, as the World goes now. And who would not rather be a substantial honest Trader, so as to stand upon his own Legs, and make some figure in the World, than for want of Employment to starve with a point of Honour, or live a borrowed Life; in this Age especially, where Poverty is so little pitied, and grown so contemptible? Poverty (says an Author) the general Scarecrow of Mankind, the fear of which keeps Men in perpetual Morion, and makes them run headlong into the greatest Dangers. Per Mare Pauperiem fugiunt, per Saxa, per Ignes. Poverty, a linger kind of Death, that, having once seized upon ones Spirits, dejects and stupifies him, takes away the edge of his Senses, weakens his Memory, discomposes his Mind, and makes him almost uncapable of any Thing. Poverty, in a Word, that turns Men into ridicule, as Juvenal has it in these Words, — Nil habet Paupertas durius in se, Quam quod Ridiculos homines facit— In France indeed, where if a Gentleman born betakes himself to Trade forfeits his Gentility, the Gentry stand so much upon their Honour, that it is very rare to see a French Gentleman turn to Merchandizing. But there they have greater Opportunities for preferring themselves according to their quality, especially by the Way of Arms. And so jealous is the whole Body of them of this their Gentility, that rather than have it exposed in any of their Members by naked and hungry Poverty, their Way is to help one another to the utmost of their Power, and (which is very commendable) they seldom fail to give a Gentleman, though never so needy, the Respect due to his Birth. But it is something surprising, they should so much decline Merchandizing, their King Lewis le Grand, not to mention his other Commodities, being the greatest Salt-Merchant in the Known World, But, to return to our Commonalty, it may be said to comprehend three Parts in four of the Nation, the Generality of them Employed in Husbandry, Trade, and Navigation, some in a higher, others in a lesser Degree. And such is the Happiness of this People in general, that none enjoy greater Privileges, or are more secure by Law from Oppression. They are subject to no Taxes or Laws, but what they contrive themselves by their Representatives in Parliament. And, in point of Trials, none of them can be Tried but by a Jury of his Peers, that is, by Twelve Men Commoners like himself. Nor can he be Condemned but by the Laws of the Land. In short, the Government is so very favourable to the Common People of England, that unless the Laws be invaded, (which are the Bulwark of the Government) they need not fear to be any Way oppressed. CHAP. XXII. Of the Clergy of England, and first of the Bishops. THE Clergy of England is, like the Laity, divided into several Ranks, or Degrees. For as the Laity consists of Nobility, Gentry, and Commonalty; so the Clergy is divided into Bishops, Dignitaries, and Inferiors Clergy. The Bishops are those who take upon them the Government of the Church of England, according to Law, every one in his Diocese. And, as England consists of 26 Dioceses, or Bishoprics, so there are accordingly 26 Bishops, or Diocesans. Besides the Bishopric of the Isle of Man, which is a distinct Bishopric. Their Office being Pastoral, their Business is to feed their Flocks with the wholesome Doctrine of the Church, and so to oversee the Inferior Clergy that by their Lives and Doctrine the People may Keep the Truth, and live according to the Rules of Christianity. And, as each of them has a Canonical Authority over all the Priests of his Diocese, so they have all in chief the Power of Ordination; Which however is never performed but by the Bishop jointly with some other Priests. They are also Empowered to grant Institutions to Benefices upon Presentations of other Patrons, to command Induction to be given, to order the collecting and preserving of the Profits of vacant Benefices for the Successors Use. They are bound to defend the Church-Liberties, and once in three Years to Visit each his Diocese. In this triennial Visitation they Inquire of the Manners, Carriages, and Offences of Ministers, Churchwardens, and the rest of the Parishioners, principally of Offenders against Justice, Piety, and Sobriety. Wardens of Hospitals, Physicians, Surgeons, Schoolmasters, and Midwives fall particularly under the Care of their Visitation. Of the foresaid 26 Bishops, there are two called Archbishops, the one of Canterbury, and the other of York. These have a Superintendency over all the Church of England, and in some measure over the other Bishops. They have each of them his Province, or Jurisdiction; but that of Canterbury is much the greater of the two. For, of 26 Dioceses, it takes up 22. Whereof 18 in England, viz. Canterbury, London, Winchester, Lincoln, Exeter, Hereford, Salisbury, Coventry and Lichfield, Bath and Wells, Oxford, Chichester, Ely, Norwich, Carlisle, Worcester, Gloucester, Bristol, Peterborough; and four in Wales, viz. S. Asaph, Landaff, Bangor, and S. David's. Whereas the Province of York has but four Dioceses, York, Durham, Chester, and Carlisle; besides that of the Isle of Man. Each of these Archbishops is called Primate of England, and Metropolitan of his Province. Yet the first has some kind of Supereminency over the other, and has Power to Summon him to a National Synod. Next to the two Archbishops are the Bishops of London, Durham, and Winchester; the Order of the rest being by no other Rule than the Priority of their Consecration. The Bishop of London has the Precedency of all the other Bishops, not only as being Bishop over the Metropolis of England, but as Provincial Dean of Canterbury. And, upon the Vacancy of the Archiepiscopal See, the Bishop of London has been usually translated to that See; excepting the Case of Dr. William Sandcroft, the present Archbishop of Canterbury, who from Dean of Paul's was preferred to this Dignity by King Charles II. The Bishop of Durham has been a Count Palatine six or seven hundred Years. The common Seal of his Bishopric has been of a long time an Armed Knight, holding in one hand a Naked Sword, and in the other a Church. He has also at this day the Earldom of Sadberg, annexed long ago to this Bishopric. The Bishop of Winchester was anciently reputed Earl of Southampton, and so styled by Henry VIII, in the Statutes of the Honourable Order of the Garter. But that Earldom was soon after disposed of. The Manner of making a Bishop in England is so solemn, that it is not to be pretermitted. When a Bishops See becomes vacant, first the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral give notice of it to the King, as the Patron of all the Bishoprics in England; and humbly request his Majesty, that He will give them Leave to choose another. Whereupon the King grants them his Congee d'eslire, that is, Leave to elect; and withal does usually recommend unto them whom His Majesty thinks fit. Then the Dean summons a Chapter, that is, the Prebendaries of the Cathedral; who either elect the Person recommended by the King's Letters, or show Cause to the contrary. The Election being over, it is certified to the Party elected. Who does modestly refuse it the first and second time; if a third time, the same is certified to the King, who recommends another. When the Election is accepted, it is certified to the King, and the Archbishop of that Province. The King thereupon gives his Royal Assent under the Great Seal of England, which is exhibited to the Archbishop of that Province, with Command to confirm and consecrate him. Then the Archbishop subscribes Fiat Confirmatio, and gives. Commission under his Episcopal Seal to his Vicar General, to perform all the Acts thereunto required. Then a Citation comes forth from the said Vicar General in the Name of the Archbishop, summoning all the People that have any Thing to object against the Party elected to appear at a certain Time and Place, to make their Objections. Which is done first by Proclamation three several times, at Bow-Church; and then the Citation is affixed on the Church door for all people to read. At the Day and Place assigned for the Opposers Appearance, the Vicar General sitting as Judge, the Proctor for the Dean and Chapter exhibits the Royal Assent, and the Commission of the Archbishop. Which being read and accepted by the Vicar General, the Proctor exhibits the Proxy from the Dean and Chapter, presents the Bishop elect, returns the Citation, and desires the Opposers to be called in three times. This being done accordingly, and none appearing, they are pronounced Contumacious; and a Decree made to proceed to Sentence, in the behalf of the Bishop elect. Who thereupon takes the Oaths of Supremacy, Simony, and Canonical Obedience; and then the Judge of the Arches reads and subscribes the Sentence. After which there is usually an Entertainment made for the Officers and other there present. And the Bishop elect, being thus Confirmed, may act as Bishop, even before he is Consecrated. Some time after this follows the Consecration. For the Bishops are a distinct Order of themselves, there being three Orders in the Church of England, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. And, as none may be admitted a Deacon (without a Dispensation) under the Age of 23 Years, nor a Priest under 24; so none can be made a Bishop, till he be full 30 Years of age. And, whereas Priests and Deacons, when they take their respective Orders, are said to be Ordained; a Bishop, when he takes the Episcopal Order, is said to be Consecrated. The Consecration is performed by the Archbishop of the Province, or some other Bishop Commissioned by him, with the Assistance of two other Bishops, either in the Chapel of the Archbishop, or of any other Bishop. And it is done either upon a Sunday or Holiday, after Morning-Service. Then the Archbishop (or his Deputy) gins the Communion-Service. And, after a certain Prayer appointed for this Occasion, one of the Bishop's present reads the Epistle 1 Tim. 3, another the Gospel John 21. Which is followed by the Nicene Creed, and next to that a Sermon. After Sermon, the Bishop elect, being vested with his Rochet or Linnen-Garment, is by two Bishops presented to the Archbishop, or his Deputy, sitting in his Chair; who demands the King's Mandate for the Consecration, and causes it to be read. That done, the Bishop elect takes the Oath of Supremacy, and of Canonical Obedience to the Archbishop. After which, they fall to Prayers. Then the Bishop elect does Answer several Interrogatories that are put to him; and, after his Answers, the rest of the Episcopal Habit is put upon him. This done, they Kneel down to Prayers again. Which being ended, the Bishop elect being upon his Knees, the Archbishop and Bishops there present lay their Hands on his Head, and by a pious grave Form of Words they Consecrate him. Afterwards the Archbishop delivers a Bible to the Bishop elect, with another set Form of Words. Then they all proceed to the Communion; and having received the Sacrament, they depart with the Blessing. Then the new Bishop treats at a spelendid Dinner, the chief of the Nobility, Clergy, Judges, Privy Counselors, etc. Which Dinner (with the Fees of Consecration) does usually amount to five or six hundred Pounds. Next to the Consecration of a Bishop follow his Installation, by virtue of a Mandate from th● Archbishop to the Archdeacon of his Prevince. This is performed in the Cathedral Church upon any Day between the hours of nine and eleven, in the presence of a public Notary. Whe● the Bishop elect, or his Proxy (which is most ●sual) is introduced into the Cathedral by th● Archdeacon, or his Proxy, There he declaies i● the first place his Assent to the King's Supremacy and swears that, unless he be otherwise Dispe●sed with, he will be Resident according to th● Custom of that Cathedral, and observe the Customs of the said Church, and cause others to observe the same. Whereupon the Archdeacon with the Petty-Canons, and Officers of th● Church, accompany the Bishop up to the Quin● and there place him in a Seat prepared for him between the Altar and the right side of the Quine Then the Archdeacon pronounces these Word● in Latin, Ego, Authoritate mihi commissa, Induco & Inthronizo Reverendum in Christo Patrem Domin●● N. N. Episcopum, & Dominus custodiat suum Intro●tum & Exitum ex hec nunc, & in saeculum, etc. Upon which Te Deum is sung, and the Bishop in th● mean while conducted from his own Place 〈◊〉 the Dean's Seat; where, in Token of his takin Possession, he stands till Ye Deum and some ●ther Prayers be ended. After Prayers, the Bishop is conducted in● the Chapterhouse, and there placed on a hi● Seat. Where the Archdeacon, together with 〈◊〉 the prebend's and Officers of the Church, co● before him, and acknowledge Canonical Obe●ence to him. Finally, the public Notary is 〈◊〉 the Archdeacon required to make an Instrument, declaring the whole Matter of Fact i● this Affair. Afterwards the new Bishop is introduced into be King's Presence, to do his Homage for his temporalities or Barony. Which he does by ●eeling down before the King sitting in a Chair ●f State, by putting his Hands between his Ma●sties Hands, and by taking a Solemn Oath to ●e true and faithful to Him, and that he holds is Temporalities of him. After this, he Compounds for the first Fruits ●f his Bishopric, that is, agrees for his first ●ears Profits to be paid to the King, within two ●ears or more, if the King please. When a Bishop is Translated from one Bishopick to another, all the Difference there is in the translation from the manner of making a Bi●op is, that there is no Consecration. And, ●hen a Bishop is made Archbishop, the Diffe●●ce is only in the Commission, which is directed 〈◊〉 King to four Bishops, or more to Confirm 〈◊〉. Now there is this Difference between an Archishop and a Bishop, that, whereas a Bishop's Ca●●ical Authority reaches no further than the ●unds of his Diocese, the Archbishop's Power ●tends itself over all his Province, so that he 〈◊〉 Ordinary to all the Bishops thereof. Accordingly the Bishop Visits only his Diocese, but 〈◊〉 Archbishop Visits the whole Province. The bishop can Convocate only a Diocesan, but the ●rehbishop may Convocate a Provincial Synod. The Bishop with other Priests does Ordain a ●riest, but the Archbishop with other Bishops ●●es Consecrate a Bishop. 'Tis Observable that, several Bishops of Eng●nd having large Bishoprics, it was provided 〈◊〉 a Statute made in the Reign of Henry VIII, ●at they should have a Power to Nominate ●me to the King to be with his Approbation, Suffragan (or Assistant) Bishops; in case that an● of them desired it, for the better Government of his Diocese, or easing himself of some part o● his Burden. The Sees of those Suffragan Bishop● were only to be, at Dover, for the Diocese o● Canterbury; at Nottingham and Hull, for tha● of York. For the Diocese of London, at Co●chester; of Durham, at Berwick; of Winchester, in the Isle of Wight, at Southampton, and Guildford For the Diocese of Lincoln, at Bedford, Leicester Huntingdon, and Grantham; of Norwich, at The●ford and Ipswich; of Salisbury, at Shaftsbury, Melton, and Marlborough; of Bath and Wells, at Taunton; of Hereford, at Bridgenorth; of Coventry and Lichfield, at Shrewsbury; of Ely, at Cambridge; of Exeter, at S. Germane; of Carlisle, at Perith. Now for any one of the foresaid Places appointed for Suffragan Bishops Sees the respective Bishop of the Diocese presented two able Men, whereof the King chose one. These Suffragan Bishops had the Name, Title, and Dignity of Bishop, and (as other Bishops) were Consecrated by the Archbishop of the Province. They executed each of them such Power, Jurisdiction, and Authority, and received such Profits as were limited in their Commissions by the Bishops (or Diocesans) whose Suffragans they were. In these Bishop's absence, when they were either residing at Court to advise the King, or employed upon Embassies abroad, the Suffragans usually supplied their Places. Wh●● in public Assemblies, took place next after the Temporal Peers of the Realm. But since the Diocesan Bishops grew less Courtiers, and more Residentiary, the Suffragan Bishops began to be laid aside, so that there have been none for many Years in the Church of England. I come now to the Prerogatives, Privileges, Bower, Revenues, and great Deeds of Bishops. All the Bishops of England are Barons and Peers of the Realm, and sit as such in the House of Lords. They are the Spiritual Lords, looked upon as the Fathers (or Guardians) of the Church, and therefore commonly styled Right Reverend Fathers in God. And, as 'tis usual in England for well-bred Children to ask their Parents Blessing Morning and Evening, with one Knee upon the Ground; so the true Sons of the Church, looking upon the Bishops as their Spiritual Fathers, commonly begin their Addresses to them by ask their Blessing in the same respectful manner. Besides the Privileges enjoyed by Bishops, as Peers, and therefore common with those of the Temporal Lords, they have some peculiar Prerogatives, and those of a high nature. 'Tis undeniable, that all Jurisdiction in England is inseparably annexed to the Crown. And yet the Bishop's Courts, though held by the King's Authority, are not counted to be properly the King's Courts. Therefore the Bishops send forth Writs in their own Names, Teste the Bishop, and not in the King's Name, as all the King's Courts properly so called do. And, whereas in other Courts there are several Judges to each, a Bishop in his Court judges, and passes Sentence alone by himself. A Bishop besides has this transcendent Privilege, that he may (as the King does) depute his Authority to another, as to a Bishop Suffragan, his Chancellor, or Commissary. Which ●one of the King's Judges can do. Bishops, in whatsoever Christian State they come, their Episcopal Dignity and Degree is acknowledged; and may, as Bishops, confer Orders, etc. Whereas no Temporal Lord is in Law acknowledged such out of the Prince's Dominions who conferred his Honour. The Law of England attributes so much to the Word of a Bishop, that, not only in the Trial of Bastardy, the Bishop's Certificate shall suffice, but also in Trial of Heresy, which toucheth a Man's Life. If a Clergyman Kills his Bishops or Ordinary, the Law looks upon it as a Parricide; and 'tis Petty-Treason, by Law. Every Bishop may by Statute Law qualify six Chaplains, which is as many as a Duke. But, if the Bishop's Privileges be so great, the Archbishops are much greater, especially his Grace of Canterbury's. Who is the first Peer of the Realm, and next to the Royal Family precedes not only all Dukes, but all the great Officers of the Crown. Though he holds his Place from the King, yet in the King's Writs to him he is styled Dei Gratia Archiepiscopo Cantuariensi; and, whereas other Bishops writ Divina Permissione, he writes himself Divina Providentia. When he is Invested in the Archbishopric, he is said to be Enthroned. It belongs properly to him to Crown the King; and he had formerly the Power of appointing the Lent Preachers, which is now in the Lord High Chamberlain. The Bishop of London is accounted his Pravincial Dean, the Bishop of Winchester his Chancellor, and the Bishop of Rochester his Chaplain. He has the Probate of all Wills in his Province, and the Power of granting Letters of Administration, where the Party at the time of his Death had 5 l. worth (or above) out of the Diocese wherein he died, or 10 l. within the Diocese of London. For all such as die Intestate within his Province he has Power to make Wills, and to administer their Goods to the Kindred, or to pious uses, according to his Discretion. In all Cases heretofore sued for in the Court of Rome he has Power to grant Licences and Dispensations, either by himself, or his Deputy, called the Master of Faculties; Provided the same be not repugnant to the Law of God, or the King's Prerogative. As to allow a Clerk to hold a Benefice in Commendam or Trust; to allow a Son (contrary to the Canons) to succeed his Father immediately in a Benefice; a Beneficed Clerk, upon some Occasions, to be Nonresident for some time; a Clerk rightly qualified to hold two Benefices with Cure of Souls; and a Layman to hold a Prebend, etc. whilst by Study he is preparing himself for the service of the Church. He may also bestow one Dignity or Prebend in any Cathedral Church within his Province, upon every Creation of a new Bishop. And the new-created Bishop is also to provide a sufficient Benefice for one of the Archbishop's Chaplains, or to maintain him till it be effected. He has the Prerogative, with two other Bishops, to Consecrate a new made Bishop; to appoint Coadjutors to infirm Bishops; to confirm the Election of Bishops within his Province; to call Provincial Synods according to the King's Writ directed to him; to be Moderator in the Synods or Convocations, and there to give his Suffrage last of all. 'Tis both his Power and Duty to Visit the whole Province; and, during the Vacancy of any Bishopric within the same, to appoint a Guardian of the Spiritualities. So that to him belong all the Episcopal Rights and Ecclesiastical Jurisdictions of the Diocese, as Visitations, Institutions, etc. To decide all Differences in Ecclesiastical Matters, he holds several Courts of Judicature, for which I refer you to my Third Part. Lastly, he may retain and qualify 8 Chaplains, which is two more than any Duke is allowed. The Archbishop of York has also the Precedence of all Dukes that are not of the Royal Blood; and of all great Officers of State, except only the Lord Chancellor. He is also styled Primate of England, and Metropolitan of his Province; and has many of those Prerogatives and Privileges which the Archbishop of Canterbury has within his own Province. Each of the Archbishops is honoured as Dukes are, with the Title of His Grace. And, whereas the Inferior Bishops are styled Right Reverend, the Archbishops are in a Superlative manner styled Most Reverend. As to the Revenues of the English Bishops, the best Bishoprics are those of Canterbury, Durham, and Winchester, which yield a plentiful Income. Amongst the rest, some have but a Competency, and others are not much better (some worse) than many Parsonages. And yet I must say this to the eternal Praise of the Episcopal Order, that they have done great Things for the Public out of their Revenues. For most of the great public Works now remaining in England acknowledge their Being, either to the sole Cost and Charge, or to the liberal Contributions of Bishops. I mean not only Palaces and Castles, but Churches, Colleges, Schools, Hospitals, Almshouses, a great Number whereof have been founded and built by Bishops. Nay, that famous and chargeable Structure of London-Bridge stands to this day obliged to the liberal Contributions of an Archbishop. In former Reigns, when the Clergy were judged to be the fittest Persons to execute most of the chief Offices and Places of the Realm, such Benefits and Advantages accrued thereby to this Kingdom, that there are few Things of any great Consequence to the Welfare thereof but the Bishops and Prelates were the chief Actors therein. The excellent Laws (says an Author) made by several of the Saxon Kings, from whom we have our Common Laws, and our Privileges mentioned in Magna Charta, were all made by the Persuasions and Advice of Bishops, named in our Histories. And 'twas a Bishop of London, at whose Request William the Conqueror granted to this City so large Privileges, that, in a grateful Remembrance thereof, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen did, before the late dreadful Fire, upon some solemn Days of their Resort to S. Paul's Church, use to go in Procession about the Grave-stone where that Bishop lay interred. The Union of the two Houses of York and Lancaster (whereby a long and cruel Civil War was ended) was by the Advice and Counsel of Bishop Morton, than a Privy Counsellor. And the happy Union of England and Scotland was brought to pass by the long Foresight of the Reverend Bishop Fox, a Privy Counsellor, in advising Henry VII, to match his eldest Daughter to Scotland, and his Younger to France. But, above all, the Converting England to Christianity, the Reforming of it when corrupted, and the Defence of the Reformation against all Romish Writers, is principally (if not solely) owing to Bishops and Prelates. CHAP. XXIII. Of the Dignifyed Clergy. AS amongst the Laity the Gentry Keeps a middle Rank betwixt the Nobility and the Commonalty, so amongst the Clergy of England there is a middle Station between the Episcopal Order and the inferior Clergy. Which Station is properly that of the Dignifyed Clergy, as Deans, Arch-Deacons, and Prebendaries, the Subject of this Chapter. For a Supply of able and fit Persons to make Bishops, or to assist Bishops, a certain Number of eminent Divines both for their Piety and Learning were thought fit by our Forefathers to be placed in a Collegiate manner at every Cathedral, or Episcopal See; out of which Seminaries fit Persons from time to time might be chosen to govern the Church. Who, living here in a Society together, have the Opportunity of getting Experience, of reading Men, and raising themselves by degrees above their former Familiarity with the inferior Country Clergy. Whereby they fit themselves for Government and Authority in the Church. Accordingly in every Cathedral Church in England there is a certain Number of Prebendaries, or Canons, and a Dean over them; most of them with a plentiful Maintenance, but so that the Dean has commonly a double Portion. Deans of the old Foundations, which were before the Suppression of Monasteries, are brought to their Dignities much like Bishops. The King first sends forth his Congee d'eslire to the Chapter, who thereupon proceed to the Election. To their Election the King grants his Royal Assent; then the Bishop confirms the Party elected, and gives his Espiscopal Mandate to Instal him. Whereas the Deans of the new Foundations (upon Suppression of Abbeys or Priories transformed by Henry VIII, into Dean and Chapter) are Installed a much shorter way, by virtue of the King's Letters Patents, without either Election or Confirmation. In the Cathedral Churches of S. David, and of Landaff, in Wales, there never has been any Dean. But the Bishop in either is Head of the Chapter; and, in the Bishop's absence, the Chanter at S. David's, and at Landaff the Archdeacon. 'Tis observable besides, that there are some Deans in England without any Jurisdiction, but only for Honour so called; as the Dean of the Chapel Royal, the Dean of S. George's Chapel at Windsor, the Deans of Rippon and Garnsey, and all the Deans created by Henry VIII. Some Deans there are without any Chapter, that enjoy however certain Jurisdictions; as the Deans of Croyden, Battel, and Bocking. A Prebendary is so called (as some will have it) a praebendo Auxilium aut Consilium Episcope vel Decano, from giving Help or Counsel to the Bishop or Dean. Or (as others) from the Word Prebend, which signifies the Portion which every Member or Canon of a Cathedral Church receives for his Maintenance out of the common Stock of the Church. Of which prebend's some are Simple, or have no more but the Revenue towards their Maintenance; and others with Dignity, such as have Jurisdiction annexed to them, according to the divers Orders of Churches. Now among the Prebendaries (or Canons) of the old Foundations, some be Canonici actu, such as have Right to vote in the Chapter. Others Canonici in Herba, that have a Stall in the Choir, but no Vote in the Chapter; only having right to the next Prebend that shall become void. The Dean and Prebendaries ought to reside in their respective Cathedral and Collegiate Churches, to frequent public divine Service, to preach by turns upon Sundays and all festival Days, and at due time to administer the Lord's Supper. They ought to instruct the weakest sort of the Country Clergy, to direct them how and what to preach, whereby they may best profit their Auditors. In short, they ought to show good Example to the Inferior Clergy. And, when summoned by the Bishop, they are to assist him in some of his Episcopal Functions; as Ordinations, Deprivations ab Officio & Beneficio, Condemnation of obstinate Heretics, etc. Upon the King's Writ of Congee d'eslire, they elect the Bishop of that Diocese. The chief of the Prebendaries is the Subdean, who supplies the Deans part in his absence. Arch-Deacons are so called for their Charge over the Deacons, who are in every Diocese to be guided and directed under the Bishop thereof by the Arch Deacon, though a Presbyter himself. There are of these 60 in all England, each Diocese having in it one or more Archdeaconries, for Dispatch of Ecclesiastical Business, Their Office is to Visit two Years in three, the third Year being the Bishop's Visitation Year. Then the Archdeacon is to inquire of Reparations and Movables belonging to the Churches under his Jurisdiction, to reform Abuses in Ecclesiastical Matters, and to bring the more weighty Affairs before the Bishop of the Diocese. Therefore he is called alter Episcopi Oculus, the other being the Dean. He is also, upon the Bishop's Mandate, to Induct Clerks into their Benefices, and thereby to give them Possession of all the Profits thereunto belonging. Many Arch-Deacons have, by Prescription, their Courts and Officials, as Bishops have. Lastly, there are Rural Deans, anciently called Archipresbyteri, & Decani Christianitatis, perhaps because they had the Oversight of a certain Number of Priests. Now their Office is, upon the Bishop's Orders, to convocate the Clergy, to signify unto them (sometimes by Letters) the Bishop's Pleasure, and to give Induction in the Arch-Deacons place, when he lives far off. Every Arch-Deaconry is subdivided into fewer or more Rural Deaneries. Note, that, besides Bishoprics, all Deaneries are in the King's Gift; and so are most prebend's and Canonicates, with many great, and some smaller Parsonages. CHAP. XXIV. Of the Inferior Clengy; Also, of the Churchwardens, Sidesmen, and Parish-Clerks. BY the Inferior Clergy I mean the Parish Priests, and Deacons. The first vulgarly called Parsons, are either Rectors, or Vicars. The Priest of every Parish is called Rector, unless the Praedial Tithes be Impropriated; and then he has the Title of Vicar, quasi vice fungens Rectoris. Thus, as I said before page 236, there are three Orders in the Church of England, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. That of Deacons is the first step into the Service of the Church, and seems only ministerial to the Priestly Office. For the Charge of Deacons is to take care of the Poor, baptise, read in the Church, assist the Priest at the Lord's Supper, by giving the Cuponly. And this is properly to fit and prepare him for the Priestly Office. None may be admitted a Deacon before the Age of 23 Years, without a Dispensation; nor may a Deacon be admitted into the Priestly Order, without a Dispensation, till he has served as Deacon the space of one Year. The Ordination of Priests and Deacons is performed four times in the Year, upon four several Sundays in the Ember Weeks. Which, by the Laws of the Church, is a Time of Prayer and Fasting for the whole Nation, that so by their joint Prayers they may recommend to God all that are to receive Ordination. Those are the Weeks called Quatuor Tempora by the ancient Fathers, and of great Antiquity in the Church. The proper Days for this Devotion are the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday next after Quadragesima Sunday, after Holy-Rood Day in September, and S. Lucy's Day in December. The Ordination is performed in a most solemn, grave, and devout manner, by a Bishop, assisted with some of the Dignified Clergy, or others in Priestly Order. I begin with that of Deacons, which is thus First, after Morning Prayer, there is a Sermon about the Duty and Office of Deacons and Priests. The Sermon ended, those that stand for Deacons being decently habited are presented to the Bishop by the Archdeacon, or his Deputy. Whom the Bishop asks, if he has made due Inquiry of them; and then asks the People, if they Know any notable Impediment or Crime in any of them. Then follow certain godly Prayers, with the Collect, and Epistle appointed for this Solemnity. After which, the Oath of Supremacy is administered to every one of them; and the Bishop puts divers godly Questions to them. Which being answered, they all Kneel; and he laying his Hands upon them severally does Ordain them Deacons. Then he delivers to every one of them the New Testament, and gives them Authority to read the same in the Church. Whereupon the Bishop appoints one of them to read the Gospel. This done, they with the Bishop proceed to the Communion; and so are dismissed with the Blessing pronounced by the Bishop. The Ordination of Priests is much after the same manner. Only the Epistle and Gospel are different; and, after the Questions and Answers made, the Bishop puts up a particular Prayer for them. Which being ended, he desires the Congregation to recommend them to God secretly in their Prayers; for doing of which there is a competent time of general Silence. Then follows Veni Creator Spiritus, in Meeter to be sung. And, after another Prayer, they all Kneeling, the Bishop, with one or two of the grave Priests there present, lays his Hands upon the Head of every one of them severally, and so gives them Ordination in a grave set Form of Words, different both from that of Bishops, and that of Deacons. The rest is the same as in the Ordaining of Deacons. What the Office of a Parish-Priest is, is so well known, that I need not insist upon it. His Orders he has from the Bishop, but the Benefice he holds from the Patron. Now we call those Patrons of Churches, who by first building of Churches, or first indowing them with I and's, have obtained for them and their Heirs a Right of Advowson or Patronage. Who, when the Church is void, is to propose a fit Clerk to the Bishop, to be by him Canonically Instituted. As to the Revenues of the Inferior Clergy, they are (as in all Places) unequally divided. So that some Parsons have a very plentiful, some but a competent, and others but a small Maintenance; some two or three hundred pounds per Annum or more, others one hundred or thereabouts, and some much short of that. Which, besides the Glebeland, is mostly raised by way of Tithes, and the Duties paid for Christen, Marriages, and Funerals. The Plurality of Benefices, that is, the Privilege of holding more Live than one, allowed by the Church of England for the Encouragement of worthy and eminent Divines, makes room for many Curates. So we call those who officiate in those Churches, where such as hold Plurality of Live do not Keep their Residence. These Curates are such Clergymen as they think fit to appoint in their places, with such an Allowance as is agreed upon amongst themselves. The Condition of Vicars is much the same as that of Curates, if not worse. These properly officiate in those Live which are called Impropriations, of which there are in England no less than 3845. For above a third part of the best Benefices of England, being anciently by the Popes Grant appropriated to Monasteries towards their Maintenance, were upon the Dissolution of the Monasteries made Lay-fees. Which Benefices ever since have been accordingly provided, not with the best Allowances, nor with the best of the Clergy. Amongst the Privileges of the Clergy, this is one of the principal, that all Deans, Arch-Deacons, Prebendaries, Rectors, and Vicars may, some by themselves, others by Proxy or by Representative, sit and vote (as Commons Spiritual) in the Lower House of Convocation. No Subsidies, or other Tax to the King, might formerly be laid upon them, without their own Consent first had in Convocation. And indeed the Clergy paying to the King the first Fruits, that is, the first Years Profits of all Spiritual Benefices, and yearly the Tenth of all the said Benefices, 'twas thought but reasonable they should be exempted from all other Taxes. Though, to give the Laity good Example, they have often laid upon themselves Subsidies, and other great Taxes. The Glebe-Lands, and Spiritual Revenues of Clergymen, being held in pura & perpetua Eleemosyna, that is (as the Law calls it) in Frankalmoine, are exempted from arraying and Mustering of Men, or Horses for the War. And, as by their Function they are prohibited to wear any Arms, therefore they cannot serve personally in War. But they serve their Country otherwise, by being our Leaders in our Spiritual Warfare. Neither can any Clergyman be compelled to undergo any other Personal Functions, or Services in the Commonwealth. For, if any Man, by reason of his Land, be liable to be elected to any Servile Office, if he takes Orders, he is free, and there lies a Writ purposely to free him. Clergymen are not obliged to appear at Sheriffs Turns, or Courts-Leet, there to take their Oath of Allegiance. By Magna Charta, no Clergyman ought to he Fined or Amerced according to his Spiritual Means, but according to his Temporal Estate, and to the Crime committed. The Goods of Clergymen are discharged, by the Common Law of England, from Tolls and Customs of Average, Pontage, Murage, and Panage; for which they have the King's Writ to discharge them, provided they done't trade with them. All Clergymen are free from the King's Purveyors, Carriages, Post, etc. for which they may demand a Protection from the King, with the Clause Nolumus. As to the whole Number of the Clergy in England, besides the two Archbishops, and the twenty four Bishops, there are 26 Deans of Cathedral and Collegiate Churches, 576 Prebendaries, 9653 Rectors and Vicars; besides as many more Curates and others in holy Orders. In point of Learning and good exemplary Life, England (I dare say) is outdone by no Clergy in the Christian World. If, amongst the Inferior Clergy there be some ignorant lewd Livers, the dignified Clergy, and the Episcopal College, are generally Men noted both for their great Piety and deep Learning. And the late Scuffle they had with the Romanists in so difficult a Juncture as King James his Reign, as it has sufficiently shown the greatness of their Parts and the Depth of their Learning, so it expressed to the World their strong and invincible Zeal for the Protestant Religion, and the gross Mistake of Dissenters that looked upon them as broad-faced Papists. Nothing troubles me more, than to see some of the Clergy so much infatuated as to endeavour to defeat (as far as in them lies) the late signal Providence, that rescued us so wonderfully from Popery and Slavery. I do not reflect upon those who remain quiet under their Scruples of Conscience, and are not so far disturbed in their Mind as to disturb the Government. But to see some so low-spirited as to fall a hugging their old Enemies the French, and admire them as their Tutelar Angels who were but another's Day the greatest Object of their Scorn and Contempt, this affords matter of admiration. 'Tis pretty to see the Temper of these Men, and those they have infected, all made up of Contradictions. They hate their Friends, and love their Enemies. They deride Popery, and yet do their utmost to bring it in. None more averse than they from Slavery, but leave no Stone unturned to work it into these Kingdoms. Whose Condition is like that of a Sick Person, that longs for Health, and yet is greedy to catch at any Thing that pleases his Fancy, let it prove never so fatal. The Truth is, 'tis nothing else in the bottom but a malignant Humour, that causes Inflammation, and strikes up to the Brain; lately a catching, but now (thanks be to God) a vanishing Disease. I conclude with the Parish-Church Officers, which are indeed Laymen; but, as they have a peculiar Relation to the Church, they may be counted to be half-Clergy-men. The Churchwardens, amongst these, are the principal. Whose Office is to see, that the Church be in good Repair, and want nothing for Divine Service, etc. That the Churchyard be well enclosed, and an exact Terrier of the Glebeland be Kept. They are also to sue for any Thing Kept from the Church, that is of right belonging to it; to inquire after, admonish, and present to the Bishop scandalous Livers, and to collect the Charity of the Parishioners. The Bishop's Orders they are both to declare, and to execute. They serve commonly two Years in that Station, and Easter-Week is the time for their Election. Usually they are elected by the Parson and the Parishioners, where it is so agreed. If not, the Parson chooses one, and the Parishioners the other. In some great Parishes there are joined Sidesmen to the Churchwardens, to assist them in the Inquiries into the Lives of inordinate Livers, and in presenting Offenders at Visitations. Next is the Clerk, whose Office is to serve at Church the Priest and Churchwardens. He ought to be at least 20 Years old, and a Man of good Life and Conversation, that can read, writ, and sing Psalms, the tuning whereof is part of his Office. He is commonly chosen by the Parson only. In many Parishes there is also one Sexton, or more. So we call those that attend the Parishioners at Church, and let them into their Pews. Which in Cathedral and Collegiate Churches is commonly performed by the Vergers, so called from a Silver Verge which they carry in their hands. To take care of the Parish-Concerns, both Civil and Ecclesiastical, a great Power is by Law committed to the Vestry-men; So called from the Vestry, a Room adjoining to the Church for the Use of the Parson and Parish-Officers. They are a select Number of the chief Parishioners in every Parish within the City of London and Suburbs, and elsewhere; who yearly choose Officers for the Parish, as Churchwardens, Constables, Scavengers, Collectors for the Poor, etc. The Beadle's is a standing Office. CHAP. XXV. Of Women. ALL Women in England are either Noble, or Ignoble. The first are so by Descent, Creation, or Marriage. By Descent, as when a Lady holds an Estate by a noble Title. For Titles of Honour sometimes, for want of Males, do descend to Females. But only to one of them, because they are Things in their own nature entire, and not to be divided amongst many, as the Lands and Tenements are, which descend in equal Proportion to all the Daughters. By Creation, some Women have been made, at the King's pleasure, Baronesses, Countesses, and Duchess'. But the greatest Part of the English Noblewomen are so only by Marriage, all Women being counted Noble that are married to any Peer of the Realm. And so (as the Law says) Uxor fulget Radiis Mariti. Yet, if afterwards they marry to Men not Noble, they lose by Law their former Dignity, and follow their latter Husband's Condition; though by the Courtesy of England, they are still looked upon and respected as Noble, and called by the Name of the former Husband. But Women, Noble by Descent or Birthright, or by Creation, retain by Law their Nobility, though they Mary afterwards to Husbands under their Degree. 