THE ENGLISH Historical Library: OR, A Short View and Character Of most of the WRITERS Now Extant, either in Print or Manuscript; Which may be Serviceable to the Undertakers of a General History of this Kingdom.  
By WILLIAM NICOLSON, A. M. Archdeacon of Carlisle.  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. Lucian. de Conscrib. Hist. 
LONDON, Printed for Abel Swall and T. Child, at the Unicorn, in St. Paul's Churchyard, MDCXCVI.   

TO THE Most Reverend Father in God, JOHN, By Divine Providence, Lord Archbishop of YORK, Primate and Metropolitan of ENGLAND.  
MY LORD,  
INstead of prefixing so great a Name to the following Papers, I had thoughts of craving Your Grace's Patronage for some others which more nearly relate to the Affairs of Your own Province. But, I know not how, these have gotten the start; and, tho' I may (for the present) have some Reason to vary my Subject, I hope, I may be allowed to put those also under Your Protection hereafter. I am deeply sensible of my own Insufficiency to perfect what is here begun, without such Assistances as Your Grace (above all others) can best afford me. My great distance from Libraries, and the narrowness of my Acquaintance with our English Historians, will render my best Performances very scanty and imperfect. Yet, if the Design be approved and meet with acceptance abroad, I shall not despair of such helps as will rectify all my mistakes, and supply the defects of this first Essay. To this purpose, I now humbly offer it to Your Grace's View and Censure; being very ready to acknowledge all your Corrections as so many Particular Obligations and Honours conferred upon,  
MY LORD, YOUR GRACE's Most dutiful Son and Servant, WILL. NICOLSON.   

THE PREFACE.  
A General History of this Kingdom is what our learned Men begin now so sensibly to want, and so earnestly to desire, that I do not question but Attempts will be made to gratify the prevailing Humour of the Times. Though to me, I confess, the Prospect is a little discouraging: Since the due observance of all the Rules which Lucian, Father Le Moyne, and others, have laid down for the carrying on of such a work require so many Accomplishments, that I am very much of the Jesuits opinion, that their Historian is 
a Le moyne's Art of Writing Hist. p. 224.  a Man not yet born, nor will be before the year that discovers the perpetual motion and Philosopher's Stone. 'Tis not enough, they tell us, that he be (what the Incomparable Translator of Polybius observes of his 
a Sir H. S. Pref. to Polyb.  Author) a Soldier, a Statesman and a Philosopher: but he must be also a Divine, a Lawyer, an Orator, a Poet, and a downright honest Country-gentleman. At least, he must be plentifully stocked with 
b Le Moyne, p. 21, 22, etc.  Wit, or an Universal Disposition and unbounded Spirit that comprehends all that's Great and Glorious in the several States and Empires of the whole World. To these Intellectual Endowments we must add the great Moral one of his being Philalethes, a Person of that just Integrity as not to be biased by Passion or Interest. A Learned Writer has very lately observed, That 
a H. Wharton's Pref. to AB. Laud's Life p. 10.  Private Affections ought not to accompany works of such a Public Nature: and yet how difficult a Lesson this is to Flesh and Blood, himself has fairly shown us, when (in the same Page) he sticks not to affirm that his late Patron left more Collections of his own hand-writing than perhaps any Man, either of this or the last Age, ever did write.  
So that, for my share, I know not where to look for this fine Person; this Nonesuch of a Man; who alone (it seems) is qualified to write a General History. We have lately indeed had Proposals for the speedy publishing of an entire History of this Nation: But I extremely suspect the Author, when he appears abroad, will not be able to stand this Test. The very Title of his Book (which promises to bring down our Story 
a J. ●●●on's Proposals.  from the Flood) looks so like a jest, that I cannot but fear that we shall not have Alloy enough to qualify the mighty strain of Poetry that will run through the whole Work. What Advances might be made this way by 
b T. Gale, Praef. ad Script. XV. ●▪ 8.  Leland, Bale or Josceline, I know not: but I think all three of 'em have discovered such frailties in themselves, and such defects in their writings, as are hardly consistent with the being able to finish an Undertaking of this kind. Nor do I at all believe Dr. Gale's great Mr. 
c Id. ib.  Selden to have been a Man of Accomplishments sufficient for such a Performance; and I fancy the learned Doctor himself will be of my opinion when he has carefully perused his Preface to the Decem Scriptores, his Spicilegium to Eadmerus and his Janus Anglorum. Camden 
a Camd. Brit. in Norman.  bewails the rashness and folly of his own Attempting such a Matter; and seems to acknowledge that 'twas Imprudence and want of thought, which, in his younger days, had led him into the Sare. Mr. Milton and Sir William Temple designed only to write Abridgements of our English Story; and therefore they do not expect that what they have drawn up, for a View of the Times before the Conquest, should be received as a Complete General History, even for so far as it reaches. Their 
b Sir W. T.'s Introduct. p. 5.  beating through these rough and dark ways of the Journey appears to be done in so much haste, and affords so slender a Discovery of the road, that it looks like the Tale of a Man in a fright; one that has been scared with dismal Apprehensions of meeting with most monstrous Spirits and Hobgoblins in the Shades and Night he had passed through.  
Before therefore I can have any tolerable hopes of seeing a work of this Grandeur carried on with success, and to the purpose, I must hear of its being undertaken by a Club of Men of Parts and Learning; some whereof are Masters of our ancient Languages, and others of the Modern; Some versed in the Writings of the old Britain's, Romans, Saxons and Danes, and others thoroughly acquainted with the Historians since the Conquest; some that know the Geography, and others the Law, of the Realm; some that have been bred at Court, and others in the Camp, etc. Nor would I have this Society to consist of such as the Bookseller only should assure me were Persons of these very Characters; but I could wish it might be an Engagement mutually and generously entered into by Men of Leisure and Fortune, as additional Accomplishments, over and above all that we have mentioned. Or else, let me hope to see a College of Historians as Nobly endowed here, as that of the Antiquaries is in Sweden; where the Precedent has a yearly Salary allowed him of six hundred Crowns, and each of his Assessors three hundred. When these Gentlemen have agreed on, and finished their several Tasks, they ought to be carefully perused by every particular Member of the Society; as well as by him whose peculiar Province it shall be to inspect and supervise the whole.  
To serve this imaginary Fraternity I have drawn together the following Papers; which give the Reader as short and as methodical an Abstract of a great many larger Collections on the same Subject as I could readily furnish him with. I know there have been Catalogues of this kind made heretofore by Men of better Acquaintance with our English Libraries and Manuscripts than I can pretend to. Such is Joh. Josceline's Commentary cited by 
a Praef. ad Angl. Sacr. Vol. I. p. 26.  Mr. Wharton; and the Hypercritica, frequently referred to by the Oxford 
b Athen-Oxon. Vol. I. p. 452. & alibi.  Antiquary. Tho. Fuller had also composed something of the like Nature, under the Title of 
c Hist. Eccles. lib. I. p. 42.  A Library of British Historians; to which he sometimes refers his Readers, as a piece wherewith he intended suddenly to bless the Public. P. Heylyn began an 
a Edit. London, 8o 1659.  Examen Historicum, but carried it no farther than the works of a couple of his Cotemporaries, who very well deserved to be lashed. 'Tis seldom that the Censures and Remarks of single Men go any greater lengths than this; just as far as they are pushed on by private Resentment and Pique. Whereas a General Examen, a sort of an Universal Index Expurgatorius, that points at the mistakes and errors of every page in our several Historians, is what we chiefly want; and what must be the Result of the joint Labours of a Society of English Antiquaries and Historians as well as the General History itself.  
For, most of our Printed Histories have been miserably abused, either in transcribing, or at the Press, besides (their native blemishes) the falsities and blunders of their Authors; tho' some few have had the good fortune to fall into better hands which have sent them abroad beautiful and well dressed. The first Person of my Eminence and Learning that was so kind to this Kingdom as to procure a correct Edition of some of our best Historians, was Archbishop Parker; who furnished us with 
a London 1570.  Matthew of Westminster, 
b London 1571.  M. Paris, 
c Lond. 1574.  Tho. Walsingham and 
d Cum priore.  Asserius Menevensis. After him the Lord William Howard of Naworth published 
e Francof. 1601.  Florence of Worcester; as did likewise Sir Henry Savile his 
a Francof. 1601.  Scriptores post Bedam, and Camden his 
b Ib. 1602.  Anglica, Normannica, etc. These were four very Great Men: And what they had begun singly and severally, was, with like accuracy and success, carried on by a Confederacy of Learned Worthies (Archbishop Usher, Sir R. Twisden and Mr. Selden) during our late Civil Wars. To them we are eternally indebted for the noble Edition they gave us of the 
c Lond. 1652.  Decem Scriptores; and they had certainly 
d See W. Kennet's Life of Mr. S●●●er, p. 64, 65, 66.  further obliged us, had not the Iniquity of the Times, and the Inconstancy that attends all humane Affairs, prevented them. What they left unfinished was, in a good measure, perfected by (that mighty Supporter of Learning) Dr. John Fell, the late excellent Bishop of Oxford, who took care to 
a Oxon. 1684.  publish some of the Treatises which they had prepared for the Press; and had been at a great charge in procuring others of 'em, which he did not live to finish. Of these a more particular account will be given hereafter, in their proper places.  
To repair (as much as was possible) the inexpressible loss we had by the Death of this worthy Prelate, the like good service to the Public was happily undertaken by the Industrious and Learned Dr. Th. Gale; who has kindly obliged us with Twenty of our old Writers, in two Volumes. The former of these (tho' last 
b Oxon. 1691.  Printed) contains fifteen pieces of our most ancient Historians (as Gildas, Nennius, Asserius, etc.) transcribed out of old Manuscripts; with the various Readins, where any variety of Copies was to be had. To which he has added a large Appendix of such fragments of Antiquity as are justly to be called Prime-Primitive, out of Ptolemy, Antoninus' Itinerary, the Notitia Dignitatum, etc. Upon some of these he has given us his own excellent Notes; together with Surita's upon the Itinerary, so far as it relates to Britain. It were to be wished the Printer had performed his part as well: But the Doctor's great Distance from the Press, and the usual negligence of Correctors, has occasioned several Errata; which yet will be easily rectified by an Intelligent Reader. In the 
a Oxon. 1687.  second Volume we have Five Historians of Note; who make us acquainted with many considerable Transactions in the first eight Reigns after the Conquest. The Publisher's Design, in this part, would not allow him to descend any lower than to the Reign of Edward the First: and therefore, although Wikes and the Annals of Waverley carry him a little beyond his Bounds (as ending soon after) yet, he tells us, he has reserved a good share of Hemmingford for the more regular Prosecution of his Method in some other Volume, which he encourages us to hope for from him hereafter. To these (as he 
a Praef. ad Vol. I. p. 5, 6.  observes) there ought indeed to be added a Third Volume (perhaps, a Fourth and a Fifth) of our MS. Historians from Hen. III. to Hen. VIII. And that would complete the Collection which he has, with so great Pains and Judgement, begun. For, since Printing came in fashion, nothing of History has been penned, worth the Common View, which is not effectually published and easy to be had; except only some few choice Papers that are still monopolised by such private men (of slow thought) as do believe they wrong themselves whenever they communicate these hidden Treasures. In both Volumes we have most exact and full Indices; which exceedingly add to the value of the Work.  
The like good Services have been done to the Ecclesiastical History of this Kingdom by H. Wharton, who has published 
a Anglia Sacra, Par. I. & II. Lond. 1691.  two Volumes of Writers on that Subject; and seems to intimate that, some time or other, we might have hoped for a Third and Fourth Volume of the same sort of Collections from him. Had he improved the Opportunities he once had of fitting out all these for the Press, before the misfortunes of his Patron had spoiled both his 
a cum adversa Clementissimi Patroni fortuna mihi hujusmodi studiorum subsidia, omnium verò praemia, infoelici excusserit: Praef. ad Par. II. p. 30.  Design and Prospect, his kindness to the Public would have been doubled; and perhaps other occasions might have been offered him of communicating his elaborate Notes on the Succession of some of our Bishops. His other Ornamental Discourses, which seem to have robbed us of a deal of his Time and Pains, might have been spared. At least; they would have taken no harm, if he had kept them within Doors a little longer; since some of 'em look as if they were sent abroad too early, and before they were come to their full growth and perfection. For instance; That about the two Aelfrics (which he values himself upon, as his 
a Tot tantisque Argumentis firmata, ut non facilè aliis rejicienda fuerit.  masterpiece) is founded on a gross mistake in A. Wheloc's wrong Translating an expression in the Saxon 
b Ad Antiq. 975.  Chronicle; which carries no such sense as he puts upon it. Some body, I fancy, had made him sensible of this Error; and therefore (in his 
c P. 796.  Addenda) he endeavours to gain his point by a fresh Argument, assuring us that the Codex optimus Cottonianus ends the Chronicle at the year 975.  
Had the rest of our Libraries been as well searched, as that at Lambeth was by this Gentleman, I should have been able to have enlarged this Collection to a much greater bulk: whereas, for want of such Discoveries, some hundreds of Volumes may possibly escape me. Sir John Cotton's at Westminster (collected by his Grandfather Sir Robert) has heretofore been justly esteemed to contain more Helps for the composure of a General History of England, than all the other Libraries of the Kingdom 
a J. Usser. Praef. ad Brit. Eccl. Antiq. p. 2.  put together; being not only plentifully stocked with Manuscript Historians, Original Grants, Patents, etc. but also abundantly furnished with our old 
b Camden and Speed.  Roman, British, 
c Praef. ad vit. Aelfredi R. Not. ad Tab. IU.  Saxon and Norman Coins. Tho-James first published a 
d Ecloga Oxonio-Cantabr. Lond. 1600.  Catalogue of the MSS. in the Public Library at Cambridge and of the Private College-Libraries in Oxford; out of which last he is reported to have 
e Athen. Oxon. Vol. I. p. 459.  borrowed several Volumes, never hitherto restored to their proper Owners, Afterwards he did the like for 
a Oxon. 1605, 1620.  Bodley's; which, the Reader ought to know, has been wonderfully improved since that time by the many large Additions that have been made to it (chiefly in Manuscripts) by Archbishop Laud, the Lord Hatton, Mr. Selden's and Mr. Junius' Executors, etc. To which the Musaeum Ashmoleanum makes now a most Noble Appendix; as being richly fraught with an excellent Collection of Manuscripts and Coins (as well as other 
b See Dr. Plott's Hist. of Staffordsh. p. 277.  Rarities in Art and Nature) made by that worthy Person whose Name it deservedly bears. Some part of the great Treasure here reposited, has been already discovered to us by Mr. Gibson, who has published a 
c Oxon. 1692.  Catalogue of Sir William Dugdale 's Books; and we hope the like good Office will be done for Mr. Ashmole by 
a Mr. Edw. Lhwyd the worthy Keeper of the Musaeum.  another learned hand. Dr. Hickes' 
b Ad finem Instit. Gramm. Anglo-Sax.  Catalogue of such MSS. as relate to the Saxon and Danish Times is the most complete we have in its kind: and Mr. 
c Oxon. 1692.  Gibson's Account of Tennison's Library (founded by His Grace the present Archbishop of Canterbury, at St. Martin's in the Fields) is highly beneficial and obliging.  