'Tis observable, that any Noble-woman by Birth, being married to a Baron, takes place but as Baroness, though she be a Duke's Daughter. But, if she marry to one under the Degree of a Nobleman, as to a Knight or Gentleman, the Courtesy of England gives her place according to her Birth, and not her Husband's Condition. A Noble-woman marrying to an Ignoble Man adds no Honour to him. Her Honour is all hers, and he has no share in it, though by Marriage he becomes Master of all her Goods and Chattels. But her Dignities with the Lands, descend to her next Heir. Noble-women, in the Eye of the Law, are Peers of the Realm; and accordingly they enjoy most of the Privileges of Peers. But it is thought, they cannot maintain an Action upon the Statute De Scandalo Magnatum. As happy as the Condition of married Women is generally all over England, yet the Laws of this Kingdom are in the main very severe upon them. For, when a Woman marries, she gives herself over, and what she brings with her, to the power of her Husband. Whatever she is possessed of, the Husband becomes the Proprietor of it; and her very necessary Apparel is not hers in Propriety. If she has any Tenure, it is all in Capite, that is, she holds it of, and by her Husband, who is the Head of his Wife. And all the Chattels personal she had at the Marriage are so much her Husbands, that, he dying before her, they shall not return to his Wife, but go with his other Goods and Chattels to the Husband's Executor or Administrator. Except the Paraphernalia, that is, those Goods which a Wife, besides her Dower or Jointure, is after her Husband's Death allowed to have, as Furniture for her Chamber, wearing Apparel, and Jewels if she be of quality; which are not to be put into her Husband's Inventory, especially in the Province of York. The Wife can make no Contract without her Husband's Consent; and without it she cannot set, sell, give away, or alienate any Thing. So great is her Subjection to her Husband's Will, that, in the Sense of the Law, she has no Will of her own. Therefore, when a Man and his Wife commit a Felony together, the Wife can neither be Principal, nor Accessary; the Law supposing she was forced thereunto, in regard of the Subjection and Obedience she owes to her Husband. In short, by the Law of England, a Wife is so much in the Power of her Husband, that she is no better than a Child, or the best of Servants. For she can call nothing her own, more than a Child, whom his Father suffers to call many Things his own, yet can dispose of nothing. And, when she offends, 'tis in her Husband's Power to correct her, as a Servant. Therefore, if she wrong another by her Tongue, on by Trespass, her Husband must answer for her Fault, and make Satisfaction. But a Woman, upon Marriage, does not only lose the Power over her Person, Will and Goods; but she must part with her very Name, and ever after use her Husband's Surname, contrary to the Custom of some other Countries. One Thing more there is yet which evidences the great Subjection of a Wife to her Husband. And that is the Punishment inflicted upon a Woman that has Killed her Husband, which is to be Burnt alive; the Offence being counted Petty-Treason by Law, that is, as great a Crime as the Killing of his Father, or Master. Yet in some things the Law is very favourable to the female Sex of England. As for Example, if a Wife bring forth a Child begotten before Marriage by another Man than her present Husband, her Husband is bound to own the Child, and that Child shall be his Heir at Law. So literally we take the Saying, Pater est quem Nuptiae demonstrant. If a Husband be a long time absent from his Wife, though it be for some Years, and his Wife bring forth a Child during his Absence, he must father that Child, in case he lived all the while in this Island, or (to speak the Words of the Law) inter quatuor Maria. And, if that Child be her firstborn Son, and her Husband's Estate Entailed, or left without Will, that Child shall be Heir to it. Another Privilege of English-Women is, that the Wife having no Jointure settled before Marriage, may challenge, after her Husband's Death, the third part of his yearly Rents of Land during her Life; and within the City of London, a third Part of all her Husband's Movables for ever. If there be many Children, the rest comes to the eldest; if not, to the next Heir at Law. And, if she do not approve of the Division, she may claim the Right of being Endowed with the best of the Land, to a third part. But, if the Law be so favourable in some Cases to married Women, Custom, or rather the good Nature of Englishmen, makes their Condition much happier. Whose Respect and Tenderness for them is generally so great, that every where they give 'em the Precedency, and put them the least of any Nation upon Drudgery and Hardship. Women are not here mewed up as in Italy and Spain; and that mischievous Passion of Jealousy has got so little footing here, that the Nation is little troubled with its troublesome Influences, or fatal Consequences. In short, married Women have here more Liberty, than any where else. Their chief Care is of the House and Household, according to the ancient Custom of the Greek Wives; which is indeed the proper Office of a Wife, as the Husband's is to mind his Concerns abroad. And such is generally their Carriage to their Husbands, and their mutual Tenderness for them, that, where the Law gives them nothing, the dying Husband often leaves all behind him to the Disposal of his Wife. Except in London, where a peculiar Order is taken by the City agreeable to the Civil Law. A Knight's Wife is, by the Courtesy of England, counted and called a Lady. If her Husband die before her, and she take afterwards 〈◊〉 Husband of a lower estate, still she shall be ●alled Lady with the surname of her first husband, and not of the second. Which is by ●he Courtesy of England, and according to ●adies of a higher Rank, as I have before observed. In point of real Estate, 'tis Observable, that, ●f the Wife be an Heiress, and bring to her Husband an Estate in Land, that Land descends ●o her eldest Son; and, if she has no Sons, ●ut only Daughters, it is divided amongst ●hem. But, if she dies without Issue, the ●and goes immediately to the next Heir at Law. Only the Husband shall enjoy the Pro●●es thereof during his Life, if so be that he ●●d a Child alive of her Body, that had been heard once to cry. And this also is called the Courtesy of England. As to what I said before touching real and personal Estates in case of Matrimony, the same is to be understood in the sense of the Common Law, where there is no private Contract. For whatever Contract or Covenants were made before the Marriage betwixt the husband and the Wife, either by themselves, ●y their Parents, or Friends, they take place, ●nd are of force to be Kept according to the Validity thereof. Lastly, the Wife in England is accounted 〈◊〉 much one with her Husband, that she cannot be produced as Witness for or against her Husband. And so strong is the Tie that joins them together, that they may not be wholly Separated by any Agreement between themselves, but only by a Judicial Sentence. Now there is a twofold Separation, both called by the name of Divorce. The one in case of Adultery, a Mensa & Thoro, Which is nothing else but a living asunder, without a liberty-to Remarry, whilst either Party is alive. Whereas the other is a Vinculo Matrimonii, from the Bond of Matrimony, whereby each Party is free to Remarry. And this is allowed upon a Nullity of the Marriage, or upon some essential Impediment, as Consanguinity or Affinity within the Degrees forbidden, Precontract, Impotency, or such like. Of which Divines reckon fourteen, according to these Verses, Error, Conditio, Votum, Cognatio, Crimen, Cultus, Disparitas, Vis, Ordo, Ligamen, Honestas, Si sis Affinis, si forte Coire nequibis, Si Parochi, & duplicis desit praesentia Testis, Raptave sit Mulier, etc. But sometimes, in case of Adultery, this plenary Divorce has been allowed of, in private Cases, by Act of Parliament. CHAP. XXVI. Of Children, and Servants. FRom the Condition of Women in England, I come now to that of Children and Servants. As to the first, a Father in England has a more absolute Authority over his Children, than is usual in our Neighbour Countries. Here a Father may give all his Estate Unintailed from his Children, and all to one Child; the Consideration whereof is apt to keep his Children in awe, and within the bounds of filial Obedience. But commonly the eldest Son inherits all Lands, and the younger Children Goods and Chattels, by which is meant the Personal Estate. Among the Nobility and Gentry, the eldest Son's Wife's Portion does usually go for the Portions of his Sisters; and the younger Sons are put out to some Profession. The Reason why the eldest Son is so well provided beyond the rest of the Children is, that he may be the better able to bear up the Honour of the Family, which in course ●alls to the share of the Eldest. For, when all is done, Titular Honour without Means, is commonly looked upon but as an empty Shadow. But, if there be no Son, the Lands, as well as Goods, are equally divided among the Daughters. A Son at the Age of 14, his Father being dead, may choose his Guardian, and may claim his Land holden in Socage, that is, such Lands as Tenants hold by, or for certain inferior Services of Husbandry to be performed to the Lord of the Fee. He is free to consent to Marriage, and may by Will dispose of Goods and Chattels. At the Age of 15, he ought to be Sworn to his Allegiance to the King; at 21 he is said to be of full Age. Then he is free to make any Contracts, and to pass by Will both Goods and Lands; which in other Countries may not be done till the Age of 25, called Annus Consistentiae. A Daughter at the Age of 7 Years, may consent to Marriage; but at 12, she is free to retract or confirm it. If she confirms it, than the Marriage is good, and she may make a Will of Goods and Chattels. At 21 she may Contract, or Alienate her Lands by Will, or otherwise. Servants in England are either tied to a certain Number of Years, or only by the Year; these being free to quit their Service at such a Warning as is agreed upon between the Master (or the Mistress) and the Servant. By those that are tied to a certain Number of Years, I mean Apprentices, the usual Time for their Apprenticeship being 7 Years. This is the most Servile Condition in England, considering the Lash they lie under, together with their long and strict Confinement, under Articles. And, whereas other Servants receive Wages for their Service, these commonly do pay a Sum of Money to their Masters for their Prenticeship. The Condition of other Servants is much easier all over England. For, besides that few undergo the Hardship that Prentices do, they may be free at the Years end, giving 3 Months Warning; and, if a Servant do not like one Master, he may go to another, where perhaps he may find more favour or advantage. But, before a Person ventures upon such a Servant, 'tis civil first to get his former Masters Leave, and prudential to have from him a testimony of his faithfulness and diligence. Now there are so many Degrees of Servants in England, that if some live meanly, there are others who live genteely, and some of these so splendidly as to keep Servants of their own. In great Families where a Person of quality makes a proper Figure, and has a suitable Attendance, there is a necessary Subordination of Servants; so that the Inferior Servants may be at the beck of their Superior Officers, to answer the several parts of their respective Duties. Thus a great Man lives like a Prince, and Keeps a Court of his own. In general it may be said, no Country is more favourable than England to Servants; who generally live here with more ease and less Subjection, and have larger Salaries than any where else. The truth is, if we consider the nature of a Servant, how by going to Service he devests himself of what is dearest to Mankind, his Liberty, and Subjects his Will to another, who sometimes proves magget-headed, cruel, or tyrannical, I think it but reasonable, to have a tender Regard for good Servants. For this, amongst other Things, was that great Man of Spain, Cardinal Ximenes, so noted in his time; who proved so bountiful and so generous a Master to his Servants, that History to this day does admire him for it. As for stubborn and unruly Servants, the Law of England gives Masters and Mistress' Power to correct them; and Resistance in a Servant is punished with severe Penalty. But for a Servant to Kill his Master or Mistress is so high a Crime, that it is counted Petty Treason, or a Crime next to High Treason. Since Christianity prevailed here, England admits of no foreign Slaves. In foreign Plantations indeed, the English, as other Nations, buy and sell Negroes as Slaves. But a foreign Slave brought over into England is, upon Landing, ipso facto free from Slavery, though not from ordinary Service. 'Tis true there has been a sort of Tenure here, called a Tenure in villainage, and the Tenant Villain, who was in effect a Bondman to the Lord of the Land. For the Lord might take Redemption of him to marry his Daughter, and to make him free. He might put him out of his Lands and Tenements, Goods and Chattels, at his Will; and might beat and chastise, but not maim him. Now such Villains are out of date, though the Law concerning them stands unrepealed to this day. Servorum & Nativorum (says Spelman) apud nos sublata est Conditio, & quas ideo possidebant Terras vel Praedia hodie libere tenent sub antiquae Servitutis Consuetudinibus. And Sir Edward Coke out of Fortescue has this Note, Impius & Crudelis judicandus qui Libertati non favet; for which he gives this as the Reason of it, Anglia Jura in omni Casu dant favorem Libertati, the Laws of England in all Cases stand for Liberty. The End of the Second Part. THE THIRD PART OF THE New State OF ENGLAND, Under Their MAJESTY'S K. William and Q. Mary. CONTAINING, A Description of the several Courts of Judicature; Viz. The highest Court of Parliament, Privy Council, and all other Courts; with a Catalogue of the present Officers in Church and State. London, Printed in the Year, 1691. THE NEW STATE OF ENGLAND. PART III. Of the Courts of Judicature. CHAP. I. Of the Parliament of England. THE High Court of Parliament being the Great Council of England, the Supreme Court of Judicature, and One of the most August Assemblies the World, is the Court that I am to speak in the first place. It came to be called Parliament from the French Parliament, and this from their Verb Parlour to speak (or talk) together. The same is taken in a twofold Sense. First, as it includes the Legislative Power of England, as when we say an Act of Parliament. In which Acceptation it includes the King, Lords, and Commons; each of which have a Negative Voice in making Laws, so that without their joint Consent no Law can by either abrogated, or made. Secondly, in a Vulgar Sense; as when we say the King and Parliament, or the King has called a Parliament, by which is meant the Two Houses, viz. the House of Lords and the House of Commons. This Court is a Body Corporate, consisting (according to the first Acceptation of the Word) of the Three Estates of the Realm. And though the Name Parliament, by which it is now called, be not probably older than the Conquest by William Duke of Normandy; yet 'tis made plain by ancient Records and Precedents, that the former Kings of England, even in the Saxons-time, had from time to time great National Councils, much of the same nature as our Parliaments. In the Saxons Time, says Lambard, the great Council of the Nation consisted of the King, Lords, and Commons. It is most apparent, (says Prinn) by all the old Precedents before the Conquest, that all our ancient Councils were nothing else but Parliaments, called by different Names in several Ages, till at las● that of Parliament was fixed upon them; and that our Kings, Nobles, Senators, aldermans Wisemen, Knights, and Commons were usual present, and voted there as Members and Judge The same is averred by many Records an● Precedents touching this Matter, in the Appendix to Petyt's Miscellanea Parliamentaria. Which does not quadrate with the Opinion of those who have affirmed, that there was never any Parliament in England, according to the present Constitution thereof, till the Reign of Henry III, that is, betwixt four and five hundred Years since; and that the grand Council consisted only of the great Men of the Nation, till that King was pleased to call the Commons to sit also in Parliament. The Power of Convening (or Calling) a Parliament is solely in the King. But, if the King be under Age, or not Compos Mentis, or Absent out of the Realm upon some Expedition, 'tis lodged in the Protector or Regent, who then summons the Parliament, but still in the King's Name. The Summons ought to be at least 40 Days before the Day appointed for the Meeting; and it is done by Writ in Law-Latin, expressing that it is with the Advice of the Privy Council. Which Writ is a kind of short Letter directed and sent by the Lord Chancellor (or Commissioners of the Chancery) to every Lord Spiritual and Temporal, to appear at a certain Time and Place, to treat and give their Advice in some important Affairs concerning the Church and State, etc. And, as for the House of Commons, Writs are sent to all the Sheriffs, commanding them to summon the People to elect two Knights for each County, two Citizens for each City, and one or two Burgesses for each Borough, according to Statute, Charter, or Custom. And, whereas there are some Cities and Towns that are Counties of themselves, or that have each within itself the Privilege of a County, the Writ is directed to them as it is to Sheriffs of other Counties. At every County, after the Delivery of the Parliament Writ to the Sheriffs, Proclamation is made in the full County of the Day and Place appointed for the Parliament to sit, and for all Freeholders to attend such a Time and Place for the Election of the Knights for that County. But the Sheriff ought to give a convenient Time for the Day of Election, and sufficient Warning to those that have Voices, that they may be present. Otherwise the Election is not good, if, for want of due Notice, part of the Electors be absent. Now, by an Act in the Reign of Henry VI, it was Ordained, that none should have any Suffrage in the Election of the Knights of the Shire, but such as were Freeholders, did reside in the County, and had a yearly Revenue, at least to the Value of 40 Shillings; which, before the Discovery of the Gold and Silver in America, was as much as 30 l. now. And the Sheriff has Power by the said Act to examine upon Oath every such Chooser, how much he may expend by the Year, if he doubt the value of it. If any Man keep a Household in one County, and remain in Service with another Family in another County, yet he may be at the Choosing of Knights of the Shire where he Keeps his Family; for it shall be said in Law a Dwelling in that County. The Election ought to be in full County between 8 and 9 of the Clock, according to Statute. And no Election (says the Lord Coke) can be made of any Knight of the Shire but between 8 and 11 of the Clock in the Forenoon. But, if the Election be begun within the Time, and cannot be determined within those Hours, the Election may be proceeded upon. Before Election can be made, or Voices given, the Precept directed to the Sheriff ought to be read and published. And, if the Party or Freeholders demand the Poll, the Sheriff ought not to deny the Scrutiny, for he cannot discern who be Freeholders by the View. In short, of so many as stand for Competitors, the two that have most Voices are declared to be duly elected for the ensuing Parliament. Plurality of Voices does likewise carry it for Citizens that stand for Cities, and Burgesses for Boroughs. Where in some Places none but Freeholders have a Right of Election, in others all Householders have a share in it. And, though no Alien can be a Parliament Man; yet, if he be a householder, his Voice is good, as in the Election of the Members for the City of Westminster. A Burgess elected for two several Boroughs, as it sometimes happens, must wave one Election when he comes to the House, and choose for which Place of the two he will serve; so as a Writ may issue for a new Election, that the Number may be full.) All Elections ought to be freely and indifferently made, notwithstanding any Prayer or Command to the contrary. Or else the Parliament is not, as it should be, free. 'Tis true the Elections can never be so free, as not to be liable to the Temptations of private Interest, or the Influence of Feasting, two unavoidable Evils. Yet it does not follow but that a Parliament may be called Free, when the Court has no hand in the Elections by such unlawful Methods as were used in the late Reign, by Closeting, by fair Promises, and foul Threats. The Returns concerning the Parties chosen are made in the Crown-Office, by the Sheriffs, Mayors, or Bailiffs, whom the Writs were sent to, and to whom it belongs to manage the Elections. Upon a false Return, which happens but too frequently, the Sheriff who made the Return is liable to the Forfeiture of 100 l. to the King, and 100 l. more to the Party injured, and to be Imprisoned for a Year without Bail or Mainprize And every Mayor or Magistrate of a Town so offending, is to pay 40 l. to the King, and as much to the Party. This Action to be within 3 Months after the Parliament commenced by the Party injured, or by any other Man who will. In the mean time the Party returned remains a Member of the House, till his Election be declared void by the same. For denying the Poll when required, also for advising and abetting the same, the guilty Party has been adjudged by the House to stand Committed to the Sergeant during Pleasure, to pay all due Fees, to defray the Charge of Witnesses, to be Assessed by four of the Committee, to acknowledge his Offence upon his Knees at the Bar, and read a Submission. This was the Case of Thomson Sheriff of York, and his Abettor Alderman Henlow, in the Reign of Charles I. The Persons to be Elected as the fittest to answer the true Interest of the Nation, aught to be Sober, Understanding, Well-principled, and Well-affected to the established Government by Law. If Men of Estates, it is so much the better, such Men being supposed to be less Corruptible. But this is left to the People's Choice. 'Tis true, that by Law such as stand for Knights of the Shire ought to be Knights, Esquires, or Gentlemen fit to be made Knights. By the Statute none ought to be chosen a Burgess of a Town in which he does not inhabit. But the Usage of Parliament dispenses with that Act. Neither can any be legally chosen that is not of full Age, that is, 21 Years old at least. And reason good, for, if no Man under that Age can dispose of his Estate, much less should he have any share in the supreme Power of the Nation, to judge, vote, or dispose of the Estate of the Realm. Yet the Practice in the House of Commons has often been otherwise; in the House of Lords, but seldom. Whoever stands to be Elected must be a Native Englishman, or at least must be Naturalised by Act of Parliament. No Alien Denizated aught to sit here. None of the Judges can be chosen, that sit in the Bench, Common Pleas, or Exchequer, because they are Assistants in the Lord's House, But any that have Judicial Places in other Courts Ecclesiastical or Civil, being no Lords of Parliament, are Eligible. No Sheriff, nor Clergyman can be chosen a Member of Parliament. Not the first, because his personal Attendance is required within his Bayliwick, during the time of his Sheriffalty. Nor the last, because he is of another Body, viz. the Convocation; and the Clergy of the Convocation-House are no Part or Member of the Parliament. A Man attainted of Treason or Felony, etc. is not Eligible. For he ought to be magis idon●us, discretus, & sufficiens. But a Person Outlawed in a Personal Cause may be a Burgess. And, though the Common Law does disinable the Party; yet the Privilege of the House being urged prevails over the Law. Anciently the Elected Members had a competent Allowance from the respective County, City, or Borough, for which they served in Parliament. A Knight of the Shire was allowed 4 shill. and a Citizen or Burgess 2 shill. a Day; which in those Days was a considerable Sum. But then the Sessions were but short, sometimes but eight Days, sometimes less, seldom above three or four Weeks; and yet during that short space of time several great and weighty Affairs were dispatched. Which (as some think) were prepared to their hand by the King and Council, as it is now practised in Sweden by the 40 Counsellors of State, and in Scotland by the Lords of the Articles. And, if they did only debate upon such Things as the King did propose, a little Time might serve well enough to do it. But it does not appear to be so by what passed Feb. 9 1597, 39 Eliz. When the Queen gave her Royal Assent to 24 public and 19 private Bills; but refused 48 Bills more, which had passed both Houses. Certain it is, that there was less Canvasing, and more Plainness in those Days, than there is at present. The Place of Meeting for this honourable Assembly is in whatsoever City, Town, or House the King pleases. But of latter times it has been ufually at the King's ancient Palace at Westminster; the Lords in a Room by themselves, and the Commons not far from them, in another Room, which formerly was S. Stephen's Chapel. When the Day prefixed by the King in his Writs of Summons is come, His Majesty usually comes in person to the House of Lords, clothed with his Royal Robes, the Crown upon his head, and the Sword of State before Him. At the upper end of the Room is placed a Chair of State under a Canopy, upon which His Majesty sits. Then all the Temporal Peers appear in their Scarlet Robes, every one according to his Degree; and the Spiritual Lords, in their Episcopal Habit, which they do all the Sessions. On the King's right hand, next the Wall, are placed on a Form the two Arch-Bishops; next below, on another Form, the Bishops of London, Durham, and Winchester; then, upon other Forms on the same side, all the rest of the Bishops sit, according to the priority of their Consecration. The Lord Chancellor, or Keeper (when there is one) stands behind the Cloth of State, or fits on the first Woolsack, before the Chair of State, with his Great Seal and Mace by him. On the King's left hand are placed the Treasurer, Precedent of the Council, and Lord Privy Seal, of they be Barons, above all Dukes, but those of the Royal Family; if not Barons, than they sit uppermost on the Woolsacks. And on the same side sit the Dukes, Marquesses, or Earls, according to their Creation. Cross the House, below the Woolsacks, the first Form is that which the Viscounts sit upon; and, upon the next Forms, the Barons, all in order. The King being thus seated in his Throne, with this noble Appearance of the Peers of the Realm, all standing uncovered, his Majesty sends for the Commons from their Room where they are assembled. Who being come (at least part of them) stand at the Bar of the Lords House. Whereupon the King makes a short Speech to both Houses, concerning such Matters as He thinks fit to lay before them for the Good of the Kingdom. Amongst which that of a Supply of Money is most commonly one, in order to answer the extraordinary Charges of the Crown. The King having ended his Speech, the Chancellor (or Lord Keeper) did formerly use by the Kings Appointment to enlarge upon it, with all the Rhetoric and Logic the Matter could bear, to dispose both Houses to a Compliance with the King. But His present Majesty has declined that Method, and being a Prince of few Words gains more upon rational Men by his concise and plain Way of Delivery, (as the more agreeable to a true generous Nature) than perhaps he might with all the Wind and Turn of artificial Rhetoric. Then the Speaker of the House of Lords commands, in the King's Name, the Commons to assemble in their House, there to choose one of their Members for their Speaker, and to present him such a Day to His Majesty. Upon which the King withdraws, and the Commons presently re-assemble themselves in the Lower House, in order to choose one of their Members for Speaker. Sometimes, as in the last Session, the Speaker is chosen by the King's Command, before fore His Majesty delivers his Speech to both Houses of Parliament. After the Speaker is chosen, and the Choice approved by the King, His Majesty leaves both Houses to their private Debates upon the Subject of his Speech; and does no more appear amongst them that Session in his Royal Robes, except upon the passing of any Act, or at the Close of the Session, whether it be by Adjournment, Prorogation, or Dissolution. 'Tis true, upon any extraordinary Debate in the House of Lords, 'tis customary with the Kings of England to assist at the same; not to argue upon it, or to influence the House one way or other, but only to hear the Arguments of the House upon the Matter in Debate. But then the King appears without his Crown and Robes, and every Peer sits (except when he speaks to the House) as if the King were not there. The House of Lords, otherwise called the House of Peers, or the Upper House, consists of 189 Members. Viz. 163 Temporal Lords, whereof 14 Dukes, 3 Marquesses, 72 Earls, 9 Viscounts, 65 Barons; and 26 Spiritual Lords, whereof 2 Archbishops, and 24 Bishops. But the King may, by virtue of his Prerogative, increase the Number of the Peers to sit and vote in their House, as Barons, by sending his Writs for that pupose to whomsoever His Majesty thinks fit for that Service. The Lord Chancellor, or Lord Keeper (when there is one) is of course the Speaker of this House. Otherwise they may appoint any of their own Members, or else one of the Judges, for that Place; as in the Case of their late Speaker, the Right Honourable the Marquis of Hallifax, and that of Sir Robert Atkins, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, the present Speaker of the House of Lords. Besides the first Woolsack, which is the usual Seat for the Lord Chancellor or Lord Keeper, there are other Woolsacks; Upon which the Judges, the King's Council at Law, and the Masters of Chancery (not being Barons) sit, not to give their Suffrage, but only their Advice, when required thereto. The Use of which Woolsacks is probably to put them in mind of the great Advantages the English Wool has brought to this Nation, so that it may never be neglected. On the lowermost Wool sack are placed the Clerk of the Crown, and Clerk of the Parliament; The first being concerned in all Writs of and Pardons in Parliament, and the other in keeping the Records of all Things passed therein. Under this there are two Clerks, who kneeling behind the Woolsack write upon it. Without the Bar of the House sits the Black Rod, so called from a black Stick he carries in his hand, who is (as it were) the Messenger of this House. For he is employed, amongst other Things, to call for the House of Commons to the House of Lords upon His Majesty's Command; and to his Custody are Committed all such Peers as the House things fit to Commit upon any Trespass. Under him is a Yeoman Usher that waits at the Door within, a Crier without, and a Sergeant at Mace always attending the Speaker. The House of Commons, otherwise called the Lower house, is by much the greater Body of the two. For, as England consists of 40 Counties, in which there are 25 Cities, 8 Cinque-Ports, 2 Universities, and 168 Borough-Towns, all which are Privileged to send Members to Parliament, if we reckon two Members from each, the Whole amounts to 486 Members. To which adding 24 from Wales, the Whole is 510. 'Tis true, there are three Boroughs in England, each of which sends but one Member; viz. Abington in Oxfordshire, Higham-Ferrers in Northamptonshire, and Bewdley in Worcestershire. But these three, wanting of the Number, are made up by the City of London, which sends four Members; and by the City of Bath, which sends three. Of all this great Number, many are usually absent, upon Business, or Sickness, etc. So that, if they be three hundred met together, 'tis counted a pretty full House. And, if they be but forty Members in all, they make a house. This House, representing the whole Commons of the Realm, does generally consist of the Flower of the Gentry; some of them Nobleman's Sons, Privy Counsellors, Courtiers, Men learned in the Law, Officers and Commanders, Merchants, etc. but most of them Gentlemen of good Estates, with the advantage of a liberal and genteel Education. This is an aggregate Body from all Parts of the Nation, whose Learning and Eloquence, Wit and Policy strive to outdo each other. A ●oble School for young Gentlemen chief, to be versed in Things relating to the English Government. Here they Sat promiscuously; except the speaker, who has a Chair placed about the middle of the Room, with a Table before him, the Clerk of the House sitting near him at the Table. But none wears a Robe but the Speaker, except (as I hinted before) the Members of Parliament for the City of London, who at their first Meeting appear in their Scarlet Robes. Every Member wears what he fancies most, and so do the Temporal Lords in their House, on all Days when the King comes not thither in State. To Strangers, I confess, it looks something odd, that so august an Assembly, vested with a Legislative Power, and met together for the Exercise of the same, should have no proper Garb for so great a Council, but appear in their usual Dress. But Custom has so far prevailed against the Inconveniencies that attend those Formalities, (which the English Nebility and Gentry are generally averse from) that they are not like to be ever balanced by the Respect and Veneration that might be gained, as in foreign Countries, by the small trouble of them. The usual Time for the Meeting of each House is in the Forenoon, from eight or nine a clock till twelve or one; except Sundays, high Festivals, and Fast-Days. These Things being premised, my next Business is to speak about the Choice of the Speaker of the House of Commons; Who is the Mouth of the House, and so necessary a Part thereof, that they can do no Business without him. For 'tis the Speakers Part to see the Orders of the House observed, to state the Bills that are brought in, to collect the Substance of the Debates, and the Sense of the House upon them. The fitst Day each Member is called by his Name, every one answering for what Place he serveth. That done, a Motion is made to choose their Speaker; who ought to be a Person of great Ability, and is usually one of the long Robe. And, to avoid all Delays, the Choice is commonly such as the King approves of. This Choice is made by the Plurality of Votes. Upon which the Party chosen desires (according to ancient Custom) to be excused from so weighty an Office, and prays the House to proceed to a new Election. But he is commonly answered with a full Consent of Voices upon his Name. And then two of the principal Members go to him, and lead him from his Place to the Speakers Chair; where being set, they return to their Places. Then the Speaker rises, and makes a short Speech to the House, consisting of his humble Thanks for their good Opinion of him, with Promises of his best Endeavours for their Service. At the Day appointed for his Presentation to the King (which is usually the next Day) His Majesty being come to the House of Lords in his Royal Robes, and the Lords also in their Robes, the Commons are called in. Who being come, the Speaker is brought between two of them, with low Obeisance to the Bar, and so presented at the Bar to His Majesty; where he makes likewise a modest Refusal. But the King approving the Commons Choice, and not allowing of his Excuse, the Speaker nakes an Oration to His Majesty; the Matter whereof is left to his own Thoughts, having ●o Direction about it from the Commons. But it usually ends with these three Petitions. First, that the Commons may have, during their Sitting, a free Acess to His Majesty; Secondly, Freedom of Speech in their House; And thirdly, Freedom from Arrests. Which humble and modest Way of the People's addressing to the King, for His Majesty's Assent to their ancient Privileges, is becoming the Reverence due to the Majesty of the Prince. But it is no Argument (as some would have it) that either the Laws thereupon made, or the Privileges so allowed, are precarious, and may be refused them. The Speakers Oration being answered in the King's Name, by the Speaker of the House of Lords, and his Petitions allowed, he with the Commons departs to the Lower House. And then is the first time that the Mace is carried before him. Being come to the Chair, he makes a short Speech to the House to this effect, That, Whereas they have been pleased to choose him for their Speaker, he hopes they will assist him in that Station, and favourably accept hi● sincere Proceed for their Service. That done, the Custom is to read, for that Time, only one Bill left unpassed the last Sessions to give him Seisin (as it were) of his Place. In the Lord's House 'tis observable, that, when the King is absent, the Lords at their entrance do reverence to the Chair of State, as is (or should be) done by all that come into the King's Prefence-Chamber. And then the Judges, when called in upon any Point of Law, may si●● but may not be Covered, till the Speaker signify unto the them Leave of the Lords. The King's Council and Masters of Chancery sit also, but may not to be Covered at all. And, when the King is present, the Judges stand, till the King gives them leave to sit. But, we have dwelled long enough upon the Preliminaries (if I may say so) of a Session of Parliament; and 'tis time to show their Proceed, the manner of their Debates, and Passing of Bills and Acts, which is ●hus. First, Care is taken in each House to Vote Thanks to his Majesty for his Gracious Speech. Then they appoint their standing Committees, of which more afterwards. And, to discover what Members are absent without just Cause or leave of the House, the House is called from time to time thus. Every Member whose Name is called over, uncovers his Head, and stands up at the mention of his Name. If he be absent, he is either excused and entered accordingly; or, if none excuse him, he is entered Defieit. Such as are present are marked; and the Defaulters called over again the same Day, or the Day after, sometimes summoned and sometimes sent for by the Sergeant. If any Intruder be discovered to sit in the ●ouse, being no Member thereof, he is presently committed to the Sergeant's Custody for ●●me days; and at last, humbly begging the ●ardon of the House upon his Knees at the Bar, ●e is Released, paying his Fees. As to the Matter of Debates, the House 〈◊〉 free to take what Latitude they please, without confining themselves to the King's speech. As they are best acquainted with the State of the Nation, and the public Grievances, these often do take place. If any Laws are fit to be Abrogated, and new ones Made, this is a proper Subject for them to go upon. And, whilst they mind the Welfare of the Nation, 'tis to be supposed they mind that of the King. In order to which, any Member of the House may offer a Bill for the public Good 〈◊〉 except it be for Imposing a Tax, which is not to be done but by Order of the House first had. And he that tenders the Bill must first open the Matter of it to the House, and offer the Reasons for admitting thereof; upon which the House will either admit, or deny it. But, if any member desire, that an Act made, and in force, may be Repealed or Altered, he is first to move the House in it, and have their Resolution, before any Bill to that purpose may be offered. If the House shall think it fit, upon the Reasons alleged, their usual Way is to appoint one or more of the Members to bring in a Bill for that purpose. A private Bill, that concerns any particular Person, is not to be offered to the House, till the Leave of the House be desired, and the substance of such Bill made Known, either by Motion or Petition. Petitions are usually prescribed by Members of the same County the Petitioners are of. If they be concerning private Persons, they are to be subscribed, and the Persons presenting them called in to the Bar, to avow the substance of the Petition, especially if it be a Complaint against any. The preferring of Bills, either to be Read or Passed, ly's much in the Speaker's Power. For, though he be earnestly pressed by the House for the Reading of some one Bill; yet, if he have not had convenient time to Read the same over, and to make a Breviate thereof for his own Memory, he may claim a Privilege to defer the Reading thereof to some other time. Formerly the Speaker had liberty to call for a trivate Bill, to be Read every Morning. The Clerk of the House is usually directed by the Speaker, and sometimes by the House, what Bill to read, who with a loud and distinct Voice first reads the Title of the Bill; and, after a little Pause, the Bill itself. Which done, Kissing his hand, he delivers the same to the Speaker. Then the Speaker stands up uncovered, whereas otherwise he sits with his Hat on; and holding the Bill in his hand says, This Bill is thus Entitled, and then reads the Title. Whereupon he opens to the House the substance of the Bill; which he does, either by trusting to his Memory, or with the help of a Breviate, filled to the Bill. The effect of the Bill being thus opened, he declares to the House, that it is the first Reading of the Bill, and delivers it again to the Clerk. For every Bill is to be Read three times, before it can be made an Act. Except a Bill of Indemnity coming from the King, which has but one Reading in each House, because the Subject aught to take it as the King will give it. The same it is with a Bill of Subsidies granted by the Clergy. At the first Read●● of the Bill 'tis not usual with the House to speak to it, or put it to the Question; but rather to take time till the second Reading, in order to consider of it in the mean while. Nor to move for any Addition to it, which were to imply, that the Body of the Bill is good, before it comes to a regular Trial upon the Second Reading. But, if any Bill originally begun in the Lower House happen, upon the first Reading to be debated to and fro, and that upon the Debate the House do call for the Question; the Question ought to be, not Whether the Bill shall be read the second time (which is the ordinary Course,) but Whether it shall be Rejected Whereas to a Bill coming from the Lords so much favour and respect is shown, that if, upon the first Reading, it be spoken against, and pressed to be put to the Question, the Speak●● does not make it for Rejection, as in the fo●mer Case, but for the Second Reading; and if that be denied, then for Rejection. Or rather in such a Case the Speaker does forbear t● make any Question at all thereupon, unless 〈◊〉 be much pressed thereto; it being more prudential to consider of it, before it be put to such a hazard. When the Question for Rejection is made, and the greater Voice is to have the Bill Rejected, the Clerk ought to set it down Rejected in the Journal, and so to Endorse it on the back of the Bill; and it shall be no more Read that Session. But, if it be altered in any Point marerial, both in the Body and the Title, it may be revived and received a second time. If the Voice be to have the Bill Retained, than it shall have his second Reading in Course. 'Tis unusual for one and the same Bill to be Read twice in one Day, ●●less there be special Reasons for it. Yet it has been done sometimes, for want of other Business, when the Bill was not of any great Consequence; but ●ill upon Motion, and special Order. Also, ●hen special Committees, appointed for the drawing of a special Bill, have presented the same ready drawn to the House, it has oftentimes happened, that the same Bill has been twice Read, and ordered to be engrossed the same Day. And there are Precedents of late, that a ●ill has been thrice Read, and Passed the same Day. By Sir Simon d'Ewes, Journ. 90. Col. 1. a Bill was Read the fourth time, before it passed the House; but this is rare, and worth the Observation. Though a Bill may be secondly Read the next Day after the first Reading, yet the usual Course is to forbear for two or three Days, that Men may have more time to consider upon ●t; except the Business requires haste. After the Bill is secondly read, the Clerk, as before, in humble manner, delivers it to the Speaker; who reads again the Title and his Breviate, as he did upon the first Reading. Upon which he pawses a while, till some Member or other of the House do speak to it. For then ●nd not before, is the time when to speak. And, ●f after some convenient time, no Member ●eak against the Bill, either as to the Matter or ●orm of it, if it be a Bill originally begun in ●e Commons House, the Speaker may make ●e Question for Engrossing thereof, that is, writing of it fair in a Parchment. The same 〈◊〉 may do, if divers speak for the Bill, with●t excepting against the Form thereof. In short, upon the second Reading, the ●eaker having delivered the state of the Bill, rebates do commonly arise upon it. After ●hich the House usually calls for the Commit●ng of the Bill, that is, for referring of it to a Committee, in order to amend the Bill, which is done in this manner. After every Speech is ended, the Speaker ought to stay a while, before he make the Question for the Committing thereof, to see whether any Man will speak thereto. And, when he perceives the Debate is at an end, he directs the House in these Words; As many as are of Opinion, that this Bill shall be Committed, say Yea. And, after the Affirmative Voice given he proceeds thus to the Negative, As many as are of the contrary Opinion, say No. The Speaker ought by his Ear to judge which of the Voices is the greatest; but, if the Thing be doubtful, the House does Divide upon it. And, if upon Division of the House, it appear that the Numbers are equal, the Speaker has the casting Voice upon all Questions. If the Affirmative Voice be the greater, he ought to put the House in mind about Naming of the Committees, which is thus. Any Member of the House may be named to be one of the Committee; and the Clerk ought in his Journal to write under the Title of the Bill the Name of every one called for that purpose, at least of such whose Names in that Confusion he can distinctly hear. And this he ought to do without Partiality, either to those that name, or to the Party named. But he that has directly spoken against the Body of the Bill may no● be named to be of the Committee; it being supposed, that he who is against the Bill is no● a proper Person to be employed for the amending (or improving) of it. A convenient Number being named, th● Speaker puts the House in mind of the Tim● and Place, when and where the Committees ma● meet; which the Clerk ought likewise to ente● into his Journal-book. And, when the House is in silence, he ought with a loud Voice to read out of his Book the Committees Names, with the Time and Place of their Meeting, that they may take notice thereof. When a Bill sent from the Lords is twice Read, the Question ought to be for the Commitment. If it be denied, it ought to be Read the third time; and the next Question, not for the Engrossing, as when the Bill begun in the ●ower House, but for the Passing of the Bill. For all Bills that come from the Lords come al●ays engrossed. And, though the Question for ●he Passing of the Bill should in Course be then ●ade, when the Bill is denied to be Committed; yet it is not done, till the Bill be Read the third time. As to the subject Matter of the Debates, the Speaker is not to argue for, or against any side; but only to hear the Arguments of the House, and (as I said before) to collect the substance of them. Neither has he any Voice, but the Casting Voice. Whoever speaks to a Bill ought to stand up Uncovered, and direct his Speech to the Speaker. If two rise at the same time, and fall speaking together, the Speaker has power to determine which shall give way to the other. He that speaks is to be heard out, and not interrupted, unless by Mr. Speaker; which he may do in some Cases, as when the Discourse spins out to too great a length, or is from the Matter in hand, etc. None ought to speak twice to a Bill in one Day, unless sometimes by way of Explication. But, if the Bill be oftener Read than once, a Man may speak as often as the Bill is read. And, if any Thing be done contrary to the Orders of the House, one may rise up and speak to it in the midst of a Debate, in case the Speaker do not. For, if the Speaker stand up, he is first to be heard; and while he stands up, the other must sit down. But whoever rises up to speak to the Orders of the House in the midst of a Debate must keep within that Line, and not fall to the Matter itself. If he do, he may be taken down by the Speaker, or any other Member, calling to the Orders of the House. No Member in his Discourse is to mention the Name of any other then present, but to describe him by his Title or Addition, as that Noble Lord, that Worthy Knight. Or by his Office, as Judge, Sergeant, Gentleman of the long, or short Robe. Or by his Place, as the Gentleman near the Chair, near the Bar, on the other side; or that Gentleman that spoke last, or last save one, or the like. No reviling, or reflecting Expressions must be used. And, though freedom of Speech and Debates be an undoubted Privilege of the House, yet whatsoever is spoken in the House is subject to the Censure of the House. But, if any speak irreverently or seditiously against the Prince or the Privy Council, he is not only Interrupted, but sometimes sent to the Tower. After the Debate is ended, the Speaker ought to put the Question for Engrossing. If the Plurality of Voices be against it, the Clerk ought to make an Entry in his Journal, that the same was Dashed, and to make a Note of it upon the back of the Bill, and the Day when. If for it, he must make his Entry and Note accordingly. A Bill that has been Committed, and is Reported, ought not in an ordinary Course to be Recommitted, but either Dashed or engrossed. Yet, when the Matter is of Importance, it is sometimes Recommitted, and commonly to the same Committee. Some few Days after the Bill has been ordered to be engrossed, the same being accordingly engrossed, is offered by the Speaker to be Read the third time, for the Passing thereof. And, to prevent carrying of Bills with a few Voices, it has sometimes been ordered, that no Bills should be put to the Passing until Nine of the Clock; at which time the House is commonly full, or shortly after. But 'tis Observable, that the Speaker seldom puts any one Bill to the Passing by itself alone; for he commonly stays, till there be divers Bills ready engrossed for the third Reading. And, when he has a convenient Number, (as four, or five) he gives Notice to the House, that he purposeth next Day to offer up some Bills for the Passing, and desireth the House to give special Attendance for that purpose. Accordingly the Day following, he puts 'em to the third Reading; first private Bills, till the House be pretty full, and then the public ones engrossed. A Bill being Read the third time by the Clerk of the House, he delivers it to the Speaker; who (as before) Reads the Title, explains the Nature of the Bill, and then tells the House that it has now been Read thrice, and that with their Favours he will put it to the Passing. But, before he does it, he pauseth a while, that the Members may have liberty to speak thereto. For, upon the third Reading, the Matter comes to a fresh Debate, and for the most part it is more spoken unto at this time, than upon any of the former Readins. But then 'tis very rare to have it Recommitted, unless it be for some particular Clause or Proviso. At last, the Debate being over, (the Speaker still holding the Bill in his hand) puts it to the Passing thus; As many as are of Opinion that this Bill should pass, say Yea. And after the Affirmative Voice given, he proceeds thus to the Negative, As many as are of the contrary Opinion, say No. Whereupon the Speaker is to declare his Opinion, whether the Yea's or the No's have it; and his Opinion is to stand at the Judgement of the House, unless the Case be doubtful, and a Motion be made for the Dividing of the House. Then the Question is put, whether the Yea's or No's are to go out of the House. Which commonly falls out to be the Lot of the Yeas, especially upon a new Bill; for it seems but reasonable, that those should sit still who are for the old Law, because they are in possession of it. To count the House, the Speaker does nominate two of the Yeas, and two of the No's. Who, having each a Staff in his Hand, are to count the Members that remain sitting in the House; and then to stand within the Door, two on each side, and count the Number of them who went forth, as they come in. The House being thus told, the two Tellers that have the most Votes, standing at the Bar on the right hand of the two others (the rest being all set in their places) make their approaches together to the Table, with the usual Obeisance to the House. He that stands on the right hand declares to the Speaker the Number of the Yeas and No's. That done, they all depart, with like Reverence into their Places; and Mr. Speaker makes the Report to the House. If it be carried in the Affirmative, the Clerk is to enter the Vote, Resolved. If in the Negative, thus; The Question being put (than he sets down the Words of the Question) it passed in the Negative. While the House is divided, or dividing in order to gather the Voices, no Member is to speak, or to remove out of his Place, except such as go forth upon the Division. The Bill being thus passed, the Clerk (if the Bill be originally exhibited in the House of Commons) ought to write within the Bill on the top toward the right hand, Soit baille aux Signior, that is, Let it be sent up to the Lords. But, if the Bill passed be originally begun in the Lord's House, then ought the Clerk to write underneath the Subscription of the Lords (which always is at the foot of the Bill) Ace Bill les Communes ont assenti. And, when the Speaker has in his hands a convenient Number of Bills ready passed, he than puts the House in mind of sending them up to the Lords, and desires the House to appoint the Messengers. Amongst which a principal Member of the House is appointed for that purpose, to whom the Bills are delivered in such Order as he is to present them to the Lords, by the Direction of the Speaker, except the House be pleased to give special Direction therein. This principal Messenger, coming in the first Rank of his Company (usually consisting of 30 or 40 Members) to the Bar of the Lords House, with three Congees, the Lords rise from their Places, and come down to meet them at the Bar. Then the chief Messenger tells them, that the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the House of Commons have sent unto their Lordship's certain Bills. Whereupon he reads the Title of every Bill, as it lies in order; and delivers the same in an humble manner to the Speaker of the House of Lords, who is come down of purpose to receive them. But, when any Answer is to be delivered by the Speaker of this House, in the name and behalf of the whole House, to such Knights and Burgesses as come from the Commons, the Lords are to keep their Places, and the Speaker is to deliver their Answer with his Head covered, whilst the Knights and Burgesses stand uncovered toward the lower end of the House. In this House the Lords give their Voices, beginning at the Puisne, or lowest Baron, and so the rest Seriatim, every one answering apart, Content, or Not Content; first for himself, and then severally for so many as he hath Letters and Proxies. For any Peer of the Realm, by Licence of the King upon just Cause to absent, may make a Proxy, that is, may constitute another Lord to give his Voice in the Upper House, when any Difference of Opinion, and Division of the House shall happen. Otherwise, if no such Division fall out, it never comes to be questioned or Known to whom such Proxies are directed. By an Order of this House in the Reign of Charles I, it was Ordered, that no Peer should be capable of receiving above two Proxies, or more to be numbered in any Cause voted. If a Bill passed in one House, and being sent to the other, this demur upon it, than a Conference is demanded in the Painted Chamber. Where the deputed Members of each House meet, the Lords sitting covered at a Table, and the Commons standing bare with great respect. There the Business is debated; and if they cannot agree, it is nulled. When Bills are passed by both Houses, upon three several Readins in either House, before they can have the force of Law, they must have the Royal Assent, which puts life into them. For, as there is no Act of Parliament but must have the Consent of the Lords and Commons, and the Royal Assent of the King; so whatsoever passeth in Parliament by this threefold Consent, hath the force of an Act of Parliament. The Royal Assent, which used formerly to be deferred till the last Day of the Session, is given after this manner, whenever the King thinks fit. His Majesty then comes into the House of Peers, with his Crown on his Head, and clothed with his Royal Robes. Being seated in his Chair of State, and all the Lords in their Robes, the House of Commons is sent for up (as before) by the Black Rod. Thus the King, Lords, and Commons being met, the Clerk of the Crown reads the Title of each Bill, and after the Reading of every Title, the Clerk of the Parliament pronounces the Royal Assent, according to his Instructions from the King. If it be a public Bill, to which the King assenteth, the Words are le Roy le veut, the King wills it. Whereas to a public Bill which the King forbears to allow, the Answer is, Le Roy S'avisera, the King will consider; which is looked upon as a civil Denial. To a Subsidy-Bill, le Roy remercie ses loyaux Sujets, accept leur Benevolence, & aussi le veut, the King thanks his loyal Subjects, accepts their Benevolence, and so wills it. And to a private Bill allowed by the King, Soit fait comme il est desire, be it done as it is desired. But, in case of a General Pardon, as it is the King's Gift, so the Return is from the Lords and Commons to His Majesty in these Words, los Prelates, Signior, & Communes en ce Parlement assemblez, au nom de tous vos autres Sujets, remercient tres humblement Votre Majeste, & prient Dieu qu'il vous donne bonne & longue Vie en Sante, the Prelates, Lords, and Commons in this Parliament assembled in the Name of all Your other Subjects, do most humbly thank your Majesty, and pray God to give You a good and long Life in Health. 'Tis observable in the mean while, how we have retained about making of Laws, so many French Expressions, derived to us doubtless from the Normans. The Use of Committees is so necessary for the Dispatch of Parliament Business, and their Way of managing Bills so fair and honourable, that it will be proper to add something to what has been said before concerning them. They consist of such Members as each House chooses from among them, to make a strict Examination of the Bills, and therein such Amendments and Alterations as their Reason will dictate upon a full Debate among themselves, and to Report the same to the House. Now there are three sorts of Committees, viz. Standing, Select, and Grand Committees. There are in the House of Commons five Standing Committees usually appointed in the beginning of the Parliament, and remaining during all the Session. Viz. One for Privileges and Elections, another for Religion, a third for Grievances, another for Courts of Justice, and the fifth for Trade. Amongst which the Committee for Privileges and Elections has always had the Precedence, being commonly the first Committee appointed, either the same Day the Speaker did take his Place, or the next day after. Their Power was anciently to examine, and make Report of all Cases touching Elections and Returns, and all Cases for Privilege as might fall out during the Parliament. But that Power has been since abridged, especially in Matters of Privilege; which are heard in the House, and not in a Committee, unless in some special Cases. By a Select Committee, I mean a Committee particularly chosen to inquire into a Bill. In the Choice whereof this Rule is observed in the House, that they who have given their Voice against the Body of a Bill, cannot be of the Committee. And, though any Member of the House may be present at any select Committee, yet he is not to give any Vote there, unless he be named to be of the Committee. As to their Number, they are seldom less than eight, but have been sometimes many more, and commonly Men well versed in Parliament Business. Upon the first Meeting of a Committee in their Committee Chamber, they choose among them a Chairman, who is much like the Speaker in the House. After any Bill is Committed upon the second Reading, it may be delivered indifferently to any of the Committee. Who are first to read it, and then to consider the same by Parts. If there be any Preamble, 'tis usually considered after the other Parts of the Bill. The Reason is, because upon Consideration of the body of the Bill such Alterations may therein be made, as may also occasion the Alteration of the Preamble, which is best done last The Committee may not raze, interline, or blot the Bill itself; but must in a Paper by itself set down the Amendments. Which ought to ●oe done by setting down in the Paper the Number of the Folio where the Amendment is made, naming the Place particularly where the Words of the Amendment are to be Inserted, or those of the Bill Omitted. The Breviat also annexed to the Bill must be amended accordingly, and made to agree with the Bill. When all the Amendments are perfected, every one being Voted singly, all of them are to be read at the Committee, and put to the Question, Whether the same shall be Reported to the House. But, when the Vote is to be put, any Member of the Committee may move to add to those Amendments, or to Amend any other part of the Bill. If the Vote of the Committee pass in the Affirmative, then commonly the Chairman is appointed to make the Report. Which being done, that Committee is dissolved, and can act no more without a new Power. The usual Time for the House to receive the Reports is, after the House is full. And 'tis commonly the first Thing they go then upon; unless there be Bills engrossed, which are to take place, and public Bills before private. The Reporter must first acquaint the House, That he is to make a Report from such a Committee, to whom such a Bill was Committed. Then standing in his place, he reads each of the Amendments, with the Coherence in the Bill; opens withal the Alterations, and shows the Reasons of the Committee for such Amendments, until he has gone through all. When that is done, if his Seat be not next the Floor, he must come from his Place to the Bar, and so come up to the Table; where he delivers both the Bill and Amendments to the Clerk, to be read. Whilst he stands by the Clerk, the Clerk reads twice the Amendments only that are to be Inserted, and then he delivers the Bill with the Amendments to the Speaker. Whereupon any Member may speak against all, or any of the Amendments, and desire the Coherence to be read. But he is to make all his Objections at once to all the Amendments, without speaking again. Note, that in the House of Lords, the Judges, and other Assistants there of the long Robe, are sometimes Joined to the Lords Committees, though they have no Voice in the House. But whereas in the House they sit covered by the Leave of the Peers, at a Committee they are always uncovered. A Grand Committee, called a Committee of the whole House, is the House itself resolved into a freedom of Debate from the Rules of the House to the Nature of a Committee; and therefore 'tis commonly called a Committee of the whole House. These Grand Committees are used, when any great Business is in hand that requires much Debate; as Bills to impose a Tax, or raise Money from the People. Which Bills particularly do always begin in the House of Commons, as their Representatives. In these Committees every Member is free to speak to one Question as often as he shall see Cause, (which is not permitted in the House) and to answer other men's Reasons and Arguments. So that it is a more open Way, and such as leads most to the Truth; the Proceeding more honourable and advantageous, both to King and Parliament. When the House inclines to resolve itself into a Committee, it is done by a Question. Which being carried in the Affirmative, the Speaker leaves the Chair, and thereupon the Committee makes choice of a Chairman. If a Dispute arises about the Choice, the Speaker is called back to his Chair; and after the Choice is cleared, he leaves it. The Chairman sits in the Clerks Place at the Table, and writes the Votes of the Committee; the gathering whereof is according to the Rules of the House. When the Committee has gone through the Matter in hand, the Chairman, having read all the Votes, puts the Question, That the same be Reported to the House. If that be Resolved, he is to leave the Chair; and the Speaker being called again to the Chair, the Chairman is to Report what has been resolved at the Committee, standing in his usual Place. From whence, if it be not in the Seat next the Floor, he is to go down to the Bar, and so to bring up his Report to the Table. In case the Committee cannot perfect the Business at that sitting, Leave is to be asked, That the Committee may Sat at another time on that Business. But, if the Matter has been throughly Debated, and is judged fit to be Resolved in the House, the Speaker is called to the Chair for that purpose. In other Things the Proceed are the same as in the House. And so much for the Committees. I proceed now to the Manner of Adjourning, Proroguing, or Dissolving the Parliament, which is done at the King's Pleasure, and that in the House of Lords, with the same Appearance and Solemnity as I have already described. An Adjournment and Prorogation are to some convenient time appointed by the King himself; but with this Difference, that an Adjournment does not conclude the Session, which a Prorogation does. So that by an Adjournment all Things debated in both Houses remain in statu quo, and at the next Meeting may be brought to an Issue. Whereas a Prorogation makes a Session; and then such Bills as passed either House, or both Houses, and had not the Royal Assent, must at the next Assembly begin anew, before they can be brought to perfection. Upon an Adjournment, or Prorogation, the King does usually make a Speech to both Houses of Parliament. And he ought to be there in Person, or by Representation, as on the Day of their first sitting, Now the King's Person may be represented by Commission under the Great Seal to certain Lords in Parliament, authorising them to begin, adjourn, prorogue, etc. But 'tis Observable, that each House has also a Power to Adjourn themselves, which when they do, 'tis at the most but for a few Days. A Dissolution is that whereby the House of Commons becomes Vacant, in order to a new Election. Now a Parliament may be Dissolved by the King at any time, whether they be actually sitting, or not. But, if a Parliament do sit, and be Dissolved, without any Act of Parliament passed, or Judgement given, 'tis no Session of Parliament, but a Convention. The King being the Head of the Parliament, if his Death happens when there is a Parliament, 'tis ipso facto Dissolved. 'Twas a Custom of old, after every Session of Parliament, for the Sheriff to Proclaim, by the King's Command, the several Acts passed in that Session, that none might pretend Ignorance. And yet, without that Proclamation, the Law supposes every one has noticeby his Representative of what is transacted in Parliament. But that Custom has been laid aside, since Printing came to be of common Use. The Parliament ought to sit, by Law, at lest once in three Years. Thus I have laid open the Supreme Court of England, which without the King's Concurrence can legally, do nothing that's binding to the Nation, but with it can do any thing. For whatever is done by this Consent is called firm, stable, and sanctum, and is taken for Law. Thus the King and Parliament may abrogate old Laws, and make new, settle the Succession to the Crown, Define of doubtful Rights whereof no Law is made, Appoint Taxes and Subsidies, Establish Forms of Religion, Naturalise Aliens, Legitimate Bastards, Adjudge an Infant (or Minor) to be of full Age, Attaint a Man of Treason after his Death, Condemn or Absolve them who are put upon their Trial, Give the most free Pardons, Restore in Blood and Name, etc. And the Consent of the Parliament is taken to be the Consent of every Englishman, being there present in Person, or by Procuration. King John having resigned up the Crown of England to the Pope, and submitted to take it at his hand again at a yearly Tribute, the Pope (in the Reign of Edward III) demanded his Rent, and all the Arrears. Upon which issued this Resolve of the Parliament, that neither the King, nor any other, could put the Realm, nor the People thereof, into a foreign Subjection, without their Assent. This was a high Resolution in Law, in one of the highest Points of Law, concerning the Kings Claim of an absolute Power, when the Pope was in his height. However this intimates, that with their joint Consent the Crown may be disposed of. But, how transcendent soever be the Power and Authority of the King and Parliament, yet it does not extend so far as to bar, restrain, or make void subsequent Parliaments; and, though divers Parliaments have attempted ●t, yet they could never effect it. For the ●atter Parliament hath still a Power to abrogate, suspend, qualify, explain, or make void the former in the Whole, or any Part thereof, notwithstanding any Words of Restraint, Prohibition, or Penalty in the former; it being a Maxim in the Law of Parliament, Quod Leges posteriores priores contrarias abrogant. 'Twas therefore but in vain, that the late King James pretended so to settle that Liberty of Conscience which he ushered in by his Declaration, as to make it a Law unalterable, like the Laws of the Medes and Persians. It was but a Blind for Dissenters to bring them into his Snare; and, though he had really designed it, he must have been at least Immortal to secure it. One of the fundamental and principal Ends of Parliaments was to Redress Grievances, and ease the People of Oppressions. The chief Care whereof is in the House of Commons, as being the Grand Inquest of the Realm, summoned from all Parts to present public Grievances to be redressed, and public Delinquents punished, as corrupted Counselors, Judges, and Magistrates. Therefore Parliaments are a great Check to Men in Authority, and consequently abhorred by Delinquents. Who must expect one time or other to be called to a strict and impartial Account, and be punished according to their Demerits. Remember, said the Lord Bacon to his Friend Sr. Lionel Cranfield, when he was made Lord Treasurer, that a Parliament will come. In this Case the House of Commons (the Parliament sitting) Impeaches, and the House of Lords are the Judges; the Commons Inform, Present, and Manage the Evidence, the Lords upon a full Trial give Judgement upon it. And such is the Privilege of the House of Commons in this particular, that they may Impeach the highest Lord in the Kingdom, either Spiritual or Temporal; and he is not to have the benefit of the Habeas Corpus Act (that is, he cannot come out upon Bail) till his Trial be over, or the Parliament Dissolved, which last some of the late Judges have declared for. But the Lords cannot proceed against a Commoner, except upon a Complaint of the Commons. In a Case of Misdemeanour both the Lords Spiritual and Temporal are Judges, and the King's Assent to the Judgement is not necessary. But, if the Crime be Capital, the Lords Spiritual (though, as Barons, they might sit as Judges, yet they) absent themselves during the Trial; because, by the Decrees of the Church, they may not be Judges of Life and Death. For, by an Ordinance made at the Council at Westminster in 21 Hen. 2. all Clergymen were forbidden agitare Judicium Sanguinis, upon pain to be deprived both of Dignities and Orders. When a Peer is Impeached of High Treason, a Court is usually erected for his Trial in Westminster-Hall; and the King makes a Lord Steward (which commonly is the Lord Chancellor) to sit as Judge thereof. The Trial being over, the Lords Temporal resorting to their House give Judgement upon it, by Voting the Party arraigned, upon their Honours, Guilty, or not Guilty; and he is either Condemned, or Acquitted by the Plurality of Voices. If found Guilty, he receives Sentence accordingly by the Mouth of the Lord High Steward. The House of Lords is also, in Civil Causes, ●he highest Court of Judicature; consisting of ●ll the Lords Spiritual and Temporal as Judges, ●sisted with the most eminent Lawyers both 〈◊〉 Common and Civil Law. And from this Court there lies no Appeal, only the cause (or ●ome Point or other of it) may be brought again before the Lords upon a new Parliament. In Case of Recovery of Damages, or Restitution, the Parties are to have their Remedy (the Parliament being ended) in the Chancery, and not in any inferior Court at the Common Law. But the Lords in Parliament may direct how it shall be levied. In short, by the ancient Laws and Constitutions of this Kingdom, it belongs to the House of Peers to interpret Acts of Parliament, in Time of Parliament, in any Cause that shall be brought before Them. I conclude with the Privileges of Parliament, which are great in both Houses, and fit for so honourable a Court. First, as to the Persons of the Commoners, they are Privileged from Suits, Arrests, Imprisonments, except in Case of Treason and Felony; also, from Attendance on Trials in inferior Courts, serving on Juries, and the like. Their necessary Servants that tend upon them during the Parliament, are also Privileged from Arrest, except in the aforesaid Cases. Which Privilege is their due, eundo, morando, redeundo, that is, not only for that time the Parliament sits, but also during 40 Days before, and 40 Days after the Parliament finished. And that, not only for the Persons of Members, and their necessary Servants; but also, in some Cases, for their Goods and Estates during that Time. Moreover this Privilege does likewise extend to such Officers as attend the Parliament; as the Clerks, the Sergeant at Arms, the Porter of the Door, and the like. But, if one was Arrested before he was chosen Burgess, he is not to have the Privilege of the House. Many are the Precedents, which show the Resentments of this House against such as have offered to act contrary to these Privileges, and their severe Proceed against some of them, either for serving a Subpoena upon, or Arresting a Member of this House, or refusing to deliver a Member arrested for Debt, the Parliament sitting. For common Reason will have it, that the King and his whole Realm having an Interest in the Body of every one of its Members, all private Interest should yield to the Public, so that no Man should be withdrawn from the Service of the House. And so much has been the Privilege of the House insisted on, that it has been a Question, Whether any Member of the House could consent to be sued during the Session; because the Privilege is not so much the Person's the House's. And therefore, when any Person has been brought to the Bar for any Offence of this nature, the Speaker has usually charged the Person in the name of the whole House, as a Breach of the Privilege of this House. Also, for offering to threaten, or to give abusive Language to any Member of the House, or to speak irreverently of the Court of Parliament, in Time of Parliament, several have been sent for by the Sergeant to answer it to the House, and Committed. Dec. 1641. it was Resolved, that the setting of any Guards about this House, without the Consent of the House, is a Breach of the Privilege of this House, and that therefore such Guards ought to be dismissed. Which Resolve was followed by three others Nemine Contradicente, The first, that the Privileges of Parliament were broken by his Majesty's taking notice of the Bill for suppressing of Soldiers, being in agitation in both Houses, and not agreed on. The second, that his Majesty, in propounding a Limitation and provisional Clause to be added to the Bill, before it was presented to Him by the Consent of both Houses, was a Breach of the Privilege of Parliament. The third, that His Majesty expressing his Displeasure against some Persons, for Matters moved in the Parliament, during the Debate and preparation of that Bill, was a Breach of the Privilege of Parliament. And, whereas in January following the King did come to the House of Commons in a warlike manner with armed Men, some posted at the very Door of the House, and others in other Places and Passages near it, to the Disturbance of the Members then fitting, and treating in a peaceable and orderly manner of the great Affairs of the Kingdoms of England and Ireland; and His Majesty, having placed himself in the Speakers Chair, did demand the Persons of divers Members of the House to be delivered unto him; It was thereupon declared by the House, that the same is a high Breach of the Rights and Privileges of Parliament, and inconsistent with the Liberty and Freedom thereof; and therefore the House doth conceive, they could not with safety of their own Persons, or the Indemnities of the Rights and Privileges of Parliament, sit there any longer, without a full Vindication of so high a Breach of Privilege, and a sufficient Guard wherein they might conside. Lastly, both Houses of Parliament are the proper Judges of their respective Privileges, and the inferior Courts have nothing to do with it. CHAP. II. Of the King's Privy Council. NEXT to the Court of Parliament, which is the great Wheel that gives motion to the rest, is the King's Privy Council. A Court of great Honour and Antiquity; Incorporated (as it were) to the King Himself, and bearing part of his Cares in the great Business of the Government. Insomuch that, upon their Wisdom, Care, and Watchfulness depends the Honour and Welfare of His Majesty's Dominions, in all Parts of the World. For, according to their Oath, they are chief to Advise the King upon all Emergencies to the best of their Judgement, with all the Fidelity and Secrecy that becomes their Station. And, as the King has the sole Nomination of them, so 'tis his main Interest to make choice of such eminent Persons as are best able, with their Wisdom, Experience, and Integrity, to answer those great Ends they are appointed for. They ought to be Persons of several Capacities, that nothing be wanting for good Counsel and Advice in a Court from whence in a great measure depends the Safety, Honour, and Welfare of the King and Kingdom. Generally they are picked out amongst the Nobility; and, for Things that relate to Church Affairs the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London use to be Members thereof. In the late King's Reign, not only Popish Lords were admitted contrary to Law; but, in defiance as it were of the Nation, a Traitor by the Law, and the worst of Counselors, a mercurial hotheaded Jesuit, whose pernicious Counsels and Influences proved accordingly fatal to King James, and all the Popish Party. As for the Number of Privy Counselors, 'tis at His Majesty's pleasure. Anciently they used to be but twelve, or thereabouts; but, since, their Number has increased sometimes to forty. The Privy Council is kept in the King's Court, or Palace, and the King himself does commonly sit with them. The usual Days for their sitting is Wednesdays and Fridays, in the Morning out of Parliament or Termtime, and in the Afternoon in Parliament or Termtime. But, upon extraordinary Occasions, the King calls them together at any time. Accordingly they wait on His Majesty in the Council-Chamber, and fit at the Council Board in their Order, bareheaded, when the King presides. To whom His Majesty declares what He thinks fit, and desires their Advice in it. At all Debates the lowest Counsellor delivers his Opinion first, that so he may be the more free; and the King last of all, by declaring his Judgement, determines the Matter. 'Tis with the Advice of the Privy Council, that the King puts out Proclamations, Orders, and Declarations, which being grounded upon Statute, or Common Law, are binding to the subject. And, upon any sudden Emergency, ●herein the public Safety may be Endangered, ●or want of speedy Redress, the King and Council may take a latitude of Power suitable 〈◊〉 the Occasion. Formerly the Council heard and determined Causes between Party and Party. But of ●te, lest private Causes should hinder the Public, they seldom meddle with them, but leave ●em to the King's Courts of Justice. There are two distinct and important Offices elonging to this Court. The first is the Lord Presidents, who is one of the Nine Great officers of the Crown. He is called Lord Pre●●dent of the Privy Council, because by his office he is in a manner the Director of it. ●Tis he that reports to the King, when His majesty has been absent from the Council, the ●ate of the Businesses transacted there. The other Great Office is that of Secretary, ●mmonly called a Secretary of State; which ●rmerly was single, till about the end of Henry III. his Reign. Who, considering the Im●rtance of this great and weighty Office, ●ought fit to have it discharged by two Per●●ns of equal Authority, and therefore both ●ed Principal Secretaries of State. In those Days, and some while after (says 〈◊〉 Chamberlain) they sat not at Council-board. 