But all these are small shreds and scantlings, if compared with the Voluminous work of Dr. Bernard; who threatens to give us an entire 
d Librorum MSS. Academiorum Oxoniensis & Cantabrigiensis, & celebrium per Angliam Hiberniamque Bibliothecarum Catalogus, etc.  List of all the Manuscripts of this Kingdom (of all kinds) that either our Public or Private Libraries will afford. 'Tis a very Noble and Generous Undertaking. Only; a little more caution (I think) should be observed by him, in carefully perusing the Catalogues that are sent from some of the most distant Counties: especially, where the Authority relied on, for the Truth of the Copies, is not very good and staunch. Otherwise, 'tis possible the Reader may be sent some hundreds of Miles to inquire after a Book that has not appeared, in the place referred to, at any time since the Restoration of King Charles the Second. This, I am very sure, is the Case with some of the Northern Libraries; whose Catalogues (as he has Printed them) were either drawn thirty years ago, or else are Prophetically calculated for about thirty years hence. Of this latter kind is that of a certain Cathedral Church; which neither is, nor ever was, furnished with any one single Manuscript of the several, in all Volumes, which 'tis there said to contain. I have some cause to fear that I shall never live to see such Books, in that Library, as are there mentioned: and I am also afraid that most of 'em (if they have any being at all) are of that modest complexion which becomes a private retirement better than an appearance in public. The Doctor's Project is certainly very commendable; and deserves encouragement, and the utmost Assistance that Men of Learning and Acquaintance with Books can give it. But then, They that pretend to put a helping hand to the Work should be sure to do it effectually. They should be scrupulously nice in their Informations; take nothing upon Trust and Hear-say; send no Transcripts of ancient (heretofore) Catalogues, instead of such as give the present State of their Libraries; view the Books themselves; be sure they are already in the Classes referred to, and not only in some distant and uncertain promise; etc. By these means we might truly discover the dormant Riches of the Nation; and the c●rious might, with good assurance, apply to such Persons as were undoubtedly able to Answer their Hopes.  
Till these vast Designs are perfected, we cannot hope for a full and exact Index of all those Historians that have escaped the common Destruction, in the Dissolution of Abbeys, and the Outrages of our Civil Wars. And 'twill be enough for a Man that lives in such an obscure corner of the Earth, as my Lot is fallen into, to point at the Times wherein the greatest part of 'em flourished; how they were qualified for their several Undertake; and how well, or ill, they have acquitted themselves in their Performances. This I shall endeavour to do in a Method, which, I hope, the Reader will think Natural enough; as agreeing with me that our General Historian ought to inquire for,  

1. Geographical, Chorographical and Topographical Writers of this Nation; such as give an Account of its chief Remarkables in Nature, Arts and Antiquities. And that either, 

1. In General. Chap. 1.  
2. In Particular Counties, Cities and Great Towns. Ch. 2.    
2. Chronicles and Annals. Which are either, 

1. General Relating to the Times, 

1. Of the Britain's and Romans. Chap. 3.  
2. Of the Saxons and Danes. Ch. 4.  
3. Since the Conquest. Ch. 5.    
2. Particular Lives of our several Kings, down from William the Conqueror. Ch. 6.    
3. Ecclesiastical Historians. 

1. General. As, 

1. From the first Establishment of Christianity to the Reign of Henry VIII. Chap. 7.  
2. Since the Reformation. Ch. 8.    
2. Particular. As to the several 

1. Bishoprics. Ch. 9  
2. Monasteries. Ch. 10.  
3. Universities. Ch. 11.      
4. Law-Books, Records and Papers of State. Ch. 12.  
5. Biographers, Writers of the Lives of our English 

1. Saints. Ch. 13.  
2. Eminent Churchmen and Statesman. Ch. 14.  
3. Writers. Ch. 15.     
I have not the vanity to imagine that I shall ever be able to run through all these Chapters without being guilty of a deal of very gross Mistakes: and therefore I expect to hear of a large Musterroll of Errors and Defects in my Book. This I shall so little repine at; that I do assure Thee (Honest Reader) 'tis what I heartily long for and desire. I pretend to little more at present than the drawing of such Lines as may be filled up hereafter into a piece worth the Viewing; and I shall be abundantly thankful to have the finishing part done by a better and more Skilful hand than my own. I have spent a great deal of time (perhaps, too much) in conversing with some of these old Gentlemen; and I cannot but flatter myself into a belief that I have attained to something of a more than ordinary Acquaintance with them. However, the Characters I shall give of 'em are not always mine, but are sometimes Censures passed by better Judges than myself. wherever I venture to give my own opinion, I hope, I shall do it with that Sincerity and Caution which becomes an Englishman; one that is always ready to put himself upon a Trial by God and his Country, as not being conscious of any Offence, either against Religion or good Manners. And yet, where there is Manifest Cause of Complaint; where a Writer is either scandalously Ignorant or Impertinent; where we have Romance or Buffonery trumped upon us for good Sterling-History; where a Bankrupt Plagiary sets up upon the borrowed Stock of an Industrious Author, or the like; there, I hope, a moderately keen Resentment will not be Interpreted as a Breach of any Commandment, either of the First or Second Table.  
I have but one thing more to Apologise for; and that's the frequent Repetitions, the Reader will be apt to observe, of the same Word and (perhaps) Expression and Phrase. I have repeated Occasions to take Notice of this and the other Man's Undertaking and Performing, Penning and Publishing, his several Historical Labours: And possibly a nice Critic in the Finery and Cadence of the English Tongue would expect that I should have Collected a good Number of Synonymous Sentences for this Purpose. I can only say, I never intended my Papers for the View of such Delicate and Curious Judges of Language and Oratory. If I had but a Word in readiness that would serve my Turn▪ I never vexed my Brains in Pumping for another that could only do as well: And, being to clothe so many People of the very same Size and Shapes, it were too severe (I think) to force me to provide each of 'em with a different Habit and Fashion.   

CHAP. I.  
Of the General Geography, State and Antiquities of England.  
WHatever crime it might be anciently in private Men to be skilled in Maps and Charts of whole Countries, (that being thought a Piece of Knowledge, proper only for Princes and great Generals) 'tis now a mighty Defect in the modish Accomplishments of the Age of the otherwise; and every Body is so much a Politician, Statesman and Warrior, that there is no conversing in the World without an intimate Acquaintance with all the four Quarters of the Globe. 'Tis not my business at present to furnish out Instructions for the speedy Attainment of this kind of Learning; nor to explain Gazettes and Monthly Mercuries: that's done abundantly by other Hands. The sole design of this Chapter is the pointing at such ancient and modern Writers, as have described (at large, and by wholesale) the Lands and Territories, Cities and Highways, Natural History, Politics, Antiquities, etc. of this Kingdom.  
Ptolemy, 
Ptolemy.  lived (as 
a H. Lhuyd Fragment. fol. 35. a. Jo. Ant. Maginus, Pag. 4. etc.  all agree) in the beginning of the second Century; and therefore we may safely call him the first Geographer that mentioned any thing of the British Islands. For the little florid Accounts which we have from Julius Caesar or Tacitus, ought not to come into this reckoning. And well he may seem to be so; since the Maps which Maginus and others have drawn by his Tables, sufficiently show, that, when he wrote, Geography was but in its Infancy. So much of him as relates to us, has been lately published by 
b Append. ad Hist. Brit. p. 735. & 787.  Dr. Gale, who has also give us his own learned Notes upon that part of the Book.  
If Antoninus' 
Antoninus  Itinerary were truly the Composure of that great Emperor, whose Name it bears, there would be no controversy in placing it next to Ptolemy's Tables: but 
c De Hist. Lat. in vità Livii.  Vossius gives it too severe Language to deserve the Honour it had sometime gained in the world; and (in plain terms) calls it a Bastard. However, let it be written by Antoninus, Antonius or 
a Vide Usserii Hist. Eccles. Brit. p. 42.  Aethicus; 'tis of an ancient date, and shall here keep the Station and Repute it has gotten among as learned and wise Judges as have hitherto condemned it. That part of his Work which concerns Britain, has been amply treated on by three of our own Countrymen: Mr. 
b M. S. in Coll. Ben. Cantab. & Bibl. Cott. de quo vid. Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. par. II. p. 135. & J. Pits, p. 737.  R. Talbot, sometime Canon of Norwich, whose Manuscript Commentaries (much enlarged by Dr. Caius) are now in the Library at Caius College in Cambridge: Mr. William 
c Fol. London 1658.  Burton, Schoolmaster at Kingston upon Thames: And Dr. Tho. 
d Append. ad Hist. Brit. p. 787.  Gale, the present Learned and Worthy Master of St. Paul's School in London.  
The Liber Notitiarum comes next in order; 
Liber Notitia● rum.  and the last mentioned 
e Id. ib. p. 744, 746, 748.  Learned Person has obliged us with as much of it as is for our purpose. He has also given us what may seem to have any relation to this Country, out of an old anonymous Geographer lately published at Paris, together with a List of the Hides or Tenements in the several Counties of England in the days of our Saxon Kings. And these (I think) are all the Remains of our old Geography, and the Sum of what was penned before the Conquest that looked this way. For, with what confidence soever 
a Pag. 136.  J. Pits may report it, I do not believe that ever venerable Bede wrote any Book, De situ & mirabilibus Britanniae; or that any such thing is, or ever was to be had in the Library of Bennet College. His Ecclesiastical History (as paraphrased in the English Saxon Tongue by King Aelfred) is indeed there; and the first Chapter in it bears a Title which might impose upon the good Man, or his Informer, who is often guilty of more groundless Mistakes than this.  
From the Conquest, 
Since the Conquest.  down to the Reign of King Henry the Eighth; our English Geographers have either been few, or the want of Printing has occasioned the loss of most of them. Gyraldus Cambrensis' four Books of the Topography of Britain and his Itinerary, (both which 
a Id. p. 280.  are said to be in Bennet-Library) are the first I can hear off. And I doubt I shall only hear of them; for they seem to be the same with his Itinerary and Topography of Wales. John Leland 
b Assert. Arthur. fol. 33. a.  says, he does not question but there was such a Book as the former of these. But all his industry could not ferret it out. Ralph de Dicetoes Treatise 
c Pits p. 283.  de mirabilibus Angliae seems to be as rare a Piece as either of the former; and is, perhaps, laid up with John Horminger's 
d Id. p. 398.  Commendations of England, or (as Bale calls it) de divitiis & deliciis Angliae. Of the same Stamp, I fancy, is William Thorn's 
e Id. pag. 529.  Chronicle of all the Countries (as well as Bishoprics and Abbeys) in Trevisa's 
f Id. pag. 567.  Description of Britain; and William Buttoner's 
g Id. p. 646.  Antiquities, collected out of the old Charters, Leiger-Books, Epitaphs, etc. of the whole Kingdom. Caxton's is the only thing in its kind, which I can assuredly say we have; as being long since published with his 
h Fol. Lond. 1515.  Chronicle or Fructus Temporum. Will it be any inducement to the Reader to peruse use this Author's Work to hear him recommended by 
a Edit. prim. Cent. 8. cap. 43.  Bale, under the character of vir non omnino stupidus aut ignaviâ torpens?  
Since the beginning of Henry the Eighth's Reign, 
In Hen Eighth's Reign.  our eldest general Geographer of Antiquary, is said to be 
b J. Pits, p. 733.  Tho. Sulmo (some call him Sulemanus, others Solimountes) a Guernsey Man, who died at London, A. D. 1545. The year following a much greater Man of the profession (Sir Thomas Eliot, one of King Henry's Ambassadors and Sir Thomas Moor's Friends) 
c Id. p. 734.  died also, and left behind him a learned and judicious Commentary de rebus memorabilibus Angliae. This work gained him the Repute of a most accomplished Antiquary in the opinion of J. 
d De Encom. virorum illustr. p. 18.  Leland, who is almost immoderate in his Praises. But Humphrey 
e Fragment. fol. 5. a. b.  Lhuyd (being a little disgusted at his Prytannia) could only allow him the modest Character of vir non contemnendae eruditionis. Cotemporary with these two, was George Lily (Son of William Lily the famous Grammarian) who lived sometime at Rome with Cardinal Pool; and published the first exact 
a J. Pits, p. 740.  Map that ever was drawn of this Island.  
The chief Ornament of this King's Reign, 
John Leland.  was John Leland, his Library-Keeper and Canon of Christ-Church, of whom we shall have occasion to speak more largely 
b Chap. 15.  elsewhere. Among the many voluminous Writings he left behind him, those that have any relation to the general Description of England, are his 
c M. S. in Bibl. Bodl.  Itinerary in five Volumes (which J. 
d Pag. 743, 744.  Pits seems to have subdivided into a great many other Treatises) and his 
e 4o. Lond. 1545.  Cygnea Cantio. The latter of these is a Poetical Piece of Flattery, or a Panegyric on King Henry; wherein the Author brings his Swan down the River of Thames, from Oxford to Greenwich, describing (as she passes along) all the Towns, Castles and other places of Note within her view. And the ancient Names of these, being sometimes different from what the common Herd of Writers had usually given, therefore (in his Commentary on this Poem) he Alphabetically explains his Terms; and by the buy, brings in a great deal of the ancient Geography of this Island.  
Persons of greatest eminence in this 
Qu. Eliz.  sort of Learning, under Queen Elizabeth, were Humphrey Lhuyd, John Twine, William Harrison and William Camden. The first of these was born at Denbigh, where he afterwards practised Physic, and wrote many excellent Treatises. He was an intimate Acquaintance of Ortelius, whom he assisted in the Edition of his Ancient Geography, furnishing him with Maps of England and Wales. And because he therein disagreed from the opinions of some former Antiquaries, in the Position of several of the old Cities, Forts and Rivers, he sent him also his 
a 8ᵒ. Colon. Agrip. 1572. & Anglice (The Breviary of Britain.) 8o. London 1573.  Commentarioli Britannicae descriptionis fragmentum; which gives reasons for all the uncommon Assertions he had there laid down. He shows in it how imperfect all the accounts of this Island are, which we have from the Roman Writers, and how dark, for want of a little skill in the old British Language. From thence he derives most of our ancient Names; and herein he is much followed by Camden, as himself (in other matters) is a great follower of Leland. John Twine (Schoolmaster, and sometime 
a Athen. Oxon. vol. I. p. 160.  Mayor of Canterbury) was so considerable in Antiquities, as to deserve a very high place among J. Leland's 
b Encom. Viror. illustr. p. 83.  Worthies; and appears indeed to have been a man of extraordinary Knowledge in the Histories and Antiquities of this Kingdom. The only thing of his that's published is his Treatise 
c 8o. Lond. 1590.  de rebus Albionicis, Britannicis atque Anglicis: but his Grandson Bryan gave several other of his Manuscript Collections to Corpus Christi College in Oxford; where they still remain. William Harrison (Chaplain to Sir William Brook Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports) with great Pains, and good Judgement, collected, A Description of the Island of Britain, with a brief Rehearsal of the Nature and Qualities of the People of England, and such Commodities as are to be found in the same. Which in three Books, has been 
d Fol. Lond. 1577 and 1587.  several times printed together with R. Holinshead's Chronicle. Besides these, 'tis said, George Coryat (Rector of Odcombe, and Father to Tom. Coryat of famous Memory) wrote a 
e Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. par. II. p. 141.  Description of England, Scotland and Ireland, in Latin Verse, which he dedicated to Queen Elizabeth.  
But the Glory of this Queen's Reign, 
W. Camden 's Britannia.  as well as her Successor's, and the Prince of our English Antiquaries, was Mr. Camden, whose Life has been written at large by Dr. Smith, Mr. Wood, and Mr. Gibson. So that I need not here mention any of its particulars. His Britannia is the Book which chiefly respects the Subject of this Chapter; and may honestly be styled the common 
a Vid. H. Spelm. Gloss. in voce Heraldus.  Sun, whereat our modern Writers have all lighted their little Torches. In Latin it had many 
b 8o. Lond. 1582. 85. 87. 4ᵒ. Ib. 1590. 94. Fol. Ib. 1607.  Editions during the Life of its Author, who continually polished and improved it; 'Twas first translated into English by Philemon Holland; who gave two 
c Fol. Lond. 1610, 1637.  Editions of it in that Language. The former of these appearing while Mr. Camden himself was alive, I am apt to believe (with Tho. 
d Worthies of Engl. p. 128. in Warwickshire.  Fuller) that many of the Additions and Interpolations, which were then charged on the Translator, might not only come in by the Author's own Permission and Consent, but were also placed there by his Directions, and are as truly his proper Work as any other part of the Text. But, in the second, Holland himself frequently turns Antiquary, taking upon him to correct, add and explode what he pleases. These Corruptions have been all noted in a late English Edition of the Work; wherein, 'tis hoped, effectual care has been taken to do the great Author all the Honour and Justice he has merited from his Countrymen. Some early Attempts were made by an envious Person, one 
a Ath. Oxon. Vol. I. p. 411.  Brook or Brookmonth, to blast the deservedly great Reputation of this Book; but they perished and came to nothing; as did likewise the terrible Threats given out by Sir Symonds D. Ewes, that he would discover 
b See A. B. Usher's Letters, P. 496.  Errors in every Page. As little to be regarded is that scurrilous Invective, which Fuller has most unworthily inserted into his Church-History: a Work wherein (if the Author had been capable of any such thing) a Man would have expected nothing but what looked like Truth and Gravity. There is now no danger of his Suffering by the Injuries done him by Holland; and, I think, very little from the 
a Vid. Not. in Aelfr. mag. vit. p. 33.  unskilful Epitome of the Book drawn by Vitellius a Foreigner, and long since published at 
b In 12ᵒ. 1639.  Amsterdam.  
To this we must here add another Work, 
Camden' s Remains.  which is now generally ascribed to Mr. Camden; but at first carried only in its Title Page the two last Letters (M. N.) of both his Names. This is his Remains concerning Britain, its Languages, Names, Surnames, etc. After 'twas enlarged by John Philipot (Somerset-Herald) it has had many 
c 4ᵒ. & 8o. Lond. 1637, etc.  Impressions, and has been confidently, and without any Scruple, fathered upon our great Antiquary. There are in it a deal of good Collections touching the Languages, Money, Surnames and Apparel of our British and Saxon Ancestors: but his List of proper Names might be considerably enlarged and corrected by what 
d De Ling. Germ. lib. 5. tract. 2.  Scottelius and 
e In Append. ad Chron. Saxon.  Mr. Gibson have written on that Subject. As for his Allusions, Rebus and Anagrams, he himself feared they would pass for Foolish Fopperies; and I do not care for thwarting, without very good reason, any of his opinions. The conceits in Impresses, Apophthegms, Poems, Epigra msand Epitaphs are endless, and therefore hardly worth registering in a Work of this Nature.  
To our late Antiquaries, 
J. Speed and other late Antiquaries.  Mr. Camden has been the same thing as Homer was of old to the Poets of Greece. They have usually borrowed or stolen their whole stock from him. J. Speed, 'tis true, was a Person of extraordinary Industry and Attainments in the Study of Antiquities; and seems not altogether unworthy of the Name of summus & eruditus Antiquarius, given him by 
a Sheringham de Angl. Orig. P. 42.  one who was certainly so himself. His Maps are extremely well; and make a noble Apparatus (as they were designed) to his History. But his Descriptions of the several Counties are mostly short Abstracts of what Camden had said before him, saving only that of Norfolk, which (he owns, tho' he is not always so civil to his chief Benefactor) he had from Sir Henry Spelman. I am apt to believe he was not much in Sir Henry's Debt; since 'tis likely the Villare Anglicum (afterwards published in Sir Henry's Name▪ and said to be composed by him and Mr. Dodesworth) was chiefly drawn out of Speed's Alphabetical Tables on the back of his Maps. The like must be said of Edw. Leigh's short Treatise of 
a 8o. Lond. 1659.  England described, etc. which is a small handful of Glean out of the same common Field. Of the like Complexion is a good share of Fuller's 
b Fol. Lond. 1662.  Worthies; which pretends to give an account of the Native Commodities, Manufactures, Buildings, Proverbs, etc. of all the Counties of England and Wales; as well as of their great men in Church and State; tho' this latter looks like the principal Design, and makes up the greatest part of the Volume. It was huddled up in haste, 
c P. 2.  for the procurement of some moderate profit for the Author, tho' he did not live to see it published. It corrects many Mistakes in his Ecclesiastical History; but makes more new ones in their stead. The best things in it are the Catalogues of the Sheriffs; and the Lists of the Gentry, as they were returned from the several Counties (twelve only excepted) in the 12th. year of Henry the Sixth. His chief Author is Bale, for the Lives of his eminent Writers; and those of his greatest Heroes are commonly misshapen Scraps, mixed with Tattle and Lies. But the boldest Plagiary in the whole pack, is R. Blome, the pretended Author of the mock 
a Fol. Lond. 1673.  Britannia, or, A Geographical Description of the Kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland, etc. a most entire Piece of Theft out of Camden and Speed.  
Besides these Volumes in print, 
M. S. Collections.  there are many vast Bundles of Collections, relating to the general Geography and Antiquities of this Nation, which still remain in Manuscript; and are the peculiar Treasure of our public and private Libraries. Such are those of H. Ferrer Esq a great Friend and Assistant to 
b Camd. Britan. in Warwickshire.  Mr. Camden; one large Volume whereof (relating to the Pedigrees of our Nobility and Gentry) is now in the 
c Ath. Oxon. vol. I. pag. 504.  Herald's Office at London, and others are scattered in private hands. Many more of the like kind are referred to by Sir William Dugdale: as those of 
d Monast. Angl. Tom. II. p. 18. 66. 246. 851. 869, etc.  R. Glover, 
e Ib. p. 41.  Jo. Hanson, 
f Ib. p. 50. 184. 607.  S. Kniveton, 
a Ibid. p. 85.  A. Vincent, Sir 
b Ibid. p. 70. 154. 298. 449. 506.  Hen. Spelman, Sir 
c Ibid. p. 78. 196. 624.  R. St. George and others; and he has also left a fair number of his own Composure, which were kindly deposited by himself in his Son Ashmole's Musaeum at Oxford. His Copartner Dodesworth's are in Bodley's Library.  
We are likewise indebted to them that have been at the Expense of making Surveys of the whole Kingdom, 
Maps.  in order to the affording us more accurate Maps than those which had formerly been drawn at Random. After the useful endeavours of Saxton and Speed, great Sums were expended this way by Seller and Morden, at whose charges some pilfering Interlopers have set up to vend more correct Maps of England (as they call them) which are in nothing different from theirs, but in some few changes of the Bearings of Towns, new Currents of Rivers, etc. all of the same value, and discovered by the same Art, with the Painter's Wife's Island. Mr. Adams' large Map, with the Contraction of it afterwards must also be acknowledged to be done with good Pains, Judgement and Exactness. 'Twere to be wished his Index 
a Fol. Lond. 1680.  Villaris had no more Errors nor Omissions in it: but we are not without hopes, but that the mighty Improvements which have been made upon this, by the Industrious and Learned Mr. 
b MS. in Musaeo Ashmol. Oxon.  Aubrey, may shortly be published.  
The Natural History of England was 
Natural History.  a thing never dreamed on till the Viscount of St. Alban (Sir Francis Bacon) began to publish his own Discoveries in Experimental Philosophy; and, by his great Example and Success, set some lesser Heads a working. 'Twas this great Man who first 
c De Augment. Scient. Lib. 2. Cap. 2.  observed to our English Philosophers, that we wanted two parts in three of a just Natural History; which he calls Expatiatio Naturae & Ars. Under the former he ranks all the uncouth and uncommon Occurrences in Simple Nature; and, under the other, her several Modifications (and the many Useful and Instructive Discoveries that are made of Her) in Arts Mechanical. And yet what is it (upon the whole) that we have hitherto had on either of these Subjects? Dr. Childrey's 
a 8o. Lond. 1661.  Britannia Baconica does promise an Historical Account of the Natural Rarities of England, Scotland and Wales; with Observations and Deductions answerable to the Rules laid down by the Lord Bacon: But his Volume (not to say a hard thing of him) is manifestly too small for the performance. Sir Hugh Platt's 
b 4o. Lond. 1652.  Jewel House, and Dr. Merret's 
c 8o. Lond. 1665.  Pinax are also rather short Catalogues of our Natural Curiosities, than just Treatises upon 'em: For no such thing has yet appeared. We have indeed a pretty good stock of Materials towards the raising of such a Fabric; if we could but meet with a Judicious and Daring Architect. The late Honourable and Famous Mr. boil has (in several of his Tracts) made large Discoveries of the Nature of our Frosts, Snow, Hail and other Meteors. Our flying and creeping Infects have been carefully marshaled and examined by Dr. 
d Tract de Aran. & Not. in Goedart.  Lister; who also has notably informed us of the most abstruse Phoenomena in our Springs and 
e De Fontibus Medicat. Angl. 8o. Lond 1684.  Mineral Waters (as Dr. Plott likewise has 
a De Orig. Fontium. 8o. Oxon. 1685.  done) and has reduced our Land and 
b Hist. Conchyliorum. Fol. Lond. 1685. 86. etc. ad 1691.  Sea-shells into the best Classes that are any where extant. Our 
c Willughby's Ornithology. Fol. Lond. 1678.  Fowl, 
d His Icthyology. Fol. Oxon.  Fish, and 
e Joh. Raii Synopsis Anim. etc. 8o. Lond. 1693.  Quadrupeds are well Tribed by Mr. Willughby and Mr. R●y. Our Earth's, Metals, and other Fossils', have been enquired into by 
f Metallographia. 4o. Lond. 1671.  Mr. Webster, and others. Our formed Stones, which have been strangely neglected by the Naturalists of former Ages, will (we hope) shortly be very throughly and satisfactorily treated on by the Ingenious Dr. Woodward; who, by what he has already 
g Nat. Hist. of the Earth. 8o. Lond. 1695.  published on that Subject, has rather raised our Expectations than removed our Doubts. We likewise expect a deal of Information, in these amusing Curiosities, from the Learned Mr. Edward Lhwyd, who has Abilities sufficient to go through with any Undertaking, wherein his singular Modesty will allow him to engage. Mr. Beaumond ought also to be reminded of the thoughts he once had o● 
h Consid. on the Theory of the Earth. p. 4.  setting forth a particular Tract to this purpose: No Man being better qualified for such a performance. Mr. Ray has put our Botanists upon daily searches after new Plants; since his 
a Synopsis Method. 8o. Lond. 1690.  Synopsis has told them what numerous Discoveries have been lately made by Mr. Lhwyd in Wales, Mr. Lawson in the Northern Counties of England, etc. The like Encouragements our Naturalists have from his (and Mr. Willughby's) Ornithology to make further Inquiries after the many hitherto undiscovered Species of Birds; since 'tis easily observable, that the Authors of that Work having had the greatest Assistance from Mr. Johnson and Mr. Jessop (both Yorkshire Men) there are in it more Discoveries of new kinds from the North than any other Quarter of the Kingdom. To all these must be added the many Ingenious Informations communicated, from most parts of the Nation, in our Philosophical Transactions; especially from some of the forementioned chief Naturalists of this Age, Dr. Plott, Dr. Lister; and Mr. Ray.  