〈◊〉, having prepared their Business in a Room joining to the Council-Chamber, they came 〈◊〉 and stood on either hand of the King; ●d nothing was debated at the Table, until 〈◊〉 Secretaries had gone through with their Proposals. Which Method afterwards was altered in Q. Elizabeth's Reign; who seldom coming to Council ordered the two Secretaries to take their places as Privy Counselors, which has continued ever since. And a Council is seldom or never held, without the presence of one of them at the least. Besides the public Concerns of the Nation, most of which pass through their hands, they are also concerned with Grants, Pardons, Dispensations, etc. relating to private Persons. For in their hands are lodged most of the Subject's Requests to be represented to the King; whereupon they make Dispatches, according to His Majesty's Directions. In short, so great is their Trust, and their Employment of that great latitude, that it requires their constant Attendance upon the King. As for Home Concerns, whether public o● private, both the Secretaries do equally receive and dispatch whatever is brought to them. But, for foreign Affairs, each has his distinct Province; receiving all Letters and Address from, and making all Dispatches to the severa● Princes and States in his Province. They keep each of them his Office (called the Secretary's Office) at Whitehall: Where they have also Lodgings for their own Accommodation, and those that attend upon it; wh● a liberal Diet at the King's Charge, or Board wages in lieu of it. Their settled Allowance is little less than 2000 l. a Year to each 〈◊〉 them; besides Perquisites. The Secretaries and Clerks they employ u●der them are wholly at their own choice, an● have no Dependence upon any other. Lastly, they have the Custody of the Signet, one of the King's Seals. To which belongs the Signet-Office, where four Clerks wait Monthly by turns, preparing such Things as are to pass the Signet, in order to the Privy Seal, or Great Seal. He that is in waiting is always to attend the Court, wheresoever it removes; and to prepare such Bills or Letters for the King to sign (not being Matter of Law) as by Warrant from the King, or Secretaries of State, or Lords of the Council he is directed to prepare. And to this Office all Grants prepared by themselves, or the King's Learned Council at Law, for the King's hand, are returned, when signed, and there transcribed again. The Transcription is carried to one of the Principal Secretaties of State, to be sealed with the Signet. This done, it is directed to the Lord Privy Seal, and is his Warrant for issuing out a Privy Seal upon it. But than it must be first transcribed by the Clerks of the Seal, who are also four in Number; and, when it has the Privy Seal affixed, 'tis sufficient for the Payment of any moneys out of the Exchequer, and for several other Uses. If the Grant requires the passing the Great Seal, as several Grants do, the Privy Seal is a Warrant to the Lord Chancellor (or the Lords Commissioners) to pass it, as the Signet was to the Lord Privy Seal. But here also a new Transcription must be made of the Grant. The Reason why a Grant must go through so many Hands and Seals, before it can be perfected, is, that it may be duly considered, and all Objections cleared, before it take its effect. The Paper-Office, at Whitehall, is also depending on the Secretaries of State. Where all the Papers and Dispatches that pass through their Offices (as Matters of State and Council, Letters, Intelligences, and Negotiations of foreign Ministers here, or of the King's Ministers abroad) are from time to time transmitted, and there remain, disposed by way of Library. The Keeper whereof has a yearly Salary of 160 l. payable out of the Exchequer. To conclude, the Lords of the Privy Council have always been of such high value and esteem, that if a Man did but strike another in a Privy Counsellors House, or elsewhere in his presence, he was fined for the same. To conspire the Death of any of them was Felony in any of the King's Servants, and to kill one of them was High Treason. A Privy Counsellor, though but a Gentleman, has precedence of all Knight's Baronet's, and younger Sons of all Barons and Viscounts. And a Secretary of State has this special Honour, that, if he be a Baron, he takes place (as such) of all other Barons. So honourable an Employment it is, that in the late Reign the Earl of Sunderland, was both principal Secretary of State, and Lord Precedent of the Privy Council. CHAP. III. Of the High Court of Chancery, otherwise called the Court of Equity. I come now to the Courts of Judicature held at Westminster, viz. the Courts of Chancery, King's Bench, Common Pl●as, Exchequer, and Duchy of Lancaster; whereof the three first are held at Westminster Hall, the Common-Pleas near the Gate, the Chancery and King's Bench at the further end of the Hall. All the forementioned Courts are opened four times a Year, called the four Terms; Viz. Easter, Trinity, Michaelmas, and Hilary Term. Easter-Term gins always the 17th Day after Easter, and lasteth 27 Days. Trinity (or Midsummer) Term gins the fifth Day after Trinity Sunday, and lasteth 20 Days. Michaelmas-Term gins the 23th of October, and lasteth 37 Days. And Hilary-Term (so called from S. Hilary a Bishop) beginneth the 23 of January, and lasteth 21 Days. Next to the Parliament of England, and the King's Privy Council, by whose Influences the Nation is chief governed under the King, the High Court of Chancery is the chief, and the most ancient Court of Judicature. Otherwise called the Court of Equity, in opposition to other inferior Courts, the Judges whereof are tied to the Letter of the Law; Whereas this is a Court of Mercy, in which the Rigour of the Law is tempered with Equity. And therefore the Kings of England would have this Court Superior to the other Tribunals, as well as for being the Original of all other Courts, and the Fountain of all our Proceed in Law. For, as Sir Edward Coke says, this Court is Officina Justitiae, out of which all Original Writs and all Commissions which pass under the Great Seal go forth, which Great Seal is Clavis Regni, the Key of the Kingdom; and for those ends this Court is always open. In the Chancery are two Courts, one Ordinary, and the other Extraordinary. In the first the Proceed are in Latin, Secundum Legem & Consuetudinem Angliae, according to the Laws and Statutes of the Realm. In the second, by English Bill, Secundum aequum & bonum, according to Equity. The Manner of Proceeding is much like that in the Courts of the Civil Law; the Actions by Bill or Plaint, the Witnesses examined in private, and the Decrees in English or Latin, not in French. No Jury of twelve Men, but all Sentences given by the Judge of the Court. The Judge is the Lord Chancellor, or Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, the highest Dignity that a Layman is capable of in England, and held of the King durante Beneplacito. But now this Office is executed by three Lords Commissioners. Next to whom there are twelve Assistants called Masters of the Chancery, who are Civilians. Their Salary is each 100 Pound, paid out of the Exchequer quarterly, besides Robe-mony. Three of these at a time sit in the Chancery Court in Termtime, and two out of Term, when the Chancellor sits to hear Causes at his own House Who often refers to them the further hearing of Causes, etc. These Masters have a public Office, where one or more of them do constantly attend, to take Affidavits, etc. The chief of them is the Master of the Rolls, whose Place is both very honourable and beneficial. The same is in the King's Gift, either Life, or during his Majesty's Pleasure. And he is called Master of the Rolls, as having the Custody of all Charters, Patents, Commissions, Deeds, and Recognizances, which being made up in Rolls of Parchment, gave Occasion for that Name. From whence the ver● House where the same are Kept is also called 〈◊〉 Rolls; which, being founded at first for the converted Jews, was, after their Expulsion out of England, annexed for ever to the Office of Master of the Rolls. Here are kept all the Rolls since the beginning of Richard the Third's Reign; and the former Rolls, in the Tower. In this House the Master of the Rolls may Jure Off●cii, and by virtue of a Commission, hear Causes, with two Masters, and without the Chancellor. He has in his Gift those considerable Offices of the Six Clerks in Chancery, the Examiner's Offices, three Clerks of the Petty-bag, and the six Clerks of the Rolls Chapel, where the Rolls are kept. In Parliament-time, when he sits in the House of Lords, he sits upon the Second Woolsack, next to the Lord Chief Justice of Engand. Next in degree to the Twelve Masters in Chancery are the Six Clerks aforesaid, who keep their several Offices at a Place called the Six Clerks Office in Chancery-Lane, and constantly Keep Commons together in Termtime. Their Business is for the English part of this Court, to enrol Commissions, Pardons, Patents, Warrants etc. that are passed the Great Seal. They are also Attorneys for Plaintiffs and Defendants, in Causes depending in this Court. Under these are Sixty other Clerks, viz. ten to each; amongst which some get four, or five hundred Pounds a Year, and some more. These also have their Under-Clerks, who dispatch with them the Business of this Office. For the Latin Part, there is the Cursitors Office, Kept near Lincoln's Inn. Of these there are 24, whereof one Principal, and two Assistants. Their Business is to make out Original Writs, for which purpose each of them has certain Counties and Cities allotted to him, into which he makes out such Original Writs as are required. These Clerks are a Corporation of themselves, who execute their Offices by themselves or Deputies. There are several Officers besides, belonging to the Chancery. As the Clerk of the Crown; Who, either by himself or Deputy, is continually to attend the Lord Chancellor, or Lord Keeper, for special Marters of State, and has a Place in the House of Lords. He makes all Commissions of Peace, of Oyer and Terminer, Goal-Delivery, and upon the Death or Removal of any Members of Parliament sitting, makes all Writs for New Elections. There is also a Protonotary, whose Office is chief to dispatch Commissions for Embassies; A Register of the Court of Chancery, and two Registers for the Rolls. The Clerk of the Hamper, or Hanaper; Who receives all the Money due to the King for the Seals of Charters, Patents, Commissions, and Writs. In Termtime, and at all times of Sealing, he attends the Chancery-Court, with all Sealed Charters, Patents, etc. put up in Leathern Bags. Instead of which, Hampers were probably used in our Forefathers time, and the Clerk called from thence Clerk of the Hamper. Those Bags are delivered by the Clerk to the controller of the Hamper. Three Clerks of the Petty-Bag, whose Office is to make all Patents for Customers, Comptrollers, all Congee d'Eslires, first Summons of Nobility, Clergy, Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses to Parliament, etc. The six Clerks of the Rolls Chapel, which together with the Clerks of the Petty-bag are under the Master of the Rolls. And so are the Two E●●caminers, whose Office is to examine the Witnesses on their Oaths in any Suit on both sides. A Clerk of the Patents, another of the Reports, and a Clerk (or Secretary) of the Presentation of Spiritual Benefices. There is besides a Subpoena Office, to issue out Writs or Summons for Persons to appear in Chancery. Another Office, for filing all Affidavits in the Court of Chancery. Besides the Alienation Office, to which are carried all Writs of Covenant and Entry, (whereupon Fines are levied, and Recoveries suffered) to have Fines for Alienation set and paid thereupon. This Office is executed by 3 Commissioners, who set those Fines The Warden of the Fleet, or Keeper of the Fleet-Prison, is a considerable Office. His Business is to take care of the Prisoners there, who are commonly such as are sent thither from this Court, for Contempt to the King or his Laws; though there are others, upon the Account of Debts, etc. There is also a Sergeant at Arms, whose Office is to bear a gilt Mace before the Lord Chancellor, or Keeper. Lastly, whereas other Courts of Justice are never open but in Termtime, this is at all times open. For, if a Man be wrongfully Imprisoned in the Vacation, the Lord Chancellor may grant a Habeas Corpus, and do him Justice according to Law, as well in Vacation as in Termtime. Which is not in the Power either of the King's Bench, or Common-Pleas, to do in the Vacation. This Court likewise may grant Prohibitions at any time, either in Term or Vacation. CHAP. IU. Of the Court of King's Bench. THis Court is called the King's Bench, because in it are handled all Pleas of the Crown; as all manner of Treasons, Felonies, Misprision of Treason, etc. But it has Power besides to examine and correct all Errors in fait, and in Law, of all the Judges and Justices of the Realm in their Judgements and Proceeding in Courts of Record; and this not only in Pleas of the Crown, but in all Pleas real, personal, and mixed, the Court of Exchequer excepted. This Court has also Power to correct other Errors and Misdemeanours extrajudicial, tending to the Breach of the Peace, or Oppression of the Subject. It grants Prohibitions to Courts Temporal and Ecclesiastical, to Keep them within their proper Jurisdiction; and may bail any Person for any Offence whatsoever. If a Freeman in City, Borough, or Town Corporate, be Disfranchised unjustly, this Court may relieve the Party, although he has no Privilege in it. This Court moreover has power to hold Plea by Bill for Debt, Detinue, Covenant, Promise, and all other personal Actions, against any that is in the Marshal's Custody, or any Officer, Minister, or Clerk of the Court. For, if they should be sued in any other Court, they would be allowed the Privilege of this, in respect of their necessary Attendance here; and, lest there should be a failure of Justice, they shall be Impleaded here by Bill, though these Actions be common Pleas. Likewise the Officers, Ministers, and Clerks of this Court, privileged by Law, may Implead others by Bill here in the foresaid Actions. In short, the Jurisdiction of this Court is general, and extends all over England. 'Tis more uncontrollable than any other Court, because the Law presumes the King to be there in person. For anciently the Kings of England sat sometimes in this Court, and that on a high Bench, his Judges at his Feet, on a low Bench. From whence some think this Court came to be called the King's Bench. However the Judicature always belonged to the Judges, and in the King's presence (as now in his absence) they answered all Motions, etc. So Supreme is also the Jurisdiction of this Court, that, if any Record be removed hither, it cannot (being as it were in its Centre) be remanded back, but by an Act of Parliament. In this Court sit commonly four Grave Reverend Judges, The principal whereof is called the Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench, and is thus created by Writ. A. B. Militi Salutem. Sciatis quod Constituimus Vos Judiciarium nostrum Capitalem, ad Placita coram nobis tenenda, durante Beneplacito nostro. Teste meipso apud Westm. The rest of the Judges of the King's Bench hold their Places by Letters Patent in these Words. Rex omnibus ad quos praesentes Litera pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis quod Constituimus dilectum & fidelem B. C. Militem unum Justiciariorum, ad Placita coram nobis tenenda, durante Beneplacito nostro. Teste, etc. Though in the Writ or Patent made to these Judges they are not named Sergeants, yet none can be a Judge of this Court, unless he be a Sergeant of the Degree of the Coif, that is, a Sergeant at Law; who, upon taking this Degree, is obliged to wear a Lawn Coif under a black Cap. These Judges, or Justices, are the Sovereign Justices of Oyer and Terminer, Goal-Delivery, Conservators of the Peace, etc. in the Realm. So that, when this Court comes and sits in any County, the Justices of Eire, of Oyer and Terminer, and Goal-Delivery, etc. are ipso facto void, without writing to them. They are likewise the Sovereign Coroners of the Land; and therefore where the Sheriff and Coroners may receive Appeals by Bill, much rather the Justices of this Court may do it. Their Salary from the King is each 1000 l. per Annum, besides Robes and Liveries out of the great Wardrobe, and two Tun of Wine to the Lord Chief Justice. In this Court all young Lawyers that have been called to the Bar are allowed to practise. Here are three distinct Offices; Viz. the Crown Office, the Protonotaries, and the Custos Brevium's Office. To the first belong, the Clerk of the Crown, a Secondary, and several entering Clerks. The first is a Cap-Officer, who sits covered in Court. The entering Clerks have Counties assigned them, and usually are Attorneys for Defendants prosecuted at the King's Suit. To the second belongs the Protonotary, a Cap-Officer, to whom belong all Clerks of the Plea-side; his Secondary, and Deputy for signing Writs, a Clerk for filing Declarations, a Clerk of the Remembrances, a Clerk of the Bails and Posteas. To the Custos Brevium's Office belongs the Custos Brevium & Recordorum, a Cap-Officer, who is also Clerk of the Essoins and Warrants of Attorney; two Clerks, one of the Inner, and the other of the outward Treasury, who are all Officers for Life. There are besides two Book-Bearers, who carry the Records into Court, a Marshal or Keeper of the King's Bench Prison, who has a Deputy, a Clerk of the Papers, a Clerk of the Rules, and his Deputy, a Clerk of the Errors, and his Deputy, a Sealer of Writs, a Head-Crier, two Under-Criers, two Ushers, and four Tip-staves. Lastly, there are several Filazers for the several Counties of England, who make out all Process upon Original Writs, Actions personal, and mixed. CHAP. V. Of the Court of Common-Pleas. THis Court is so called, because here are debated the usual Pleas between Subject and Subject. For in this Court all Civil Causes, real and personal, are usually tried, according to the strictness of the Law. And real Actions are pleadable; nor Fines levied, or Recoveries suffered, in no other Court but this. Which may also grant Prohibitions, as the Court of the King's Bench doth. Here are also commonly four Judges, the chief whereof is called the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, or of the Common Bench. Who holds his Place by Letters Patent, as the other Three do, derante Beneplacito. Their Fee is the same as that of the King's Bench Judges. None but Sergeants at Law may plead in this Court; and so many of them as the King shall appoint, are bound by Oath to assist all that have any Cause depending here; for which the King allows them Fees, Reward, and Robes. Many are the Officers belonging to this Court. The principal whereof is the Custos Brevium, who is the first Clerk of the Court, and whose Office is to receive and keep all Writs returnable here, to receive of the Protonotaries all the Records of Nisiprius, called Posteas. He holds his Place by Patent from the King, has the Gift of the second Protontaries Place, and of the Clerk of the Juries. Then Three Protonotaries, who enter and enrol all Declarations, Plead, Assizes, Judgements, and Actions, and make out Judicial Writs. In whose Offices all the Attorneys of this Court enter their Causes. Now each of them has a Secondary, who draws up the Rules of Court, etc. And these Secondaries are commonly the ablest Clerks or Attorneys of the Court. There is also a Chirographer, whose chief Business is to engross Fines acknowledged; and for whose Office there is a Register, and several Clerks, having their several Counties allotted them, for which they Engross the Fines levied of Lands in their respective Divisions. All which forementioned Officers are Sworn, and hold their Offices for Life, as a Freehold. They sit in the Court covered with black round Caps, such as were in fashion before the Invention of Hats. Moreover, there are in this Court three Officers unsworn, who hold their Places durante Beneplacito. Viz. 1. A Clerk of the Treasury, whose Office is in the Gift of the Lord Chief Justice. He Keeps the Records of this Court, and makes out (amongst other Things) all Records of Nist Prius. 2. The Clerk of the inrolments of Fines and Recoveries, who is by Statute under the three Puisne Judges of this Court, and removable at their Pleasure. 3. The Clerk of the Outlawries; who, after the Party is returned Outlawed, makes out the Writs of Capias Uelegatum, in the name of the Attorney General, to whom this Office does properly belong, and who exerciseth it by Deputy. There is besides a Clerk of the Warrants, who enters all Warrants of Attorney for Plaintiff and Defendant, and enrolls all Deeds acknowledged before any of the Judges of the Common Pleas. The Clerk of the King's Silver, to whom every Fine (or final Agreement upon Sale of Land) is brought, after it has been with the Custos Brevium, and to whom Money is paid for the King's Use. The Clerk of the Juries, who makes out the Writs called Habeas Corpus, and other Writs for appearance of the Jury. The Clerk of the Essoins, or Excuses for lawful Cause of Absence. And the Clerk of the Supersedeas, who makes out the Writs of Supersedeas, which formerly was done by an Exigenter. Here are also 15 Filazers for the several Counties of England; who (amongst many other Things) make out all Process upon Original Writs. These are in the Gift of the Lord Chief Justice, and hold for Life. As also The four Exigenters; whose Office is to make all Exigents and Proclamations in all Actions where Process of Outlawry does lie. Now an Exigent is a Writ so called, because it requires the Parties Appearance to answer the Law, and lies against a Transgressor of the Law that can't be found, nor any of his Goods within the County. Whereupon he is Summoned by the Sheriff at five several County Courts; and, if he appear not, he is Outlawed, that is, excluded from the Protection of the Law. Which looks upon him as unworthy of it, that acts in contempt of the Law. Lastly, there are four Criers, and a Porter, belonging to this Court. CHAP. VI Of the Courts of Exchequer, and Duchy of Lancaster. THese two I join together, because they both concern the King's Revenue, and take Cognizance of all Causes arising from it. The Judges of this Court are called Barons of the Exchequer, ever since Barons of the Realm used to sit here as Judges; though in latter times Men learned in the Law have usually filled up this Station. They are commonly four that sit in this Tribunal, as in the two former Courts; the principal whereof is styled Lord Chief Baron. But 'tis to be observed, that the Lord Treasurer and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, may sit here as Principal, though they seldom do it. The Lord Chief Baron is created by Letters Patents, to hold this Dignity, Quamdiu se bene gesserit, which the Law intends for Life; so that he is better fixed than either of the Chief Justices. His Place is of great Honour and Profit. In Matter of Law, Information, and Plea, he answers the Bar, and gives Order for Judgement thereupon. He alone in the Termtime doth sit upon Nisi prius, that come out of the King's Remembrancer's Office, or out of the Office of the Clerk of the Pleas, which can not be dispatched in the Mornings for want of time. He takes Recognizances for the King's Debts, for Appearances, and Observing of Orders. He takes the Presentation of all Officers in Court under himself, and of the Mayor of London, and sees the King's Remembrancer to give them their Oaths. He also takes the Declaration of certain Receivers Accounts of the Lands of the late Augmentation made before him by the Auditors of the Shires, and gives two Parcel-makers Places by virtue of his Office. In his absence, his Place is supplied by the other three Barons, his Assistants, according to their Seniority. These Judges, and those of the two former Courts of King's Bench and Common Pleas, make up the Number of Twelve; who all sit in on their Tribunals in Robes, and square Caps. Next to the four Barons of this Court, is first the Cursitor, who administers the Oath to the Sheriffs, Under-Sheriffs, Bailiffs, Searchers, Surveyors, etc. of the Customhouse. Then the King's Remembrancer, in whose Office are entered the States of all Accounts whatsoever concerning the King's Revenue, except Sheriffs and Bailiffs Accounts. Here also are taken all Securities, either by Bonds or Recognizances to the King, for the faithful Performance of those Persons employed in the Collecting of his Majesty's Revenue, and for the Payment of his Debts. And all Proceed upon the said Bonds or Recognizances, or any other Bonds taken in the King's Name by Officers thereunto appointed under the Great Seal of England, besides all Proceed upon any Statute by Information for Custom, Excises, or any other Penal Law concerning the King's Revenue, are transmitted hither for the Recovery thereof, and properly belong to this Office. From whence accordingly issue forth Process, to cause all Accountants to come in, and account. And, as the Exchequer does consist of two Courts, the one of Law, and the other of Equity, all Proceed touching the same are in this Office, with many other Things relating to the King's Revenue. To this Office, being in the King's Gift, belong eight sworn Clerks, whereof the two first are called Secondaries. The Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer, who makes Process against all Sheriffs, Receivers, Bailiffs, etc. for their Accounts; and into whose Office all Charters and Letters Patents, upon which any Rents are reserved to the King, are transcribed and sent by the Clerk of the Pettibag. Out of this Office Process is made to levy the King's Fee-Farm Rents, etc. This Office is likewise in the King's Gift, and there are several Clerks belonging to it, the two first being distinguished from the rest by the Name of Secondaries. The Remembrancer of the First-fruits and Tenths, who takes all Compositions for the same, and makes Process against such as do not pay them. He has two Clerks under him. The Clerk of the Pipe, who receives into his Office all Accounts which pass the Remembrancer's Office. He makes Leases of the King's Lands and extended Lands, when he is ordered so to do by the Lord Treasurer and Chancellor of the Exchequer, or the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. He has under him 8 sworn Clerks, by whom all Accounts of Sheriffs and Bailiffs are made up; and, when the Accounts are even, he gives the Accomptants their Quietus est. All Tallies which vouch the Payments contained in such Accounts are examined and allowed by the chief Clerk in the Pipe, called the Secondary. The controller of the Pipe, who writes out the Summons twice every Year to the high Sheriffs, to levy the Debts charged in the great Roll of the Pipe. He also writes in his Roll all that is in the great Roll, and nothing entered in this can be discharged without his privity. The Foreign Opposer, whose Office is to oppose all Sheriffs upon the Schedules of the Green Wax. This Office is kept in Grays-Inn. The Clerk of the Pleas, in whose Office all the Exchequer Officers, and other Debtors to the King, are to plead and be impleaded, as at the Common Law. The Reason why it is done here is, because their Attendance is required in this Court. And therefore here are four sworn Attorneys. The Clerk of the Estreats, who receives every Term the Estreats (or Extracts) out of the Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer's Office, and ●rites them out to be levied for the King. He also makes Schedules of such Sums as are to be discharged. A Clerk of the Parcels, and another of the ●ichils. Two Auditors of the Impressed, who Audit the great Accounts of the King's Customs, Wardrobe, ●int, First-fruits and Tenths, Naval and Mi●tary Expenses, Moneys Imprested, etc. Seven Auditors of the Revenue, who Audit all Accounts of the King's Lands Revenue, and all Taxes granted by the Parliament. There are also several Receivers of the King's Revenues, arising from Lands and Rents, whose Accounts are yearly made up by the Auditors. To which add a Receiver of the First-Fruits Revenue. As for the Tenths, the Bishops are Collectors of them, and account yearly for the same. But there are two other considerable Officers, not to be omitted, viz. the Deputy Chamberlains. In whose Office at Westminster are preserved all the Counterfoils of the Tallies; ranged by Months and Years, and by that means easily found out, to be joined with their respective Stock or Tally. There is also the chief Usher of the Exchequer; an Office of Inheritance, four Vnder-Vshers, a Marshal, and six Messengers. As to the Court of the Duchy of Lancaster, also kept at Westminster, it concerns particularly the Revenue belonging to that Duchy, long since annexed to the Crown. The chief Judge of this Court is the Chancellor of the Duchy, assisted by the Attorney of the same. Next to whom is the Receiver General, the Vicechancellor of the Duchy, the two Auditors; the Clerk of the Duchy, and a Messenger. CHAP. VII. Of the Sheriffs, and their two Courts, called the County-Court, and the Sheriffs Turn; of Justices of Peace, and their Quarter-Sessions; with an Account of the Grand Jury; of the Coroners, Clerks of the Markets, and their Courts. FOR the Civil Government of Counties, Cities, Towns, and Villages, there are divers Officers, to whom belong several Courts for the due Administration of Justice. First in every County (except Durham and Westmoreland) there is a Sheriff, which is a yearly Office, the Power whereof extends all over the County, except such Cities and Towns as are Counties of themselves, that is, which have the Privilege of Counties. In Middlesex only there are two Sheriffs, upon the account of London the Capital City of the Kingdom. The Sheriffs were heretofore chosen, as Knights of the Shire, by the Suffrages of the People: But now they are appointed by the King, after this manner. First the Judges nominate six fit Men of each County, that is, Knights or Esquires of good Estates. Out of that Number three are chosen by the Privy Counsellors, and the twelve Judges assembled in the Exchequer, and there sworn in order to it. And out of this Number the King himself chooses whom he thinks fit. Heretofore the same Sheriff served many years together, and to this day this Office is hereditary to the Cliffords in the County of Westmoreland, by Charter from King John. The Sheriff's Office is both Ministerial, and Judicial. As Ministerial, he is to execute the King's Mandates, and all Writs directed to him out of the King's Courts, to Impannel Juries, to bring Causes and Criminals to Trial, and to see the Sentences executed. In short, there is no Execution of the Law but by the Sheriff, for by him all Suits begin, and all Process served. He is likewise to collect all public Profit, as Taxes, Fines, Distresses, and Amerciaments into the King's Exche quer, or wherever the King shall appoint; and to make such Payments out of it, as he shall have due Order for. At the Assizes he is to wait on, and guard the Itinerant Judges, so long as they continue within the County. As to the Judicial Part of his Office, he holds, by virtue thereof, two several Courts; the one called the County-Court, and the other the Sheriffs Turn. The County-Court is held every Month by the Sheriff himself, or his Deputy the Under Sheriff wherein he hears and determines Civil Causes of the County under 40 shillings, which anciently was a considerable Sum. But this is no Court of Record. The Sheriffs Turn is held twice a Year, viz. within a month after Easter, and within a mont● after Michaelmas. In this Court he inquire of all Criminal Offences against the Common Law, wherein he is not restrained by any Statute. For all the Bishops, Earls, Barons, and all such as have Hundreds of their own to be kept, are exempted from the Jurisdiction of this Court. In short, this is a Court of Record, in all Things that belong to it. 'Tis the King's Leet through all the County, whereof the Sheriff is Judge, this Court being incident to his Office. The Justices of Peace, anciently called Wardens (or Guardians) of the Peace, are such amongst the Gentry (and sometimes amongst the Clergy) as are appointed by the King's Commission to attend the Peace of the County where they dwell. Their Original is from the first year of Edward the III, but they were not called Justices till the 36th Year of his Reign. Their Office is to call before them, examine, and commit to Prison Rioters, wandering Rogues, Thiefs, Murderers, false Moneyers, those that hold Conspiracies, and almost all Delinquents that may occasion the Breach of Peace and Quiet to the King's Subjects, and to see them brought forth in due time to Trial. If any one Swears himself to be in danger of his Life upon the Threats of another, he may bind him over to his good Behaviour, and the Justice shall commit him to Prison, unless the finds good Security for his good Behaviour during a Year and a Day. Among the Justices of Peace, the Number whereof is as His Majesty thinks fit, there are some particularly called Justices of the Quorum, from these Words in the Commission, Quorum A.B. unum esse volumus. As for Example, Where a Commission is directed to seven Persons, or any three of them Whereof A.B. and C.D. to be two, these are said to be of the Quorum, because the rest cannot proceed without them. So that a Justice of Peace and Quorum is one without whom the rest of the Justices in some Cases cannot proceed. Every Quarter, or three Months, the Justices of each County meet at the chief (or Shire) Town; from whence this Court came to be called the Quarter Sessions. Where the Grand Inquest (or Jury) of the County is summoned to appear; who upon Oath are to inquire of Malefactors, Rioters, and suspected Persons. The G and Jury does commonly consist of 24 grave and substantial Gentlemen, or some of the better sort or Yeomen, chosen indifferently (or at least ought so to be) by the Sheriff out of the whole Shire, to consider of all Bills of Indictment preferred to the Court. Which Bills they do either approve by Writing upon them Billa Vera, or disallow by endorsing Ignoramus. Presently upon the Allowance of a Bill, the Party concerned is said to be Indicted, and is committed to Prison. But what Bills are Disallowed are delivered to the Bench, by whom they are forthwith canceled or torn. If the approved Bills touch Life and Death, they are further referred to another Jury to be considered of, because the Case is of such Importance; but others of lighter moment are proceeded upon by fining the Delinquents, without any more ado. Unless the Party traverse the Indictment, or challenge it for Insufficiency, or remove the Cause to a higher Court by Certiorari; in which two former Cases it is referred to another Jury, and in the latter transmitted to a higher Court. In short, the Trial is usually referred to the next Assizes, when the Judges at Westminster go their Circuits. Originally this Court seems to have been erected only for Matters touching the Peace, but now it extends much further. The Sheriff, or his Under-Sheriff, is bound to attend upon this Court, with his Constables, Bailiffs, etc. There are also in every County commonly four Officers, called Coroners (vulgarly pronounced Crowner's) because they deal principally with Pleas of the Crown, or Matters concerning the Crown. His Office is to Inquire by a Jury of Neighbours how and by whom any Person came by a violent Death, and to enter the same upon Record. And, whereas the Sheriff in his Turn may inquire of all Felonies by the Common Law, except a Man's Death; the Coroner can inquire of no Felony but of the Death of Man, and that super visum Corporis, upon view of the Body. Which Inquisition of Death taken by him he ought to deliver at the next Goal-Delivery, or certify the same into the King's Bench. Therefore he ought to put in writing the ●ffect of the Evidence given to the Jury be●ore him, and has power to bind over Witnesses to the next Goal-Delivery in that County. For doing his Office, he is to take nothing, ●pon grievous Forfeiture. But by 3 H. 7. he 〈◊〉 to have upon an Indictment of Murder 13 s. d. of the Goods of the Murderer. But, besides his Judicial, he has likewise a ministerial Power as a Sheriff. As, when there 〈◊〉 just Exception taken to the Sheriff, Judicial Process shall be awarded to the Coroners for the execution of the King's Writs, in which Cases he is locum tenens Vicecomitis, or supplies the Sheriff's place. And in some special Case the King's Original Writ shall be immediately directed unto him. There are, as I said before, commonly four of these Officers in every County of England. But Cheshire has but two, and each Shire in Wales has no more. The same are chosen by the Freeholders of the County, by virtue of a Writ out of the Chancery; and continue, notwithstanding the Demise of the King, in their Office. Which was of old in so great esteem, that none could have it under the degree of a Knight. And, by the Writ De Coronatore eligendo, the Party to be chosen must have sufficient Knowledge and Ability to execute this Office; which is implied in these Words, Et talem eligi facias qui melius sciat & possit Officio illi intendere. After he is elected, the Sheriff is to take his Oath, only to execute his Office. And the Court which he holdeth is a Court of Record. Every County also has an Officer called Clerk of the Market. Whose Office is to keep a Standard of all Weights and Measures, exactly according to the King's Standard kep● in the Exchequer, and to see that none other be used in the same County. He is to seal a● Weights and Measures made exactly by th● Standard in his Custody, and to burn such a are otherwise. He has a Court, wherein h●● may keep and hold a Plea. CHAP. VIII. Of Mayors and Aldermen, Bailiffs, Stewards, and their respective Courts; with an Account of the Constables. Every City of England, says Dr. Chamberlain, is, by their Charters or Privileges granted by several Kings, a little Commonwealth apart; governed, not (as the ●●ties of France and Spain) by a Nobleman 〈◊〉 Gentleman placed there by the King, but wholly by themselves. For in Cities the Citizens choose themselves for their Governor Mayor, commonly out of 12 Aldermen. And, ●n some other Corporations, a Bailiff is chosen ●f a certain Number of Burgesses. The Mayor is the King's Lieutenant, and ●uring his Mayoralty (which is but for one ●ear) is in a manner a Judge to determine ●atters, and to mitigate the Rigour of the ●●w. Therefore he keeps a Court, with his ●ethren the Aldermen. With these, and the ●ommon Council, he can make By-Laws, for ●e better Government of the City, provided ●●ey be not repugnant to the known Laws of ●●e Realm. So that the Mayor, aldermans, ●●d Common Council assembled, are in a manner, an Image of the King, Lords, and Commons convened in Parliament. If the Citizens be Taxed, 'tis by themselves or their Representatives; every Trade having some of their own Members always of the Council, to see that nothing be enacted to their Prejudice. But the Sheriffs have also a good share in the Government of Cities; as being the proper Judges of Civil Causes within the same, and the principal Officers appointed to see all Executions done, whether Penal or Capital. As every County of England is divided into Hundreds, so the King's Subjects formerly had Justice ministered to them by Officers of Hundreds, called Bailiffs, who might hold Plea of Appeal and Approvers. But, in the Reign of Edward III, these Hundred Courts (certain Franchises excepted,) were dissolved into the County-Courts. Yet there are still divers considerable Towns, the chief Magistrates whereof have retained the name of Bailiff, as Ipswich, Yarmouth, Colchester, etc. Where the Bayliff's Authority is the same with the Mayor's in other Places, and they keep Courts accordingly. The Truth is, they differ in nothing but the Name. For the Mayor of London, before the Reign of Richard the First, was called the Bailiff of London. So King John, following the Example of Richard, made the Bailiff of Kings Lynn a Mayor, in the year 1204; and Henry V made the Bailiff of Norwich a Mayor, Anno●● 1419. But there are others to whom the name of Bailiff is still appropriate; as the Bailiff of Dover Castle; that is, the Governor thereof. There be likewise Bailiffs of Manors, or Husbandry; such as have the Oversight of Under-Servants to private Men of great Substance, that set every Man to his Labour and Task, gather the Profits to their Lord and Master, and give him an Account thereof. The vilest sort of Bailiffs to this day are those Officers that serve Writs, and Arrest People by virtue thereof. And these are of two Sorts, Bailiffs Errants, and Bailiffs of Franchises. The first are such as the Sheriff makes and appoints to go any where in the County to serve Writs, to summon the County, Sessions, Assizes, and such like. Bailiffs of Franchises be those that are appointed by every Lord of a Manor, to do such Offices within his Liberty as the Bailiff Errand doth at large in the County. By Stewards, I mean here such as are Employed by some Lords of Manors to hold their Courts, called Court-Leet, or View of Frankpledge; the word Leet signifying properly a Lawday. This is a Court of Record, not incident to every Manor; but to those only which by special Grant, or long Prescription, hold the same. For 'tis likely Kings did not intrust any with this Power, but such as they had great Kindness for and Confidence in. To this Court those that are within the Homage, and sometimes those out of it, are called to Swear Fidelity to the Prince. Here also Inquiry is made of Privy Conspiracies, Frays, Bloodshed, and Murders. To which was added the Oversight of Measures. And what Offences are found, especially great ones, aught to be Certified to the Justices of Assize, by a Statute made in the Reign of Edward III. For in whose Manor soever this Court be Kept, it is accounted the King's Court, because the Authority thereof originally belongs to the Crown. In short, this Court (first derived from the Sheriffs Turn) is ordinarily Kept but twice a Year, and that at certain times. But there is another Court incident to every Manor, called Court-Baron, because in ancient times every Lord of a Manor was styled Baron. To this Court are all the Tenants Summoned that belong to the Manor; where part of the Tenants being Sworn, make a Jury, which is not called the Inquest, but the Homage. Here the Steward sits as Judge, and directs the Jury to inquire of such Things as are proper for this Court. And these principally Inquire of Copy-holders' and Freeholders' that be dead since the last Court, and bring in their Heirs and next Successors. They likewise Inquire of any Encroachment or Intrusion of Tenants against the Lord, or among themselves. They also make Orders and Laws amongst themselves, with a Penalty annexed for Transgressor's payable to the Lord of the Manor. In short, these Courts are of great Use for Men that are willing to be ordered by their Neighbours, and who prefer their Quiet and Advantage in Husbandry to the Trouble and Charges of Law-Suits. Otherwise either Party may procure a Writ out of a higher Court, to remove the Plea to Westminster. Courts-Baron may be held every three Weeks, or at any longer time, according to the Lords pleasure. I conclude with Constables, called in some Places Headboroughs, and in others Tithing-men, whose Office is only Ministerial. These Men, says Sir Thomas Smith, were formerly called Custodes Pacis, or Guardians of the Peace, and were in much greater esteem than they be now, whose Power and Authority he supposes to have been equal with that of the present Justices of Peace. Lambert looks upon this Office as a Stream of that great Dignity lodged in the Lord High Constable of England. Out of this high Magistracy, says he, were drawn those lower Constables, which we call Constables of Hundreds and Franchises. First ordained by the Statute of Winchester, 13 Ed. I. which appoints for the Conservation of the Peace, and view of Armour, two Constables in every Hundred and Franchise, called in Latin Constabularii Capitales, in English, High Constables. And, by reason of the Increase both of People and Offences, others were made in process of time, called Petty Constables, which are of like Nature, but of inferior Authority to the other. The Office of a Constable is properly to apprehend such as break the Peace, and common Malefactors, and even Persons suspected of any Crime, upon a Charge given them, or a Warrant for it from a Justice. For a Badge of his Authority, he carries a long Staff painted, with the King's Arms; and, for a Surprise, sometimes he uses a short Staff, which he hides till he thinks it convenient to produce it. The Party apprehended he keeps in his Custody, till he can bring him before a Justice of Peace; who, upon a strict Examination of the Fact, and hearing of the Evidence, commits the Party to Prison, if he sees cause, in order to his Trial. Upon which the Constable conducts him to Prison, and there delivers him to the Gaolers' Custody, with the Committimus directed by the Justice of Peace to the Jailer. And the Party mustly in Prison, till the Justices of Peace do meet either at their Quarter-Sessions, or at their Goal-Delivery, when the Prisoners are by Law either condemned, or acquitted. When he is upon Duty, and about to apprehend one, he may call his Neighbours to aid; and whoever declines to give him assistance, is liable by Law to Punishment. In case of Theft, Robbery, or Murder, in a Country Town or Village, and the Malefactor be upon flight, the Constable having notice of it, is to raise the Parish in pursuit of him. And this is called Hue and Cry. If the Malefactor be not found in the Parish, the Constable and his Assistants are to go to the next, to get the Hue and Cry raised there by the Constable of it. In this manner the Hue and Cry is carried from Parish to Parish, till the Criminal be found. And that Parish which does not do its Duty, but gives way by its Negligence for the Malefactors Escape, is not only to pay a Fine to the King, but must repay to the Party rob his Damages. When the Malefactor is taken, he is presently carried by the Constable, or any other by whom he was apprehended, to a Justice of Peace. Who examines the Malefactor, writes the Examination, and (if he do confess) his Confession. Then he binds the Party rob, or him that sueth, together with the Constable, and so many as can give Evidence against the Malefactor, to appear at the next Sessions of Goal-Delivery, there to give their Evidence for the King. He binds them in a Recognizance of 10. 20. 30. 40. or 100 l. more or less, according to his Discretion and the quality of the Crime. Which, being certified under his hand, fails not to be levied upon Recognizance, if they fail of being there. Thus the Constables, which formerly had much the same Authority as our modern Justices of Peace, are now subservient to them upon all Occasions, either to bring the Criminals before them, or to carry them by their Command to the common Prison. And accordingly this Office does commonly fall into the hands of Tradesmen and Artificers, and Men of small experience and ability; who hold it for a Year, there being commonly two of them to each Parish, chosen by the Vestry. But the hardest part of their Office in London, especially is their Watching a Nights, and walking the Rounds in their several Parishes. But then they have the chief Command of the Watch; and because seldom a greater Power appears abroad at that time, therefore a Constable came to be called the King of the Night. CHAP. IX. Of the Assizes. BEsides the public Justice administered at four times of the Year in Westminster, both for Civil and Criminal Causes, the Twelve Judges take twice a Year a Progress in the Country, and exercise their Judicial Power in the several Counties the King is pleased to appoint them for. The Times of the Year fixed for it are presently after the end of Hilary-Term, and after the end of Trinity Term; that being called the Lent, and this the Summer Assizes. In relation to which, England is divided into Six Parts, called Circuits. Viz. 1. Home-Circuit, Comprehending Essex, Hartford, Sussex, Surrey, Kent. 2. Norfolk Circuit, Comprehending Bucks, Bedford, Huntingdon, Cambridge, Norfolk, Suffolk. 3. Midland Circuit, Comprehending Warwick, Leicester, Derby, Nottingham, Lincoln, Rutland, Northampton. 4. Oxford Circuit, Comprehending Berks, Oxon, Gloucester, Monmouth, Hereford, Salop, Stafford, Worcester. 5. Western Circuit, Comprehending Southampton, Wilts, Dorset, Somerset, Cornwall, Devon. 6. Northern Circuit, Comprehending York, Durham, Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmoreland, Lancaster. Besides the two Circuits for Wales, viz. North and South Wales, for each of which two Sergeants at Law are appointed. Now these Courts are called Assizes, and the Judges thereof Justices of Assize, from their Commission of Assize; by virtue whereof they are to do Right upon Writs called Assizes, and brought before them by such as are (or pretend to be) wrongfully thrust out of their Lands. The Writs so called, 1. Because they settle the Possession, and so an outward Right in him that obtaineth by them. 2. Because they were originally executed at a certain Time and Place formerly appointed. 3. For that they are tried commonly by special Courts appointed for that purpose. But, besides this Commission, there are four others, by which these Itinerant Judges administer Justice in the Country. As, the Commission to take Nisiprius, directed to none but the Judges themselves, and their Clerks of Assizes, by which they are called Justices of Nisi prius. Which is a common Adjournment of a Cause in the Common Pleas, to put it off to such a Day, Nisi prius Justiciarii venerint ad eas Partes ad capiendas Assisas, from which Words Nisi prius the Writ came to be called a Writ of Nisi prius, the Justices, Justices of Nisi prius, as well as Justices of Assize. Yet there is this Difference, that as Justices of Assize, they have Power to give Judgement in a Cause, whereas Justices of Nisi prius take only the Verdict. Besides that those in a strict sense, meddle only with the possessory Writs called Assize; but these do deal in Causes both real and personal. Another is a Commission of Peace, in every County of the Circuit. But the largest Commission of all is That of Oyer and Terminer, directed to the Judges, and many others of the best account in their Circuits; but in this Commission, the Judges of Assize are of the Quorum, so as without them there can be no Proceed. This Commission gives them Power to judge of Treasons, Murders, and all manner of Felonies and Misdemeanours. Lastly, they have a Commission of Goal Delivery, directed only to themselves, and the Clerk of the Assize associate. By which Commission they are to deal with every Prisoner in Goal, for what Offence soever he be there. Now these Courts are usually held at the principal Town of every County, with great pomp, splendour, and feasting, two Judges being appointed for every Circuit. Then the Sheriff of the County is bound to attend in person, with his Under-Officers, the Clerks, Stewards of Courts, Bailiffs of Hundreds, Constables, Jailers, Sergeants or Beadles, and a gallant Train of Servants in rich Liveries, all riding on Horseback at the Reception of the Judges; whom they wait on and guard, so long as they continue in the County. If the Sheriff cannot come himself, he must depute one to fill up his Place; who is to be allowed by the Judges. The Justices of Peace are also to wait on the Judges. And, if either the Sheriff, or they fail in this part of their Duty, without lawful Impediment, the Judges may set a Fine upon him or them, at their pleasure and discretions. The Dispatch of these Itinerant Judges in the Administration of Justice in their several Circuits is worthy our Observation. For within each County all Controversies grown to Issue in the Courts at London, are commonly determined here in two or three Days. Which is done, not as in foreign Countries, by the sole Arbitrement of the Judges, but by a Jury of Twelve Men in each County, chosen by the Sheriff thereof, and only directed in point of Law by the Judges. For every Trial by Assize (be the Action civil or criminal, public or private, personal or real) is referred for the Fact to a Jury, as it is in most Courts of the Common Law; and, as they find it, so passeth the Judgement. The Way of Trying Criminals in England being something singular and different from other Nations, it will not be improper (after that excellent and most ingenious Author, Sir Thomas Smith) to show the Manner of it, were it but for the satisfaction of Foreiners. How Criminals are taken into Custody in order to their Trial, and how the same are Indicted at the Quarter-Sessions, I have already showed. The Indictment is no definitive Sentence, but only Praejudicium, or the Opinion the Country has of the Malefactor's Case. Therefore Men are often Indicted in their absence. But no Man once Indicted can be delivered without an Arraignment; for as a Jury of Twelve Men have given a Prejudice against him, so Twelve again must acquit or condemn him. At the Assizes the Judges sit either in the Townhouse, or in an open Place, where a Tribunal is set up for Judgement The Judges sit in the middle, the principal Justices of Peace on each side of them according to their Degree, and the rest on a lower Bench before the Judges Seat. Something lower a Table is set before them, at which the Custos Rotulorum or Keeper of Writs, the Under-Sheriff, the Escheater, and the Clerks do sit. Near the Table there is a Bar for the Jury to come in, when they are called; and behind that space another Bar for the Prisoners to stand at, who are brought thither in Chains. Then the Crier crieth, and commandeth Silence. One of the Judges makes a short Speech, wherein he declares (amongst other Things) the cause of their coming. His Speech is no sooner ended, but the Prisoners are called in by Name, and every one must answer to his Name. Then the Keeper of the Writs produces the Inditements, and the Judges name one, or two, or three of the Prisoners Indicted, to proceed upon their Trial. The Clerk bids one of them come to the Bar, and hold up his hand. Then he charges him with his Crime, to which he bids him answer Guilty, or Not Guilty. If the Prisoner stands mute, and will not answer, after he has been once or twice so Interrogated (which happens very seldom,) he is Judged Mute, or Dumb by Contumacy; the Punishment whereof is to be Pressed to Death, of which more afterwards. If the Prisoner cries Guilty, (which is but seldom too) his Trial is over, and all the Business is to pronounce Sentence upon him, according to Law. But the common Answer is Not Guilty, though the Party be never so apparently Guilty, and his Answer be perhaps contrary to his Confession of the Fact before the Justice of Peace by whom he was examined and committed. The Reason is, because he flatters himself, that he may chance to come off for want of right Evidence. For the Law of England is so tender of men's Lives, that unless the Evidences (which are upon their Oaths) be positive and clear against any Prisoner, he may come off. Upon the Prisoner's pleading Not Guilty, the Clerk asketh him, whether he will be Tried by God and the Country. If he answer Yes, the Clerk tells him, he has been Indicted of such a Crime, etc. That he has pleaded Not Guilty to it, ●nd that being asked how he would be Tried, he has answered by God and the Country. Then he tells him of the Jury present, that represent the Country; and, if he has something to object against any of them, he bids him take a view of them, and speak, for that he stands upon Life and Death. Upon this the Jury is Sworn, consisting of 12 Men at least. And, if the Prisoner be a● Stranger, 'tis a Party Jury, consisting half o● Englishmen, and half of Foreiners. In case the Prisoner has no Exception to make against any of them, by that time Twelve are Sworn, these stand to give the Verdict. Whereupon the Crier says aloud, If any one can give Evidence, or can say any thing against the Prisoner, let him come now, for he stands upon his Deliverance. If none come in, the Judge doth ask who sent him to Prison. And, if the Justice of Peace be present who did it, he delivers up the Examination he took of him, subscribed by those whom he has bound to give Evidence; who, for not appearing, must pay their Recognizance. In the mean time the Jury acquit the Prisoner, though he has confessed the Crime to the Justice of Peace. But, if they come in that are bound to give Evidence, first the Justice's Examination is read; and then the Party rob (being present) is sworn, next to him the Constable and such as were with him at the taking of the Prisoner, and at last as many more as are there to give Evidence. Who are all set in a convenient place to see the Judges and Justices, the Jury, and the Prisoner, so as to hear them, and to be heard of them all. The Judge, after they be sworn, asketh first the Party rob, if he know the Prisoner, and bids him look upon him. The Party rob says Yes, and upon that relates the Robbery, with all its Circumstances. But the Prisoner standing still upon the Negative, those who were at the Taking of him, or any other that can Evidence against him are heard one ●fter another. The Prisoner on the other side is free to make what Defence he can. And, though the ●●ing be Party against him as one that has ●●oke his Peace, yet the Judges do freely hear what he can say for himself, provided he keep within bounds. But he is allowed no Council, which in Civil and Pecuniary Matters is never denied; be it for Land, Rent, Right, ●or Possession, though he plead against the King. When the Judge has heard them all, he asks them if they can say any more. Upon their silence he directs the Jury, and bids them dischange their Consciences. If the Case be plain, they consult together without going from the Bar; and, if they do all agree, the Foreman of the Jury, in the Name of himself and the rest, pronounces the Prisoner Guilty. If the Case requires a Debate, they withdraw into a Room, only with a Copy of the Indictment; ●and there they are to remain by themselves, till they be all agreed on the Verdict, without bread, drink, meat, or fire. To which purpose there is a Bailiff appointed to watch them. If but one of the Jury stands it out against the rest, he must either bring them over to him, or they must bring him over to them, before they can stir out of the Room, or have the least Refreshment in it. So that it is in the power of one to make all the rest ●n a manner Prisoners; and, if he be obstitate, to put them to Inconveniencies for want ●f Necessaries, till he himself can bear with ●hem no longer. When the Jury have agreed upon the Verdict, they give notice of it to the Bailiff, and ●●ay to be heard. Then the Prisoner being sent for again to the Bar, each one of the Jury is called in by his Name, and he answer to it. The Clerk asketh, if they be agreed and who shall speak for them. Which being answered, the Prisoner is bidden to hold up his hand, to whom the Clerk speaks in these Words; Thou art Indicted by the Name of A of such a Place, etc. and being Arraigned Tho● pleadest thereto Not Guilty; being Asked how Thou wouldst be Tried, Thou saidst By God and the Country; These honest Men were given t● thee by God and thy Prince for thy Country Harken what they say. Then he asketh of the Jury, What say you? Is he Guilty, or No● Guilty? The Foreman makes answer 〈◊〉 one word, Guilty, or in two, Not Guilty. The first is Death to the Prisoner, and the last Acquits him; for neither the Judges, nor the Justice can alter or reverse this Judgement. Then the Clerk asketh, what Lands or Chattels the Prisoner had at the time of the Felony committed. Which is commonly answered by the Jury with an Ignoramus. But the Sheriff and the Escheator are diligent enough to find it out, both for the Princes and their own Advantage. Upon this the Judge doth ask the Prisone● Convicted what he can say for himself, why Sentence should not pass upon him. If he ca● read never so little, he demands the Benefit of the Clergy, an ancient Liberty of the Church, which has been confirmed by divers Parliaments. By virtue whereof one in Orders arraigned of Felony by a Secular Judge, might pray his Clergy, which was as much as if he prayed to be delivered to his Ordinary, to purge himself of the Offence objected. But the ancient Course of the Law in this point of Clergy is much altered, so that Laymen have been made capable of this Benefit in many Cases; As in Theft of Oxen, Sheep, Money, and other Things, not forcibly taken to the terror of the Owner. So favourable is our Law, that for the first Fault the Felon shall be admitted to his Clergy. In order to which the Bishop sends a Clergyman, with a Commission under his Seal, to be Judge in that matter at every Goal-Delivery. If the Prisoner demands to be admitted to his Book, the Judge commonly gives him a Psalter, and turns to what place he pleases. The Prisoner reads as well as he can, and it happens most times but sadly. Then the Judge asketh of the Bishop's Commissary, Legit ut Clericus? To which the Commissary must answer Legit, or Non legit; for these be the formal Words, and our Men of Law are the most precise in their Forms. If he say Legit, the Judge proceeds no further to Sentence of Death. But, if he say Non legit, the Sentence follows either that Day or the next, in these Words, Thou A. hast been Indicted of such a Felony, and therefore Arraigned; Thou hast pleaded Not Guilty, and put thyself upon God and thy Country; They have found thee Guilty, and Thou hast nothing to say for thyself; The Law is, that Thou halt return to the Place from whence thou camest, ●nd from thence Thou shalt go to the Place of Execution, where Thou shalt Hang by the Neck ●ill Thou be dead. Whereupon he charges the sheriff with the Execution. But he that claimeth his Clergy in Cases where it is admitted is in the presence of the Judges burnt 〈◊〉 the brawn of his Hand with a hot Iron, marked with the Letter T. for a Thief, or M. for Manslayer. Then he is delivered to the Bishop's Officer, to be kept in the Bishop's Prison; from whence, after a certain time, he is delivered by a Jury of Clerks. But, if he be taken and found Guilty again, and his Mark discovered, then 'tis his Lot to be hanged. But he whom the Jury pronounces Not Guilty is Acquitted forthwith and Discharged, paying the Jailor his Fees. And, as to those Prisoners who stand not Indicted, but were only sent to Prison upon Suspicion, the Way is to Proclaim 'em first in this manner; A. B. Prisoner stands here at the Bar; If any Man can say any thing against him, let him now speak, for the Prisoner stands at his Deliverance. If upon this no Evidence appears against him, he is set free, paying the Jailor his Fees. Which Way of Deliverance is called Deliverance by Proclamation. CHAP. X. Of the Court Martial, and Court of Admiralty. THE Court Martial, otherwise called Court of Chivalry, is the Fountain of Martial Law, and is only held in Time of War, for Martial Discipline. The proper Judges of this Court are the Lord High Constable, and the Earl Marshal of England; which last is also to see Execution ●tone. The Court of Admiralty is about Maritime Concerns, and the Judge thereof is commonly 〈◊〉 Dr. of the Civil Law. For, the Sea being out of the reach of the Common Law, the Proceeding of this Court, in all Civil Matters, is according to the Civil Law. And, whereas the Sea by its Flux and Re●ux advances and runs-back twice a Day, which makes the Bounds of the Sea and Land ●ovable every Day; It is agreed upon, that 〈◊〉 far as the Low-Water Mark is observed, is within the Counties Jurisdiction, and Causes ●ence arising are Determinable by the Common Law. But, upon a full Tide, the Admiral has ●urisdiction (as long as the Sea-flows) over ●ll Matters done between the Low-Water Mark and the Land. So that here is, as Dr. Chamberlain says, Divisum Imperium between the Common Law and the Court of Admiralty. Besides the Civil Law which this Court proceeds by, great Use is made here of the Maritime Laws of Rhodes and Oleron; two Islands, the former whereof is in the Mediterranean not far from the Continent of Asia, the other in the Ocean near the Mouth of the Garonne in the Bay of Aquitain. The Rhodian Laws were compiled by the Inhabitants of Rhodes, a People anciently very powerful at Sea; and whose Maritime Laws were esteemed so just and equitable, that the very Romans (so skilful in making of good Laws) referred all Debates and Controversies in Sea-Affairs to the Judgement of the Rhodian Laws. Those of Oleron, called le Rolle d' Oleron were made by Order of King Richard I, the● possessed of Aquitain, and being at Oleron Which proved such excellent Laws for Sea-Matters, that they came to be almost a● much respected and made use of in these Western Parts, as the Rhodian Laws in the Levant. To which King Edward III, added very excellent Constitutions concerning Maritime Affairs, still in force. In Imitation whereof several other Seafaring Nations have done the like, for their respective Sea-Trade. As to Criminal Matters, especially about Piracy, the Proceeding in this Court of Admiralty was, according to the Civil Law, till the Reign of Henry VIII. When two Statute were made for Criminal Matters to be trie● by Witnesses and a Jury by the King's special Commission to the Lord Admiral, where 〈◊〉 some Judges of the Realm are ever Commissioners. The Writs and Decrees of this Court run in ●he Name of the Lord High Admiral, or Lords commissioners executing that Office; and are directed to all Vice-admirals', Justices of ●ace, Mayors, Sheriffs, Bailiffs, Constables●●arshals, and other Officers and Ministers as ●ell within Liberties as without. To this Court belongs a Register, and a Mar●al. The Marshal attends the Court, and car●es a Silver Oar before the Judge, whereon ●e the King's Arms, and the Lord High Ad●irals. Here the Lord Admiral has his Advocate, ●d Proctor; by whom all other Advocates and proctor's are presented, and admitted by the ●●dge. All the Places and Offices belonging 〈◊〉 this Court are in the Gift of the Lord ●●igh Admiral, and now of the Lords Commissioners. The Court is held in the Afternoon in the common Hall at Drs. Commons. But the Ad●iralty-Session, for the Trial of Malefators and Crimes committed at Sea, is still ●eld at the ancient Place, viz. S. Margaret's ●ll in Southwark. CAHP. XI. Of the Court of Marshalsea, the Courts of Conscience, the Court of Requests disused, the Forest-Courts, and Pie-powder Courts. THE first is the Court (or Seat) of the Knight Marshal of the King's House, where he judges of Debts for which the Party has been Arrested within the King's Verge, and sent to the Marshalsea. Which i● a Prison in Southwark, where this Court i● kept. King Charles I. erected a Court by Letters Parents under the Great Seal, by the Name o● Curia Hospitij Domini Regis, etc. which takes Cognizance more at large of all Causes tha● the Marshalsea could; of which the Knight Marshal or his Deputy are Judges. The Courts of Conscience are inferior Court● established and settled by Parliament in many Parts of the Realm, for the Relief of po●● People whose Debt does not amount to forty Shillings. So that by any of these Courts the Creditor may recover his Debt, and the Debtor pay it at an easy rate. As for the Court of Requests, 'twas a Court of Equity, much of the same nature with the Chancery, but inferior to it. Called Court ●f Requests, as being principally Instituted for the help of such Petitioners as in conscionable cases dealt by Supplication with the King. This Court followed the King, and was not ●xt in any Place. But in process of time it ●sumed so great a Power, and grew so burden●● and grievous to the Subject, that it was ●ken away (together with the Star-Chamber) 〈◊〉 Statute made in the Reign of Charles I. For the Conservation of the King's Forests, ●●d to prevent all Abuses therein, there are ●ree Courts established; one called the Ju●ice of Eyre's Seat, another the Swainmote, and ●●e third the Court of Attachment. The first is (or should be, by ancient Cu●●m) held every third Year by the Justice's Eyre of the Forest, journeying up and down 〈◊〉 the purpose aforesaid. Swainmote is another Court, as incident to a forest as a Pie-powder Court to a Fair. By ●e Charter of the Forest it is held thrice a ●ear before the Verderors, as Judges. What ●hings are Inquirable in the same, you may 〈◊〉 in Cromp. Jurisd. fol. 150. The lower Court is called the Attachment, because the Verderors of the Forest have there● no other Authority, but to receive the Attchments of Offenders against Vert and Veni●n taken by the rest of the Officers, and to Inrol ●●em, that they may be presented and punish●● at the next Justice-Seat. Now the Attachments are made three manner of Ways, 1. by ●oods and Chattels, 2. by the Body, Pledges, ●●d Mainprize, 3. by the Body only. This ●ourt is kept every 40 Days. Pie-powder Court is a Court held in Fairs, to yield Justice to Buyers and Sellers, and for Redress of all Disorders committed in them. These Courts are so called from the French Pie a foot, and poudreux dusty; the Fairs being kept most usually in Summer, to which the Country people use to come with dusty feet. A Pie-powder Court is held de hora in horam, every hour; and such is the Dispatch made here, that Justice ought to be summarily administered within three ebbing and three flowing of the Sea. CHAP. XII. Of the Ecclesiastical Courts, and first of the Convocation. TO consult of Church-Matters, and make Ecclesiastical Laws, now and then the Convocation meets, and that in time of Parliament. Which Convocation is a National Synod, or general Assembly of the Clergy, convoked after this manner Some time before the Parliament sits, the King, by the Advice of his Privy Council, sends his Writ to the Archbishop of each Province, for Summoning all Bishops, Deans, Arch-Deacons, etc. assigning them the Time and Place in the said Writ. Upon which the Archbishop of Canterbury directs his Letters authentically sealed to the Bishop of London, as his Dean Provincial, wherein he citys him peremptorily, and willeth him to cite in like manner all the Bishops, Deans, Arch-Deacons, Gathedral and Collegiate Churches and all the Clergy of his Province, to the Place and Day prefixed in the Writ. But he directeth withal, that one Proctor be sent for every Cathedral or Collegiate Church, and two for the Body of the Inferior Clergy of each Diocese. All which the Bishop of London takes accordingly care of, willing the Parties concerned person 〈◊〉 to appear, and in the mean time to certify to the Archbishop the Names of every one so warned in a Schedule annexed to the Letter Certificatory. Upon which the other Bishops of the Province proceed, the Cathedral and Collegiate Churches, and the inferior Clergy of each Diocese, make choice of their Proctors. Which done, and certified to the Bishop of London, he returneth all at the Day. And the same Method is used in the Province of York. The Chapel of Henry VII. annexed to Westminster Abbey is the usual Place where the Convocation of the Clergy in the Province of Canterbury meets; Whilst the Archbishop of York holds at York a Convocation of all his Province in like manner. Thus, by constant Correspondence, these two Provinces (though so ●r distant from each other) do debate and conclude of the same Matters. The Convocation is, like the Parliament, disided into two Houses, the higher and the ●wer. And all Members have by Statute the ●●me Privileges for themselves and menial servants as the Members of Parliament have. The higher House in the Province of Canterbury (which is by much the larger of the two) consists of 22 Bishops, whereof the Archbishop is Precedent. Who sits in a Chair at the upper end of a great Table, and the Bishops on each side of the same Table, all in their Scarlet Robes and Hoods; the Arch-Bishops Hoods furred with Ermine, and the Bishops with Minever. The lower House consists of all the Deans, Arch-deacons, one Proctor for every Chapter, and two Proctors for all the Clergy of the Diocese. Which make in all 166 Persons, viz. 22 Deans, 24 Prebendaries, 54 Archdeacon's, and 44 Clerks representing the Diocesan Clergy. The first Business of each House, upon their Meeting, is to choose each a Prolocutor, or Speaker. The Prolocutor of the lower House being chosen, he is presented to the upper House by two of the Members; whereof one makes a Speech, and the elect Person another, both in Latin. To which the Arch Bishop answers in Latin, and in the Name of all the Lords approves of the Person. The Matters debated by both Houses are only such as the King by Commission do'● expressly allow, viz. Church and Religion Matters; first proposed in the Upper, and th●● communicated to the Lower House. And the major Vote in each House prevails. Sometimes there have been Royal Aids granted to the King by the Clergy in Convocation. Anciently this Assembly might without, 〈◊〉 now with the Royal Assent, make Canon touching Religion; binding, not only themselves, but all the Laity, without Consent o● Ratification of the Lords and Commons i● Parliament. Neither did the Parliament meddle in the making of Canons, or in Doctrinal Matters, till the Civil Wars in the Reign of Charles I. Only, when thereto required, they by their Civil Sanctions did confirm the Results and Consultations of the Clergy; whereby the People might be the more easily induced to obey the Ordinances of their Spiritual Governors. To conclude, the Laws and Constitutions whereby the Church of England is governed are first general Canons made by general Councils, with the Opinion of the orthodox Fathers, and the grave Decrees of several holy Bishops of Rome, which have been admitted from time to time by the Kings of England. Then our own Constitutions made anciently in several Provincial Synods, both by the Pope's Legates Otho and Othobon, and by several Arch-Bishops of Canterbury; all which are of force in England, so far as they are not repugnant to the Laws and Customs of England, or the King's Prerogative. Next to those Constitutions, this Church is also governed by Canons made in Convocations of latter times, as in the first Year of the Reign of King James I, and confirmed by his Authority. Also, by some Statutes of Parliament ●ouching Church-Affairs, and by divers Immemorial Customs. But where all these fail, the Civil Law takes place. CHAP. XIII. Of the Court of Arches, the Court of Audience, the Prerogative-Court, the Court of Delegates, the Court of Peculiars, etc. FROM the Church Legislative, I come to the Executive Power, for which there have been several Courts provided. Amongst which is the Court of Arches, the chief and most ancient Consistory that belongeth to the Archbishop of Canterbury, for the debating of Spiritual Causes. So called from the arched Church and Tower of S. Marry le Bow in Cheapside London, where this Court is wont to be held. The Judge whereof is called Dean of the Arches, or the Official of the Court of Arches, because with this Officialty is commonly joined a peculiar Jurisdiction of 13 Parishes in London, termed a Deanery, being exempt from the Bishop of London's Jurisdiction, and belonging to the Archbishop of Canterbury. All Appeals in Church-Matters within the Province of Canterbury are directed to this Court. In which the Judge sits alone without Assessors, hearing and determining all Causes without any Jury. The Advocates allowed to plead in this Court are all to be Doctors of the Civil Law. Who, upon their Petition to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and his Fiat obtained, are admitted by the Judge of this Court, but must not practise the first Year. Both the Judge and the Advocates always wear their Scarlet Robes, with Hoods lined with Taffeta if they be of Oxford, or white Minever Furr if of Cambridge, and all round black Velvet Caps. Besides the Advocates, here are also ten Proctors, to manage other men's Causes. Who wear Hoods lined with Lambskin, if not Graduates; but if Graduates, Hoods proper to the Degree. According to the Statutes of this Court, all Arguments made by Advocates, and Petitions by the Proctors, are to be made in Latin. All Process of this Court runs in the Name of the Judge. To this Court belong two principal Officers that attend it. Viz. an Actuary, who sets down the Judge's Decrees, registers the Court Acts, and sends them in Books to the Registry. Then a Register, whose Office is by himself, ●or Deputy, to receive all Libels or Bills, Allegations, and Exhibits of Witnesses, to file all Sentences, and keep the Records of the Court. Next to which is the Beadle, an inferior Officer, who carries a Mace before the Judge, ●nd calls the Persons that are cited to appear. All Places and Offices belonging to this Court are in the Arch-Bishops Gift. The Audience Court is a Court of equal Authority with the Arches, though inferior both in Antiquity and Dignity. The Original of this Court was thus. The Archbishop of Canterbury heard many Causes extrajudicially at home in his own Palace; but, before he would finally determine any thing, he did usually commit them to be discussed by certain Men learned in the Civil and Canon Laws, who thereupon were called his Auditors, till at last those Causes were committed to One, thence named Causarum Negotiorumque Audientiae Cantuariensis Auditor seu Officialis. And with this Office was joined heretofore the Arch-Bishops Chancery, which properly meddles not with any point of contentious Jurisdiction, or deciding of Causes between Party and Party, but only of Office; as the Granting the Custody of the Spiritualities during the Vacation of Bishoprics, Institution to Benefices, Dispensing with Banes of Matrimony, etc. But this is now distinguished from the Audience. The Prerogative Court is the Court wherein all Wills are proved, and all Administrations taken, that belong to the Arch Bishop by his Prerogative; that is, where the Deceased had Goods of any considerable value out of the Diocese wherein he died. And that Value is usually 5 l. except it be otherwise by Composition between the Archbishop and the Bishop, as in the Diocese of London, where it is 10 l. If any Contention arise between Two or more touching any such Will or Administration, the Cause is properly debated and decided in this Court. The Judge whereof is termed Judex Curiae Praerogativae Cantuariensis, the Judge of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. Who is attended in the Court by a Register, or his Deputy, whose Office is to set down the Decrees and Acts of the Court, to Keep the Records, all Original Wills and Testaments of Parties deceased that have left Bona Not abilia, etc. His Office is commonly called the Prerogative Office, now Kept in the Deans Court near St. Paul's Churchyard; where, for a moderate Fee, one may have a Copy of any such Testament. And Under the Register are Six Clerks, severally appointed for such and such Counties. This Court, formerly held in the Consistory of St. Paul's, is now Kept in the Common-Hall at Drs. Commons, next Day after the Arches, in the Afternoon. All Places belonging to this Court are in his Grace's Gift. The Archbishop of York has also the like Court, which is termed his Exchequer, but far inferior to this in Power and Profit. He has also an Audience Court. For Civil Affairs that concern the Church, the highest Court is the Court of Delegates. A Court which consists of Commissioners delegated or appointed by the King's Commission, to sit upon an Appeal to Him in the Court of Chancery, and is granted in three Cases. First, when a Sentence is given in any Ecclesiastical Cause by the Archbishop, or his Official. Secondly, when any Sentence is given in any Ecclesiastical Cause in Places exempt. Thirdly, when Sentence is given in the Admiralty in Suits Civil and Marine, by order of the Civil Law. The Judges are appointed by the Lord Chancellor, under the Great Seal of England, pro illa vice; and upon every Cause or Business there is a new Commission, and new Judges, according to the nature of the Cause. As sometimes Bishops, Common-Law Judges, noblemans, Knights, and Civilians; sometimes Bishops, and Civilians; at other times Common Law Judges, and Civilians; and sometimes Civilians only. This Court is Kept in the same Place as the former, the next Day after the Prerogative-Court in the Afternoon. Here the Citations and Decrees run in the King's Name, and to this Court belongs a standing Register. From this Court lies no Appeal in common Course. But the King may (and sometimes does) grant a Commission of Review, under the Great Seal. The Court of Peculiars is about certain Parishes that have Jurisdiction within themselves for Probate of Wills, etc. being exempt from the Ordinary, and the Bishop's Courts. 'Tis an ancient Privilege of the See of Canterbury, that wheresoever any Manors or Advowsons' do belong to it, they forthwith become exempt from the Ordinary, and are reputed Peculiars. And there are reckoned in his Province no less than 57 such Peculiars. So the King's Chapel is a Royal Peculiar, exempt from all Spiritual Jurisdiction, and reserved to the Visitation and immediate Government of the King himself, who is supreme Ordinary. Besides these Courts serving for the whole Province, every Bishop has his Court held in the Cathedral of his Diocese. Over which he hath a Chancellor, anciently termed the Church-Lawyer, who being skilled in the Civil and Canon Law, sits there as Judge. But, if his Diocese be large, he has in some more remote Place a Commissary, whose Authority is only in some certain Places of the Diocese, and certain Causes limited to him by the Bishop in his Commission. These are called Consistory Courts. Every Archdeacon besides has his Court and Jurisdiction, where smaller Differences arising within his Limits are pleaded. The Dean and Chapter of every Cathedral or Collegiate Church have also a Court, wherein they take Cognizance of Causes happening in Places belonging to the Cathedral. The proper Matters belonging to Ecclesiastical Courts are Ordinations, Institution of Clerks to Benefices, Celebration of Divine Service, Tithes, Oblations, Obventions, Mortuaries, Dilapidations, Reparation of Churches. Rights of Matrimony, Divorces, general Bastardy, Probate of Wills, Administrations, Pensions, Procurations, Commutation of Penance, etc. the Cognizance whereof does not belong to the Common Law. Also Apostasy from Christianity, Simony, Heresy, Schisms, Blasphemy, Fornication, Incests, Adulteries. The Manner of Trials here is different from those at Common Law, as thus. First goes forth a Citation, than a Bill and Answer, after that they proceed to Proofs, Witnesses, and Presumption, the Matter being argued pro and con, and the Canon and Civil Laws quoted. Upon which the definitive Sentence of the Judge passeth without any Jury, and then Execution. follows. And for Criminal Causes, they are here tried by Accusation, as when one takes upon him to prove the Crime. Or by Denunciation, when the Churchwardens present, and are not bound to prove, because it is presumed they do it without malice, and that the Crime is notorious. CHAP. XIV. Of the Courts of London; and first of the Mayor's Court, the Court of Aldermen, the Common Council Court, the Hustings, the Court of Goal-Delivery, the Two Sheriffs, and the Chamberlain's Courts. THE City of London is, amongst other Things, so remarkable for her transcendent Privileges in Keeping her own Courts of Justice, that it will not be improper to describe 'em here. I begin with the Lord Mayor's Court, which is a Court of Record, held in the Chamber of Guildhall. The Recorder of the City is Judge of this Court; but the Lord Mayor and Aldermen may sit as Judges with him, if they please. In this Court all manner of Actions may be entered and tried by a Jury, as in other Courts, for any Debt, Trespass, or other Matter whatsoever, arising within the Liberties of London, and to any value. There are only four Attorneys belonging to it; and six Sergeants at Mace, one of them constantly attending at the Lord Mayor's House, and the rest at the Attorneys Offices. The Charge of entering an Action in this Court is but 4 d. besides the King's Duty. It may be brought to a Trial for 30 s. Charge, and in 14 Days time; the Day for Trials being every Tuesday. An Action entered in this Court will remain in force for ever; although no Proceed; be had thereupon. Whereas an Action entered at either of the Compters dies, and may be crossed after 16 Weeks. The Advantages of making Attachments in this Court are considerable, as you may see in the Book called Lex Londinensis, or the City Law. The Court of Aldermen is a Court of Record, held in the Inner Chamber of Guildhall every Tuesday and Thursday, except holidays, and in the Time of Sessions of Goal-Delivery. This Court does constantly appoint the Assize of Bread, determines all Matters touching Lights, Watercourses, and Party-Walls, and here must be sealed all Bonds and Leases that pass under the City-Seal. Several Places are in the Gift of the Lord Mayor and this Court. Viz. The Recorder, Sword-bearer, Four City Counsel, a City Remembrancer, the Common Hunt. water-bailiff, City's Solicitor, controller of the Chamber, two Secondaries, Four Attorneys of the Lord Mayor's Court, Clerk of the Chamber, Hall-Keeper, Three Sergeant Carvers, Three Sergeants of the Chamber, Sergeant of the Channel, Yeomen of the Chamber, Four Yeomen of the Waterside, Yeoman of the Channel, Under water-bailiff, Meal-Weighers, Clerk of the City's Works, Six Youngmen, Two Clerks of the Papers, Eight Attorneys in the Sheriff's Court, Eight Clerk-sitters, Two Protonotaries, Clerk of the Bridge-house, Clerk of the Court of Requests, Beadle of the Court of Requests, Thirty Six Sergeants at Mace, Thirty Six Yeomen, the Gager, Sealer's and Searchers of Leather, Keeper of the Green-Yard, Two Keepers of the Compters, Keeper of Newgate, Keeper of Ludgate, Measurer, Steward of Southwark, Bailiff of Southwark, and Bailiff of the Hundred of Ossulston. There are other Places in the gift of the Mayor, aldermans, and Sheriffs; as the City-Carpenter, and other Artificers. But the Rent-Gatherer has been put in by Mr. Chamberlain. If any Officer (says Lex Londinensis) shall misbehave himself in his Office, upon Complaint made thereof to this Court, and Proof of the Fact, such Offender may be, and is usually suspended from the Profits of his Place, during the pleasure of this Court. The Rulers of the Company of Watermen are annually elected and appointed by this Court. The Court of Common Council consists of two Orders, as the Parliament of England; viz. the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, which represent the House of Lords, and the Common Council Men which represent the House of Commons, whose Number amounts to 231, belonging to their respective Wards, whereof some have more, some less. This Court is held in the Chamber of Guildhall, at such Times as the Lord Mayor appoints and directs, being in his Lordship's power to call and dismiss this Court at his pleasure. Several Committees are annually appointed and elected by this Court for the better and more speedy Dispatch of the City-Affairs, who make Report to this Court of their Proceed, as Occasion requires. Viz. a Committee of 6 Aldermen and 12 Commoners, for letting and demising the City's Lands and Tenements; who usually meet every Wednesday in the Afternoon at Guildhall for that purpose. A Committee of 4 Aldermen, and 8 Commoners, to let and dispose of the Lands and Tenements given by Sir Tho. Gresham, who usually meet at Mercer's Hall, at such Times as the Lord Mayor for the time being directs and appoints; and the Lord Mayor himself is commonly chosen one of this Committee. This Court does also annually elect Commissioners for the Sewers, and Pavements. And by this Court are annually elected a Governor, Deputy-Governour, and Assistants, for the Management of the City's Lands in Ulster in Ireland. A Stranger born may be made free of this City by Order of this Court, and not otherwise. The Places of Common Sergeant, Town-Clerk, and Common Crier, are in the