Some general Accounts have been given of our English Policy 
Policy.  and Frame of Government; wherein our Historian ought to be well versed and conversant; especially in those that are written by Statesmen, and such as may be presumed to have well understood the Affairs they treat on. Sir Thomas Smith's 
a First published in English 4o. Lond. 1583.  Commonwealth of England has met with good Applause; having been frequently printed both in English and Latin. There was also another small Treatise (entitled, The Authority, Form and Manner of holding Parliaments) lately 
b 8o. Lond. 1685.  published in his Name: but some have questioned whether it be rightly fathered. Upon this latter Subject we have a printed Account of the Opinion of Mr. Camden 
c High Court of Parliament. 8o. Lond. 1658. ; together with those of J. Doderidge, Arthur Agard and Francis Tate. Sir Walter Raleigh has likewise written (as he used to do on all other Subjects) most judiciously and 
d Vid. Hen. Spelm. Gloss. pag. 451.  acutely upon the Prerogatives of our Parliaments; and Sir Robert Cotton's 
e 8o. Lond. 1679.  Posthuma are full of Learning on the same Topick. Dr. Chamberlain's present state of England has been so well received, as to admit of a new Edition almost yearly ever since 'twas 
a 8o. Lond. 1668.  first published. It has been indeed, of late, very coarsely treated by a nameless Scribbler of Observations on the Times: But he seems to have been hired to the Drudgery of penning such unmannerly Reflections, by a Gentleman who had newly published another Book (much fuller of Mistakes) under the like Title.  
As to what concerns our Nobility and Gentry, 
Heraldry.  all that come within either of those Lists, will allow that Mr. Selden's 
b Fol. Lond. 1672.  Titles of Honour ought first to be well perused; for the gaining of a general Notion of the Distinction of Degrees from an Emperor down to a Country-Gentleman: And, after this, the three Volumes of Sir William Dugdale's 
c Fol. Lond. 1675, & 1676.  Baronage of England; which gives an Account of the Lives and Prowess of all our English Nobility, from the coming in of the Saxons down to the Year 1676. Whatever relates to the Knights of the most Noble Order of the Garter is completely shown us by Mr. Ashmole, in his most elaborate and perfect 
d Fol. Lond. 1672.  Work on that Subject. For inferior Ranks we have 'em in the Books of Heraldry that have been published by Wyrley, Brooks, Vincent, Dugdale, and (especially) Guillim; of the 
a Fol. Lond. 1660, & 1679.  two last Editions of whose Book 'tis observed, that R. Blome has so disguised and spoiled it, that if the Author, or Authors, of it were living they could scarce know it. What is missing in these will be abundantly supplied out of the great Treasury of MS. Collections in the Herald's Office at London; wherein are innumerable Inscriptions, Arms, Epitaphs, Pedigrees, Lists of Precedence at Coronations and Funerals, etc.   

CHAP. II.  
Of particular Descriptions of Counties; with their Cities and great Towns.  
'TIS so much the general Humour of Mankind to be fond of their Native Soil, and Places of chief Residence and Abode, that Historians must not pretend to be so far of a different Composition from their Neighbours as not to be subject to the common Frailty. They are as liable to discover their Dotage, in this Particular, as other ordinary Mortals; and thence it comes that Ingulfus' History is so full of Crowland, W. Neubrigensis' of Paris' of St. Alban, etc. whenever any shadow of an opportunity is offered 'Tis from the same Principle that we have sew Counties in England whose Records have not been carefully sought out, and Endeavours used to preserve them, by some of their Sons; who have usually proved more happy in such Undertake (as having gone about them with most hearty Zeal and Application) than any of our more general Writers. Those that I have met with of this kind are here drawn into Order and Rank; according to the following Alphabetical Lists of our several Counties.  
BERKSHIRE has not hitherto, 
Berks.  that I know of, had its general Antiquities (nor it's Natural History) collected by any Body. Only, the Castle and Chapel of Windsor have been at large treated on by the excellent Pen of Elias Ashmole Esquire, in his History of the Knights of the Garter, before mentioned.  
BEDFORDSHIRE is under the like 
Bedford.  Misfortune; tho' the History of Dunstable (of which in its proper place) and other Records are not wanting, to furnish out Materials for such a Work.  
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE has had the 
Bucks.  happiness to have some of its Borders (about Ambrosden, etc.) curiously described, and its Antiquities preserved, by the Ingenious 
a 4o. Oxon. 1695.  Mr. Kennet.  
CAMBRIDGESHIRE, A little of 
Cambridge.  both the Natural History and Antiquities of this County is touched on by Sir William Dugdale, in his History of the 
a Fol. Lond. 1662.  Imbanking and Dreining of divers Fens and Marshes both in Foreign Parts and in this Kingdom. Dr. Hickes, in the Appendix to his 
b Pag. 131.  Saxon Grammar mentions a Manuscript in Sir John Cotton's Library (entitled, Statuta de Gildâ quâdam in Cantabrigiâ) which seems to relate to the Town of Cambridge. The Writers upon the Affairs of the University belong to 
c Chap. 11.  another place.  
CHESHIRE 
Chester.  was long since described by Lucian, a Monk, soon after the Conquest; whose Work is cited by 
d Britan. in Chesh.  Camden, as a piece of great Rarity and good Value. S. Erdeswick (the great Antiquary of Staffordshire) seems to have written also something of the History of this County; as is intimated by his MS. Book in the hands of several Gentlemen of Staffordshire, which begins thus; 
e Athen. Oxon. Vol. I. p. 275.  Having disposed with myself to take a further View of the Shires of Staffordshire and Chester, etc. A third Description of this County (Geographical and Historical) was written by W. Smith, Rouge-dragon Pursuivant at Arms, and left in the hands of Sir Ranulph Crew, sometimes Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench; whose Grandchild (Sir R. Crew) afterwards published it. A Fourth was compiled by W. Webb M. A. and sometime Town-Clerk of Chester; which was thought worthy the publishing by that Judicious Antiquary Sir Simon Archer of Tamworth. These two last were afterwards printed together (under the Title of 
a Fol. Lond. 1656.  The Vale Royal of England) by Daniel King; who took care to have the Work beautified with several Cuts of Heraldry and Topography. The Accounts given of this King by 
b Worthies of Engl. pag. 184. in Chesh.  Mr. Fuller and the 
c Athen. Oxon. Vol. II. p. 163.  Oxford Antiquary are very widely different: So that whether he was Lux Patriae, as the former Styles him, or (in the others plain English) a silly Fellow and an errand Knave, I know not. Sir Peter 
d Fol. Lond. 1673.  Leicester's Historical Antiquities were also (no doubt) chiefly intended to do Honour to this County: For tho' the first Book pretends to treat of the general Affairs of Great Britain and Ireland, its true Design was to Introduce (what alone comes to be handled in the Second) the Antiquities of Cheshire, and chiefly of Bucklew Hundred. The Contests which hereupon happened 'twixt Sir Peter and (his Kinsman) Sir Thomas Manwaring are not worth the remembering, as belonging rather to the Men of the Law than History. There's an old MS. History of the Earldom of Chester quoted (out of Bennet-Library) by Mr. 
a Titles of Hon. p. 729.  Selden; the sum whereof, I imagine, has been published by Judge Doderidge, in the History he 
b 4o. Lond. 1630.  wrote of the Ancient and Modern Estate of this Earldom, together with that of the Principality of Wales and Duchy of Cornwall. In this Treatise Sir John, with a great deal of Industry and Exactness, calculates the ancient and present Revenues of this Palatinate; but is not so curious in clearing up its original History. This Defect is since very much supplied by the Labours of the late 
c See Camd. Brit. N. E. p. 566.  Ingenious Mr. Harrington; who has left behind him several excellent Remarks on that Subject, together with other good Collections relating to the Antiquities of this County. Several Books (says 
a Pag. 690.  John Pits) were written by Henry Bradshaw (a Benedictine Monk, who did A. D. 1513) De Antiquitate & Magnificentiâ Vrbis Cestriae: All which, I am apt to believe, are swallowed up by (another Work, says that Gentleman) His Life of St. Werburg; which is still to be had in several of our Libraries.  
CORNWALL. 
Cornwall.  The Survey of this County is so exactly taken by 
b 4o. Lond. 1602.  R. Carew Esquire, that there will be only occasion for Posterity carefully to continue a Work so excellently begun; and to which Mr. Camden acknowledges himself indebted for the chief Light he had in these parts. This Book, with large Additions, is now in the possession of Mr. Chiswell, Bookseller in London; who may probably, e'er long, oblige us with a new Edition. There is also an Historical Account of this County in MS. penned by J. Norden (who Mr. Camden 
c Camd. Epist. p. 72.  tells us, did sometime travel into this part of the Kingdom) in the hands of the Learned Dr. Gale. Sir John Doderidge's History of the Duchy has been already mentioned in Cheshire.  
CUMBERLAND. 
Cumberland.  There's a Manuscript Description of this County (written by one Mr. Denton of Cardew, about 50 or 60 Years ago) which seems to be done with good Care and Judgement; Copies whereof are in the hands of several of the Gentry. It chiefly treats of Families, Pedigrees, Conveyances of Estates and Manors, etc. but occasionally handles some other Antiquities, of a more general Nature and higher Date. Some Observations have also been made lately, relating to the Natural History of Cumberland; which may very probably, e'er long, come into as many hands. The Antiquities of the City of Carlisle are collected by Dr. H. Todd, Prebendary of that Church; and are now (or should be) in the possession of the Mayor and Aldermen.  
DERBYSHIRE. 
Derby.  The Mines of this County should (methinks) invite some of our Inquisitive Naturalists to give us as particular an Account of the Metals and Minerals, as Ed. Manlow (sometimes Steward of the Works) has done of the Miners, in his Book entitled, 
a 8o. Lond. 1653.  Customs of the 
b Berge-moot is the truer Writing.  Barge-Moot-Court; which has been improved by T. Houghton in his 
c 12o. Lond. 1687.  Collection of the Laws, Liberties, etc. of the Mines and Miners of Derbyshire. I should also think the Wonders of the Peak are as proper a Subject for a Philosopher to write on in Prose, as they can be for the most exalted Poetry of either 
d De Mirabilibus Pecci. 4o. Lond. 1666.  Mr. Hobbs or 
e 4o. Lond. 1681.  Mr. Cotton; and that Buxton-Wells deserve a better Describer than Antiquated 
f 8o. Lond. 1572.  John Jones.  
DEVONSHIRE. 
Devon. — Northcot Baronet, is reported to have written a Description of Devonshire; the Manuscript whereof is all along quoted by Tho. Fuller (in his Worthies) when he comes to treat of that County; tho' he says nothing of him amongst its Writers. Tho. Risdon's Survey or Chorographical Description of Devonshire, continues likewise in MS. though Copies of it are no rare Matters among the Gentry of that County. 'Tis said one 
g Athen. Oxon. Vol. I. p. 517.  Westcote either wrote another Survey; or, at least, had a hand in that which was composed by Risdon. I wish this Westcote be not the same Man with Dr. Fuller's Northcote: for he's often further mistaken than from West to North. The Remarkable Antiquities of the City of Exeter were published by 
a 8o. Lond. 1681.  Richard Izaac; but (as a 
b Wh. Kennet's Life of Somn. pag. 20.  worthy Person observes) the Book is a dry Collection, and full of Mistakes; there being nothing (worth the perusal) which had not been before remarked in J. Hooker's Description, Reprinted in Holinshead's Chronicle.  
DORSETSHIRE. 
Dorset.  Unless Mr. Etrick (who obliged the late Publisher of the Britannia with some of his Remarks) will furnish us with the Antiquities of this County, I cannot tell from what Quarter we are to expect them.  
DURHAM. 
Durham.  The Collections made by Mr. Mickleton are perhaps the only Papers extant which treat of the Civil Affairs of this County, as distinct from the Ecclesiastical; and indeed (considering the whole was anciently, and the greatest part is still, the Church's Patrimony) the matter is not much to be wondered at. The City of Durham is described in a MS. old English (or Saxon) Poem, in 
a Vitellius, D. 20.  Sr. John Cotton's Library.  
ESSEX. 
Essex.  There is a Report of J. Norden's having written a Survey of this County (a thin Folio MS. in Sr. Edm. Turner's Library) and that Mr. Strangman has attempted the Collection of its Antiquities: But (whatever their Performances may have been) we have cause to hope for good things, on that Subject, very shortly from Mr. Ousley; who has given a Specimen of his Work in what he has communicated in the New Edition of Camden. The Description of Harwich with all its Appurtenances and Antiquities was written by Silas Taylor (Author of the History of Gavelkind) who was Store-keeper at that Port, A. D. 1665. The Book was never Printed; and where 'tis to be had in Manuscript my 
b Ath. Oxon. vol. II. p. 465.  Author does not inform me.  
GLOCESTERSHIRE. 
Gloucester.  Whether the Chronicon Claudiocestriae (written by 
a J. Pits, p. 823.  Andrew Horn, a supposed Citizen of Gloucester, God knows when) speaks wholly, or at all, of the Affairs of this County, is mighty uncertain: But we are pretty sure that 
b See his Life, by Dr. Burnet.  Sr. Matthew Hales made large Collections to that purpose, though he did not live to fit them for the Press. Proposals were also 
c A. D. 1683.  long since Published for Printing the Antiquities of Glocestershire by Mr. Abel Wantner; who, meeting with the Discouragements that are Common in that Case (an untoward Recompense for a Gentleman's twelve years pains and study) was content to enjoy the Fruits of his Labour himself, the Public not admitting of his Services. The City of Glocester's Military Government has been accounted for by 
d 8vo Lond. 1651.  John Corbet; and the Laws and Customs of the Miners in the Forest of Dean by an 
e 12mo Lond. 1687.  Anonymous Writer.  
HAMPSHIRE. 
Hampshire.  The County is yet undescribed: But a Description of the City of Winchester, with an Historical Relation of divers Memorable Occurrences touching the same, is said to have been written by 
a Ath. Oxon. vol. I. p. 380.  John Trussel; who was himself sometime Alderman of that City, and continued S. Daniel's History. I guess it to be too Voluminous to appear in Print, rather than (as 
b Life of Somn. p. 21.  Mr. Kennet presumes it) too imperfect. Something, to the same purpose, was likewise written by Dr. Bets; whose Book is still in MS. As are also, I suppose, Mr. Butler's Remarks on the Monuments in this ancient City. A General Survey of the Isle of Wight (part of this County) was written by 
c Ath. Oxon. vol. I. p. 248.  Sr. Francis Knollis, Knight of the Garter and Privy-counselor to Queen Elizabeth: a Manuscript Copy whereof was in the Library of the late Earl of Anglesey. There is also a 
d Id. ib. p. 525.  Fragment (of 17. Quarto Pages) Entitled Antiquitates Insulae Vectae, in Bodley's Library, among the MSS. of Richard James (Fellow of C.C.C. in Oxford) an eminent Antiquary; who died, at Sr. Tho. Cotton's in Westminster, A. D. 1638.  