Gift of this Court. The Judges of the Sheriff's Court have sometimes been elected by this Court, and sometimes by the Court of Aldermen. The Hustings is a very ancient Court of Record, always held in Guildhall, and commonly every Tuesday, before the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of London for the time being. When any Matter is to be argued or tried in this Court, Mr. Recorder sits as Judge with the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, and gives Rules and Judgement therein. And, though the Original Writ be directed to the Mayor and Sheriffs jointly, yet these by Commandment of the Lord Mayor, are Ministers to execute all Process out of this Court. In this Court Deeds may be Enrolled, Recoveries passed, Wills proved; and Replevins, Writs of Error, Right, Patent, Waste, Partition, and Dower may be determined for any Matters within the City of London, and the Liberties thereof. The Attorneys of the Lord Mayor's Court are Attorneys also in this Court; and the second Attorney is always Clerk of the inrolments, and Enrolls all Deeds brought for that purpose. Now a Deed Enrolled in the Hustings is counted as good as a Fine at Common Law; for that it bars the Wife from claiming her Dower. In this Court also the Burgesses to serve for the City in Parliament are elected by the Livery-men of the respective Companies, which is done after this manner, in the presence of the Court. First, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen are put up (according to ancient Custom) for Candidates, and after them are usually nominated four Commoners. And out of them all, the four that have the plurality of Voices are declared by the Sheriffs to be duly chosen. But, if there be any Contest about the Election, it is usually decided by a Poll. The Court of Goal Delivery is usually held 8 times a Year at the Old-Baily, both for the City of London and County of Middlesex, for the Trial of Criminals. The Lord Mayor is the chief Judge of this Court, assisted by some of the Judges, besides the Recorder, and the two Sheriffs. He has the Power of Reprieving condemned Persons. The Two Sheriffs Courts are held in Guildhall, the one by one Sheriff, every Wednesday and Friday, for Actions entered at the Woodstreet Compter, the other by the other Sheriff, every Thursday and Saturday, for Actions entered at the Poultry Compter. To these Courts belong 8 Attorneys, whose Business here is not to keep any Record, but only to assist their Clients, and take their Fees due to them in every Cause. Two Secondaries, who allow and return all Writs brought to remove Causes out of these Courts. Two Clerks of the Papers, whose business is to draw the Subpoenas for Witnesses to appear, and to file and copy all Declarations upon Actions in these Courts. Two Protonotaries, who draw and engross all such Declarations. Eight Clerk-sitters, who enter Actions and Attachments, and take Bails and Verdicts. In these Courts may be tried Actions of Debt, Case, Trespass, Account and Covenants broken, Attachments, and Sequestrations. And, if either Party shall have a Witness that cannot stay in London till the Day of Trial, his Testimony may be taken in writing, which will be allowed as good Evidence. As to the Chamberlain's Court, or Office, 'tis Kept in the Chamber of Guildhall. As he is entrusted with the City's Cash, and the Orphan's Money, so when he takes this Office upon him, he must give good Security to the Court of Aldermen; and he is accountable to Auditors appointed and chosen for that purpose. To him belongs the Business of Apprentices, over whom he has a great Authority. Therefore he attends at Guildhall usually every Forenoon, to Enrol and turn over Apprentices, and to make such Free as have duly served the full Term of 7 Years, and have not married nor taken Wages in that Time. When any Difference happens betwixt a Master and his Apprentice, the most prudential Way is to refer the matter before the Chamberlain, who will freely hear both Parties, and decide the Controversy for 3 Shill. Charge, viz. 1 Shill. to the Officer for the Summons, and 2 Shill. to the Clerk for the Order. Whereas, if they proceed at Law for Relief, it may cost both Parties five or six pounds in Charges; and the Conclusion may be less satisfactory, than if decided by such Reference as aforesaid. If an Apprentice shall be unruly or disorderly in his Master's House, or commit any notorious Fault, Mr. Chamberlain (upon Complaint made thereof) will send one of his Officers for such Apprentice, and send him to Bridewell, or punish him otherwise, according to the nature of the Offence. And, if any Master shall misuse his Apprentice, by beating him unreasonably, or with unlawful Weapons, or by neglecting to instruct him, or to find him Necessaries, Mr. Chamberlain (upon Complaint thereof made) will send a Summons for the Master to appear before him; and upon hearing both Parties, will relieve the Apprentice, or leave him to take his Remedy against his Master in the Lord Mayor's Court. And, if the Master shall refuse to appear before the Chamberlain being duly Summoned, My Lord Mayor, or Mr. Recorder (upon Complaint made thereof) will grant a Warrant to apprehend such Freeman, and compel him to appear. When an Apprentice is, by Consent of his Master, to be turned over to another Master of the same Trade, it must be done first before the Company where he was bound, and then before the Chamberlain. For hereby the first Master is discharged from him, and the second obliged to keep him, as the Apprentice on his side is obliged to serve him the full Term of the Indentures. Otherwise there is no Obligation upon the second Master to Keep such Apprentice, nor upon this to serve him, so that the Apprentice may sue out his Indenture against his first Master. If any Master shall refuse to make his Apprentice free when the Term in his Indenture 〈◊〉 expired, upon Complaint thereof made, Mr. Chamberlain will cause the Master to be Summoned before him; and, if he cannot show good Cause to the contrary, will make the Apprentice free. Lastly, if any Freeman, to make an Apprentice Free of London, do testify, that he has ●eally served him the full Term of 7. Years, when he has not served him so long, both he 〈◊〉 the Apprentice may be Disfranchised, and ●ined at the pleasure of Mr. Recorder, and Mr. Chamberlain will in such Case cause the Freeman's Shop to be shut up. CHAP. XV. Of the Orphan's Court, the Court of Conscience or Requests, the Court for the Conservation of the River, and the Pie-powder Court. THE Orphan's Court is held before the Mayor and Aldermen, who are Guardians to the Children of all Freemen of London, that are or shall be under the Age of 21 Years at the time of their Father's Decease. This Court meets at Guildhall but once a Year, viz. on the Monday morning after Midlent Sunday, which is termed Call-Day. For than they meet purposely to hear the Name called over of all the Securities that stand bound for Orphan's Portions; and upon that Day on of every of the Sureties ought to appear to give an Account, whether the other Securities are living, and in good Condition, an● whether the Orphans are living and married. If none of the Securities appear upon th● Day, they forfeit their Bonds and Recognisances. Then the Clerk of this Court (wh● is always the youngest Attorney in the Lo● Mayor's Court) makes out Process against the● forces 'em to an Account, and they must pay the Charges of the Process. But, that you may Know more fully how this great Concern of the Orphans is managed for their benefit, and what Care is taken of their Welfare, I shall make bold to enlarge a little upon this Subject, out of Lex Londinensis. When a Freeman of London dies, leaving Children under Age, the Clerks of the respective Parishes within the Bill of Mortality ought to give the Name of such Freeman to the common Crier of the City. Who is thereupon to summon the Widow or Executor of such Freeman to appear before the Court of Aldermen, there to be bound to bring in an Inventory of the Testator's Estate, within the space of two Months. And, that the Inventory may be given in due time, the Court of Aldermen have made an Order, not to allow any finding Money (or Interest) for any Money that shall be paid into the Chamber of London by any Executor or Administrator belonging to any Freeman's Estate, until such time as the Executor or Administrator do bring in and exhibit upon Oath a true and perfect Inventory to the best of his Knowledge. If the Party summoned do not appear, the Lord Mayor sends his Warrant, and forces an Appearance. And, if any Executor resuse to become bound to bring in an Inventory, the Court of Aldermen have power to send him to Newgate, there to remain till ●he submit; and the Courts at Westminster will not release such Person. After the Bond given, the Executor must procure 4 Freemen to appraise the Testator's Goods. In order to which he must cause them to appear before a Justice of Peace in London, and take their Oaths, that they shall make a just and true Valuation and Appraisement of the Goods and Chattels of the Deceased, according to the best of their Judgements and Skills. When the Appraisement is to be made, the Common Crier is to have notice of it beforehand, being appointed by the Court of Aldermen to see the same be fairly done, and to the best advantage of the Orphan. And, unless the Common Crier, or his Deputy be present, and the Inventory signed by the Common Crier, the Court of Aldermen will not allow thereof. The Appraisement being made as aforesaid, and signed by the Common Crier and the Appraisers, it must be given to the Common Sergeant of the City, or one of his Clerks, at his Office in Guildhall-Yard; he being the only Person entrusted by the Court of Aldermen, to take all Inventories and Accounts of Freement Estates. If he approves thereof, he will cause it to be engrossed, and a Duplicate of it to be made for the Executor or Administrator. And, when the same is examined by him, and his hand set thereto in testimony thereof, the Executor or Administrator must in the Court of Aldermen swear the same Inventory to be a true Inventory of the Goods and Chattels of the Party deceased, according to the best of his Knowledge. When the Inventory is so exhibited, the Executor must become bound in a considerable Penalty, either to bring in the Money that shall appear due to the Orphans by the Inventory, or within two Months to give good Security to pay the same into the Chamber of London for the Use of the Orphans, when they shall come to Age, or be married. If the Executor pay the Money into the Chamber of London, the Court of Aldermen usually allow five per Cent Interest for so much Money of the Testator's Estate as is due to the Orphans by the Custom of London, so as the same exceed not 500 l; and for Legacy-mony, 3 l. 6 s. 8. d. per Cent. But, if the Executor shall not think fit to pay the Money into the Chamber, he must become bound with 3 Sureties to the Chamberlain of London for the time being in one or more Recognizances, or else by Bond to pay the Money due to Orphans. And, in case the Security live within the Liberties of London, they must be bound by Bond. Now, as to Recognizances, the Custom is never to make any touching Orphans of greater Penalty than 400 l. and not for the Payment of above 300. Therefore, if the Sum (for Example) be 900 l. the Security must become bound by 3 Recognizances, each for the Payment of 300 l. If a Freeman leaves Lands and Tenements to his Children, the Executor must become bound with Sureties to account for the Rents and Profits thereof. The Securities must take particular care that ●one of the Orphans marry, or be put Apprentice with their Consents, without the Leave of the Court of Aldermen first obtained for that purpose. And as the Orphan comes to be of the Age of 21 Years, or to be married with the Consent of the Court of Aldermen, the Securities must take care to bring him to Guildhall, with a person to prove his Age. Then the Orphan must acknowledge satisfaction for the Money due to him, or her, of the Testator's Estate, which must be done in the Court of Aldermen. And, upon Motion made by Mr. Common Sergeant, the Court does order, that all Bonds entered into for the Payment of such Orphan's Portion, shall be delivered up, and canceled. And, if the Security became bound by Recognizances, the Clerk of the Orphans will cross and discharge such Recognizances. The Chamber of London is counted the safest and best Security in or about London 〈◊〉 the Moneys paid therein to the Use of the City, or any Orphan, being constantly repaid upon Demand, without any trouble. And when Orphans come to Age, or be married with the Consent and Approbation of the Cou● of Aldermen, they may receive their Portion (if paid into the Chamber) at an hours notice though the Sum be 10000 l. or more, M● Chamberlain and his Clerks attending daily 〈◊〉 that purpose. The finding (or Interest) Money is constantly paid as it becomes due; and the Court ha● always taken great Care, that every Orphan shall receive his (or her) Portion out of the Chamber of London, without paying any other or greater Fees than has been paid tim● out of mind. The Custody of Orphans is committed by the Court of Aldermen to such Person or Persons as they think fit. And, if any Person whatsoever do intermarry with any Orphan without Leave of the said Court, such People may be fined by that Court, according to the quality and portion of the Orphan. And, un●● less such Person do pay the Fine, or give Bon● to pay the same in some reasonable Tim● though he shall have ten times a better Estate 〈◊〉 the Orphan he intermarries, yet the Court may commit him to Newgate, there to remain ●●til the Fine be paid. But, if he settle an Estate upon the Orphan as the Court shall di●●ct, and make application to the Court ●●y Petition to have the Fine remitted, they ●ill in probability show favour to such Per●on, as they have done in the like Ca●s. The Lord Mayor, aldermans, and Commons of the City of London in Common Council, ●ave made several good Acts and Orders to pre●ent Freemens Children from Marrying without the Consent of their Parents and Guardians, ●nd to keep them from vicious Courses. More particularly an Act of Common Council, called Judds Law, made in the Mayoralty of Sir Andrew Judd, Knight, in the Fifth year of King ●dward VI Which Law, though unrepealed, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen have sometimes for special Reasons thought fit to dispense with, in favour of Orphans that have ●ought Relief against the Penalties therein mentioned. By the Custom of London, a Freeman's Widow may require a third part of his Personal ●state after his Debts paid, and Funeral Char●es discharged, besides her Widow's Chamber ●mished; and his Children may require another third part thereof. The other third part ●f his Estate he may by his last Will give away, ●ther to his Wife, or any of his Children, or ●ny other Person whatsoever. But, if he die without Issue, his Widow may require a Moiety ●f his personal Estate, after Debts paid, together ●ith her Widow's Chamber furnished. And, 〈◊〉 a Freeman make his Will contrary to this Custom, and give away more than a third of his Estate from his Wife and Children, they may be relieved against such Will, by exhibiting their Bill in this Court against the Executor, and so much of his Will as shall be contrary to the Custom, will be declared void and of none effect. But, if a Freeman die without a Will, and leave a Wife and Children, this Court grants Administration of his Estate to his Widow By the Custom of London she will claim a third part of his Estate, one third must be divided amongst his Children, and the other third between the Wife and Children; but so that usually the Widow is allowed two Thirds of the Freeman's third part, and the Children one Third thereof. If a Freeman shall in the time of his last Sickness give and deliver any part of his Goods, Chattels, or Moneys to his Wife or Child, or any other Person, with Intent that such Person shall keep the same to his or her own Use; such Gift, being against the Custom of London, shall be accounted part of the Freeman's Estate at the time of his Death, and may be recovered by Bill in this Court. For a Freman cannot in the time of his Sickness whereof he shall die, give away any part of his Estate, otherwise than by his last Will. If a Freeman, having given in his Life-time part of his Estate to any of his Children, in Marriage or otherwise, do afterwards make his Will, and give all his Estate away to his other Children, with a Declaration that the Child he so disposed in Marriage, had received 500 l. or more of his Estate, and was thereby fully advanced; such Declaration shall not bar the Person so married, but he or she may recover after the Father's Decease an equal share with the other Children. But then the Money received of his Father in his Life-time, must come into the Account, and be reckoned part of the Estate left by him at his Death. Which is called bringing of the Money into Hodgepodge. Moreover, if a Freeman shall settle or make over any part of his Estate to the Use of his Children, with design to defraud his Wife of her full third Part, the Widow may, after his Death, set aside such Settlement by a Bill in this Court. Lastly, when an Inventory is exhibited in this Court, and the Orphans can prove any Goods omitted or undervalved, or any Debts charged to be owing from the Deceased, which were not real and just Debts; In such Case, upon Complaint made, the Clerk will summon a Jury, to inquire whether the Inventory so exhibited be a true and perfect Inventory or not. And, if the Jury find any Omissions, Undervaluations, or Surcharges, than the Clerk will sue the Executor upon the Bond he gave for exhibiting an Inventory, and will thereby compel him to make so much as shall be found by the Jury to be omitted, undervalved, or surcharged. Unless he can by Proof discharge himself thereof before the Court of Aldermen; who, upon Application made by any Executor, will examine into his Accounts, and do right to all Parties, without any Expense to the Executor or the Orphans. And, when it shall appear by an Inventory, that many Debts are standing out due to the Deceased, the Court of Aldermen do constantly compel the Executor to give Bond, to render a true Account from time to time, when he shall be thereunto required; which is usually once in a Twelvemonth. And, if upon the Exhibiting thereof, it shall appear that any Money is due to the Orphans, the Executor must either pay it into the Chamber of London, or give good Security to pay the same. Which if he omit, or refuse, his Bond will be put in Suit against him. The Court of Conscience, otherwise called the Court of Requests, is a Court established and settled by an Act of Parliament in the 3d Year of the Reign of King James I. Which Empowers this Court to hear, examine, and determine with Equity or good Conscience, all Matters brought before them, between Party and Party, Citizens of London, where the Debt does not amount to forty shillings. An Act very beneficial, both for the Relief of such poor Debtors as cannot make present Payment of their Debts, and for such poor Persons as have small Debts owing to them, and are not able to prosecute a Suit in Law for the same. This Court sits in Guildhall every Wednesday and Saturday in the Forenoon, consisting of two Aldermen and four Commoners, monthly appointed by the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen; but any three of them make a Court. A Cause may be brought and determined in this Court for 10 pence Charge, viz. 6 pence for the Plaint and the Summons, and 4 pence for the Order. But, if the Defendant do not appear the second Court-Day after Summons, an Attachment will be awarded against him, which will compel him to appear, and increase the Charge. If any Citizen be Arrested for a Debt under ●o Shill. this Court will grant a Summons for the Plaintiff in the Action. And, if he appear not the first Court-day after the Summons left at his House, the same will grant an Attachment against him, force him to take his Debt, and to pay the Defendant his Costs. The Court for the Conservation of the Thames is held before the Lord Mayor at such Time's ●s he appoints and directs within the respective Counties near adjacent to the Cities of London and Westminster. The water-bailiff for the time being is My Lord Mayor's Deputy, and aught to give notice to his Lordship of all Offences committed by any Persons, contrary to the Orders made for Preservation of the Brood and Fry of Fish in the said River. To which purpose he is by this Court Ordered and Empowered, from time to time to Authorise Two ●onest Fishermen or more, in such Town and Places as he shall think convenient, aswell be●ow as above the Bridge, to be assistant to him ●n the Execution of his Duty, and (when they ●hall think fit) to go out and search for any ●uch Offenders, take away their Nets, and give ●heir Names to Mr. water-bailiff, that they 〈◊〉 severely proceeded against according to ●aw. This Power of the Lord Mayor for the Conservation of the River of Thames, and the punishment of all Offences within it, has been ●ercised by the Mayor of London and his predecessors time out of mind. By King Edward the Thirds Charter to this City, the Citizens are Authorized to remove and take away all Kidels in the Water of the River of Thames and Medway, and have the Punishment to the King belonging thereof coming. And, by a Statute made in the 17th Year of the Reign of Richard II. it is Ordained, that the Mayor of London shall have the Conservacy of the Thames, and put in execution the Statutes of 13 Edward I. & 13 Richard II. from the Bridge of Stanes to London, and from thence over the same Water, and in the Water of Medway. The Pie-Powder Court is a Court held during the first 3 Days of bartholomew's Fair, by Stewards assigned by the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen, to examine and try all Suits brought for petty Matters and Offences there committed, contrary to the Proclamation made on Bartholomew Eve in the Afternoon at the great Gate going into the Cloth-Fair, for the better regulating this Fair. Besides the foresaid Courts, every Alderman keeps a Court in his Ward, called Wardmote, for Things relating to his Ward; but still under the Direction of the Lord Mayor. Who annually issues out his Precept to every Alderman to hold his Wardmote, for the Election of Common Council-Men and other Officers. The Companies of Traders have also their Courts called Halmotes, for regulating what belongs to their several Trades; and so called from the Halls (or Assembly Places) where they meet, many of them very stately Buildings. CHAP. XVI. Of the Punishments inflicted on Malefactors. IN the 9th Chapter of this Part I have shown at large the Manner of Trying Criminals in England; wherein is to be commended our English Humanity towards Prisoners that are upon their Trial. When other Nations, under pretence that no Man ought to be put to Death but upon his own Confession of the Crime he stands charged with, have devised such racking Tortures to extort the Confession, as make often the Innocent cry Guilty, and prefer Death to the Rack. But this I have already touched upon in my first Part. My Business is now to speak of the Punishments inflicted here upon Criminals of what nature soever. Hanging is the usual Punishment to Death in England, either for High Treason, Petty Treason, or Felony. But the Manner is different. For a Traitor to the King and Government is to be drawn upon a Hurdle or Sledge to the Gallows, and there to be hanged by the Neck. But then he is presently cut down ●live, his Entrails pulled out of his Belly and burned before his Face, his Head cut off, and his Body divided into four Parts, and both the Head and Body hung up or impaled where the King shall command. This Punishment indeed, considering all its Circumstances, seems cruel to such as do not narrowly consider the nature of the Crime. Whereas the Law thinks it but reasonable, that whosoever endeavours to cut off the King, or rend the Government, should be himself cut off and rend, as before said. As for his Lands and Goods, they are forfeited to the King; his Wife, if married, loses her Dower; and, if he be Noble, his Children lose their Right of Nobility, aswell as Inheritance. For, by the Law, Treason taints the Blood. But it is observable, as to the King's Person, that it is not only downright kill (or murdering) the King which makes it High Treason. For the very imagining (or contriving) his Death, without any overt Act, is High Treason. Falsifying and Clipping of Money is also High Treason, by Law. But the Offender's Punishment is only to be Drawn, and Hanged by the Neck, till he be dead. The same it is with one guilty of Petty Treason, as when a Servant kills his Master or Mistress, a Wife her Husband, or a Clergyman his Prelate, to whom he ow's Obedience. For Felony, as Murder, Theft or Robbery, and other Capital Crimes, for which anciently there were several sorts of Punishments, the Malefactor is but Hanged, since the Reign of Henry I. But, when the Robbery is attended with Murder, the Criminal, after he is hanged and dead, is taken down to be hanged in Chains; and so to hang in terrorem till the Body be quite rotten off, or eaten up by the Birds of the Air. As to Persons of great Birth and Quality, convicted of High Treason, Petty Treason, or Felony, though the Judgement be the same with that of common Persons, yet by the King's Favour they are usually Beheaded. Which is performed with an Axe, upon a Block lying on the Scaffold; and not as in other Countries, by a Sword, kneeling or standing. The Notion of Murder, as a Capital Crime, invites me to explain two Law-Terms relating to it, viz. Manslaughter and Chance-medley. Manslaughter is the unlawful kill of one without prepensed Malice. As when two, that formerly meant no harm one to another, meet together; and falling out upon some sudden Occasion, the one kills the other. It differs from Murder, because it is not done with foregoing Malice; and from Chance-medley, because it has a present Intent to kill. 'Tis Felony, but it is allowed the Benesit of the Clergy for the first time. Chance-medley, otherwise called Manslaughter by Misadventure, signifies the casual Killing of a Man, not altogether without the Killer's Fault, though without an evil Intent; for which the Offender shall have his Pardon of course. But here must be considered, whether the Offender, when he committed this Manslaughter by Chance-medley, was doing a lawful Thing. For, if the Act were unlawful, it is Felony. As if two are fight together, and a third Man comes to part them, and is killed by one of the two, without any Malice forethought, or evil Intent in him that killed the Man, yet this is Murder in him, and not Manslaughter by Chance-medley or Misadventure, because they two that fought together were doing an unlawful Act. And, if they were met with prepensed Malice, the one intending to kill the other, than it is Murder in them both. Burning alive is sometimes used, but only for Witches, and Women convicted of High Treason, or Petty Treason. In the Time of Popery, especially in the Reign of Queen Mary, this was the proper Punishment for Heretics, that is, in the Popish Sense, for Protestants. When the Papists, who ever delighted in humane Sacrifices, made Bonfires of them, and reserved Hellfire for themselves. Pressing to Death, called by the Law Peine forte & dure, is a Punishment for those only that being Arraigned either of Petty Treason or Felony, refuse to Answer, or to put themselves upon the ordinary Trial of God and the Country. Which by the Law is called to stand Mute. And for this Contumacy the Offender is to be sent back to the Prison whence he came, there to be laid in some low dark Room, all naked but his privy Members, his Back upon the bare Ground, his Arms and Legs stretched with Cords fastened to the several Quarters of the Room. Then is laid upon his Body Iron and Stone as much as he may bear, or more. The next Day he shall have three morsels of Barley-bread without Drink; and the Day after he shall have for his Drink as much of the next Water to the Prison as he can drink three several times, except it be running Water, and that without any bread. And this is to be his Diet, till he Die. Which grievous kind of Death some stout Men have chosen, to save their Estates to their Children, and keep their Blood from being stained. But, in case of High Treason, though the Criminal stand mute, yet Judgement shall be given against him as if he had been Convicted, and his Estate shall be Confiscated. In many Parts beyond Sea the Criminals hanged or beheaded are denied Christian Burial, their Society being declined in the Grave who were not fit to live in the World. In England, where they are charitably looked upon as reconciled to God upon their penitent Departure out of this World, their Friends are allowed to inter them decently where they think fit. He therefore that has Friends to look to his Burial goes to the Place of Execution, his Coffin in the Cart with him, a good Memento Mori. And, after he has hanged about a quarter of an hour, he is cut down, laid in his Coffin, and conveyed in a Coach to the Place from whence he is designed to be buried. But Apostates, Heretics, and Extorsioners, all perjured Persons, and such as die Excommunicate, also any one that is Felo de se, or that has wittingly made himself away, all such are by Law denied Christian Burial. And so are for the most part Men that die for High Treason, and Robbers guilty of Murder. For Petty Larceny, or small Theft, that is under the ancient value of 12 d. the Punishment since Edward III. is by Whipping, and in the late Reigns has been often by Transportation into the West-Indies, where they live for some Years a slavish Life. But, if the Ofsender be found by the Jury to have fled for the same, he forfeits all his Goods. For Misprision of High-Treason, that is, for neglecting or concealing it, the Offender's Punishment is Forfeiture of the Profits of his Lands during Life, and of all his Goods, besides Imprisonment for Life. Perjury, whereby men's Estates, Reputation, and Lives lie at stake, is commonly punished only with the Pillory; never with Death, though it has cost the Lives of many. 'Tis true a Perjurer Convict is by Law incapable of being a Witness, or Administrator, or of bearing any public Office. And, in the strictness of the Law, he ought to be burnt in the forehead with a P, his Goods to be Confiscated, and his Trees growing upon his Ground rooted up. But all this is counted too little by those Nations where wilful Perjury is punished with Death. At least it seems but equitable, which is the Practice of Spain, that the Perjurer should suffer the same Punishment which he intended for another by his Perjury. Forgery, Blasphemy, Cheating, Libelling, False Weights and Measures, Forestall the Market, Offences in Baking and Brewing, are also punished with standing in the Pillory. But sometimes the Offender is Sentenced besides to have one or both Ears nailed to the Pillory and cut off, or his Tongue there bored through with a hot Iron. For Striking in the King's Court, so as to draw Blood, the Criminal is to have his right Hand cut off in a most solemn manner. And for Striking in Westminster-Hall, whilst the Courts of Justice are there sitting, the Offender is imprisoned during Life, and all his Estate forfeited. For one found in a Praemunire, that is, one who incurs the same Punishment which was inflicted on those who transgressed the Statute of Rich. II. commonly called the Statute of Praemunire (which Statute was properly made against such as avouched the Popes pretended Right of bestowing by Provision most of the best Live in England, by Mandates,) the Punishment is Forfeiture of all his Estate, to be put out of the King's Protection, and Imprisoned during the King's Pleasure. Vagabonds, and the like, who can give no good account of themselves, are punished by setting their Legs in the Stocks for certain hours. And Scolding Women (that are always teazing their Neighbours) by being set in a Cucking Stool placed over some deep Water and ducked therein three several times, to cool their heat and choler. Other Misdemeanours are commonly punished with Imprisonment or Fines, and sometimes with both. Those are the Corporal Punishments commonly used in England for Criminals that happen to fail into the hands of Justice. But there are also Spiritual Punishments, such as concern the Soul especially, and are in the power of the Spiritual Courts. 'Tis true they are but seldom put into practice, but let us see however what the Law is in this point. First, for refusing to appear in the Ecclesiastical Court upon Summons, or for not obeying the Orders of the Court, the Party Delinquent is admonished. If he slight the Admonition, then comes upon him Minor Excommunicatio, the Lesser Excommunication, whereby he is Excommunicated, or excluded from the Church; if not from the Church, at least from the Communion of the Lords Supper. And by this lesser Excommunication, he is disenabled to be Plaintiff in a Lawsuit, etc. Which Power of Excommunication the Bishop may delegate to any grave Priest with the Chancellor. But for Heresy, Incest, Adultery, Perjury, and other grievous Crimes, Excommunicatio major, or the greater Excommunication, is used, and pronounced by the Bishop himself in person. Now this is not only an Exclusion from the Company of Christians in Spiritual Duties, but also in Temporal Concerns. For a Person so excommunicated cannot in any Civil or Ecclesiastical Court be Plaintiff, or Witness. And, if he continue 40 Days Excommunicated, without acknowledging and giving satisfaction for his Offence, the Chancery grants the King's Writ against him, De Excommunicato capiendo, to take him up and cast him into Prison, without Bail; where he is to lie, till he has fully satisfied for his Offence. Then comes the Anathema, but this is only inflicted upon an obstinate Heretic. Whereby he is declared a public Enemy of God, cursed, and delivered over to eternal Damnation. And this is to be ●one by the Bishop himself in Person, assisted by the Dean and Chapter, or twelve other grave Priests. Sometimes the Delinquent is compelled to make a public Confession of his Fault, and to bewail it in the Church before the whole Congregation. Now this is called a public Penance, and the Manner of it is thus. The Delinquent is to stand in the Church-porch upon a Sunday, bareheaded and barefooted, in a white Sheet, and with a white Rod in his hand. Having there bewailed himself, and begged every one that passes by to pray for him, he enters the Church, falling down, and Kissing the Ground. Then he is placed in the middle of the Church in a conspicuous Place over against the Minister. Who makes a Discourse upon the foulness of his Crime, and having received his humble Acknowledgement of the same, and his solemn Promise with God's help and assistance to watch more carefully for the time to come against the Temptations of the World, the Flesh, and the Devil, pronounces in Christ's Name the Absolution. The Penitent on his side humbly beseeches the Congregation to pardon him, and receive him into their holy Communion, and in testimony thereof to vouchsafe out of their Christian Charity, to say with him aloud the Lord's Prayer. Which seems to be the Way used by the Primitive Churches. But, when the Crime is not notorious and public, the foresaid Penance may, by the Canons of the Church, be commuted (at the Parties Request) into a Pecuniary Mulct, for the Poor of the Parish, or some pious Uses; Provided that it may appear to be the more proble Way for the Delinquents Reformation. Such is the Temper of some Men that, far from being likely to be reclaimed by a publication of their Offence, they will rather grow obdurate and impudent, when they perceive their Reputation to be lost. To all the foresaid Punishments and Censures of the Church both the Laity and Clergy are subject. But there are other Punishments to which the faulty Clergy only are liable, which are four in Number; commonly called Suspensio ab Officio, Suspensio a Beneficio, Deprivatio a Beneficio, and Deprivatio ab Officio. The first is, when a Minister for a time is declared unfit to execute his Office. The second, when he is for some time deprived of the Profits of his Benefice. Both which are wont to be for smaller Crimes. Deprivatio a Beneficio, is when a Minister, for a greater Crime, is wholly, and for ever deprived of his Living. And the last is, when he is wholly and for ever deprived of his Orders; which is properly called in English a Deposing, or Degradation. This is commonly for some heinous, or Capital Crime. And then the Minister is solemnly stripped by the Bishop of his Priestly Vestments in the presence of the Civil Magistrate, to whom he is then delivered to be Punished as a Layman for the like Offence. THE CATALOGUE. And first a List of Their Majesty's Houshold-Officers and Servants, attending their present Service, according to the late Establishment. LOrd Steward of the King's Household, William, Earl of Devonshire. The Lord Chamberlain, Charles, Earl of Dorset. The Master of the Horse, Henry Nassaw, Lord Overkirk. In the Accounting House. Treasurer and Cofferer of the Household, Francis, Lord Viscount Newport. controller, Thomas Wharton, Esquire. Master of the Household, Thomas Felton, Esq Clerks of the Greencloth, Sir William Forester, Knight, Sir James Forbes, Knight. Clerk's Comptrollers, Peter Isaac, Esq Thomas Vivian, Esq Yeomen, Petley Garnham, Charles Morgan. Grooms, Gilbert Thornburgh, John Shaw. Messenger, Henry Sampson. Bakehouse. The Clerk, Henry Gascoigne, Esq Yeomen, Henry Hartloe,— Grooms, Edward Ball, William Walton. Pantry. Gentleman and Yeoman, Richard Walker. Yeoman Mouth to the Queen, Charles Potter. Grooms, William Lingen, Thomas Whitmore, Charles Justice. Cellar. Sergeant, Matthew Harvey, Esq Gentleman and Yeoman, Richard Dalton. Yeoman Mouth to the Queen, and Keeper of Ice and Snow, James Frontine. Joint Grooms, Richard Jones, Francis Clark. Yeoman Field to the King, James Hyman. Yeoman Field to the Queen, Philip Lemon. Groom, Charles Watts. Buttery. Gentleman and Yeoman, Peter Bechon. Yeoman, David Lloyd. Grooms, Henry Cockseidge, John Murray, Thomas Jones. Spicery. Joint Clerks, Joseph Somner, Esq Charles Toll. Esq Purveyor, Peter la Vine. Chandlery. Sergeant, Daniel Deering, Esq Yeomen, Richard Vokins, John Higham. Grooms, Richard Tull, Thomas Pavey, John Melon. Confectionary. Yeomen, John Du Commun, Peter Mortimer. Grooms, Peter Derains, Richard Thurman. Ewery. Yeomen, Benjamin Pordage, Josias Poulter. Grooms, Peter Berry, Edward Reddish. Laundry. Laundress of the Table and Household Linen, Mrs. Jane Potter. King's Privy Kitchin. Chief Clerk, James Clark, Esq Second Clerk, Charles Issac, Esq Third Clerk, Thomas Webb, Esq Master Cook, Patrick Lamb, Esq Yeoman of the Mouth, Ulrich Horitiner. Yeoman Pottagier, Joseph Centliure. Grooms, John Lincicomb, James Beacher. Children, Gabriel Cooper, Philip Drew. Two Scourers, Six Turn-broaches, One Doorkeeper. Queen's Privy Kitchin. Master Cook, James Castres', Esq Yeoman of the Mouth, Stephen Leimbeck. Yeoman, Emanuel Hicks. Grooms, Leonard Welbeck, Arthur Beacher. Children, John Sell, William Golding. Two Scourers, Four Turn-broaches, One Doorkeeper. Household Kitchin. Master Cook, Henry Smith, Esq Yeoman, John Thompson. Groom, Henry Sands. Children, John Prichard, William Arnold. Two Scourers, Four Turn-broaches, One Doorkeeper. Larder. Yeomen, Jasper Lisney, Luke Smith. Grooms, Nicholas Howard, John Whilden, Robert Bray. Accatry. Sergeant, James Halsey, Esq Joint Clerks, Thomas Fox Esq Henry Lowman Esq Yeoman of the Salt Stores, Hugh Mayo. Poultry. Clerk, Roger Jackson, Esq Yeoman, Andrew Whittingham. Grooms, Esme Clark, Anthony Scarlet. Scalding-House. Yeomen, James Goodwinne, John Cranwell. Grooms, John Thornburgh, Henry York. Pastry. Clerk, Matthew Perkins, Esq Yeomen, Patrick Lamb, Samuel Brown, Grooms, William Murray,— A Child, One Salsary-man, One Furner. Scullery. Clerk, Robert Manning, Esq Yeomen, Thomas Hardyman, Francis Forrester. Grooms, James Tooth, Samuel Farley. Pages, Thomas Robinson, John Alsop. Children, James Rodd, Josuah Nightingale, Thomas Fox. Two Pan-keepers. Woodyard. Clerk, John Thompson, Esq Yeoman, Edward Siston. Grooms, Jaspar English, Leonard Hancock. Almonry. Sub-Almoner, Jonathan Blagrave. Yeoman, Thomas Norris; Groom, Richard Bennet. Verge. Clerk, John Hardesty. Coroner, Robert White. Harbingers. Gentlemen Harbingers, Matthew Whitfield, Esq William Tozer, Esq Yeomen, William Wall, Hugh Jones, Peter La Roche, James Tie, William Merrit. Porters at the Gate. Sergeant Porter, Michael Hubbert, Esq Yeomen, John Dawson, Richard Miller, Charles Segar. Grooms, Aaron Kinton, John Gibbons, James Lovet. Cartakers. Yeomen, Harold Miller, Charles Scoresby, John Zevenhoven. Grooms, Edward Kilmayne, Ralph Blackwell, John Pierman. Officers of the Hall. Marshal, Charles Parsons. Daily Waiter, William Everal. Waiters, John Kemp, Thomas Moody. Knight Marshal. Sir Edward Villiers, Kt. Five Marshals Men, Leicester, Nichols, Bulstrode, Burt, Booth. Cock and Crier. William Samson. Porter at St. Jame's. Yeoman, Henry Rainsford. Under the Lord Chamberlain. THe Vice-Chamberlain. Sir John Lowther, Knight. The Cupbearers. Sir John Pettus, Kt. Edward Lloyd, Esq James Compton, Esq Thomas Boteler, Esq Carvers. Will. Champenies, Esq Clement Saunders, Esq Sir Rob. Killegrow. Jos. Rossington, Esq Sewers. Richard Smith, Esq Robert Saintclair, Esq John Skelton, Esq Nicholas Fenn, Esq Esquires of the Body. Henry Kingsmel, Esq Sir Tho. Granthan, Kt. The Gentlemen Ushers of the Privy-Chamber. Henry Austin, Esq Sir John Eloes', Kt. Sir Edward Sutton, Kt. Spencer Gerard, Esq Grooms of the Privy Chamber. Thomas Duppa, Esq Robert Thompson, Esq Christopher Jeffrys, Esq Humphrey Graves, Esq Gentlemen Ushers, Daily Waiters. Sir Thomas Duppa, Kt. and Black Rod. Fleetwood Sheppard, Esq Jeremy Bubb, Esq and David Michael, Esq Gentlemen Ushers, Quarter Waiters. Robert Jeggon, Esq Henry Cooling, Esq Francis Ashton, Esq Robert Murray, Esq Jeremy Chaplain, Esq James Meyrick, Esq William Smith Esq Alex. Griffith, Esq Barbers. Mr. Simon de Brienne. Mr. William Fremin. Pages. Mr. John Fen, Mr. John Dawson, Mr. Alex. Reynold, Mr. Charles Segar. To the Great Chamber. Grooms, or Messengers. William Whitmore, Henry Rogers, Edward Kennet, Charles Sheppard, Edward Cooper, Richard Llewellin, Josias Sewe●, Amandy Houwart, Richard Sherer, Adam Lisney, Humphrey Ambler, Michael Michael. Arnold Waldwyn, James Cook. The Gentlemen of the King's Bedchamber. William, Earl of Portland, Groom of the Stole, and first Gentleman of the Bedchamber, James, Duke of Ormond, Charles, Earl of Monmouth, Charles, Earl of Shelkirk, Henry, ●iscount Sidney, James, Earl of Drumlangrig, John, Earl of Clare. John, Earl of Marlborough, Richard, Earl of Scarborough. 48 Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber in Ordinary. The Right Honourable the Earl of Mountalexander. The Right Honourable the Lord Viscount Buttavant. Sir William Haward, Kt. Sir Walter Plunket, Kt. Sir Jam. Humbleton, Kt. Sir Purbeck Temple, Kt. Sir Matth. Andrews, Bar. Charles Nich. Eyre, Esq Sir Ja. Chamberlain, Bar. Sir Philip Coote, Kt. Sir Robert Barkham, Bar. Sir Thomas Piers, Bar. William Hambleton, Esq Sir Robert Bacon, Bar. Sir James Caldvel, Bar. Sir John Ashfeild, Kt. Sir Thomas Wiseman, Kt. Sir John Clayton, Kt. Sir William Waler, Kt. Sir John Sparrow, Kt. Edward Bulwer, Esq Charles Ridegrew, Esq John Spicer, Esq Dalby Thomas, Esq Sabaya Coal, Esq Sir Francis Lawly, Bar. Sir Tho. Grantham, Kt. Sir John Morton, Bar. John Duval, Esq Sir Thomas Ogle, Kt. Sir Char. Raleigh, Kt. Sir Edward Sutton, Kt. Sir John Elloways, Kt. Sir Edmond Andros, Kt. Edward Randolph, Esq Roger Whitley, Esq James Hambleton, Esq Bezaleel Knight, Esq Thomas Wheat, Esq Tracy Ketchmay, Esq Peter Stepkin, Esq Sir Edw. Eveling, Bar. Sir James Clark, Kt. Sir Robert Killigrew. William Killigrew, Esq The Honourable Arthur Annesly, Esq James coley, Esq Sir Francis Vincent, Kt. Grooms of the Bedchamber. Charles Trelawney, Col. John Sayers, Esq Piercy Kirke, Esq Adrian Van Borcelan, Esq Hatton Compton, Esq Emanuel Scroophow, Esq James Stanley, Esq Pages of the Bedchamber, or Back-Stairs. Mr. Maximilian van Amen. Mr. John Sewel, Mr. William Watson, Mr. John Smith, Mr. Benjamin De la Fontain, Mr. Randolph Kegne. The Secretaries of State. Daniel, Earl of Nottingham. Henry, Lord Viscount Sidney. Clerks of the Signet. Sir John Nicholas, Kt. Nicholas Morris, Esq Sir Will. Trumbal, Kt. John Gauntlet, Esq Master of the Great Wardrobe. Ralph, Earl of Montague. His Deputy, Robert Nott, Esq The Clerk, Laurence Townsend, Esq Master of the Robes. Mounsieur Zulesteyn. Clerk of the Robes, James Gibbons. The Yeoman,— Bransenbargh. The Grooms, Gilbert Spencer, Benjamin Drake. Brusher, Patrick Williams. Page of the Robes, Charles Bland. Master of the Jewelhouse. Sir Francis Lawley, Bar. Treasurer of the Chamber. Sir Rowland Gwyn. Privy Purse. William, Earl of Portland, Groom of the Stole. Master of the Ceremonies. Sir Charles Cotterel, Kt. His Assistant and Marshal,— Lafoy Bache. Kings of Arms. Sir Thomas S. George, Knight Garter. Sir Henry S. George, Knight Clarencieux. Sir John Dugdale, Kt. ●arroy. Heralds of Arms. Robert Devenish, Esq York Herald. Henry Dethick, Esq Richmond Herald. Francis Burghill, Esq Somerset Herald. Thomas Holford, Esq Windsor Herald. Gregory King, Esq Lancaster Herald. Charles Mawson, Esq Chester Herald. Pursuivants of Arms. John Gibbon, Bluemantle. Peerse Mauduit, Rougedragon. Laurence Cromp, Portcullis. Peter Le Neve, Rougecroix. Sergeants at Arms. Sir Roger Harsnet, Kt. Thomas Topham, Esq John Topham, Esq Edmund Williamson, Esq Orlan. Fitz. Symous, Esq John Temple, Esq Thomas Charnock, Esq Richard Shoreditch, Esq Philip Ryley, Esq Groom Porter. Thomas Neal, Esq Master of the Revels. Henry Killigrew, Esq His Yeoman,— Harris. Knight Harbinger. Simon Smith, Esq Keeper of the Standing Wardrobe. — Child, Esq Keeper of the Removing Wardrobe. — Yeoman, Thomas Sackvill, Esq Grooms, Peter Humes, Jonathan Chase. Pages, Thomas Tailor, Michael Ballow, Christopher Smith. Keeper of the private Armoury, Peter Beaubuisson. Surveyor of the Chamber, and Dresser, George Wellington. Housekeeper at Whitehall, Piercy Kirk, Esq Theater-Keeper at Whitehall, John Clark. Gallery-Keepers, Richard Champion, William Pawlet. Messengers in Ordinary. George Bromwich, Clerks of the Checque. Samuel Clark, Clerks of the Checque. Philip Maddox, Henry Legat, Thomas Smith, Thomas Beak, St. John Taylor, Henry Evans. James Kitson, George Collings, Ralph Young, Simon Chapman, William Sharp, Samuel Cook, Francis Clark, Edward Gibs, Stephen Gythins, Henry Allen, Christopher Seymour, John Freeman, Charles Keynge, Robert Knowles, Nicholas Hill, John Thompson, Thomas Davis, William Richardson, Ralph Gibs, John Loggins, Joh Bale, William Knight, James Manners, John Jones, Henry Sheldon, John Symonds, Peter Newlyn, William Sutton. George Fry, Richard Poyke, John King, George Shipside, Charles Maris, Peter Marisco. Messenger of the Press, Robert Stephens. Master Falconer. Charles, Duke of S. Alban. Sergeant of the Hawks, William Russel, Esq Master of the Hart and Buck-hounds. James de Gastigny, Esq Rangers. Of S. James' Park, John, Earl of Bath. Of Hyde-park, William Chiffinch, Esq Master of the Barges,— Warner. Master of the Tennis Courts, Captain Thomas Cook. The King's Physicians. Dr. John Hutton, Dr. Charles Frazier, Dr. William Stokehan. Dr. Thomas Goodman. Apothecaries. John Chase Abraham Rottermond, Dr. John Jones. — Surgeons. William van Loon, Esq Surgeon to his Majesty's Person. Charles Peter, Surgeon of the Household. To which add, Principal Painter, John Riley, Esq Poet Laureate, Thomas Shadwell, Esq Hydrographer, John Seller. Library-Keeper, Henry Thynne, Esq Bookseller, Major Will. Churchill. Public Notary.— Officers of the Works. Surveyor General, Sir Christopher Wren. Master of the Mechanics, Sir Samuel Morland. controller, William Talman, Esq Paymaster, Thomas Lloyd, Esq Clerks of the Works. Leo. Gammon, Henry Symons, Charles Browne, John Scarborough, Henry Winstanly, Nicholas Hawksmoor. Mason, John Oliver. Carpenter, Matthew Banks. Sergeant Painter, Robert Streeter. Sergeant Plummer, Charles Atherton. Bricklayer, Maurice Emet. joiner, Alexander Froth. Glazier, William Ireland. Plasterer, John Grove. Other Tradesmen, sworn Servants to his Majesty. Jeweller, Sir Francis Child. Goldsmith, Bernard Eale. Mercer,— Draper, James Smithsby. Watchmaker, Thomas Herbert. Officers and Servants under the Master of the Horse. The Avener, and Clark Marshal. Anthony Row, Esq Querries, or Ecquerries. Sir Henry Hobart, Bar. Henry Ireton, Esq John Let, Esq Thomas Butler, Esq Thomas Fairfax, Esq James Cockain, Esq Peter Lorin Grammar, Esq Pages of Honour. Joost Capel, Esq Nicholas Needham, Esq Charles Dormer. Esq Sergeant of the Carriages, James Du Peron. Master of the Studs, and Surveyor of the Race, Michael Studholme. Surveyor of the Stables, Francis Negus. The Riding Surveyor, Robert Hayes. Clerk of the Avery, Robert Manley. Yeoman of the Stirrup, Peter Paul Jeundcalf. The Yeomen Riders, John Walfraet. Clerk of the Stables, Euvestre Jollyvet. Sergeant Farrier, Andrew Snape. Marshal Farrier, Andrew Snape, Junior. Yeoman Farrier, Richard Snape. Groom Farriers, John Willis, Humphrey Bannes, William Harris. Esquire Saddler, John Rawlins. Yeoman Saddler, Laurence Schacht. Groom-Saddler, Francis Francklyn. Coach-maker, Samuel Aubery. Purveyors and Granitors, Anthony Row, Arthur powel, Robert Bainton. Riding Purveyor, Richard Pye. Keeper of the Mews, Brian Conery. The three other Keepers, John Robson, Thomas Eagle, West Young. The Coachmen, Derick Stork, Jacob de Grave, Robert Young, William Welsh, Samuel Kelby, William Noble. The Footmen, George Sewell, John Haycock, Henry Callop, John Davis, Isaac White, Thomas Hall, Richard Samson, John Cooper, John Scarping, Giles Vandreburg, Jacob Wigering, John Watke, Abraham Barton, Cren Hendrick Bed, Daniel van Breda, John van Leven. A List of the Gentlemen Pensioners, under Their Captain. John, Lord Lovelace. Lieutenant, Henry Heveningham, Esq Standard-bearer, Boucher Fane, Esq Clerk of the Checque, Robert Manley, Esq Thomas Hales, Esq Abraham Clerk, John Hubbart, Walter Baker, Sir Ger. Fleetwood, Daniel Vivian, Thomas Chid, Sir Tho. Knyveton, Bar. Charles Turner, William Rolls, Abraham Carter, Amb. Seckum, John Cooper, Abraham Duplex. Thomas Orme. John Tidcomb, Charles Norton, Thomas Butler, Thomas Pyrke, Paul Colton, Alexander Barham. Charles Summer, Edward Wroth, Henry Paget, Philip Reeves, John Grub, Thomas Freckleton, Henry Bowyer, Thomas Musgrave, Henry Lenny, Henry Purefoy, William Pitts, Nicholas Arnold, Sir Christopher Humphreville, Kt. William Spencer, Thomas Lloyd, Sterry Knyveton, Stephen Ashton, Benjamin Stroude, William Cook. Their Paymaster is William Smith, Esq The Gentleman Harbinger, Ceorge Shipway. A List of the Yeomen of the Gard-Officers. The Captain. Charles, Earl of Manchester. Lieutenant, Thomas Howard, Esq Ensign, Thomas Maul, Esq Clerk of the Checque,— Clerk. The Corporals. Robert Sayers, William Haughton, — Uphill, — Big. Officers of the four Troops of Horse. (First Troop.) The Captain. Richard Earl of Scarborough. Lieutenants. Edmund Ashton, Robert Binns, George Colmondly. Cornet, and Guidon. Sir Thomas Beaumond, Charles Butler. Exempts. Stephen Dyer, John Bayns, Thomas Wilford, John Goddard. Brigadiers. Clement Arminger, Anthony Morgan. Philip Chevivyz, John West. Adjutant. William Oglethorpe. Sub-Brigadiers. John Middleton, Anthony Craggs, Samuel Wells, William Barns. (Second Troop.) The Captain. James, Duke of Ormond. Lieutenants. Lord Fairfax, Lewis Billingsly. Cornet, and Guidon. Henry boil, Norris B●rtie. Exempts. George Collingwood, Robert Watson, Thomas Smith, Gilbert Edward. Brigadiers. Theodore Dagger, James Butler, James Cornard, John Petree. Adjutant, Theophilus Wild-goose. Sub-Brigadiers. Meredith Felton, Adrian Fulgham, John Walkadine, John Denty. (Third Troop.) The Captain. John Earl of Marlborough. Lieutenants. Edmund Maine, John Lord Berkley. Cornet, and Guidon. George Churchill, Hat. Compton. Exempts. William Springal, William Molton, Thomas Obryan, Benjamin Monger. Adjutant,— Brigadiers. Ralph Barrow, John Peachy, William Holmes, Henry Snary. Sub-Brigadiers. Charles Williams, William Maddox, William Taylor, Lom. Hansburgh. (Fourth Troop.) The Captain. My Lord Overkirk. Lieutenants. Capt. Here Latan, Capt. Heer Postern. Cornet, Capt. La Lech. Exempts. Capt. Menes, Capt. Lafoy Rue, Capt. Goris. Capt.— Brigadiers. Capt. Ʋander Horst, Capt. Wegervoort Capt. Eresteyn, Capt. Melts. Sub-Brigadiers. Capt. Verhorst, Capt. Ruysen, Capt. Van Geen, Capt. Katterpole. The Lieutenants of the Granadiers belonging to the three first Troops. In the first Troop, Thomas Guy, and William Oglethorpe. In the second, Richard Potter, and John Marshal. In the third, James Bringfield, and— Butler. The Chaplains, and Surgeons. Chaplain to the first Troop, Francis Blackston. To the second, John Hartstonge. To the third, William Rolls. Surgeon to the first Troop, John Brown. To the second, Abraham Rousseau. To the third, Gabriel Jones. To the fourth,— Schr●nbe. A List of the Officers of the Oxford Regiment. Captains. Aub. Earl of Oxford, Col. Sir Francis Compton, Lieut. Col. Henry Bided, Major. Edwin Sands, Charles Adderly, John Took, Rowland Selby, — Kirk, Davenport Lucy. Lieutenants. Warlf. Cornwall, Edward Green, William Ascough, — Eton, — Mortimer, Robert Millington, Richard Leigh, — Eton, Edward Johnson. Cornets. Thomas Coningsby, — Sydenham, — Mazin, — Middlecoat, — Nichols, — Marsham, — Wroth, — White, Daniel Moor. Quarter-Masters. — Bryan, — Mund, — Britting, — Cardiff, — Harrison, — Mountford, — Stow, — Lloyd, Samuel Neath. Here follows a List of the principal Officers of the Foot-Gards. Of the First Regiment. Note, that where the Officers Names are in the Roman Letter, they properly belong to the Granadiers. Captains. Henry Viscount Sidney, Col. Sir Charles Harah, Lieut. Col. William Matthews, Major. Richard Dalavell, Sir Francis Wheler, Edward Warcup, George Hamilton, Edward Rouse, George Villiers, Charles Robinson, Francis Saynds, Anthony Hastings, Charles Henn, Edward Hastings, John Greenvill, George Wingfield, John Bristol. Francis Eton, John Seymour, Charles Cludel, Robert Smith, Matthew How, — Stanley, — Progers, — Webb, — Curthope, Thomas King, — Farewell. Lieutenants. — Harrison, John Dalavel, Peter Wheeler, Charles Gorsouch, John Bucknel, Nathaniel Stroud, George Primrose, Charles Slaggins, Richard Dalby, Charles Lewis, William Ashton, John Morice, John Upcot, Jo. Throgmorton, Francis Manly, Thomas Hotson, John Forster, Thomas Seymour, David Eton, Eb. Bucknel, Edward Warcup, Sir William Queriston, — Russel, Matthew Palmer, Adam Saynds, — Leslie, Charles Povy, Fr. Luppincott, William Herlakinden, Matthew adam's, Henry Wine. Ensigns. — Villiers, William Evans, — Rawly, — Courtney, Francis Faucet, — Austin, Francis Purcel, — Rauney, Samuel Danvers, Samuel Swannock, Edward Matthews, Anthony Hastings, William Goddard, John Chripgny, Thomas Leighton, Richard Berkley, — Games, Matthew Dixwell, Charles Griffiffe, John Jane, Anthony Gaudy, John Pickering, — Filks, David Lloyd. As for the second and third Regiments of Foot-Gards, I have not been able to get a timely List of their respective Officers. So I am forced to cut short, by telling you only, that the second Regiment, formerly the Earl of Cravens, is now commanded in chief by Colonel Talmash; and the third Regiment, being the blue flegiment of Dutch Guards, by Count Solms. A List of Their Majesty's Servants in the Chapel Royal, at Whitehall. The Dean. Henry Lord Bishop of London. Subdean. Mr. Ralph Battle. Clerk of the Closet. Dr. John Tillotson. The Priests of the Chapel. Mr. Stephen Chrispian, Mr. Confessor of the Mr. Household, Mr. John Sayer, Mr. George Yordeley, Mr. Blaze White, Mr. James Hart, Mr. Andrew Trebeck, Mr. John Gostlling, Mr. Sa. Bentham, etc. The Clerks of the Chapel. Mr. Leonard Woodson, Mr. Deacon. Mr. Tho. Richardson, Mr. Geo. Bettenham. Mr. Edw. Braddock, Mr. Clerk of the Checque. st, Mr. James Cobb, Mr. Alphonso Marsh, Mr. Nath. Watking, Mr. John Goodgroome, Mr. Joseph Boucher, Mr. Nath. Vestment, Mr. William Turner. The Organists. Dr. William Child, Dr. John Blow, Master of the Children, Mr. Henry Purcel. Sergeant of the Vesstry, Henry Parker. Yeoman, Marmaduke Alford. Groom, George Oulner. Bell-ringer, William Samson. Organ-Blower,— To the Chapel are also referred The Lord Almoner, Bishop of S. Asaph. The Sub-Almoner, Mr. Blagrave. The 48 Chaplains in Ordinary. Viz. March. Dr. Horneck, March. Dr. Bright, March. Dr. Kiddar, March. Dr. Fowler. April. Dr. Sharp, April. Dr. Pain, April. Dr. Young, April. Dr. Mills, May. Dr. Brograve, May. Dr. Scott, May. Dr. Aldridge, May. Dr. Wake. June. Dr. Fuller, June. Dr. Grove, June. Dr. Herne, June. Dr. Bayly. July. Dr. Hescard, July. Dr. Meggot, July. Dr. Hesketh, July. Mr. Brampston. August. Mr. Gee, August. Mr. Dent, August. Dr. Williams. Septemb. Mr. Manningham, Septemb. Dr. Craddock, Septemb. Dr. Edward's, Septemb. Mr. Staino. October. Mr. Wickart, October. Dr. Beveridge, October. Dr. Hickman. October. Dr. Turner. Novemb. Dr. Jane, Novemb. Dr. Littleton, Novemb. Dr. Hall, Novemb. Dr. Doughty. Decemb. Dr. Roise, Decemb. Dr. Pelling, Decemb. Dr. Freeman, Decemb. Mr. Blagrave, January. Dr. Lamb, January. Dr. Birch, January. Dr. Hooper, January. Mr. Wiggan. February. Mr. Fielding, February. Dr. Bringhurst, February. Mr. Brabant, February. Dr. Tennison. At S. James' Chapel. Two Chaplains. Mr. John Smith, Mr. John Pullen. The Chapel Keeper, John Richardson. The Closet Keeper,— A List of the Officers and Servants of the Queen's Household. Lord Chamberlain. The Marquis of Winchester. Vice-Chamberlain. John How, Esq Principal Secretary. Abel Tasien d' Allonne, Esq Cupbearers. John Stanley, Esq George Watson, Esq Carvers. Charles Nicholas Eyre, Esq Thomas Lister, Esq Sewers. Henry Mordant, Esq Edward Heron, Esq Gentlemen Ushers of the Privy-Chamber. Thomas Walsingham, Esq Philip Bertue, Esq Oliver de la Mucedorus, Esq Gentlemen Ushers, Daily Waiters. Henry Bulstrode, Esq Charles sawyer's, Esq John Remy de Montiggny, Esq Gentlemen-Ushers, Quarterly Waiters. Charles Lloyd, Esq William Oldes, Esq Thomas Paltock, Esq Simon Archer, Esq Grooms of the Privy Chamber. Mr. Michael East, Mr. John Marsh, Mr. Thomas Herbert, Mr. Anthony Casan. Pages of the Presence. Mr. Bernard Gales, Mr. Abraham Kempe. Page of the Robes. Mr. John Ketell. Pages of the Back-Stairs. Mr. James Worthington, Mr. John Jones, Mr. Peter van Lewen, Mr. Daniel Pulse, Mr. Hamlet Kirk, Mr. Richard Bradley. Grooms of the Great Chamber. Mr. Randolph Sparrow, Mr. William Snow, Mr. John Viccars, Mr. Rowland Pierce, Mr. John wilson, Mr. Matthew Clarke. Physician. Sir Charles Scarborow, Kt. Apothecary. Christian Harel. Clerk of the Closet. William Stanley, D. D. Treasurer and Receiver General. Richard, Earl of Bellomont. His Clerk, Mr. Edward Godfrey. Auditor General. Edward Clarke, Esq His Clerk,— Messengers, Timothy Goodwin, Richard Hancoc Porter of the Back Stairs, David Harris. Master of the Barges, Mr. Christopher Hill. Four and Twenty Watermen. Officers and Servants of the Stables. Master of the Horse. Sir Edward Villiers, Kt. Ecquerries. Charles Goltstein, Esq Henry Killigrew, Esq Charles May, Esq Pages of Honour. John Broeckhuysen, Esq George Fielding, Esq Purveyor, Anthony Rowe, Esq Yeoman Rider, John Lauze, Esq Yeomen of the Carriages, Mr. Joseph Hough. Coachmen. Wessel Bosshof, Christopher Ronch, Herman Vanswell, Lender Snellard, John Catchlove. — Grooms. Thomas Clarke, Thomas Millet. Footmen. Samuel Clarke, John Trantur, Benjamin Booth, Robert How, Isaac Grafar, Jacob Finke, William Causey, Herman Bongurs, Jacob van Woestine, Benjam in Ramsey. Chair-men. Thomas Chamberlain, Benjamin Cotton, Oswald Fawn, Robert Giddins. Bottleman, Henry Gardies. Groom Farrier, Andrew Snape. Groom Saddler, John Bignell. Her Majesty's Women Servants. Groom of the Stole, and Lady of the Robes. Elizabeth Countefs of Derby. Ladies of the Bedchamber. Gertrude, Marchioness of Hallifax, Mary, Marchioness of Winchester, Mary, Countess of Dorset, Bridget, Countess of Plymouth, Frances, Countess of Scarborough. Maids of Honour. Mrs. Eleonora Franklin, Mrs. Stewart Walburt Howard. Mrs. Marry Villiers. Mrs. Marry Compton, Mrs. Jane Martha Temple, Mrs. Anne Greenvill. Women of the Bedchamber. Mrs. Anna van Goltstein, Mrs. Cary Jesson, Mrs. Dorothy Cason, Mrs. Agnes Uygh, Mrs. Rachel Wyndham, Mrs. Martha Lockhar●. Laundress, Mrs. Elizabeth Worthington. Seamstress and Stearcher, Mrs. Dorothy Ireland. Necessary Women, Elizabeth Wiele, Anne Dawhurst. A List of the present Nobility, and Bishops. Where you find the Star prefixed, the Title was conferred by His present Majesty. Princes of the Blood. PRince GEORGE of Denmark, Duke of Cumberland. * William Duke of Gloucester, his Son. Duke's 13. Henry Howard, Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal o● England. Charles Seymour, Duke of Somerset. Henry Cavendish Duke of Newcastle. Charles Leon's Duke of Richmond. Charles Fitz-Roy Duke of Southampton. Henry Fitz-Roy Duke of Grafton. James Butler Duke of Ormond. Henry Somerset Duke of Beaufert. George Fitz-Roy Duke of Northumberland. Charles Beauclair Duke of S. Alban. James Fitz James Duke of Berwick. Charles Pawlet Duke of Bolton. Charles Schombergh Duke of Schombrgh. Marquesses 3. George Savile Marquis of Hallifax. William Herbert Marquess of Powis. * Thomas Osborne Marquis of Carmarthen, Lord Precedent of the Council. Earls 71. Aubre de Vere Earl of Oxford. Charles Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury. Anthony Grey Earl of Kent. William Stanley Earl of Derby. John Manners Earl of Rutland. Theophilus Hastings Earl of Huntingdon. William Russel Earl of Bedford. Thomas Herbert Earl of Pembroke. Edward Clinton, Earl of Lincoln. George Howard Earl of Suffolk. Charles Sackvile Earl of Dorset, Lord Chamberlain of the Household. James Cecil Earl of Salisbury. John Cecil Earl of Exeter. John Egerton Earl of Bridgwater. Philip Sidney Earl of Leicester. George Compton Earl of Northampton. Edward Rich Earl of Warwick. William Cavendish Earl of Devonshire, Lord Steward of the Household. Basil Fielding Earl of Denbigh. John Digby Earl of Bristol. John Holles Earl of Clare. Pawlet St. John Earl of Bolingbroke. Charles Fane Earl of Westmoreland. Charles Montague. Earl of Manchester. Thomas Howard Earl of Berkshire. John Sheffield Earl of Mulgrave. Thomas Savage Earl Rivers. Robert Bertie Earl of Lindsey, Lord Great Chamberlain of England. Henry Mordant Earl of Peterborough. Thomas Grey Earl of Stamford. Charles Finch Earl of Winchelsea. Evelyn Pierpoint Earl of Kingston. Charles Dormer Earl of Carnarvan. Philip Stanhope Earl of Chesterfield. Thomas Tufton Earl of Thanet. William Wentworth Earl of Strafford. Robert Spencer Earl of Sunderland. Robert leek Earl of Starsdale. Edward Montague Earl of Sandwich. Henry Hyde Earl of Clarendon. Algernon Capel Earl of Essex. Robert Brudenel Earl of Cardigan. James Annesley Earl of Anglesey. John Granvile Earl of Bath. Edward Howard Earl of Carlisle. William Craven Earl of Craven. Thomas Bruce Earl of Ailesbury. Richard boil Earl of Burlington. Anthony Ashley Cooper Earl of Shaftsbury. Edward Henry Lee Earl of Lichfield. Thomas Lennard Earl of Sussex. Lewis de Duras Earl of Feversham. Charles Gerard Earl of Macclesfield. Charles-Bodvile Robert's Earl of Radner. William Paston Earl of Yarmouth. George Berkeley Earl of Berkeley. Daniel Finch Earl of Nottingham. Laurence Hyde Earl of Rochester. James Bertie Earl of Abingdon. Baptist Noel Earl of Gainsborough. Coniers D' Accie Earl of Holderness. Other Windsor Earl of Plymouth. Francis Ratcliff Earl of Derwentwater. Henry Howard Earl of Stafford. William Bentinck Earl of Portland. Thomas Bellassise Earl of Falconberg. * Charles Mordant Earl of Monmouth. * Ralph Montague Earl of Montague. * John Churchill Earl of Marlborow. * Arthur Herbert Earl of Torrington. * Richard Lumley, Earl of Scarborough. * Henry Booth, Earl of Warrington. Viscounts 9 Edward Devereux Viscount Hereford. Francis Brown Viscount Montague. William Fiennes Viscount Say and Selc. Francis Newport Viscount Newport. Charles Townesend Viscount Townesend. Thomas Thynne Viscount Weymouth. Christopher Hatton Viscount Hatton. Henry Sidney Viscount Sidney. Henry Yeluerton, Vscount Longueville. Barons 66. George Nevil Lord Abergaveny. James Touchet Lord Audley. Robert Bertie Lord Willoughby of Eresby. John West Lord de la Ware. Charles Berkely Lord Berkeley of Berkeley. Thomas Parker Lord Morley. Robert Shirley Lord Ferrer. Charles Mildmay Lord Fitzwalter. William Stourton Lord Stourton. Ralph Ewer Lord Eure. Philip Wharton Lord Wharton. Thomas Willoughby Lord Willoughby of Parham. William Paget Lord Paget. Francis Howard Lord Howard of Effingham. Charles North Lord North. James Bruges Lord Chandos. Robert Carey Lord Hunsden. Robert Sidney Lord Sidney of Penshurst. Thomas Petre Lord Petre. Charles Gerard Lord Gerard. Henry Arundel Lord Arundel of Wardour. Christopher Roper Lord Tenham. Foulk Grevil Lord Brook. Ford Grey Lord Grace. John Lovelace Lord Lovelace. John Pawlet Lord Pawlet. William Maynard Lord Maynard. Thomas Coventry Lord Coventry. William Howard Lord Howard of Escrick. Charles Mohun Lord Mohun. Henry Herbert Lord Herbert of Cherbury. Thomas Leigh Lord Leigh. Thomas Jermin Lord Jermin. William Byron Lord Byron. John Vaughan Lord Vaughan. Francis Carrington Lord Carrington. William Widdrington Lord Widdrington. Edward Ward Lord Ward. John Culpeper Lord Culpeper. Charles boil Lord Clifford of Lanesborough. Robert Lucas Lord Lucas. Henry Bellassise Lord Bellassise. Edward Watson Lord Rockingham. Robert Sutton Lord Lexington. Marmaduke Langdale Lord Langdale. John Berkeley Lord Berkeley of Stratton. Charles Granvile Lord Granvile. Francis Holles Lord Holles. Charles Cornwallis Lord Cornwallis. Thomas Crew Lord Crew. John Arundel Lord Arundel of Trerice. Hugh Clifford Lord Clifford of Chudleigh. Peregrine Osborn, Lord Osborn. George Carteret Lord Carteret. John Bennet Lord Ossulston. George Legg Lord Dartmouth. Giles Allington Lord Allington. John Stawell Lord Stawell. Francis North Lord Guildford. ●idney Godolphin Lord Godolphin. ●lenry Jermin Lord Dover. ●ohn Jeffreys Lord Jeffreys. henry Waldegrave Lord Waldegrave. ●dward Griffin Lord Griffin. Hugh Cholmondley Lord Cholmondley. John Ashburnham Lord Ashburnham. Archbishops 2, and Bishops 24. Dr. William Sandcroft, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. Dr. Thomas Lampleugh, Lord Archbishop of York. Dr. Henry Compton, L. Bishop of London. Dr. Nathaniel Crew, L. Bishop of Durham. Dr. Peter Mew, L. Bishop of Winchester. Dr. Herbert Crofts, L. Bishop of Hereford. Dr. Thomas Wood, L. Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry. Dr. William Lloyd, L. Bishop of Norwich. Dr. Thomas Barlow, L. Bishop of Lincoln. Dr. William Beau, L. Bishop of Landaff. Dr. William Lloyd, L. Bishop of S. Asaph. Dr. Robert Frampton, L. Bishop of Gloucester. Dr. Francis Turner, L. Bishop of Ely. Dr. Thomas Smith, L. Bishop of Carlisle. Dr. Thomas Sprat, L. Bishop of Rochester. Dr. Thomas Ken, L. Bishop of Bath and Wells. Dr. Thomas White, L. Bishop of Peterborough. * Dr. Jonathan Trelawney, L. Bishop of Exeter. Dr. Thomas Watson, L. Bishop of S. David's. * Dr. Gilbert Burnet L. Bishop of Salisbury. * Dr. Humphrey Humphrys L. Bishop of Bangor. * Dr. Nicholas Stratford L. Bishop of Chester. * Dr. Edward Stillingfleet L. Bishop of Worcester. * Dr. Simon Patrick, L. Bishop of Chichester. * Dr. Gilbert Ironside, L. Bishop of Bristol. * Dr. John Hough, L. Bishop of Oxford. 1. Note, That the Lord Precedent of the Council takes place of all Dukes not of the Royal Blood. 2. That the Lord Great Chamberlain of England, the Lord Steward of the King's Household, and the Lord Chamberlain of the Household take place above all of their Degree. 3. That the Archbishop of Canterbury takes place next to the Princes of the Blood, and above all the Nobility and Great Officers; The Archbishop of York, above all the Nobility and Great Officers, except the Lord Keeper; and the rest of the Bishops, next after the Viscounts, and above the Temporal Barons. Whereof the Bishops of London, Durham, and Winchester do always precede the other Bishops, the rest taking place according to the Seniority of their Consecrations. A True List of the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the Parliament at Westminster, in October, 1690. Bedfordshire 4. THE Honourable Edward Russel Esq Thomas Browne Esq Town of Bedford. Thom. Hillersdon Esq Thom. Christie Esq Berks 9 Sir Hen. Winchcomb Bar. Sir Humphrey Forster. Bar. Borough of New-Windsor. Sir Charles Porter Knt. William Adderly Esq Borough of Reading. Sir William Rich Bar. Sir Henry Fane Kt of the Bath. Borough of Wallingford. William Jennens Esq John Wallis Esq Borough of Abington. Simon Harcourt Esq Bucks 14. The Right Honourable Tho. Wharton Esq The Right Honourable Rich. Hambden Esq Town of Buckingham. Sir Richard Temple Knight and Baronet Alexander Denton Esq Borough of Chipping-Wicomb. William Jephson Esq Thom jews Jun. Esq Porough of Ayli●bury. Sir Thomas Lee Bar. Thomas Lee Esq Borough of Agmondesham. Will. Montague Esq Edmond Waller of Beconsfield Esq Borough of Wendover. Richard Beak Esq John Backwell Esq Borough of Great Marlowe. James Chase Esq Sir Will. Whitelocke Knt. Cambridge 6. Sir Levinus Bennet Bar. Sir Robert Cotton Knt. University of Cambridge. Sir Robert Sawyer Kt. The Honourable Edward Finch Esq Town of Cambridge. Sir John Cotton Bar. Granado Pigott Esq Chester 4. Sir John Mainwaring Bar. Sir Robert Cotton Kt. and Bar. City of Chester. Sir Thomas Grosvenor Bar. Richard Leving Esq Cornwall 44. The Honourable Francis Robert Esq The Right Honourable Hugh Boscowen Esq Borough of Dunhivid, alias Launceston. The Right Honourable Will. Harboured Esq The Honourable Bernard Granville Esq Borough of Leskard. Sir Bourchier Wray Kt. of the Bath, and Bar. Emanuel Pyper Esq Brough of Lestwithiel. Sir Bevill Grenville Kt. Walter Kendal Esq Borough of Truro. Sir Henry Ashurst Bar. Henry Vincent Esq Borough of Bodmin. Sir John Cutler Kt. and Bar. Nicholas Glynn Esq Borough of Helston. Sir John St. Aubin Bar. Charles Godolphin Esq Borough of Saltash. Sir John Carew Bar. Richard Carew Esq Borough of Camelford. Ambrose Manaton Esq Henry Manaton Esq Borough of Port-Higham, alias Westlow. Edward Seumour Esq Jonathan Trelawny Es. Borough of Grampound. John Tanner Esq Walter Vincent Esq Borough of Eastlow. Charles Trelawny Esq Henry Trelawny Esq Borough of Peryn. Sidney Godolphin Esq Alexander Pendarvi Esq Borough of Tregony. Sir John Tremaine Kt. Sergeant at Law. Hugh Fortescue Esq Borough of Bossiny. Samuel Travers Esq Sir Peter Colleton Bar. Borough of St. Ives. James Praed Esq William Harris Esq Borough of Foway. Jonathan Rashleigh Esq Shadrach Vincent Esq Borough of St. Germane. Daniel eliot Esq Henry Fleming Esq Borough of St. Michael. Francis Scobell Esq Humph. Courtney, Esq Borough of Newport. The Right Honourable Charles Lord Cheyne. John Speccot Esq Borough of St. Maws. Sir Joseph Tredenham Kt. John Tredenham Esq Borough of Kellington. Francis Fulford Esq Cumberland 6. Sir George Fletcher Bar. Sir John Lowther of Whitehaven Bar. City of Carlisle. Jeremiah Bubb Esq Christopher Musgrave Esq Borough of Cocker-mouth. Sir Orlando Gee Kt. Sir Wilfred Lawson Bar. Derby 4. Sir Gilbert Clarke Kt. Henry Gilbert Esq Town of Derby. The Honourable Anchitel Grey Esq Robert Wilmot Esq Devonshire 26. Francis Courtney Esq Samuel roll Esq City of Exeter. Sir Edward Seymour Bar. Christopher Bale Esq Borough of Tornes. Sir John powel Bar. Henry Seymour Esq Borough of Plymouth. The Honourable John Greenville Esq Borough of Oakhampton. William Cary Esq Henry Nortleigh Esq Borough of Branstable. The Right Honourable Sir George Hutchins Kt. Arth. Champneys Esq Borough of Plimpton. Sir George Treby Kt. John Pollexsen Esq Borough of Honiton. Sir William Drake Kt. and Bar. Sir Walter Yonge Bar. Borough of Tavistock. The Honourable Robert Russel Esq Sir Francis Drake Bar Borough of Ashburton. Sir Richard Reynel Kt. and Bar. William Stawell Esq Borough of Clifton, Dartmouth and Hardness. Sir Joseph Herne Kt. William Hayne Esq Borough of Beralston. Sir Francis Drake Bar. John Swinfen Esq Borough of Tiverton. Samuel Foot Esq Thomas Bear Esq Dorsetshire 20. Thomas Strangeways Esq Thomas Freke Esq Town of Pole. Sir Nathaniel Napier Kt. and Bar. Sir John Trenchard Kt. Borough of Dorchester. Sir Robert Nappier Kt. and Bar. James Gould Esq Borough of Lime Regis. Henry Henly Esq John Burridge Esq Borough of Weymouth. Sir John Morton Bar. Michal Harvey Esq Borough of Melcomb Regis. Henry Henning Esq Nicholas Gould Esq Borough of Bridport. John Michael Esq Sir Stephen Evance Kt. Borough of Snafton, alias Shaftsbury. Sir Matthew Andrews Kt. Edward Nicholas Esq Borough of Wareham. Thomas earl Esq William Okeden Esq Borough of Corf-Castle. Richard Fownes Esq William Culliford Esq Durham 4. Sir Robert Eden Bar. William Lambton Esq City of Durham. William Tempest Esq George Morland Esq Essex 8. Henry Mildmay Esq Sir Fran. Masham Bar. Borough of Colchester. Samuel Reynolds Esq Edward Cary Esq Borough of Maldon. Sir Thomas Darcy Bar. Charles Montague Es. Borough of Harwich. The Right Honourable Charles Lord Chine. Sir Thomas Middleton Kt. Glocestershire 8. Sir John Guise Bar. Sir Ralph Dutton Bar. City of Gloucester. William Cook Esq William Try Esq Borough of Cirencester. The Right Honourable Henry paul, Esq Richard How Esq Borough of Tewksbury. Rich. Dowdeswell Esq The Right Honourable Sir Henry Capell Kt. Herefordshire 8. Sir John Morgan Bar. Sir Herbert Croft Bar. City of Hereford. Paul Foley Esq Henry Cornwall Esq Borough of Lempster. Tho. Conyngesby Esq John Dutton Colt Esq Borough of Weobly. John Birch Esq Robert Price Esq Hertfordshire 6. Sir Tho. Pope Blount Bar. Ralph. Freeman Esq Borough of St. Alban. Sir Samuel Grimston Bar. George Churchill Esq Borough of Hertford. Sir Will. Cowper Bar. Sir Will. Leman Bar. Huntingtonshire 4 The Honourable Robert Montague Esq John Driden Esq Borough of Huntingdon. The Honourable Sidney Wortly, alias Montague Esq The Honourable Richard Montague Esq Kent 10. The Honourable Sir Vere Fane Knight of the Bath. Sir John Knatchbull Bar. City of Canterbury. Sir William Honywood Bar. Henry Lee Esq City of Rochester. Sir Joseph Williamson Kt. Francis Clarke Esq Borough of Maidston. Sir Tho. Taylor Bar. Thomas Ryder Esq Borough of Queenborough. Sir John Banks Bar. Robert Crawford Esq Lancashire 14. The Right Honourable Charles Lord Brandon Gerrard. The Honourable James Stanley. Borough of Lancaster. Roger Kirby Esq Thomas Preston Esq Borough of Preston in Amounderness. Christopher Greenfeild Esq Borough of Newton. The Honourable George Cholmondely Esq Sir John Chichley Kt. Borough of Wigga●●. Sir Rich. Standish Kt. Peter Shakerly Esq Borough of Clitheroe. Anthony. Parker Esq Roger Kenyon Esq Borough of Leverpool. The Kite Honourable Richard Lord Colchester. Tho. Norris of Speak Esq Leicester 4. The Right Honourable Bennet Lord Sherrard. Sir Thomas Hesilridge Bar. Borough of Leicester. Sir Edward Abney Kt. Laurence Carter Esq Lincoln 12. The Right Honourable George, Viscount Castleton. Sir Tho. Hussey Bar. City of Lincoln. Sir John Bolles Bar. Sir Edw. Hussey Bar. Borough of Boston. Peregrine Berty Esq Sir William York Kt. Borough of Great Grimsby. Sir Edw. Ayscogh Kt. John Chaplin Esq Town of Stamford. The Honourable Charles Bertie Esq William Hyde Esq Borough of Grantham. Sir John Brownlowe Bar. Sir William Ellis Bar. Middlesex 8. Sir Char. Gerrard Bar. Ralph Hawtery Esq City of Westminster. Sir Will. Poultney Kt. Sir Walter Clarges Bar. London. Sir Will. Pritchard Kt. Sir Sam. Dashwood Kt. Sir Will. Turner Kt. Sir Tho. Vernon Kt. Monmouth 3 The Right Honourable Charles Lord Marquis of Worcester. Thomas Morgan Esq Borough of Monmouth. Sir Charles Kemeys' Kt. Norfolk 12. Sir Jacob Astley Kt. and Baronet. Sir William Cook Bar. City of Norwich. Thomas Blofeild Esq Hugh Bokenham Esq Town of Lyn Regis. Sir John Turner Kt. Daniel Bedingfeild Esq Town of Great Yarmouth. George England Esq Samuel Fu●ler Esq Borough of Thetford. Baptist May Esq Sir Francis Guybon Kt. Borough of Castlerising. Right Honourable Sir Robert Howard Kt. Robert Walpole Esq Northampton 9 Sir St. Andrew St. John Bar. John Parkhurst Esq City of Peterborough. Will. Brownlowe Esq Gilbert Dolben Esq Town of Northampton. Sir Tho. Samuel Bar. Sir William Langham Kt. Town of Brackley. The Honourable Sir William Egerton Knight of the Bath. John Blencowe Sergeant at Law. Borough of Higham-Ferrers. Thomas Andrews Esq Northumberland 8. William Forster Esq Philip Bickerstaff Esq Town of Newcastle upon Tine. Sir Ralph Carr Kt. William Carr Esq Borough of Morpeth. The Right Honourable Charles Lerd Morpeth. Roger Fenwick Esq Town of Berwick upon Tweed. Sir Francis Blake Kt. samuel Ogle Esq Nottingham 8. Sir Scroop How Kt. Will. Sacheverel Esq Town of Nottingham. Char. Hutchinson Esq Richard Slater Esq Borough of Eastretford. John Thornehagh Esq Town of Newark upon Trent. The Right Honourable William Lord Eland. The Honourable Nicholas Sanderson Esq Oxon 9 The Right Honourable Montague Lord. Norreys. Sir Robert Jenkinson Bar. University of Oxon. The Honourable Heneage Finch Esq Sir Tho. Clerges Kt. City of Oxon. The Honourable Henry Bertie Esq Sir Edw. Norreys Kt. Borough of New-Woodstock. Sir Tho. Littleton Bar. Thomas Wheat Esq Borough of Banbury. Sir Robert Dashwood Kt. and Bar. Rutland 2. Sir Tho. Mackworth Bar. Bennet Sherrard Esq Salop 12. The Honourable Richard Newport Esq Edward-Kynaston of Oately Esq Town of Salop. The Honourable Andrew Newport Esq Richard Mitton Esq Borough of Bruges, alias Bridgenorth. Sir William Whitmore Bar. Sir Edward Acton Bar. Borough of Ludlow. Thomas Hanmer Esq William Gower Esq Borough of Wenlock. Sir Will. Forester Kt. George Weld Esq Town of Bishops-Castle. William Oakeley, Esq Somerset 18. Sir Edward Phillips Kt. Nathaniel Palmer Esq City of Bristol. Sir Richard Hart Kt. Sir John Knight Kt. City of Bath. Sir William Basset Kt. Joseph Langton Esq City of Wells. Edward Barkeley Esq Hopton Wyndham Esq Borough of Taunton. John Speke Esq Edward Clark Esq Borough of Bridgwater. Sir Francis Warr Bar. Henry Bull Esq Borough of Minehead. Borough of Ilchester. Sir Edw. Winham Bar. John Hunt Esq Borough of Milbornport. Sir Thomas Travel Kt. Sir. Charl. Carteret Kt. Southampton 26. The Right Honourable Charles Lord Marquis of Winchester. Richard Norton Esq City of Winchester. The Right Honourable William Lord Pawlet Frederick Tilney Esq Town of Southampton. Sir Char. Windham Kt. Sir Benj. Newland Kt. Town of Portsmouth. The Honourable Edward Russel Esq Nicholas Hedger Alderman. Borough of Yarmouth. The Right Honourable Sir John Trever Kt. Speaker. Charles Duncombe Esq Borough of Petersfield. Robert Michael Esq Richard Holt Esq Borough of Newport, alias Medona. Sir Robert Holmes Kt. Sir Will. Stephens Kt. Borough of Stockbridge. Will. Montague Esq Richard Whithed Esq Borough of Newtown. The Right Honourable Richard Earl of Ranelagh. Thomes Done Esq Borough of Christ-Church. Francis Gwyn Esq William Ettrick Esq Borough of Whitchurch. Henry Wallop Esq The Honourable James Russel Esq Borough of Lemington. John Burrard Esq Thomas Door Esq Borough of Andover. The Honourable Francis Pawlet of Amport Esq John Pollen Esq Staffordshire 10. The Honourable John Grey Esq Walter Chetwind Esq City of Lichfield. Robert Burdet Esq Richard Dyot Esq Borough of Stafford. John Chetwind Esq Jonathan Cope Esq Borough of Newcastleunder Line. Sir William Levison Gower Bar. Sir Thomas Bellot Bar. Borough of Tamworth. Sir Henry Gough Kt. Michael Biddulph Esq Suffolk 16. Sir Samuel Barnardiston Bar. Sir Gervas' Elwes Bar. Borough of Ipswich. Sir John Barker Bar. Sir Charles Blois Bar. Borough of Dunwich. Sir Robert Rich Kt. and Bar. Sir Philip Skippon Kt. Borough of Orford. Thomas Glemham Esq Thomas Felton Esq Borough of Alborough. Sir Henry Johnson Kt. William Johnson Esq Borough of Sodbury. John Robinson Esq Borough of Eye. Henry Poley Esq Thomas Davenant Esq Borough of St. Edmonsbury. Sir Robert Davers Bar. Henry Goldwell Esq Surrey 14. Sir Rich. Onslow Bar. Sir Franc. Vincent Bar. Borough of Southwark. Anthony Bower Esq John Arnold Esq Borough of Blechingly. Thomas Howard Esq Sir Robert Clayton Kt. Borough of Rygate. Sir John Parsons Kt. John Parson's Esq Borough of ●uilford. Morgan Randyll Esq Foot Onslow Esq Borough of Gatton. Sir John Thompson Bar. Thomas Turgis Esq Borough of Haslemere. Geo. Rodeney Bridges Esq Denzill Onslow Esq Suffer 20. Sir John Pelham Bar. Sir Will. Thomas Bar. City of Chichester. Sir Thomas Miller Kt. Thomas May Esq Borough of Horsham. John Machell Esq Thomas White Jun. Gent. Borough of Midhurst. Sir William Morley Knight of the Bath. John Lewkner Esq Borough of jews. Thomas Pelham Esq Richard Bridger Esq Borough of Shoreham. Sir Edward Hungerford Knight of the Bath. John Pery Esq Borough of Bramber. Nicholas Barbon Esq Dr. John Radcliffe. Borough of staining. Sir John Fag Bar. Robert Fag Esq Borough of East-Greensted. The Honourable Thomas Sackvile Esq Sir Thomas Dyke Bar. Borough of Arundel. William Morley Esq James Butler Esq Warwickshire 6. William Bromely Esq Andrew Archer Esq City of Coventry. Richard Hopkins Esq John Stratford Esq Borough of Warwick. The Right Honourable William Lord Digby. William Colemore Esq Westmoreland 4. The Right Honourable Sir John Lowther, of Lowther, Bar. Sir Christopher Musgrave, of Musgrave, Kt. and Bar. Borough of Appleby. The Honourable William. Cheyne Esq Charles boil Esq Wilthshire 34. The Right Honourable Edw. Viscount Cornbury. Sir Walter S. John Bar. City of New Sarum. Thomas Hoby Esq Thomas Pitt Esq Borough of Wilton. Sir Richard Grubham How Kt. and Bar. Thomas Windham Esq Borough of Downton. Sir Charles Raleigh Kt. Maurice Bockland Esq Borough of Hindon. Robert Hid Esq Thomas Chaffyn Esq Borough of Westbury. The Honourable Peregrine Bertie Esq Richard Lewis Esq Borough of Hytesbury. William Ash Esq Will. Trenchard Esq Borough of Calne. Henry Baynton Esq Henry Chivers Esq Borough of the Devizes. Sir Tho. Fowls Kt. Walter Grubb Esq Borough of Chipenham. Richard Kent Esq Alexander Popham Esq Borough of Malmesbury. The Honourable Goodwin Wharton Esq Sir James Long Bar. Borough of Criclade. Edmund Webb Esq Charles Fox Esq Borough of Great Bedwin. The Right Honourable Anth. Viscount Falkland. Sir Jonath. Raymond Kt. Borough of Ludgersale. Thomas Neale Esq John Deane Esq Borough of Old Sarum. Sir Thomas Mompesson Kt. William Harvey Esq Borough of Wootton-Basset. Henry St. John Esq John Wildman Jun. Esq Borough of Marlborough. Sir John Ernle Kt. Sir George Willoughby Kt. Worcestershire 9 Sir John Packington Kt. Thomas Foley Esq City of Worcester. Sir John Somers Kt. William Bromely Esq Borough of Droitwich. The Right Honourable● Richard Earl of Bellemont. ●hilip Foley Esq Borough of Evesham. Sir James Rushout Bar. Edward Rudge Esq Borough of Bewdley. Henry Herbert Esq Yorkshire 30. The Right Honourable Thomas Lord Fairfax. Sir Join Kay Bar. City of York. Robert Waller Esq Henry Thompson Esq Town of Kingston upon Hull. John Ramsden Esq Charles Osborne Esq Borough of Knaresborough. William Stockdale Esq Thomas Fawkes Esq Borough of Scareborough. Will. Thompson Esq Francis Thompson Esq Borough of Rippon. Sir Edm. Jenings Kt. Sir Jonath. Jenings Kt. Borough of Richmond. Sir Mark Milbanck Bar. Theodore Bathurst Esq Borough of Heydon. Henry Guy Esq Matth. Appleyard Esq Borough of Boroughbrig. Sir Henry Goodrick Kt. and Bar. Sir Bryan Stapleton. Borough of Malton. Sir William Strickland Bar. William Palms Esq Borough of Thriske. Thomas Frankland Esq Richard Staines Esq Borough of Aldborough. Sir Mich. Wentworth Kt. Christopher Tancred Esq Borough of Beverly. Sir Michael Wharton Kt. William Gee Esq Borough of North-Allerton. Sir William Robinson Bar. Thomas Lascells Esq Borough of Pontefract. The Honourable Henry Dawney Esq Sir John Bland Bar. BARONS of the Cinque-Ports (16.) Port of Hastings. The Honourable John Beaumond Esq Peter Gott Esq Town of Winchelsea. Sir Robert Austin Bar. Samuel Western Esq Town of Rye. Sir John Austen Bar. Sir John Darrel Kt. Port of New Rumney. Sir Charles Sidley Kt. John Brewer Esq Port of Hythe. Sir Philip Butler Bar. Will. Brockman Esq Port of Dover. Thomas Papillon Esq James Chadwick Esq Port of Sandwich. John Thurbarne Sergeant at Law. Edward Brent Esq Port of Seaford. William Campion Esq Henry Pelham Esq WALES (24.) Anglesey 2. The Right Honourable Rich. Viscount Bulkely. Town of Beaumaris. Thomas Bulkely Esq Brecon 2. Sir Rowland Gwyn Kt. Town of Brecon. Jeossery Jeffreys Esq Cardigan 2. Sir Carbety Price Bar. Town of Cardigan. Hector Philip's Esq Carmarthen 2. Sir Rice Rudd Bar. Town of Carmarthen. Richard Vaughan Esq Carnarvan 2. Sir Wil Williams of Vaynal Bar. Town of Carnarvan. Sir Robert Owen Kt. Denby 2. Sir Richard Middleton Bar. Town of Denby. Edward Brereton Esq Flint 2. Sir Roger Puleston Kt. Town of Flint. Thomas Whitley Esq Glamorgan 2. Bussey Mansel Esq Town of Cardiff. Thomas Mansell Esq Merioneth 1. Sir John Wynne Kt. and Bar. Montgomery 2. Edward Vaughan Esq Town of Montgomery. Charles Herbert Esq Pembroke 3. Sir Hugh Owen Kt. Town of Haverford-west Sir William Wogan Kt. Town of Pembroke. Arthur Owen Esq Radnor 2. Richard Williams Esq Town of New Radnor. Robert Harley Esq In all 513. A List of the Lords, and others, of His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council; with the Clerks of the Council. HIS Royal Highness, Prince George. Thomas Marquis of Camarthen, Lord Precedent. Henry, Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal. Charles, Duke of Bolton. Robert, Earl of Lindsey, Lord Great Chamberlain of England. William Earl of Devonshire, Lord Steward. Charles, Earl of Dorset, Lord Chamberlain. Aubrey, Earl of Oxford. William Earl of Bedford. Thomas, Earl of Pembroke, and Montgomery. John Earl of Bath. Charles, Earl of Macclesfield. Daniel, Earl of Nottingham, Secretary of State. William, Earl of Portland. Thomas, Earl of Faulconberg. Charles, Earl of Monmouth. John, Earl of Marlborough. Richard, Earl of Scarborough. Henry Earl of Warrington. Ralph, Earl of Montague. Henry, Viscount Sidney. Henry, Lord Bishop of London. Francis, Lord Newport. Marquess of Winchester. Lord Chief Justice Holt. Sir Robert Howard. Sir Henry Capel. Sir Henry Goodrick. Sir John Lowther, Vice-Chamberlain. Richard Hampden, Esq Hugh Boscawen, Esq Thomas Wharton, Esq controller of the King's Household. Edward Russel, Esq William Harboured, Esq Henry paul, Esq Master of the Rolls. Lord's Commissioners of the Privy Seal. William Cheyne, Esq Sir John Knatchbull, Bar. Sir William Palteney, Kt. The Clerks of the Council. Sir John Nicholas, Kt. Mr. Blathwait. Mr. Montague. Mr. Coleing. A List of the Lords Commissioners, and other Officers of the Court of Chancery. The Lords Commissioners. Sir John Trevor Knight. Sir William Rawlinson Knight. Sir Geo. Hutchins Knight. Masters of Chancery. Henry paul Esq Master of the Rolls, whose Secretary is Mr. John Rawlinson. Sir William Child. Sir John Hoskins. Sir John Franklyn. Sir Adam Oatley. Sir Robert Legar. Sir John Edgeburg. Sir James Astrey. Sir Miles Cook. Roger Meredith, Esq John Methwyn, Esq Samuel Keck, Esq The Six Clerks in Chancery. Sir Rob. Marsham Kt. Sir W. Perkins Kr. ●hem Bridges, Esq Littleton Powel Esq Rich. Garth Esq Basil Herne Esq The Cursitors. Mr. Abraham Nelson, Principal. Mr. Mich. Terry Assistants. Mr. Geo. Davies Assistants. For Suffolk and Huntingt. Mr.