HARTFORDSHIRE. 
Hartford.  A 
a 4o Lond. 1593.  Chorographical Description of this County was published by John Norden, Gentleman; whom we shall again meet with in Kent and Middlesex, as we have had already occasion to mention him in other Counties. But 'tis hoped his Inquiries will be infinitely outdone by Sr. Henry Chauncey Kt. Sergeant at Law; whose Antiquities we are greedily expecting to see Published.  
HEREFORDSHIRE. 
Hereford.  Silas Taylor (beforemention'd, in Essex) spent four years in collecting the Antiquities, Pedigrees, Epitaphs, etc. of this County; and his Papers were lately (perhaps, now are) in the hands of Sr. Edward Harley of Brompton-Brian. The 
b Athen. Oxon. vol. II. p. 465.  Ransack he made, during the times of Usurpation, in the Libraries of the Cathedral Churches of Hereford and Worcester, might furnish him with a greater plenty of Materials than (it may be) a man will easily meet with at this Day: and therefore his Collections are justly recommended as a good 
c Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. Part. II. p. 368.  Apparatus for any that shall hereafter write on the same Subject.  
HUNTINGDONSHIRE. 
Huntingdon.  Sr. Robert Cotton is reported to have 
a Tho. Fuller's Ch. Hist. lib. 6. p. 295. & Hist. of Waltham. p. 12.  written that Description which John Speed has published of this County.  
KENT. 
Kent.  Let this be observed for the Honour of Kent (says an 
b Kennet's Life of Somn. p. 38.  Ingenious and Learned Gentleman, Native of this County) that while other Counties (and but few of them) have met with single Pens to give the History and Description of them; ours has had no less than four Writers to celebrate the Glories of it, Lambard, Somner, Kilburn, and Philpot. He will not, I Hope, take it ill, if we enlarge the Catalogue. Both Bale and Pits expressly reckon the Itinerarium Cantiae among John Leland's Composures; so that I should think he bestowed something of more care than ordinary in disposing the Remarks he made on this County. W. Lambard's Perambulation of Kent was indeed the first Account which was 
c 4o Lond. 1570.  published; and it was not only highly applauded by Camden, and other Chief Judges of such Matters, but gave the hint to many more Men of Learning to endeavour the like Services for their several Counties. 'Twas not well approved by the Gentlemen of the Roman Communion. Reiner 
a Apost. Bened. in Angl. p. 162. , particularly, censures it as a Work undertaken and carried on with a Design to expose the Lewdnesses and Debaucherics of the late Inhabitants of the Monasteries of that County; in describing whereof (he thinks many things are spitefully misrepresented. Mr. Somner 
b Kennet's Life of Somn. p. 33, 34, 35. , it appears, fully purposed to have given us the Antiquities of the whole County; and had certainly made very great Progress towards the completing the Work, as appears by his Manuscripts now in the Library of the Cathedral Church of Canterbury. 'Tis not doubted but he would mightily have enlarged W. Lambard's Perambulation; and he gives us some Specimen of his Design to correct also his Errors, by marking such as came in his way in some of his 
c Antiq. of Canterb. p. 77, 88, 381.  Treatises already published. However, we are not wholly deprived of this great Work, some part of it having been lately published under the Title of 
a 8o. Oxon. 1693.  A Treatise of the Roman Ports and Forts in Kent; wherein (and in Mr. Gibson's Notes upon it) we have as entire a Discourse as we could wish for on that Subject; rectifying a great many mistakes in Camden, Lambard, Philpot, etc. and discovering the true Situation of those ancient Places. Philpot's 
b Fol. Lond. 1659. & 1664.  Villare Cantianum was not written by Thomas Philpot, whose name in bears, but by (his Father) john, Somerset Herald; who is only owned to be Author of the Additional History of the High Sheriffs of the County: And, what Faith (a Learned 
c Kennet's Life of Somn. p. 37, 38.  Countryman of his puts the Question in my Mouth) can be given to him that could afford to rob his own Father of the credit of his Book. Kilburn's 
d 4o. Lond. 1659.  Survey of Kent (you may take 
e Life of Somn. p. 37.  Mr. Kennet's word for it) is all Modern and Superficial. Another Survey of the County (in proportion to the rest of the same Author's) was drawn by john Norden; which none have hitherto thought worth the handing to the Press, and few have reckoned so considerable as to mention it. To these, I think, we may add john Weever's 
a Fol. Lond. 1631.  Funeral Monuments; a great share of 'em having been collected in the Dioceses of Canterbury and Rochester. But let the Reader never forget the Remark made on him by 
b Angl. Sacr. Par. I. p. 668.  Mr. Wharton; that he has most scandalously mistaken the Numeral Letters and Figures in most of the Inscriptions he transcribed: which makes it hazardous for an Antiquary to rely upon his Authority. Both Mr. Somner's Excellent 
c 4o. Lond. 1660.  Treatise of Gavelkind, and Silas Tailor's 
d 4o. Lond. 1663.  History of the same, ought also to be referred to the Catalogue of this County's Historians and Antiquaries; as explaining an ancient Custom, whereof there are now hardly any Remains elsewhere within the King's Dominions. The History of the City of Canterbury seems to have been penned long since by Will. Gillingham, a Benedictine Monk of that place; who is 
e Io. Pits, p. 552.  said to have written De Rebus Cantuariensibus, about the year 1390. john Twine 
f Comment. de Reb. Albion.  mentions some Collections that he had made tending to Illustrate the Antiquities of this City: But Mr. Somner assures us he could no more meet with them than with those of Tho. Spott, mentioned by Bale. But it's everlasting Monument is W. Somner's 
a 4o. Lond. 1640.  Antiquities of Canterbury; or, a Survey of that ancient City with its Suburbs and Cathedral: A work which secured the Honour of all that the Title-page mentions from the Levelling Fury and Madness of the Time wherein 'twas published, and is deservedly recommended (both by the 
b Kennet's Life of Somn. pag. 19  Author's Enemies and Friends) as a Piece most tightly Perfect in its kind. Amongst his Manuscripts at Canterbury, this Book may be seen interleaved, with large Additions in the Author's own Handwriting. The Spaw-waters at Tunbridge are treated on by Lod. Rowzee and P. Madan, MM. DD. And the Chronicle of Rochester (collected chiefly from the Textus Roffensis, mentioned elsewhere) is written by Edm. Bedenham Esq. MS.  
LANCASHIRE. 
Lancaster.  A few years ago Dr. R. Keurden sent out Proposals for the Printing his Brigantia Lancastriensis Restaurata, or, a History of the Honourable Dukedom or County Palatine of Lancaster: which (he told us) was composed, and laid ready for the Press, in Five Volumes. I know not how the Design came to miscarry; but do imagine that the vastness of the Undertaking slackened its Pace. 'Twere to be wished the Industrious Author would oblige us with an Abstract of such Discoveries in it as are purely New to us, and his own. There can hardly be any danger of his meeting with better Encouragement and Success upon such a fresh Attempt: whereas it could not well prove otherwise than a very cloying Method to propose the taking off a Volume or two of General Preliminaries, before we came at (the main business) the Antiquities of Lancashire. Some particulars relating to the Antiquities of the Northern Parts of this County were communicated, to the undertaker of the new 
a Britan. Camd. N. E. p. 802.  Edition of Camden, by Sr. Dan. Fleming Kt. who is a Person of great Curiosity and Judgement in these Matters, and has made much larger Collections than could be brought within so small a Compass as the Nature of that work would admit of. It's Natural History (I am told) is compiled by Dr. Charles Leigh; who has already given us good earnest of his Abilities, suitable to the Undertaking, in his 
a 8o Lond. 1694.  Phthisiologia Lancastriensis; cui accessit Tentamen Philosophieum de Mineralibus Aquis in eodem Comitatu Observatis. To which may be added Dr. Edm. Burlace's 
b 8o Lond. 1670.  Latham Spa, with some Remarkable Cases and Cures effected by it; and 
c Ray's Engl. words, etc. p. 209.  a short Treatise touching the manner of making Salt of Sea-sand in this County. The Town of Manchester has its particular History written by one Richard Hollingworth, an active Presbyterian Preacher in the beginning of our Civil Wars: which may be seen in MS. in their College Library.  
LEICESTERSHIRE 
Leicester.  is nobly Described by William Burton Esq a native of this County, and Barrister at Law. His 
d Fol. Lond. 1622.  Description runs in an Alphabetical Order of the Villages; and his Method has been observed by many more that have since endeavoured the like services for other Counties. The Work consists chiefly of Descents, Pedigrees and Moot-Cases: But the Author was afterwards sensible of its main Defect, and therefore very much enlarged and enriched it with an Addition of Roman, Saxon and other Antiquities. This appears from his own Letter to Sr. Robert Cotton, still extant; and the Book itself, thus improved is 
a Ath. Oxon. vol. II. p. 36.  said to have been lately in the possession of Walter Chetwind, of Ingestree near Stafford, Esq who had also other Manuscripts of the said Mr. Burton's Composure.  
LINCOLNSHIRE 
Lincoln.  wants an Historian of Skill and Courage answerable to the vast Store of Materials (of all kinds) which are there to be had. Its Fens and Marshes are indeed pretty largely treated on by Sr. William Dugdale, in his 
b Fol. Lond. 1622.  History of Imbanking; and (in the year 1671.) there was published a short Relation of great Damages done by a Tempest and Overflowing of the Tides in this County and Norfolk: But its main Body lies yet undescribed, to the Reproach of all those Persons of Learning and Ingenuity that are its Natives. R. Butcher's Survey of Stamford is often quoted by Tho. Fuller (in his Worthies) when he comes to speak of Lincolnshire; as it is likewise, very frequently, by J. Wright in his Antiquities of Rutland. It was printed in the Year 1646.  
MIDDLESEX. 
Middlesex.  John Norden 
a 4o. Lond. 1593.  published a Description of this County about the same time that he wrote his other (somewhat shorter) or Hartfordshire. Both these Surveys are mentioned by 
b Survey of Lond. in Epist. Ded.  John Stow, as undertaken (and published) in imitation of W. Lambard's perambulation of Kent. The Funeral Monuments within the Diocese of London were Collected (after his Fashion) by J. Weever; and we are lately encouraged to hope for the natural Hi●●ory of the County by Dr. Plott. Tho. Johnson's little short account of the Plants that grow wild on 
c 8o. Lond. 1632.  Hampsted-heath is the only thing published that looks this way; and 'tis to inconsiderable as hardly to deserve mentioning. The first Description of the famous City of London (now Extant) was written by one W. Stephens or Fits-Stephens (a Monk of Canterbury) about the Year 1190. 'Tis a small Tract of about ten pages in Quarto; and is published by J. Stow (as an Appendix to his Survey) under the Title of Stephanides. Robert Bale (Recorder of the City, A. D. 1461.) is also said to have written several Treatises on that Subject; which were long kept as choice Rarities in the public Library of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, and whereof my 
a Jo. Pits, P. 654.  Author reckons up the Titles of these Three: 1. Londinensis Vrbis Chronicon. 2. De Consulibus & praefectis ejus. 3. Instrumenta Libertatum Vrbis. The same Gentleman makes R. Fabian write a couple of Treatises upon the Affairs of London: but I suppose all he ever penned of that kind is in his printed Chronicle. John Stow (we are sure) wrote and 
b 4o. Lond. 1598.  published a Survey of London; and owns himself put upon the Undertaking by Mr. Lambard's general Invitation to the several Antiquaries of this Kingdom to write the Histories of their Native Counties. The account he gives is very particular and full; running through every one of the twenty six Wards, and affording a good View of the Government of this City (together with Westminster and Southwark) Ecclesiastical and Civil; the Churches, Hospitals and other Religious Houses; a Catalogue of their Mayors and Sheriffs down to the Fortieth year of Queen Elizabeth, etc. The whole is Collected out of our best Historians and most Authentic Records; and discovers a deal of Industry and Accuracy in the worthy and honest Author. It appears he had perused the small Treatise called the City Law in its Original: So that there was little occasion for the Translation and Publishing of that 
a 8o. Lond. 1647.  afterwards. But, because the State of this mighty City is wonderfully changed since his time, we are in daily Expectance of a new Edition of this Book; with very considerable Additions and Improvements. Sir George Buck's Treatise of the Inns of Court (under the Title of the Third University of England) we have in the end of Stow's Chronicle: and James Howel's 
b Fol. Lond. 1657.  Londinopolis has very little in it more than what he has Copied from the forementioned Survey; nor is De Launs pretended Present State of the City much different from what we have there. Indeed, several new Discoveries and Observations touching its mighty growth and number of its Inhabitants (proving that they are more than in Rome, Paris and Rouen; that they are above 696000 People, etc.) have been advanced, in some 
a 8o. Lond. 1686, 87.  Essays in Political Arithmetic, by (one of the most eminent Mathematicians and Virtuoso's of this Age) Sir William Petty; who was also the chief Director and Author of a piece published sometime before by one John Grant, and Entitled, Natural and political Observations on the Bills of Mortality in London. The dreadful Fire which happened in this famous City, in the Year 1666. will for ever remain one of its chief Epoche's; and of this we have 
b Both Printed A. D. 1667.  two Historical Narratives: One according to the Reports made to a Committee in Parliament; and another published by Edward Waterhouse. The Epitaphs of our Kings, Princes and Nobles, that lie buried in the Abbey-Church at Westminster, were first Collected by John Skelton, a famous Poet; who (for making too bold with Cardinal Woolsey, in some of his Satyrs) 
c Jo. Pits, P. 702.  ended his days miserably within the Precincts of the Asylum of that Church, A. D. 1529. These were afterwards enlarged by 
a 4o. Lond. 1606.  Camden; and completed by H. Keep, under the name of 
b 8o. Lond. 1682.  Monumenta Westmonasteriensia. The Monuments of St. Pawles (the Cathedral of this Diocese) will be treated on 
c Chap. 9  elsewhere.  
NORFOLK. 