— Nelson. For Nottingh. & Northamp. Mr.— Terry. For Devon and Kent. Mr.— Davies. For Devon and Kent. Mr.— Shorthose. For Essex and Berks. Mr. Abr. Skinner. For Hartf. and Derbysh. Mr. Mat. Colborn. For Lond. and Middlesex. Mr. S. Laytow. For Lond. and Middlesex. Mr. Hen. Martin. For Lond. and Middlesex. Mr. Wil Fish. For Lincoln and Somers. Mr. Hen. Caesar. For York and Westm. Mr. J. Hawkins. For York and Westm. Mr. Jo. Paget. For Gloucester and Camb. Mr. J. Hungerford. For Gloucester and Camb. Mr. Fra. King. For Southampt. and Warw. Mr. J. Reynolds. For Norfolk and Cumb. Mr. Cham Pickering For Dors. and Northumb. Mr. Will. Finch. For Leicest. and Cornwall. Mr. John Hussey. For Surrey and Salop. Mr. Steph. Terry. For Heref. and Monm. Mr. Osb. Newman. For Oxon and Rutl. Mr. Rob. Hart. For Staff. and Wiltsh. Mr. Jer. Hale. For Bedf. and Buck. Mr. Ric. Plompton For Sussex and Glocest. Mr. Wil Wickliff Clerk of the Crown in Chancery. Henry Barker, Esq His Deputy, Tho. Milton, Esq Clerk of the Office, Mr. Ralph Hale. The Register. Deputy-Registers, Mr. Geo. Edward's, Mr. Carew Guidot, Mr. Edw. Goldsborough, Mr. Richard Price. The Deputy-Register for filing the Reports, and Keeper of the Books of Entry, Mr. Richard Bournford. The Entering Clerks in the Register's Office, Mr. Robert Davenish, and Mr. Henry Davenish. Secretary of the Presentation of the Spiritual Benefices. Mr. Richard Brook. Clerk of the Patents. I Richard Pigot. Clerk of the Affidavits. Mr. Samuel Poynter. Clerk of the Hanaper. Mr. Edward Seymore. The Principal Clerks in the Petty-Bag Office. Mr. Aaron Pingrey. Mr. John Lloyd. Mr. John Dauling. Clerks in the Rolls Chapel. Mr. William Grimes. Mr.— Woodford. Mr. Sam. Killingworth. Mr. Henry Watson. Mr.— Vincent. Mr.— Haley. Clerks in the enrolment Office. Mr. Andrew Young. Mr. Edw. Portington. Master of the Subpoena Office. Sir Walter Vane, Kt His Deputy, Mr. Nich. Hook. Master of the Patent Office. Sir Richard Pigot, Kt. His Deputy, Mr.— Brook. The two Clerks, Mr. Richard Pickering, and Mr. Nicholas Nichols. In the Alienation Office. The Commissioners Peregrine Bertue, Esq The Commissioners John Sanderson, Esq The Commissioners William Glandvil, Esq The Civilian, formerly a Doctor, Mr. George Morley. His Clerk, to endorse the Writs, Mr. Bernard Halfpeny. Receiver of the Fines, Edward Nicholas, Esq The Register, Mr. Thomas Web. Porter, Charles Brook. Examiner's in Chancery. William Adderly, Esq Francis Twisden, Esq To which add the Usher to the Court of Chancery, Mat. Bluck, Esq Cryer, Mr. James Sparrow. Warden of the Fleet, Richard Manlove, Esq Sergeant at Arms, George Charnock, Esq A List of the Judges, and Officers of the Court of King's Bench. The Judges. Sir John Holt, Lord Chief Justiee. Sir William Dolben, Justices. Sir William Gregory, Justices. Sir Giles Eyres. Justices. Clerk of the Crown in the King's Bench. Sir Samuel Astrey, Kt. His Secondary, Simon Harcourt, Esq The Entering Clerks, Mr. Rob. Seyliard, Chief Clerk. Mr. Rich. Horton. Mr. John Weekely. Mr. John Cook. Mr. William Eyre. Mr. Lionel Fanshaw. Mr. Rice Foulks. Mr. Benedict Brown. Mr. Rob. Wintour. Mr. Wil Leighton. Mr. Edward Croke. Praenotary, or the King's chief Clerk on the Plea-side. Sir Robert Henly Kt. His Secondary, Mr. Richard Aston. Receiver and Signer of Writs, Mr. Thomas Bromfield. To which add the Masters of the Nisiprius Office, Custos Brevium and Recordorum. Thomas Goodwin, Esq Masters of the Nisiprius Office, Custos Brevium and Recordorum. Simon Foulks, Esq Clerk of the Rules. Robert Pugh, Esq His Deputy, Mr. Barth. Pickering. Clerks of the Papers on the Plea-side, Mr. Robert Stone. Mr. Giles Clark. Clerk of the Errors, Mr. Thomas Waerg. Clerk of the Bills of Middlesex, Mr. Fr. Rouse Clerk for filing Declarations, Mr. John Slater. Clerk of the Remembrances and Dockets, Mr. Robert Walker. Clerk of the Bails and Posteas, Mr. Fr. Thacker Filazers and Exigenters. For Bedf. Mr.— Child. For Berks. Mr. Rob. Hastings. For Kent, Cornwall, Nott. Warw. Cumberl. Rutland, Northumb. Suff. Mr. James Fuller. For Darbyshire, Mr. Tho. Statham. For Devon, Mr. John Green. For Dors. Mr. John Martin. For Essex. Mr. Geo. Woodson. For Gloc. London, Middesex, and Surrey, Mr. John Teye. For Hartf. Mr. Wil Ravenhill. For Heref. Mr. Wil Hastings. For Huntingt. Mr.— For Kent, Mr. Tho. Bathurst. For Leicest. Mr. William Benson. For Lincoln. Mr. John Browning. For Monmouth. Mr. John Smith. For Norfolk, Mr. William Avery. For Northampt. Mr. Godfrey Wildbore. For Oxon, Mr. Henry Dod. For Salop, Mr. Basil Herne. For Somers. Mr. Rob. Randal. For Southampton, Town and County, Mr. Francis Caplyn. For Staff. Mr. Michael Martin. For Sussex. Mr. Rich. Aylwin. For Westmorl. Mr. John Hind. For Wiltshire, Mr. Sam. Porter. For Worcest. Mr.— For Yorksh. Mr. George Woodson. For Canterbury, Mr.— For Coventry, Mr.— For Bristol, Mr. John Ayres. For Exeter, Mr.— For Gloucester, Mr. Henry Ewen. For Kingston upon Hull, Mr. William Osborn. For Lincoln. Mr.— For Newcastle upon Tine. Mr.— For Norwich, Mr.— For Nottingham, Mr. William Bennet. For Pool, Mr.— For York, Mr.— Marshal hereditary of the King's Bench, William Lenthal, Esq Marshal sworn, William Brigs, Esq Sealer of Writs,— Keeper of the Stamp,— Head-Cryer, Mr. Coling. Under-Criers, Mr. John Partridge, Mr.— Ushers,— Tipslaves, Mr. William Atton. Mr.— Weaver. Mr. John Hopper. Mr.— Fielder. A List of the Judges, and Officers of the Court of Common Pleas. The Judges. Sir Henry Pollixfen, Lord Chief Justice. Sir John Powel, Justices. Sir Tho. Rokesby, Justices. Sir Peyton Ventris, Justices. Custos Brevium. Sir Joseph Ash, Kt. His Deputy, William Thursby, Esq Chief Praenotary. John Cook, Esq His Secondary, Mr. Richard Cook. Clerk of the Jdgments, Mr.— Leyton. Second Praenotary. Thomas Winford, Esq His Secondary, Mr. Charles Cox. Clerk of the Judgements, Mr. Will. Winford. Third Praenotary. Charles Tempest, Esq His Secondary, Mr. George Walker. Clerk of the Judgements, Mr. George Wheeler. Clerk of the Warrants. Mr. William East. His Deputy, Mr. Robert Fish. Clerk of the Essoins. Mr. William Hall. Clerk of the Juries. Mr.— Sympson. His Deputy, Mr. Rich. Hamden. Chirographer, Francis Lane, Esq Secondary, John Storer, Esq Register, Francis Blake, Esq Clerk of the Proclam. Mr. Tho. Basket. Clerk of the King's Silver, Henry Ludlow, Esq Clerk of the Seal,— Clerk of the Treasury, Mr.— Green. Keeper of the Treasury, Mr.— Williams. Clerk of the Inrolment of Fines and Recoveries, Mr. Edw. Mills. Clerk of the Outlawries, Mr.— Franklyn. Clerk of the Errors, Mr.— Halse. Clerk of the Supersedeas, Mr. Rich. Abbot. Chief Proclamator, Marshal and Barrier, John Walker Esq Filazers. For Bedford, Berks, Bucks, and Oxon. Mr. Francis Child. For Lond. Middlesex, Cambr. and Huntingdon, Mr.— Philips. For Devon Dorset, Somerset, Exeter, Bristol and Pool, Mr. Guy Fuller. For Glocestersh. Worcestersh. and their respective Cities Corn. and Heref. Mr. Henry Dottin. For Warwicksh. Leicestersh. Nottinghamsh. and Nottingham Town, Derby, and City of Coventry, Mr.— Spicer. For Salop, Staff. Northamptonsh. Rutland, and City of Litchf. Mr.— Shephard. For Suffolk,— Mr. Ric. Middlemore. For Norfolk, and Norwich, Mr.— Caunter. For Essex and Hartf. Mr.— Herbert. For Kent, Surrey and Sussex, Mr.— Hodgson. For Wiltsh. Southampton, and southampton Town, Mr. Nath. Ryder. For York, City of York, and Kingston upon Hull, Mr. Tho. Stringer. For Lincolnsh. and City of Lincoln. Mr.— Lydel. For Northumb. Westmorl. Cumberl. and Newcastle upon Tine, Mr.— Farrington. For Monmouthsh. Mr.— Yates. Exigenters. Charles Broughton, Esq Mr. John Faringdon. Mr. Thomas Gouge. Mr.— Norcliffe. Mr.— Yates, one of the Filazers. Criers. Mr. Whorhood. Mr. Holmes. Mr. Booth. Mr. Grace. Court-Keeper. Mr. Smith. A List of the Judges, and Officers of the Court of Exchequer. The Barons. Sir Robert Atkins, Lord Chief Baron. Sir Edward Nevil, Barons. Sir Nich. Lechmore, Barons. Sir John Turton, Barons. The Cursitor Baron. — Bradbury, Esq King's Remembrancer. — Ayloff Esq (in right of Charles Lord Viscount Fanshaw.) Deputy Remembrancer, Tobias Eden, Esq His Secundary, Robert Den, Esq Eight Attorneys in the King's Remembrancer's Office; Tho. Hall, Esq first, Secondary and Butler Buggin, Esq second Secondary. Mr. George Watts. Mr. Francis Butler. Mr. Gabr. Armiger. Mr. William Bathurst. Mr. William Walker. Mr. John Eyres. Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer. Sir John Osborn, Kt. Remembrancer of the First-Fruits and Tenths. Sir Charles Porter, Kt. His Deputy, William Porter, Esq Two Clerks, Mr. William Prittiman, and Mr. Walter Smith. Pipe Office. Clerk of the Pipe, Robert Russel, Esq comptroller, John Potenger, Esq Secondaries, Walter Wallinger, Esq and Mr. Tho. Cole. Attorneys, Joseph Cranmer, Simon Musgrave, Charles Milborne, Peter Frowd, Philip Tully, William Wroth. Office of Pleas. Master of the Office, Richard Beresford, Esq Secondary, and first Attorney, Tho. Arden, Esq The other Attorneys, Mr. Charles Hayns, Mr. Samuel Anderson, and Mr. David Feilder. Foreign Opposer, Charles Whitacre, Esq Clerk of the Estreats, John Hastings, Esq Auditors of the Impressed. Thomas Done, Esq Brook Bridges, Esq Auditors of the Revenue. Sir Jos. Seymour, Kt. John Philips, Esq Anthony Stevens, Esq John Shales Esq Anthony Parsons, Esq William Aldworth, Esq — Herbert, Esq Auditor for Wales. Receiver of the first Fruits Revenue, and Clerks of the Nichils. Mr. Thomas Squib. Chief Usher. John Walker, Esq His Deputies, or Under-Ushers, Mr. Samuel Brewster. Mr. August. Brewster. Mr. William Ballow. Mr. Walter Peirce. Marshal, Mr. Michael Baker. Of the Duchy of Lancaster. The Chancellor. Robert Lord Willoughby, Baron of Eresby. Vicechancellor. James Lighboun, Esq Attorney General, Edward Northey, Esq Clerk of the Duchy, Cheek Gerard, Esq Receiver General, Sir John Elwes, Kt. Auditors, John Fanshaw, Esq for the North. Tobias le Gros, Esq for the South. Deputy Clerk, Mr. Benjamin Ayloff. Deputy Register, Mr. John Baker. Attorneys, Mr. Richard Husbands (who is likewise Deputy Auditor for the North,) and Mr. Thomas Asheton. Usher, Mr. Thomas Desborough. Messenger, Mr. Abraham Millen. Their Majesty's Attorney and Solicitor General, Sergeants, and Council at Law. Attorney General. Sir George Treby, Kt. Solicitor General. Sir John Somers, Kt. Sergeants at Law. Their Majesty's Sergeants. Sir Ambrose Philip's, Sir William-Tomson, Sir William Wogan. Sir Nathaniel Bond, Sir John Tremain, Sir John Trenchard. The other Sergeants. Sir Robert Shaftoe, Kt. Sir Francis Pemberton, Kt. Thomas Rawlins, Esq Thomas Stroude, Esq Edward Bigland, Esq Sir Creswel Levinz, Kt. John Windham, Esq Edwin Wyatt, Esq Edward Birch, Esq An●hony Farrington, Esq John Jeffreson, Esq Thomas Powel, Esq John ●ate, Esq William Killingworth, Esq Hugh Hodges, Esq Thomas Jeers, Esq Christopher Milton, Esq John Powel, Esq Sir Francis Withins, Kt. William Leffant, Esq John Rotheram, Esq V● Den, Esq Salathiel Lovel, Esq Sir Henry Chancy, Kt. Henry Trinder, Esq Henry Fuller, Esq John Thurburn, Esq William Pawlet, Esq Henry Hatsell, Esq John Blencow, Esq Roger Bellwood, Esq Council at Law. Sir William Williams, Kt. and Bar. Mr. Conyers. Sir Charles Porter, Kt. Mr. Trevor. Sir William Whitlock, Kt. Mr. Cooper. A List of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, and other Officers, appointed for Managing Their Majesty's Revenue. The Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. Sidney, Lord Godolphin. Sir John Lowther, Kt. Richard Hambden, Esq Sir Stephen Fox, Kt. Thomas Pelham, Esq Their Secretary, William Jephson, Esq Chancellor of the Exchequer. Richard Hampden, Esq one of the Lords Commissioners. The Chamberlains. Sir Nicholas Steward. — Hilliard, Esq Deputy Chamberlains. Mr. John Low, Mr. Peter Le Neve. Auditor of the Receipts. Sir Robert Howard. The four Tellers. Henry Maynard, Esq Francis Villiers, Esq John Loving, Esq Thomas Howard, Esq Clerk of the Bells. William Wardour, Esq Ushers of the Receipt. Mr.— Packer, etc. Tally-Cutter. Mr. Samuel Langford. Officers of the Custom Revenue. The Commissioners of the Customhouse The Honourable George Booth, Esq The Honourable Sir Richard Temple, Baronet, and Knight of the Bath. The Honourable Sir John Woorden, Bar. The Honourable Sir Robert Southwell, Kt. The Honourable Sir Robert Clayton, Kt. The Honourable Sir Patience Ward, Kt. The Honourable Henry Guy, Esq Collector Inwards, Sir John Shaw. Collector Outwards, Sir Nicholas Crisp. Customer of the Cloth, and petty Customs,— Customer of the great Customs, Edward Bertie, Esq controller general of the Accounts, Giles Litcot, Esq controller of the Cloth and. petty Customs, Richard Breton. Surveyor general, George Nicholas. Surveyor of the Out-Ports,— Register of the Seizures, John Earl. Surveyors of the Land-Waiters, George Talbot, Thomas Blechynden, Robert Burgoine, Henry Serpant, John Ward, Isaac Manley, William Parsons. Surveyor of the Searchers, Peregrine Bertie, Esq The Searchers, Henry Canby, Richard Boys, Edward Le Neve, Laurence Prior, John Man, John Greathead. Usher of the Customhouse, Matthew Humburston. Officers of the Excise. The present Commissioners. Sir Henry Ashurst, Baronet's. Sir John Morden. Baronet's. Sir Samuel Dashwood, Knights. Sir Humphrey Edwin, Knights. William Strong, Esquires. John Foche, Esquires. Stephen Evans. Esquires. The Register and Secretary, Edward Noel, Esq Auditor, John Birch, Esq controller, Elias Ashmole, Esq Housekeeper, Richard Ferguson. Officers of the General Post-Office. Postmaster General, Major Wildman. controller of the Outland Office, John Wildman, Junior, Esq controller of the Inland Office, Thomas Gardener, Esq Receiver General, Mr. Stephen Lilly. Accountant General, Mr. George Serle. Six Clerks of the foreign Office. Mr. John Leeson, Mr. Ashburnham Frowd, Mr. John Saladine, Mr. William Sweeting, Mr. Francis Clewitt, Mr. Ferand Spence. Six Clerks of the Roads of the Inland Office. Mr. John Salter, For Chester Road. Mr. John Middleton, For the North Road. Mr. Richard Minors, For Bristol Road. Mr. William Serle, For the Western Road. Mr. Francis Garret, For the Kentish Road. Mr. James Cumber, For Yarmouth Road. Of the Peny-Post Office. The controller, Nathan. Castleton, Esq The Accountant, Mrs. Thomas Law. The Receiver, Mr. Francis Gelling. A List of the Officers of the Mint in the Tower of London. Warden of the Mint. Benjamin Overton, Esq Master and Worker, Thomas Neale, Esq controller, James Hove, Esq Assay-Master, Sir John Brattell. Auditors, Thomas Dove, and Brook Bridge●, Esq Surveyor of the Melting, George Evans, Esq Weigher and Teller, Thomas Fitch, Esq King's Chief Clerk, Thomas Hall, Esq Engineer of the Mint, Mr. Thomas Doyley. Graver, Henry Harris, Esq Provost, Mr. Thomas Anderson. M●●ter, Mr. Jonathan Ambrose. A List of the Officers of the Ordnance. The Master General of the Ordnance. Lieutenant General, Sir Henry Goodrick, Kt. and Bar. Surveyor, John Charleton, Esq Clerk of the Ordnance, Sir Thomas Littleton, Kt. Keeper of the Stores, Thomas Gardiner, Esq Clerk of the Deliveries, Philip Musgrave, Esq Assistant Surveyor, William Boulter, Esq Treasurer, or Paymaster, Charles Bertie, Esq Master Gunner, Capt. Richard Leak. Principal Engineer, Sir Martin Beckman, Kt. Keeper of the small Guns, Mr. Charles Beaumond. The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, and of the Admirals. The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. The Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery The Earl of Carbery. Sir Michael Wharton, Bat. Sir Thomas Lee, Bat. Sir John Chichley, Bat. Sir John Lowther, Bat. William Sacheveril, Esq Admirals. Sir Richard Haddock, Kt. Henry Killigrew, Esq Sir John Ashby, Kt. A List of the Commissioners, and other Principal Officers belonging to the Navy. The Commissioners. Sir Richard Haddock, Kt. Charles Sergison, Esq Sir John Tippet, Kt. Sir Richard Beach, Kt. The Treasurer, Edward Russel, Esq controller, Sir Richard Haddock, Kt. Surveyor, Sir John Tippet, Kt. Clerk of the Acts, Charles Sergison, Esq Victuallers of the Navy, Thomas Papilion, Simon Macne, John Agur, Humphrey Ails, and James How, Esquires. Commissioners for Sick and Wounded Seamen, and exchange of Prisoners of War. Thomas Addison, Esq Edward Leigh, Esq Anthony Shepherd, Esq John Starkey. Esq Of the Martial Court. THis Court you have too short an Account of, in my Third Part, Page 91. I therefore beg leave here to enlarge upon it. 'Tis called the Martial (or Military) Court, or High Court of Chivalry, otherwise the Court of Honour, and in Latin, Curia Militaris. The Place anciently appointed for holding thereof was the King's Hall, wherein the Constable and Earl Marshal of England sat as Judges. Where any Plaintiff, in case of Dignities, or Matters of Arms, or of any other Suit or Controversy concerning Nobility, Gentility, or Arms, might sue the Defendant. But now, that great Office of Constable of England is hid aside, the whole Power is vested in the Earl Marshal. And the Present Possessor of that honourable Office is his Grace Henry, Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal of England. Who has appointed the Hall in the College of Arms to be the Place for Keeping the said Court. And, upon Application made to him by any of the Nobility or Gentry of this Kingdom, being abused in Matters of Honour and Arms, may there have relief from his Grace. Officers belonging to this Court. Their Majesty's Advocate, William Odies, Dr. of Laws. Register of the Court, Robert Plott, Dr. of Laws. Secretary, and Seal-Keeper, Francis Negus, Esq Deputy-Register, Mr. John Cheek. Proctors. Samuel Francklyn, Esq Bachelor of Laws. Mr. Ralph Suckley. Mr. Everard Exton, Bachelor of Laws. Mr. John Hill. Mr. Francis Nixon. Mr. Robert Chapman. Mr. Samuel Wiseman. Mr. Keate Waller. Marshal of the Court. Mr. John Curry. A List of the Lords Lieutenants. Bedford, Earl of Bedford. Berks, Duke of Norfolk. Bucks, Earl of Bridgewater. Cambr. Earl of Bedford. Cheshire, Earl of Warrington. Cornwall, Earl of Bath. Cumberland, Earl of Carlisle. Derbysh. Earl of Devon. Devonsh. Earl of Bath. Dorcetsh. Earl of Bristol. Essex, Earl of Oxford. Gloc. and Heref. Earl of Maclesfield. Hartfordsh. Earl of Shrewsbury, during the Minority of the Earl of Essex. Huntingt. Earl of Manchester. Kent, Earl of Winchelsey. Lancashire, Earl of Derby. Leicestersh. Earl of Rutland. Lincolnsh. Earl of Lindsey. Middlesex, Earl of Clare. Monmouthsh. Earl of Maclesfield. Norfolk, Duke of Norfolk. Northampt. Earl of Monmouth. Northumb. Earl of Scarborough. Nottinghamsh. Earl of Kingston. Oxon, Earl of Abington. Salop, Lord Visc. Newport. Somersetsh. Lord Visc. Fitz-Harding. Southampton, Duke of Bolton. Staffordsh. Lord Paget. Suffolk, Lord Cornwallis. Surrey, Duke of Norfolk. Sussex, Earl of Dorset and Middlesex. Warwicksh. Earl of Northampton. Wiltshire, Earl of Pembroke. Worcestersh. Earl of Shrowsbury. York East-Riding, Earl of Kingston. York North Riding Earl of Falconberg. York West-Riding Earl of Derby. South and North Wales, Earl of Maclesfield. Governors of Garrisoned Places. Barwick, Christ. Babington, Esq Calshot, Francis Pawlet, Esq Carlisle, Jeremiah Bubb, Esq Chepstow, Chester, Sir John Morgan. Cinque-Ports, Col. John Beaumond, Esq Dartmouth, Nich. Roope, Esq Gravesend, William Selwyn, Esq Guernsey, Lord Hatton. Holy Island, Hull, Marquis of Caermarthen. Hurst-Castle, Henry Holmes. Jersey, Lord Jermyn. Isle of Wight, Sir Robert Holmes. Landguard-Fort, Henry Killigrew, Esq S. Maws, Pendennis, Earl of Bath. Plymouth, Earl of Bath. Portland, Portsmouth, John Gibson, Esq Scarborough, Scilly Islands, Sheerness, Robert Crawford, Esq Tinmouth, Sir Edw. Villiers. Tower of London, Lord Lucas. Upner Castle, Robert Minors, Esq Windfor Castle, Duke of Norfolk. Governors of Foreign Plantations. Of Jamaica, Earl of Inchqueen. Virginia, Lord Effingham. New York, Col. Sloughter, Barbadoes, James Kendal, Col. Leeward Islands, Col. Godrington. As for New England, the Governor is not yet settled. Mary-Land, Pensylvania, and Carolina are governed by their respective Proprietors, who have there their Deputies. Their Majesty's Ambassadors, Envoys, and Residents Abroad. At Vienna, Lord Paget. At Constantinople, Sir William Hussey. In Holland, Lord Dursley. Spain, William Stanhop, Esq Flanders, John Eckart, Esq Sweden, William Duncomb Esq Denmark, Robert Molesworth, Esq Brandenburg, James Johnston Esq Lunenburg and Brunswick, Sir William Dutton Colt. Switzerland, Thomas Cox, Esq Hamburg, Sir Paul Rycaut. Geneva, Philibert Herbert, Esq Agent in Germany Hugh Hughes, Gent. Consuls in Foreign Parts. At Venice, Hugh Broughton, Esq Cadiz, & S. Maries, Sevil, S. Lucar, in Spain. Wartin Nescomb, Robert Godschall, Walter Doleman, E●● Alicant. Genova, Leghorn Naples, in Italy. Thomas Kirk, Esq Robert Serle, Esq Sir George Davis, Kt. Algiers, in Barbary. Thomas Baker, Esq Foreign Ministers, at present residing in their Majesty's Court. Spain, Don Pedro de Ronquillo, Ambassador in Ordinary. Portugal, Don Simon de Soza de Magellanes, Envoy Extraordinary. Sweden, Baron Leyonbergh, Envoy. Denmark, Monsieur Alfeldt, Envoy. Holland, The Heer Van Zitters, Ambassador in Ordinary. Brandenburg, Monsieur Dankelman, Envoy. Lunenburg, Baron de Schutz, Envoy Extraordinary. Savoy, The Precedent de la Tour Envoy Extraordinary. Vienna, Monsieur Hoffman, Resident. A Scheme of the Sovereign, and Knights Companions of the most Noble Order of the Garter. ●●e King of Denmark. The Sovereign. The King of Sweden. Prince George of Denmark. * Elector of Brandenb. Earl of Oxford. Earl of Strafford. Duke of Beaufort. Earl of Bedford. Duke of Southampton. Earl of Mulgrave. Duke of Newcastle. Marquis of Caerm. Duke of Richmond. Duke of Hamilton. Duke of Somerset. Duke of Northumb. Duke of Norfolk. Earl of Peterborough. Earl of Rochester. Earl of Feversham. Earl of Sunderland. Duke of Ormond. * Earl of Devonshire. A List of the Knights made by His Present Majesty, King William. Knights Baronet's. Hender Moulesworth, Esq created Baronet July 19th. 1689. Sir John Ramsden, of Yorkshire, Esq created Baronet Dec. 30. 1689. Sir William Robinson, of Newby in Yorkshire, Esq, created Baronet Febr. 13th. 1689. Knight's Bachelors. Anthony Keck, Esq Counsellor at Law. Knighted at Whitehall, March 5th. 1688. William Rawlinson, Esq One of the Lords Commissioners of the Chancery. Knighted at Whitehall, March 5th. 1688. Henry Pollixfen, Esq Lord Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas. Knighted at Whitehall, March 5th. 1688. Charles Sidley, Knighted at Whitehall, March 12. 1688. Thomas Pilkington, Esq Lord Mayor of London, Knighted April 10th. 1689. William Whitelock, Esq of the Middle-Temple, Knighted April 10th. 1689. Robert Harrison, Esq Knighted at Whitehall, April 12. 1689. Captain John Ashby and Captain Clovesty Shovel, both Knighted on Shipboard, May 16th. 1689. Charles Hedges, of Doctor's Commons London, Judge of the Admiralty, Knighted at Whitehall, June 4th. 1689. Edward Mosely, of Huling in Lancashire, Esq Knighted at Whitehall, June 4th. 2689. Ralph Box, of London, Esq Knighted at Whitehall, Octob. 25th. 1689. Christopher Lethulier, and John Houblon, Knighted at Whitehall, Octob. 29th. 1689. Edward Clerk, Alderman, and Francis Child, Goldsmith, Knighted at Whitehall, Octob. 29th. 1689. Nicholas Lechmere, Esq One of the Barons of the Exchequer. All four Knighted in the Bedchamber, at Whitehall, Oct. 31. 1689. Tho. Rokesby, Esq One of the the Justices of the Common-Pleas. All four Knighted in the Bedchamber, at Whitehall, Oct. 31. 1689. Giles Eyres, Esq One of the Justices of the Kings-Bench. All four Knighted in the Bedchamber, at Whitehall, Oct. 31. 1689. Peyton Ventris, Esq one of the Justices of the Common-Pleas. All four Knighted in the Bedchamber, at Whitehall, Oct. 31. 1689. John Turton, Esq One of the Barons of the Exchequer. All Knighted in the Bedchamber at Whitehall, Oct. 29. 1689. George Hutchins, Esq One of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. All Knighted in the Bedchamber at Whitehall, Oct. 29. 1689. Will. Wogan, Esq Their Majesty's Sergeants at Law. All Knighted in the Bedchamber at Whitehall, Oct. 29. 1689. J. Tremain, Esq Their Majesty's Sergeants at Law. All Knighted in the Bedchamber at Whitehall, Oct. 29. 1689. W. Thompson, Esq Their Majesty's Sergeants at Law. All Knighted in the Bedchamber at Whitehall, Oct. 29. 1689. J. Trenchard, Esq Their Majesty's Sergeants at Law. All Knighted in the Bedchamber at Whitehall, Oct. 29. 1689. John Somers, Esq their Majesty's Solicitor General. All Knighted in the Bedchamber at Whitehall, Oct. 29. 1689. James de Castillo, Knighted at Whitehall, Dec. 1. 1689. William Cranmer, Merchant, Knighted at Whitehall, Dec. 14th. 1689. Thomas Miller, of Chichester, Esq Knighted at Whitehall, Dec. 23. 1659. Pury Cust, of Stamford, Esq Knighted at Whitehall, April 10th. 1690. William Hussey, of London, Merchant, lately sent Ambassador to Constantinople, Knighted at Whitehall, April 17th. 1690. Joseph Herne, of London, Merchant, Governor of the East-India Company. Both Knighted at Kingsington, Sept. 15th. 1690. Thomas Cook, of London, Goldsmith, Deputy-Governor of the said Company. Both Knighted at Kingsington, Sept. 15th. 1690. George Meggot, Esq of Horsey Down in Surrey, Knighted at Kinsington, Oct. 9th. 1690. Stephen Evans, of London, Knighted at Kinsington, Octob. 14th. 1690. A List of the present Deans, both in England and Wales. S. Asaph, Bangor, Bristol, Canterbury, Carlisle, Chester, Chichester, Christchurch, in Oxford. S. david's. Durham, Ely, Exeter, Gloucester, Hereford, Lichfield, Lincoln, Norwich, S. Paul's, London. Peterborough. Rochester, Salisbury, Wells, Westminster, Winchester, Windsor, and Woolverhampton, Worcester, York, Dr. Bright. Dr. Jones. Dr. Levet. Dr. Sharp. Dr. Mr. Musgrave. Dr. Ardern. Dr. Hawkins. Dr. Aldrich. Dr. Ellis. Dr. Greenvill. Dr. Spencer. Dr. Annesly. Dr. Jane. Dr. Benson. Dr. Addison. Dr. Brevint. Dr. Fairfax. Dr. Tillotson. Dr. Kidder. Dr. Ullock. Dr. Pearce. Dr. Bathurst. Dr. Sprat, Bp. of Rochester. Dr. Meggot. Dr. Haskard. Dr. Hicks. Dr. Wickham. The College of Civilians, called Doctors Commons, exercent in London. DR. George Oxinden, Dean and Official Principal of the Arches-Court of Canterbury, and Vicar General of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Sir Charles Hedges, Kt. Dr. of Laws, Judge of the High Court of Admiralty, Master of the Faculties, and Chancellor of the Diocese of Rochester. Sir Richard Raines, Kt. Dr. of Laws, Judge of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, and Chancellor to the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry. Dr. Thomas Bourchier, Commissary of the Diocese of Canterbury. Dr. Watkinson, Vicar-General to the Archbishop of York. Sir Thomas Pinfold, His Majesty's Advocate-General, Chancellor to the Lord Bishop of Peterborough, and Official to the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's. Dr. Edward Masters, Chancellor to the Lord Bishop of Exeter. Dr. William Oldys, Their Majesty's Advocate for the Office of Lord High Admiral of England, and to the Lords of the Prizes, and Chancellor of the Diocese of Lincoln. Dr. Henry Falconbridge, Chancellor to the Bishop of St. David's. Dr. Pepper, Chancellor to the Bishop of Norwich. Dr. Henry Newton, Chancellor to the Bishop of London. Dr. Henry Aileworth, Chancellor to the Bishop of Oxford. Sir Timothy Baldwin, Chancellor to the Bishops of Hereford and Worcester. Dr. Briggs, Chancellor to the Bishop of Chichester. The Honourable— Montague, Bachelor of Laws, Chancellor to the Bishop of Durham. Dr. John Cook, Chancellor to the Bishop of Ely. — Morley, Bachelor of Laws, Chancellor to the Bishop of Winchester. Dr. Powel, Chancellor to the Bishop of St Asaph. Dr. Richard Parsons, Chancellor to the Bishop of Gloucester. Dr. Henry Jones, Chancellor to the Bishop of Landaff. Dr.— Nicholas, Chancellor to the Bishop of Carlisle. Dr. Bailiff, Chancellor to the Bishop of Bath and Wells. Dr. Wainwright, Chancellor to the Bishop of Chester. Dr. Jones, Chancellor to the Bishop of Bristol, Dr. Pennington, Chancellor to the Bishop of Bangor. — Chancellor to the Bishop of Salisbury. Doctors of Laws. Sir William Trumball, Kt. late Ambassador at Constantinople. Dr. John Edisbury, Official to the Dean and Chapter of Westminster. Dr. Joseph Taylor. Dr. Charles Davenant. Dr. Fisher Littleton. Dr. John St. John. Dr. George Brampston. Dr. Stephen Waller. Dr. Matthew Tindale. Dr. John Conant. Dr. Thomas Lane. Dr. Richard Paget. Dr. Philip Foster. Dr. Bryan Walton. Dr. John Harwood. Dr. John Rudston. Registers. Thomas Oughton, Gent. Register to the High Court of Delegates. John Clements, Esq Register of the Arches Court of Canterbury. Thomas Smith, Deputy Register. Thomas Tillot, Actuary of the same. Orlando Gee, Esq Register of the High Court of Admiralty. Thomas Bedford, Gent. Deputy Register. John Cheek, General Marshal. Proctors of the Arches, and in all other Courts. Samuel Francklyn, Esq Bachelor of the Laws, Their Majesty's Proctor-General. Mr. Ralph Suckley. Mr. Everard Exton, Mr. Batchel. of Laws. Mr. William Cole. Mr. John Hill. Mr. Ric. Newcourt. Mr. Thomas Smith. Mr. Francis Nixon. Mr. Godfrey Lee. Mr. Robert Chapman. Mr. Thomas Tillot. Mr. Thomas Swallow. Mr. Peter Parrot. Mr. Thomas Rock. Mr. Samuel Wiseman. Mr. John Hungerford. Mr. John Miller. Mr. Thomas Shepard. Mr. Keate Waller. Mr. Edward Shaw. Mr. John Lovel. Mr. Richard Martin. Mr. John Roberts. Mr. Robert Bargrave. Mr. John Tomlinson. Mr. George Sayer. Mr. Robert Constable. Mr. Robert Peirson. Mr. John Playdell. Mr. John Chase. Mr. Joseph Patten. Mr. Goldsmith Mills. Mr. Edward Cook. The Prerogative Office, or Registry for the Prerogative Wills, in the Archbishopric of Canterbury. Register of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. Everard Exton, Bachelor of Laws. Deputy Register, Mr. Thomas Welham. Clerks in the said Office. Mr. Charles Pinfold. Mr. John Cottle. Mr. John Holman. Mr.— Dew. Mr. Smith. Mr. Rupert Brown. Keeper of the Wills, Mr. Richard Eades. The London College of Physicians. The Fellows. Dr. Walter Charleton, President. Sir Charles Scarborough, His Majesty's chief Physician, Elect. Sir Thomas Witherly, His Majesty's Physician in Ordinary. Dr. Edmund Dickenson, Physician to the King's Household. Dr. Charles Frazier, Physicians in Ordinary to His Majesty. Dr. Robert Brady, Physicians in Ordinary to His Majesty. Sir George Ent, Elect. Dr. George Rogers, Dr. Thomas Burwel, Register, Dr. John Betts, Elect, Dr. Peter Barwick, Elect. Dr. Samuel Collins, Dr. Sir Thomas Millington, Treasurer, Dr. John Lawson, Dr. Humphrey Brook, Dr. John Bidgood, Dr. Nathaniel Johnson, Censor. Dr. John Atfield, Dr. Henry Paman, Dr. William Walgrave, Dr. John Downs, Dr. Charles Conquest, Dr. Will. Stokeham, Dr. Robert Pierce, Dr. Richard Griffith, Censor. Dr. Walter Needham, Dr. Ferdinand Mendez, Physician to the Queen Dowager. Dr. Richard Lower, Dr. Josias Clark, Dr. Richard Torles, Dr. Edward Brown, Dr. Edward Hulse, Dr. Samuel Morrice, Dr. Phineas Fowke, Dr. Edw. Baynard, Dr. Charles Goodall, Dr. Richard Morton, Dr. Theodore Colladon, Dr. Andrew Clench, Dr. Thomas Alvey, Dr. James Rufine, Dr. Sir Edmond Ki●●● Dr. William Johnston, Dr. Walter Harris, Censor. Dr. Richard Blackbourn, Censor. Dr. William Briggs, Dr. Francis Bernard, Dr. Robert Grace, Dr. Richard Smith, Dr. Frederick Slare, Dr. George How, Dr. William Dawkins, Dr. Christopher Love-Morley. Dr. Walter Mills. Dr. John Harrison, Dr. Edward Tyson. Dr. Richard Robinson, Dr. William Dawes, Dr. John eliot, Dr. Joshua le Feure, Dr. Thomas Walsh, Dr. Thomas Gill, Dr. Richard Darnelly, Dr. Christian Harrel, Dr. Robert Pitt, Dr. John Bateman, Dr. John Radcliff, Dr. John Harrison, Dr. John Hungerford, Dr. Martin Lister, Dr. Thomas Palmer, Dr. Edward Betts, Dr. Richard Field, Dr. Hans. Sloan, Dr. Rich. Blackmore, Dr. Tancred Robinson, Dr. Richard Carr, Dr. Simon Welman. Candidates. Robert Midgeley, Peter Geltsthorp. Honourary Fellows. William-Denton, John Skinner, William Langham, Otw. Meverell, Robert Fielding, John Windebank, Sir Theod. De Vaux, John Yardley, Thomas Moor, William Burnet, Henry Samson, John Masters, John Jones, Daniel Cox, Nehemiah Grew, Thomas Gibson, Peter Alder, Nehemiah Cox. Licentiates. Thomas Sydenham, John Reak, Richard Brown, Jeremiah Butt, Praise Watson, Edward Bell, Isaac Chauncey, Christopher Crell, John Martin, Philip Guide, John Groenvelt, Joshua Palmer, Henry Morelli, John Peachy, Thomas Hobbs, William Sydenham, John Jones, Charles nichols, John Nicholson, Clopton haver's, Bernard Soames, James Disbrow, David Hamilton, — Deffray, Salisbury Cade, William Grimbalston, Cal. Coatsworth, Sebast. Le Feure. The present Lord Mayor, and Aldermen of London. Sir Thomas Pilkington, Lord Mayor. Sir John Laurence, Sir William Turner, Sir Robert Clayton, Sir Patience Ward, Sir John Moor, Sir William Pritchard, Sir Robert Jefferies, Sir Jonathan Raymond, Sir Peter Daniel, Sir Peter Rich, Sir Thomas Stamp, Sir S●muel Dashwood, Sir Benj. Thorowgood, Sir Thomas Kensy, Sir William Ashurst, Sir Thomas Lane. Sir John Fleet. Sir Humphrey Edwin. Sir John Parsons. Sir John Houblon. Edm. Clark and Francis Cild Sheriffs. Jo. Wildman Esq Ric. Lovet. Esq Will. Gore. Esq Chief Officers under them. The Recorder, Sir George Treby. Chamberlain, Leonard Robinson, Esq Common Sergeant, Henry crisp, Esq Town Clerk,— controller of the Chamber, and Vice-chamberlain, Joseph Lane, Esq Deputy Recorder, Martin Rider, Esq Swordbearer, William Man, Esq Common Hunt, Walter Masters, Esq Common Crier, Lovet Goring, Esq water-bailiff, James Cumber, Esq Coroner, Mr. John Broom. Judges of the Sheriff's Courts. Christopher Goodfellow, Esq James Mundy,— Esq The Lieutenancy of London. Sir Thomas Pilkington, Mayor. Sir John Laurence, Sir William Turner, Sir Robert Clayton, Sir Patience Ward, Sir William. Pritchard, Colonel of the White Regiment. Sir James Smith, Col. of the Orange. Sir Jonathan Raymond, Col. of the Green. Sir Peter Rich, Col. of the Blue. Sir Thomas Kensey, Col. of the Red. Sir Tho. Stamp, Col. of the Yellow. Sir Robert Jefferies, Sir George Treby, Recorder, Sir Samuel Dashwood, Sir Benjamin Thorowgood, Sir William Ashurst, Sir Humphrey Edwin, Sir John Fleet, Sir Benj. Newland, Sir Thomas Fowls, Sir John Matthews, Sir Henry Ashurst, Baronet. Sir John Leithelier, Sir Peter Vandeput, Sir William Russel, Sir Jer. Sambrook, Sir William Hedges, Sir John Mordant, Baronet, Sir Gabriel Roberts, Sir Francis Child, Sir Edward Clark, Sir John Houblon, Sir John Cutler, Sir Edw. Desbovery, Sir James Ward, Sir Robert adam's, Sir Thomas Vernon, Sir Ralph Box, Sir Christopher Leithelier. Sir William Hussey, Sir Joseph Herne, Sir Thomas Cook, Sir Tho. Papilion, Sir Thomas Frederick, Sir Joseph Birch, Sir William Kiffin, Sir Edward Underhill Sir George Sitwell, Sir Thomas Western, Sir John Jolliffe, Sir Charles Thorold, Sir Nathaniel Tench, Sir Francis Chamberlain, Sir James Hudson, Sir Tho. Langham, Sir Peter Houblon, Sir James Houblon, Sir Leonard Robinson, Sir William Jarret, Sir Daniel Mercer, Sir Andrew Kendrick, Sir John Flavil, Sir Robert Whittingham, Sir William Warren Sir John Railer, Sir Francis Gosfright, Sir William Seven, Sir John Foach, Sir John Johnson, Sir Samuel Powel, Sir Joseph Bowels, Sir Abraham Wessel, Sir Walter Coventry, Sir James Denue, Sir John Scriveu, Sir Daniel Allen, Sir Ralph Grange, Sir Robert Raworth, Sir Francis Moor, Sir Thomas Shaw, Sir John Cook, Sir William Faulkner, Sir James Boddington, Sir Henry Hatley, Sir John adam's, Sir Jeremiah Whitchcot, Sir Percival Gilburn, Sir James Chamberlain, Sir John Kent, Sir Richard Aley, Sir John Nichols, Sir Thomas Colson, Sir Nicholas Charleton, Sir John Midgeley, Sir Edward Beacker, Sir William Gore, Sir William Withers, Sir Richard Hoare, Sir Jeffery Nightingale. Sir James Smith, Sir Joseph Hornby, Sir Richard Beauchamp, Sir Richard Normansell, Sir Joseph Smart, Sir Robert Beddingfield, Sir Peter joy, Sir William Hooker, Sir John Steventon, Sir William Carpenter. Sir Arthur Baron. Sir William Tempest. Sir Peter Floyer. Sir Roger Norton. Sir Henry Clerk. Sir John Geneu. Sir John Sawyer. Sir Thomas Wood Sir Jeoffry Jefferies. Sir Nath. Haws. Sir William Strong, Sir John Jefferies. Sir Adrian Quiney. Sir John Wallis. Sir John Cogs. Sir John East. Sir Richard Pearce. Sir Edmund Bolter. Clerk, John Burret. Muster-Master, Joseph Hid. Messenger, Benjamin Leech. The present Governors of the Charter-House. Archbishop of Canterbury. Lord Precedent of the Council. Duke of Ormond. Duke of Beaufort. Marquis of Hallifax. Earl of Craven. Earl of Clarendon. Earl of Rochester. Earl of Mulgrave. Earl of Berkly. Bishop of London. Bishop of Wincester. Master of the House. Thomas Burnet, Esq Under-Officers. The Register, Mr. William Lightfoot. Receiver, Robert Pain, Esq Auditor, Mr. Richard Spour. Physician, Dr. Walter Needham. Chaplain, Mr. John Patrick. Reader, Mr. Charles Ludgole. Organist, Mr. Nicholas Love. Schoolmaster, Mr. Thomas Walker. Usher, Mr. John Stacy. A List containing the Names of the present Chancellor, Vicechancellor, Heads of Colleges and Halls, Proctors, Orator, and Professors, in the University of Oxford. The Chancellor. His Grace, James, Duke of Ormond. Vicechancellor. Dr. Jonathan Edward's. Heads of Colleges. University College. Dr. Edw. Farrar, Master. Balliol College. Dr. Rog. Mander, Master. Merton College. Dr. Tho. Clayton, Warden. Exeter College. Dr. Arth. Bury, Rector. Oriel College. Dr. Rob. Say, Provost. Queen's College. Dr. Tim. Halton, Provost. New College. Dr. Hen. Beeston, Warden. Lincoln College. Dr. Fitz-Herbert adam's, Rector. All-Souls College. Dr. Leopold Finch, Warden. Magdalen College. Dr. John Hough, Precedent, and Bishop of Oxford. Brazen Nose College. Dr. J. Meare, Principal. Corpus Christi College. Dr. Tho. Turner, Presisident. Christ-Church College. Dr. Henry Aldrich Dean. Trinity College. Dr. Ralph Bathurst, President. S. John's College. Dr. Will. Levinz Precedent. Jesus College. Dr. Jonathan Edward's, Principal. Wadham College. Dr. Thomas Dunster, Warden. Pembroke College. Dr. John Hall, Master. Heads of the Halls. Magdalen Hall, Dr. Will. Levet, Principal. Edmund Hall, Dr. John Mill, Principal. Alban Hall, Dr. Tho. Bouchier, Principal. Hart Hall, Mr. Will. Thornton, Principal. S. Marry Hall, Mr. Will. Wyatt, Principal. Gloucester Hall, Dr. Bryan Eton, Principal. New Inn Hall, Dr. Tho. Bayly, Principal. Proctors for this Year. Mr. Francis Brown, Fellow of Merton College. Mr. Francis Bernard, Fellow of S. John's College. Public Orator. Mr. William Wyat. Professors. In Divinity, Dr. William Jane, Regius Professor; and Dr. John Hall, Margaret Professor in Divinity. Civil Law, Dr. Thomas Bourchier, Regius Professor. Physic, Dr. John Luffe, Regius Professor. Natural Philosophy, Dr. Stephen Fry. Botanic, Mr. Jacob Bobart. Astronomy, Dr. Edward Bernard. Geometry, Dr. John Wallis. Music, Mr. Richard Goodson. Moral Philosophy, Mr. William Christmas. Hebrew and Arabic, Dr. Edward Pocock. Greek, Dr. William Levins. Cambden Professor, Mr. Henry Dodwell. A List of the Chancellor, Vicechancellor, Heads of the Colleges and Halls, Proctors, Orator, and Professors, in the University of Cambridge. The Chancellor. Charles, Duke of Somerset. Vicechancellor. Dr. Roderick. Heads of Colleges, and Hall's King's College, Dr. Roderick. Quen's College, Dr. James. St. John's College, Dr. Gower. Trinity College, Dr. Montague. Christ's College, Dr. Coval. Magdalen College, Dr. Quadring. Corpus Christi College, Dr. Spencer, Jesus College, Dr. Saywell. Emanuel College, Dr. Balderston. Sidn. and Suss. College, Dr. Johnson. Gonu. and Cajus College, Dr. Brady. ●eter-House Hall, Dr. Beaumond. Catharine Hall, Dr. Echard. Clare Hall, Dr. Blithe. Pembroke Hall, Dr. Coga Trinity Hall, Dr. Oxenden. Proctors. Mr. Cook. Mr. Wotton. Orator. Dr. Felton. Professors. Professor Regius, Dr. Beaumond. Margaret Professor, Dr. Gower. Professor of Casuistical Divinity, Dr. Smoult. Of the Civil Law, Dr. Oxenden. Physic, Dr. Brady. Mathematics, Mr. Newton. Hebrew Professor, Dr. Stubs, Grek Professor, Mr. pain. Arabic Professor, Dr. Luke. FINIS.