Norfolk.  The Pen was long since drawn in defence of this County by one john de S. Omero (or Saintemer) a Norfolk-man, and 
d Job. Pits, p. 294.  Student in Cambridge about the Year 1219. when a certain Monk of Peterborough, taking upon him to libel the Inhabitants of that Country in Latin Doggrel, was answered in his own way by this John. The Epitaphs here, with some other Antiquities, were collected by J. Weever, who 
e Fun. Mon. sub fin.  refers us for further satisfaction to Sir Hen. Spelman's Iceni; which we impatiently hope to see published by 
f Vid. Tract. de Portu Iccio, p. 11.  Mr. Gibson. Something relating to the Natural History of Norfolk may be had from Sir William Dugdale's Imbanking; and in a little Treatise entitled, 
g 12o. Lond. 1664.  Mercurius Centralis, or, a Discourse of Subterranean Cockle, Muscle and Oyster-shells, found in digging a Well at Sir William Doylie's in this County. 'Tis a Letter from one Tho. Laurence M. A. to Sir Thomas Brown. To which may be added the (already mentioned) Relation of the Damages done by a Tempest on the Coasts of this County and Lincolnshire. The City of Norwich was described by Alexander Nevil, whose Book is quoted by 
a In Epist. Ded. ad Tom. I. Concil. Angl. p. 3, 4.  Sir Henry Spelman. We have Sir Tho. Brown's 
b 8o. Lond. 1658.  Vrn-Burial, or, a Discourse of Sepulchral Urns lately found in Norfolk; and we expect his Repertorium, or, an account of the Tombs and Monuments in the Cathedral Church of Norwich. It has been 
c Dr. Tennison's Pref. to Sir T. B's Misc.  promised, and I know not what occasion Sir Thomas has ever given any body to suspect, that aught of his penning should 
d Kennet's Life of Somn. p. 21.  rather fear, than deserve an Edition. The late Publisher of Camden makes Tho. Fuller the Reporter of Dr. Caius' having written the Antiquities of Norwich; but I suspect there's some mistake in that matter, since Fuller (in the 
e Worthies, in Norw. p. 275.  place where he should especially have noted such a thing says nothing of it. Nash's 
a Lond. 1599  Account of the growth of great Yarmouth, the History of the 
b Ib. 1582.  burning of East Derham, and 
c Ib. 1615.  Sir R. W.'s Norfolk Furies, may possibly contribute some small helps towards the Illustration of the Antiquities of these Parts: but seem to be of too great (or too little) Age to be very valuable.  
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. 
Northampton.  Will. Vincent (Windsor-Herald) collected some materials for a Survey and the Antiquities of this County, which were lately in the possession of 
d Athen. Oxon. Vol. I. p. 349.  Mr. Wood He frequently quotes Fran. Tate's Nomina Hydarum in Com. Northampton. The State of the Town of Northampton, from the beginning of the Fire Sept. 20. 1675. to Nou. 5. following, was published in a 
e 4o. Lond. 1675.  Letter to a Friend: and we had its 
f 4o. Lond. 1677.  Fall and Funeral first in a Latin Elegy, and afterwards (with some Variations and Additions) in English.  
NORTHUMBERLAND. 
Northumberland.  John Pits says, That the Genealogies of the Earls of Northumberland were drawn up by one 
a J. Pits, p. 593.  Tho. Otterburn, a Franciscan Friar, about the Year 1411, and that 
b Id. p. 871.  John Currar (he knows not when) drew up a List of Seventy Eight Castles in this County, with the Pedigrees of their several Owners. These are Uncertainties. But we know that Sir Robert Shaftoe and Mr. Clavering (both now living) have really made large Progresses in its Antiquities; and we hope they will be so just to the Public and themselves as shortly to communicate 'em. The Town of Berwick, with some other places of Note in this County, are described in a MS. in the Earl of Carlisle's Library at Noward. But Newcastle still wants a just Description and History: For Grey's 
c Excus. A. D. 1649.  Chorographical Survey comes short of its present Glory; and the Anonymous Author of 
d 8o. Lond. 1655.  England's Grievances in Relation to the Coal-Trade, etc. is too much confined in his Subject to answer the Expectations of a Curious Reader.  
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE's 
Nottingham.  Antiquities were first attempted by Sergeant Boun, who only transcribed what related to this County out of Doomsday, adding some short Notes at every Town. This was completed into a fair 
a Fol. Lond. 1677.  Work by his Son-in-law, R. Thoroton M. D. at the instance of Sir William Dugdale. He owns 'tis capable of Improvements out of the Archbishop of York's Registry and other Records in private Hands, which he had not an opportunity of consulting. But the Work, as it is, shows a good Industry in its Author; who, being a Physician of eminent Practice, had a free access to the Evidences of most of the considerable Families. The Author had not the Curiosity to intermix any Observations relating to the British, Roman and Saxon Antiquities; writing only after the printed Copy of Mr. Burton's Leicestershire.  
OXFORDSHIRE. 
Oxford.  Vast Collections, relating to the Antiquities of this County, were made by Randal Catherall (who died A. D. 1625.) and were sometime in the Custody of Bishop 
b Ath. Oxon. Vol. I. p. 731.  Sanderson: But, upon the 
c Kennet's Life of Somn. p. 42.  strictest Enquiry that could be made after 'em, they are not now to be found. Dr. Plot's 
d Fol. Oxon. 1677.  Natural History of Oxfordshire was the first Essay made in that kind by its excellent Author; who has made us acquainted with so many Physical Discoveries, as well as notable Improvements in Trade and Manufactures, that the Work has met with an Universal Applause. And as this County had the happiness to have its Natural History set, by that worthy Person, as a Pattern to the rest of the Kingdom; so it now affords a new Example of having some of its Parochial Antiquities considered (in the 
a 4o. Oxon. 1695.  History of Ambrosden, Burcester, and other adjacent Towns and Villages) by a very Learned Antiquary, Mr. White Kennet. Some of the Annals of the City of Oxford seem to be drawn up in their Red Book, which is quoted by 
b Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. Par. I. p. 57  Mr. Wood; who had a Design of obliging the Town in the same 
c Athen. Oxon. Vol. II. p. 28.  manner he had done the University.  
RUTLANDSHIRE 
Rutland.  is extremely indebted to J. Wright, who has 
d Fol. Lond. 1684.  published the History and Antiquities of that County. The Author being himself a Barrister at Law, proposed Mr. Burton (a person of the same Profession) for his pattern: So that here, as in Leicestershire, we have the Towns and Villages in Alphabetical Order; the Intermixture of some few remarkable Lawcases; the Inscriptions on Tombs and Grave-Stones; Pedigrees of Families, etc. Sir Wingfield Bodenham had, as he owns, drawn together a great many Materials out of the vast Collections of R. Dodsworth; whereof he had the perusal. The rest we owe to his own pains; which, he says, had been to better purpose, if he had not met with many of the Gentry (a mishap which will always attend Men that engage in these matters) very shy in Discovering the Evidences and Conveyances of their several Estates.  
SHROPSHIRE's 
Shropshire.  Antiquities have been hitherto (as far as my Acquaintance reaches) neglected, both by its British and English Inhabitants. There's usually in Border-Countries that Emulation and Jealousy among the different Nations, which encourages (or provokes) the Ingenious on both sides, to preserve and maintain the old Honour of their several Ancestors: So that the want of such particular Histories in this County is a good Argument of the perfect and happy Union of all its Natives into one People; tho' not of their extraordinary Affection to Books and ancient Learning.  
SOMERSETSHIRE. 
Somerset.  The Natural History of this County has been long looked for from 
a Plot's Staffordsh. p. 251.  Mr. Beaumond, who is a person of that known Ingenuity that the World has just cause to hope for a most excellent Performance. I wish his late 
b Consid. on Burnet's Theory. in Ep. Ded.  more noble Considerations (as he calls them) have not enlarged his Thoughts too much for the finishing a Work of so narrow a Compass. The Laws, Customs, etc. of the Miners in the King's Forest of Mendip are drawn 
c 12o. Lond. 1687.  together in a short Manual; and Mr. Beaumond has given us a Specimen of his forementioned large Design, in the Account we have 
d Philos. Transact. 1681. Numb. 2.  from him of Ookey-hole, and other Subterranean Grottoes in those Hills. The City of Bath (and it's hot Baths) has been beholden to Jo, Caius, the famous Cambridge Antiquary, who wrote 
e J. Pits, p. 756.  De Thermis Bathoniensibus; as did also 
a Plot's Oxfordsh. p. 42.  Dr. Mayow, tho' Mr. Wood (which I wonder at) has not observed it in the 
b Ath. Oxon. Vol. II. p. 475.  Account he gives of his Works. The Learned Dr. Jorden's Discourse (or Natural Baths and Mineral Waters) was not so general but that it was all applied to this place, and published a 
c 8o. Lond. 1669.  third time by Dr. Guidot; who has since very greatly enlarged his own Observations upon both the 
d T. Guidot de Therm. Brit. 4o. Lond. 1691.  Antiquities and Natural Curiosities of the Town, and has also given us a 
e 8o. Lond. 1694.  Register of two hundred notable Cures wrought there within the time of his own Experience. John Chapman's 
f 8o. Lond. 1673.  Thermae Redivivae are on the same Subject; and have also an Appendix (in Coriat's Rhimes) on the Antiquities of this City. To all which we must add Dr. Tho. Johnson's History of both kinds, annexed to his 
g 8o. Lond. 1634.  Mercurius Botanicus; wherein the Reader will find as entertaining a Discourse as could well be expected from any Man in so little Room.  
STAFFORDSHIRE 
Stafford.  had its Antiquities and Records preserved by S. Erdeswick of Sandon Esquire, who began his Collection A. D. 1593., and 
a Athen. Oxon. Vol. I. p. 275.  continued it to (the time of his Death) the Year 1603. His Manuscript Papers fell happily into the Hands of Walter Chetwind of Ingestree (in the same County) Esquire, a person exactly of Mr. Erdeswick's own Temper (Venerandae 
b Camd. Brit. in Staffordsh.  Antiquitatis Cultoris Maximi) and as piously disposed to the Founding, as he to the Rebuilding of Churches; from whom we had reason to hope for a 
c See Plot's Nat. Hist. of Staff. p. 392.  finishing stroke to the Enterprise, if Death had not unhappily intervened. The Natural History of this County is written by the same 
d Fol. Oxon. 1686.  worthy Hand, and in the same Method with that of Oxfordshire; and the Performance is answerable to the Experience and Knowledge we may easily imagine so industrious an Author would gain in nine Years Study and Travel. It had been happy if the Doctor's Health and Occasions would have allowed him to have gone on through the rest of the Counties of England, as he seemed once to 
a Nat. Hist. of Oxf. in Epist. Ded.  promise: But in the Conclusion of this Book, he seems to be weary, resolved to rest, and to leave some part of the Glory of this great Work to others.  
SVFFOLK's 
Suffolk.  Topography is said to have been 
b W. Kennet's Life of Somn. p. 41.  attempted by (Mr. Selden's great Friend) Sir Simonds d'Ewes; but where his Collections now are I cannot tell, unless (perhaps) amongst R. Dodsworth's Papers in the Public Library at Oxford.  
SURREY. 
Surrey.  A Survey and the Antiquities of this County were sometime 
c Ath. Oxon. Vol. II. p. 484.  threatened by Sir Edward Bishe: but whether any Advances were ever made (in good earnest) by him, towards such a Work, I have not yet learned.  
SUSSEX 
Sussex.  is not only famous for several Monasteries (mentioned by Bede and others) in the Days of the Saxons; but also for the remarkable Battle which put a stop to the Glories and Government of that People, and brought in the Norman Conqueror. And yet none of its Inhabitants, that I know of, have taken the pains to collect its Antiquities: Notwithstanding the just claim that some of 'em have to be Registered by the most Skilful Historian.  
WALES. 
Wales.  Gyraldus Cambrensis (Bishop Elect of St. David's, about the year 1200.) is the oldest Topographer of this Principality; and is every where quoted at large by Mr. Camden, as an Author of undoubted Credit and Reputation. His Itinerary and Description were both published by 
a 8vo. Lond. 1585.  Dr. Powel; with his own most Learned Notes upon 'em. The former contains a Journal of the Expedition of Archbishop Baldwine (A. D. 1188.) in Collecting the Contributions of Wales, for the carrying on of the Holy War. Together with the Topography we have a mixture of Popish Miracles and Tales; which the Publisher thought himself obliged, in strictness of Justice, to give us entire. And we have this Advantage by them, that they do not only divert the Reader, but afford also an opportunity to the Learned Publisher of communicating a deal of his own Critical Knowledge. The Description that follows in General: being, in the main, a Panegyric on the sweetness of the Soil; and the good Humour, strict Morals and exemplary Piety, of the Inhabitants. There's a second Part of this Description (De Illaudabilibus Walliae, which the Doctor thought it not convenient to publish; but has been set out lately in Print by 
a Angl. Sac. Part. II. p. 447.  Mr. Wharton: for which the Welshmen are not very much obliged to him. Gyraldus' Map of Wales (mentioned by 
b J. Pits, p. 280.  John Pits, and frequently by himself is to be seen in a MS. Copy of some of his Works, in the Library at Westminster-Abbey. After him David Morgan (Treasurer of the Church at Landaff, A. D. 1480.) is 
c Id. p. 696.  said to have written the Geography and Antiquities of Wales: and 
d Id. p. 736.  Arthur Kelton (an Ingenious Welsh Bard, in the top of his Fame, about the year 1548.) wrote several English Accounts, both in Verse and Prose, of the Glories of his Country; most of which he dedicated to Sr. William Herbert. Another Description of Wales was written by Sr. John Price, in the Reign of Edward the Sixth; perfected by Humph. Lhwyd, and prefixed to his 
a 4to. Lond. 1584.  Translation of the Welsh History. This Humphrey 
b Comment. Brit. Descrip. Fragm. de quo supra.  himself gives also a more large Account of (his own Country) Wales, than any other part of Britain; and enlarges often, sometimes corrects, the Description given by Gyraldus. The History of the Ancient and Modern State of the Principality is well written by 
c 4to. Lond. 1630.  Sr. John Doderidge; and the latest (and incomparably the best) Account of its Antiquities is just now 
d Edit. Novis. Brit. Camden.  published by my Friend Mr. Edw. Lhwyd. The same excellent Person is also projecting a Design of a British Dictionary, Historical and Geographical; with an Essay entitled Archaeologia Britannica, being a Complete Collection of the ancient Monuments throughout this whole Country; and (lastly) a Natural History of Wales. In order to the performance of so Noble and Undertaking, he thinks of travailing in that Principality four or five Summers; and likewise to make one Journey into Cornwall, and another into Ireland or the Highlands of Scotland, for Parallel Observations as to their Language; Names of Towns, Rivers, Mountains, etc. I heartily hope the Work will not meet with those Obstructions which have hitherto usually befallen Attempts of this Nature: since the Author is so generally known to be of suitable Industry and Abilities, and cannot fail (if God continue his Life) of making good his Proposals.  
WARWICKSHIRE's 
Warwick.  Antiquities are truly 
a Fol. Lond. 1656.  Illustrated by Sr. William Dugdale; who was Master of all the Advantages requisite for such a Performance: And no man can so well judge of the great Labour and Pains bestowed on the bringing of this excellent Work (the Author's 
b Ath. Oxon. Vol. II. p. 700.  Masterpiece) to perfection, as he that has viewed the many 
c In Musaeo Asmol. Oxon.  Volumes of Materials which he gathered in order to the compiling of it. His great zeal against the Sacrilegious Destruction of some Religious Structures carried his Searches into every corner of the History that related to that Matter; and his early Inclination to the Study of Heraldry obliged him carefully to preserve whatever might be grateful (on that Head) to the Nobility and Gentry of the County. The History of the Earls of Warwick was long since written by John Ross or Rouse, a noted Antiquary; who died at Warwick (or Guy's Cliff, within a Mile of the Town) A. D. 1491. A Noble Manuscript Copy of this Book, with the Pictures of the several Earls, their Coats of Arms, etc. is now in the Archives of the Public 
a Vid. Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. Part. II. p. 77.  Library at Oxford. John Pits 
b J. Pits, p. 683.  makes him write four distinct Volumes of the Antiquities and History of Warwick: but this is all that more credible Enquirers could meet with. The Life of the Famous Earl Guy was first written by Walter of Exeter (a Dominican Friar) about the year 1301. There is a sort of Spaw-water at Ilmington in this County; the History whereof is Published by 
c 8vo. Lond. 1685.  Sam. Derham, an Ingenious Physician.  
WESTMORELAND. 
Westmoreland.  Mr. Tho Machel, Rector of Kirkbythore in this County, has (with a great deal of Pains and good Judgement) collected its Antiquities: which, we hope, will ere long meet with so suitable an Encouragement as will oblige the Author to publish 'em. That Part of its Story which more nearly concerns the Nobility and Gentry, has been well preserved by Sr. Daniel Fleming of Rydale Knt. who has thereby done his own ancient Family a great deal of Right, and has also approved himself an Eminent Benefactor to those of his Neighbours.  
WILTSHIRE. 
Wilts.  John Aubrey Esq (Fellow of the Royal Society, and a Person well versed in our British and English Antiquities) has laid the Foundation of the History and Antiquities of this County: but designs to leave the finishing part, I think, to 
a Vid. Camd. Britan. N. E. p. 107.  Mr. Tanner; Whose extraordinary Proficiency in these Studies will quickly be made known to the World. The Monument of Stonehenge in Wiltshire has engaged several Antiquaries in disputing the Original of so Famous and Admirable a Structure; and they have advanced almost as many different Opinions about it. Mr. Samms 
b Samm. Britan. p. 395.  in a particular Treatise, endeavours to fetch its Original from the Phaenicians, his only Darlings; and clears the point as fairly as he does all the rest wherein he's singular. Mr. Inigo Jones (King James the First's Learned Architect) believes it to be a 
a stonehenge Restored, Fol. Lond. 1658.  Roman Temple; and strongly prove● that the Fabric is of the Tuscan Order. His Scheme, however false in itself, is also learnedly defended by 
b Vindicat. of Stone-h. Rest. ib. 1665.  Mr. Webb, his Son-in-Law. Mr. 
c Camd. Brit. N. E. p. 109.  Aubrey and others think they can evidently prove 'tis British; and 
d stonehenge Restored to the Danes, Fol. Lond.  Dr. Charlton is very sure that 'twas erected by the Danes. No Author, that hitherto has considered it, has so much as dreamed of its being a Saxon Monument. And yet (if the true old Writing of the Name be Stan-Hengest, as the 
e Monast. Angl. Tom. I. p. 97.  Monasticon seems to tell us) I cannot see why that people may not have as just a Title as any to the Honour of it. Possibly the 
f Vid. Praef. ad Edit. Nou. Camd.  MS. Treatise that is said to be written, on this subject, by Joh. Gibbons, may place it here.  
WORCESTERSHIRE. There is now 
Worcester.  a large MS. Description of this County in the hands of Tho. Abingdon Esq written by his Grandfather, an Able and Industrious Antiquary: wherein, if there be any Defects, they may be supplied by a present Prebendary of the Church of Worcester, who (when his modesty will give him leave) can effectually complete such a Work.  
YORKSHIRE. There are some Collections 
York.  in 
a Vespasian, D. 21.  Sir John Cotton's Library relating to this County, gathered by one Tho. Talbot; who was some time Clerk of the Records in the Tower, and was alive 
b Athen. Oxon. Vol. I. p. 88  A. D. 1580. These, and whatever else looks this way, we must believe to have been long since seen and perused by Dr. Nath. Johnston of Pomfret; who (as he says) has spent thirty years in amassing together Materials for the Illustrating the Antiquities and Natural History of Yorkshire. In the former of these he intends to write after Sir William Dugdale's Copy, and in the latter after Dr. Plott's; and to finish the whole in five Volumes. I am pretty well assured that he is not yet (as 
a Ath. Oxon. Vol. II. p. 699.  Mr. Wood was informed) weary of the Work: but that, tho' some late troubles have rendered him unable to finish it so soon as he designed, he is every day doing something at it. H. Keep (mentioned before in Middlesex) is 
b Id. ib. p. 623.  reported to have made some Collections towards the Antiquities of the City of York; and Sir Thomas Widdrington (sometime Recorder there) did certainly make a very great Progress in a learned and exact Description of it. Some distaste, given him by the Citizens, obstructed his allowing of his Papers to be published; and they are now (I am told) sub sigillo, in the Custody of Mr. Fairfax of Menston. A lean Catalogue of the Mayors, Sheriffs, etc. (from the Reign of Edward the First, to the year 1664) is published by their late Recorder 
c 8o Lond. 1665.  Hildyard: And some Learned Observations on a Roman Wall and Multangular Tower, in that City, have been made by 
d Philos. Transact. Num. 145.  M. Lister. The Tower of St. Mary's in York was the best furnished with ancient Charters and Records of any Place in the North of England, as appears from the many Transcripts which are thence Inserted in the two first Volumes of the 
a Tom. I. p. 386, 393, 394, 395, 399, 427, 496, 497, 498, 501, 510, 554, 565, 587, 599, 661, 758, 776, 778, 798, 799, 827, 834, etc. Tom. II. p. 35, 97, 98, 99, 104, 148, 151, 153, 166, 192, 348, 350, 369, 371, 402, 556, 557, 798, 808, 820, 824, 976, 999.  Monasticon: But the barbarous Rage of our late Days of Rebellion laid it and them in Ashes. Mr. Dodesworth happily copied all or most of 'em before those Times of Destruction came upon us; and his large Collections were afterwards as happily deposited in Bodley's Library, where they now remain. The Registrum Feodorum de Richmondshire is quoted both by▪ 
b Britan. in Richmondsh.  Mr. Camden and 
c Monast. Angl. Tom. I. p. 877.  Sir William Dugdale. It seems to be the same which is cited by 
d Praef. ad 10 Script.  Mr. Selden, under the Name of an old Genealogy of the Earls of Richmond. The Parish of Leedes will shortly be described, and have its Antiquities Published, by my Ingenious and Industrious Friend Mr. R. Thoresby. The Spaw-waters in Yorkshire have occasioned the publishing of several Learned and Ingenious Treatises on that Subject. Knaresbrough is particularly obliged to Mich. Stanhop's 
a 8o Lond. 1632.  Knaresbrough-Spaw; to Dr. Edm. Dean's 
b 8o. Lond. 1626.  Spadacrene Anglica; and to Dr. 
c 8o ib. 1652.  French's Yorkshire-Spaw.  
Dr. witty's Scarborough-Spaw (published both in 
d 8o ibid. 1660.  English and 
e 8o Lond. 1678.  Latin) met not with so much quiet as the three former; being briskly encountered by two several Champions. The first that engaged it was W. Simpson, in his Hydrologia Chymica; to which the Doctor made a sharp Reply under the Title of Pyrologia 
f 8o Lond. 1669.  Mimica. His next Opposer was Dr. Tonstall, who wrote 
g 8o Lond 1672.  Scarborough-Spaw Spagirically Anatomised; together with a New-years-Gift for Dr. Witty: but whether he was ever vouchsafed any Answer I know not.  
The Reader may expect a further Account of the Affairs of our several Counties from those that have treated of the History of our Cathedrals and Monasteries: and whatever Writers fall under those Heads will be remembered 
h Chh. 9 and 10.  elsewhere.   

CHAP. III.  
Of the Histories that relate to the Times of the old Britain's and Romans.  
'TIS a very discouraging Censure which Sir William Temple passes upon all the Accounts given us of the Affairs of this Island, before the Romans came and Invaded it. The Tales (says 
a Introduct. to the Hist. of Eng. p. 19  he) we have of what passed before Caesar' s Time, of Brute and his Trojans, of many Adventures and Successions, are covered with the Rust of Time, or Involved in the Vanity of Fables or pretended Traditions; which seem to all Men obscure or uncertain, but to me forged at pleasure by the Wit or Folly of their first Authors, and not to be regarded. And 
b Ib. p. 31.  again; I know few ancient Authors upon this Subject [of the British History] worth the pains of perusal, and of Dividing or Refining so little Gold out of so much course Oar, or from so much Dross. But some other Inferior People may think this worth their pains; since all Men are not born to be Ambassadors: And, accordingly, we are told of a very 
a R. Talbot. Vid. Athen. Oxon. Par. I. p. 88  Eminent Antiquary who has thought fit to give his Labours in this kind the Title of Aurum ex Stercore. There's a deal of Servile Drudgery required to the Discovery of these Riches, and such as every Body will not stoop to: For few Statesmen and Courtiers (as one is lately said to have observed in his own Case) care for Travelling in Ireland, or Wales, purely to learn the Language.  
A diligent Enquirer into our old British 
Records lost.  Antiquities would rather observe (with Industrious 
b Assert. Arth. Fol. 25. b.  Leland) that the poor Britain's, being harassed by those Roman conquerors with continual Wars, could neither have leisure nor thought for the penning of a Regular History: and that afterwards their Back-Friends, the Saxons, were (for a good while) an Illiterate Generation; and minded nothing but Killing and taking Possession. So that 'tis a wonder that even so much remains of the Story of those Times as the sorry Fragment of Gildas; who appears to have written in such a Consternation, that what he has left us looks more like the Declamation of an Orator, hired to expose the miserable Wretches, than any Historical Account of their Sufferings. Besides, 'tis not to be imagined but another long and calamitous War (with the Picts and Saxons afterwards) that demolished their Churches as well as Libraries, would sweep away even the very Ruins of Religion and Learning. Some have thought that there are considerable Relics of the British History among the Refugees of Brittany in France; and that they have Manuscripts of much elder Dates than the Lives of some ancient Saints, which have been had from thence. We are sure there are many such Books, of a very great Age, that still remain in Wales; a good Collection whereof was lately made by a notable Antiquary, Mr. Maurice of Keuny braich in Denbighshire, and is now (as I am informed) fallen into the hands of Sir William Williams.  
But 'twill be to no purpose for a Man to seek out these Venerable Remnants, 
Language.  unless he be able to understand the meaning of what he meets with; and therefore 'tis requisite that our Antiquary furnish himself with a competent skill in the British, or Welsh Language. The thing will be of no great Difficulty, if the ancient Tongue be so far perished, that (as Dr. Bernard has 
a In Epist. ad G. Hickesium, in fine Gramm. Anglosax.  observed) the words in Dr. Davies' Dictionary are one half Latin, a Quarter English, and only another quarter Welsh: But I dare not promise that this will be found to be a true and punctual Account. Mr. Edward Lhwyd (who took the pains to examine into the matter) says, there are about 10000 Words in that Dictionary; whereof 1500 are indeed like the Latin, and 200 like the English: So that not a sixth part can be so much as suspected to be Latin, nor a fortieth English. For, tho' the Welshmen grant 1500 words to be like the Latin, yet they will not allow that their Original is owing to that Language; since many of 'em are also used (in the like signification) by other Nations, who are confessed to have borrowed none from thence. Mr. Sheringham takes 
b De Angl. Orig. p. 108, 109, etc.  notice that Brutus, coming from Italy (which I do as verily believe as that Romulus came from Mars and Rhes Sylvia) must necessarily have had a Language near-a-kin to what was spoken there; and that hence are so many words in the Welsh which look like the Roman, and not from the Corruption of it by the Conquering Romans afterwards. Tacitus himself 
a In Vit. Agric. Cap. 21.  confesses the Britain's zealously kept their Language unmixed: And Dr. Davies 
b In Praefat. ad Gram. Brit.  says, their old Laws expressly forbid the Bards to introduce any new words into their Rhimes. Mr. Sheringham further observes that the Britain's have many words nearly related to such old Latin ones as were grown obsolete even before Caesar's time; and that many of the Roman Proper Names may be handsomely derived from the British Tongue, which have no Foundation in the Modern Latin. As to that part of the Language which Dr. Bernard invidiously tells them they owe (Dominis Anglis) to their Masters, the Saxons, Mr. Lhwyd will not allow that they are so indebted for one Moiety of the 200 words observed to agree in Sound and Signification with the English; since above half of 'em are found in the Armorican Vocabulary, published by 
a 8o. Paris 1521.  Ivon Quillivere. Now, 'tis certain the Britain's went hence to Armorica in the Year 384, whereas the Saxons came not in before 450.  
If then our English Antiquary be not a Native of Wales, 
Grammars.  'tis indispensably necessary that (to complete himself in this Study) he gain a good acquaintance with the Welsh Tongue; which he may pretty readily do with the Assistance of such Grammars as have been composed for that purpose. The first of these was published by W. Salesbury, sometime a Member of Lincoln's Inn, under the Title of 
b 4o Lond. 1550, & 1557.  A plain and familiar Introduction, teaching how to pronounce the Letters in the British Tongue, etc. The next was Sir Edward Stradling's; which seems to have given occasion to (the Third) that of J. Dau. Rhese, printed (together with a large Preface by H. Prichard) by the 
c Fol. Lond. 1592.  Name of Cambro-Britannicae Cymraecaeve Linguae Institutiones & Rudimenta, etc. ad Intelligend. Biblia Sacra nuper in Cambro-Britan. Sermonem eleganter versa. The Fourth and last was written by Dr. Davies, and bears the Title of 
a 8o. Lond. 1621.  Antiquae Linguae Britannicae, nunc communiter dictae Cambro-Britannicae, à suis Cymraecae vel Cambricae, ab aliis Wallicae, Rudimenta, etc.  
There are also several Dictionaries published in that Language; 
Dictionaries.  which will all be of singular Use and Advantage to a true Antiquary of this Kingdom. Will. Salesbury (beforemention'd) composed one in English and Welsh; which was first privately presented to King Henry the Eighth (his very kind Patron) and afterwards 
b 4o. Lond. 1546.  Printed. The Sum and Substance of this (as likewise what was afterwards written in the same kind by Bishop Morgan, H. Salesbury, H. Perry and Tho. Williams) was published in Dr. Joh. Davies' most Elaborate Work, entitled, 
c Fol. Lond. 1638.  Antiquae Linguae Britannicae, etc. Dictionarium duplex: A Book which shows its excellent Author to have been perfectly acquainted with all the Learned Languages as well as his own Mother Tongue. John Leland is also reported by Pits, to have written a Dictionarium Britannico-Latinum. But I suspect there's no more grounds for such a Story than only this: Leland published a Latin Poem upon the 
a Genethliacon, etc. 4o. Lond. 1543.  Birth of the Prince of Wales, afterwards King Edward the Sixth; and, taking occasion to use some hard words in it, added to it Syllabus & Interpretatio Antiquarum Dictionum, quae passim per Libellum Lectori occurrunt. And this, I believe, is all the Welsh Dictionary that will be found of his Composure.  
With these Helps a Man may venture upon those most 
b Vid. Gyrald. Cambr. Descrip. Cambr. cap. 3.  Ancient and Authentic Writings of the old Bards; 
Bards.  wherein he shall have exact Genealogies of all the British Kings and Princes up to Brute, and from thence to Adam. This very Account is given of those famous Songsters by Lucan, Strabo, Diodorus Siculus and Am. Marcellinus: 
c Sheringham de Angl. Orig. p. 165.  And almost all other History (among the Chaldeans, Greeks and Romans) had its first Foundation in Poetry. Whether he will find the Rules of their Prosodia to agree with those that are laid down by Captain Middleton in his 
a 4o. Lond. 1593.  Bardoniaeth, or Art of Welsh Poetry, I know not: But how methodically they ordered their TYLWYTHS, or Tribes, 
b Hist of Gavelk. p. 20, 21, etc.  Silas Taylour has at large informed us. Nor were they content to preserve the Pedigrees of their own Princes and great Men, but were also so good-natured as to do the like Services for the Saxons. Thus we are told that S. Benlanius (who is sometimes quoted by the name of 
c J. Leland. Assert. Arth. Fol. 11. a.  Samuel Britannus, and lived about the Year 600) was a curious Enquirer into the Genealogies of many 
d J. Pits, p. 104. Vid. etiam Usser. Hist. Eccles. p. 206.  English Families; some whereof he carried as high as the Flood. 'Twas customary to sing these Composures in the presence of their Nobles, and at their chief Festivals and Solemnities. And, truly, if the Story of one of these Bards canting the Praises of King Arthur before Henry II. and giving a hint to the Monks of Glassenbury for the Discovery of that British King's Body, be fairly true (and have nothing of Legend in it) a very great regard is to be had to these Historical Ballads.  
Amongst these Bards is to be reckoned their famous Merlin; 
Merlin.  whose true Name (says 
a Commentar. Fragm. Fol. 64. b.  Humph. Lhuid) is Merdhyn, so called from Caermarthen [Mariduno] where he was born. This was so mighty a Man in his Time that our Writers have thought it convenient to split him into three. The first of these (Godfather to the two following) they call Merlinus Ambrose, or Merdhyn Emries; who lived about the Year 480, and wrote several Prophetical Odes, turned into Latin Prose by Jeoffrey of Monmouth. The next is Merlinus Caledonius, who lived A. D. 570, wrote upon the same Subject with the former, and had the same Translator. The third is surnamed Avalonius, who lived under King Malgocunus (they might as well have made him Secretary to joseph of Arimathea, says our great 
b Orig. Brit. p. 9  Stillingfleet; and yet my 
c J. Pits, p. 97.  Author goes gravely on, and affirms that he) was an eminent Antiquary, but seems to mix too many Fables with his true Story. They write this last indeed Melchinus, Melkinus and Mewynus, and make him to live some time before the latter Merlin: But all this is Stuff; and he's manifestly the same Man, or nothing. Soon after him came Ambrose Thaliessin; whom Bale and Pits make to live in the days of King Arthur, and to record his Story. Sir John Prise 
a In Defence. Hist. Brit.  quotes a certain Ode of his called Hannes Thaliessin, or Thaliessin's Errors; which he says is to be seen in several of their old Manuscripts.  
The most ancient British Historian 
Gildas.  now extant is Gildas▪ For the Chronicle that bears the Name of Brutus mentions the 
b Usserii Hist. Eccles. p. 72.  Legend of King Lucius, and is apparently a late contrived Piece; and 
c J. Pits, p. 86.  Silvius is much of the same Authority with the Writings of 
d Bale, Cent. I. Cap. 1.  Samothes. This Gentleman has had the same Respect paid to his Memory that we have already noted of Merlin: Since Gildas Cambricus, Albanius and Badonicus, are made (by the generality of our Writers) three several Persons. It does not well appear that there was ever more than one Historian of this Name, whatever they that 
e Stillingst. Orig. Brit. p. 209.  love to multiply Authors as well as Books, have said to the contrary: And therefore (notwithstanding Archbishop 
a Hist. Eccles. Brit. p. 237.  usher's great Authority on the other side) I shall venture to consider him in a single Capacity. He was Monk of Bangor, about the middle of the Sixth Century; a sorrowful Spectator of the Miseries and almost utter Ruin of his Countrymen, by a People under whose Banners they hoped for Peace. His Life is written at large by 
b Stillingst. Orig. Brit. p. 207. Usser. Hist. Eccles. p. 237, 250.  Car●doc of Lancarvan; and by an Anonymous Author, published by 
c In Biblioth. Flor.  John à Bosco. His lamentable History De Excidio Britanniae is all that's printed of his Writing; and perhaps all that is any where extant. Bale, Pits and others, reckon up some other Matters whereof they make this Gildas Badonicus (as they distinguish him) to be the Author: But Archbishop Usher is peremptory in it, that this is the 
d Hist. Eccles. p. 278, 279.  Vnicum quod restat Opusculum; for he makes it and the Epistle to be all one thing. It was first Published and Dedicated to Bishop Tunstall, by 
e 8o. Lond. 1625.  Polydore Virgil; whose imperfect and corrupt Copy was Reprinted in the 
a Fol. Paris. 1610. Tom. V. Col. 477.  Bibliotheca Patrum. Afterwards there was another Edition of it by John Josseline; who made use of another Manuscript, but not much more correct than the former: The latest and best is that we have from 
b Hist. Brit. Tom. I. Tract. 1.  Dr. Gale; who had the advantage of a more ancient and much better Copy than either of the two former had seen. If he did write any thing more, 'tis now lost. Leland is mighty desirous to believ●●hat there is somewhere such a Treatise as his Cambreiss in Verse; that 'twas stolen and carried into 
c Assert. Arth. Fol. 32. b.  Italy; and that the Poet Gildas and the Historian were 
d Comment. in Cygn. Cant. voce Britannia.  two several Persons. But 'tis now feared we shall never meet with any other Poetical Treatise, bearing his Name, save only that which Leland himself calls Gildas fictitius; and which Archbishop Usher frequently quotes by the Name of 
e Hist. Eccles. p. 27, 30, 37.  Pseudo-Gildas. His Book De Victoria Ambrosii is of the same 
f Ib. p. 12.  base metal; out of which have been coined John Pits' Regum Britannorum Historia; De primis Insulae Incolis; Lites Luddi & Nennii, etc.  
The next British Historian of Note 
Nennius.  is Nennius. The first of this Name that is said to have taken care of the Antiquities of his Country, was (if we are not imposed on) Son to King Helius, and Brother to Ludd and Cassibelane; who had the Honour to die of a wound given him by Julius Caesar's own hand. 'Twas he, they 
a Bale Cent. I. Cap. 15. & 59 Edit. 1.  say, 〈◊〉 first wrote a Book of the British History in his own Tongue; which was afterwards translated into Latin by his Namesake, Abbot of Bangor. This same Abbot Nennius is generally supposed to be one of the Fifty Monks that were so wise as to skulk at Chester, when 1200 of their Brethren fell a Sacrifice to the Pride of Augustine, the first Planter of the Romish Principles and Practices in our Isle? and to have flourished about the Year 620. Which will not agree with what is attested by himself in the best Copies of his 
b Vid. Usser. Hist. Eccl. p. 217. & Edit Galei, p. 93.  Book, that he wrote A. D. 858. Anno 24ᵒ. Mervini Regis. He is said to have left behind him several Treatises; whereof all that's published is his 
a Dr. Gale's Hist. Brit. p. 93.  Historia Britonum. This is the same Book that Bale and Pits have registered under the Style of Eulogium Britanniae; and the only piece that must answer for what those Gentlemen mention by the Titles of his Collectiones Historiarum; Antiquitates Britannicae; Chronicon, etc. In most of the MS. Copies it is erroneously 
b Vid. Usserii Hist. Eccles. p. 107. & J. Leland, Assert. Arth. Fol. 3. b.  ascribed to Gildas. This History says nothing of the other brave Nennius, abovementioned; whom later Commentators have 〈◊〉 so great in Story. I am of Opinion that the Contrivance of this Hero is one of the best things in all Jeoffrey of Monmouth's Romance. It looks like a grateful Acknowledgement to the Person that had obliged him (or his Author) with the groundwork of his whole Fabric: to whom he could not pay a more decent Compliment than by making him Godfather to one of his chief Knights Errand.  
Next after Nennius, 
Hoel Dha.  follow Hoel Dha's Laws; which were enacted about the middle of the Tenth Century; whereof those that relate to Ecclesiastical Affairs have been published by 
a Concil. Tom. I. p. 408.  Sir Henry Spelman. Of these there are 
b Vid. Humph. Lhuid. Comment. Brit. Frag. Fol. 53. a. & Hen. Spelm. Gloss. in voce Adelingus & Lex.  several Copies, both in Welsh and Latin, still extant; among which a very old one (written on Parchment) in Jesus College at Oxford. The Preface to this last will not allow that King Hoel abrogated (as Mr. Camden 
c Brit. in Carmardensh.  says he did) all the Laws of his Ancestors; but expressly tells us, that 
d Observat. Ed. Lhwyd in novam Edit. Camd. p. 625.  according to the Advice of his Council, some of the ancient Laws he retained, 〈◊〉 he corrected, and some he quite disannuls, appointing others in their stead. Dr. powel will not agree that any new Statutes were ordained by this King 
e In Additament. ad Hist. Cambr.  But that his Commissioners (according to the Powers given them) retained only those ancient Laws that were good and useful, explained the Ambiguous, and abrogated the Superfluous. For, we are to know that (full fourteen hundred years before Hoel's Time) the Britain's had a whole Body of Muncipal Laws, enacted by King 
a Bale (Edit. I.) Cent. I. Cap. 8. & 10.  Dunwallo Molmutius; which were soon afterwards enlarged by Queen Martia. All these, says Bale, were translated into Latin by Gildas; and into Saxon by King Aelfred. Nay, some wise Writers will needs affirm, that a certain part of our English Saxon Laws, which they call Lex Merciorum, had its Denomination from these Leges Martiae: and this childish Fancy has been embraced by several of our 
b Vid. R. Higden. Lib. I. cap. 50. & Hist. Jorn. p. 38.  grave and ancient Historians. Others think it improbable that so great a Prince as King Aelfred should ever trouble his Head with Translating any of the Laws either of Molmutius or Martia; who were only Antiquated Legislators among his Enemies, and Heathens. But (since the Britain's, as Asserius and others tell us, voluntarily submitted to him) it seems as wise in Him to give them their own Laws in his Language, as 'twas in William the Conqueror to grant us the Saxon Laws in French. Many of 'em (we have already been told) were abolished even by the Britain's themselves, after they became Christians: But Mr. Sheringham thinks 'tis evident from several Law-Terms (such as 
a Shering. de Orig. Gentis Angl. p. 125, 126.  Murder, Denizon, Rout, etc.) which are purely British, that some of them were taken into the Body of our English Laws. Hoel's are said to have been first Translated into Latin by (a Gentleman with a very hard Name) Blegabride 
b Bale, Cent. 2. Cap. 23.  Langauride, Doctor of Laws and Archdeacon of Landaff, in the year 914. which, if the British History do not misinform us, was about 26 years before that King began his Reign. There is lately come to my hands a Latin MS Copy (in Parchment) of these Laws; in the end whereof (in a later hand) is written: Istum Librum Tho Powel Joanni Da. Rhaeso Med. Doctori dono dedit me●se Augusto 1600.  
And these, 
Uncertain Authors.  I think, are all the British Historical Writers that lived before the Norman Conquest; whose Books are now to be met with in any of our English Libraries. I know not how to direct the Reader to seek for the Histories of Elbodus or 
c J. Pits, p. 103, 105.  Elvodugus (for they are both the same Man) from whom Nennius is made to borrow a good part of what we now have under his Name; nor for those of 
a J. Pits p. 107.  Worgresius and Mawornus, Abbot and Monk of Glassenbury; nor for the Genealogies drawn up, by the Famous Bard in King Edgar's days, 
b Id. p. 175.  Saliphilax. When these are retrieved, I would have them all carefully bound up with the Deflorationes Historiae Britannicae; which (as Jo. 
c De Antiq. Cantab. lib. 1.  Caius has learnedly proved from Stow and Lanquet) were written by King Gurguntius about 370 years before Christ. The Welsh MS. cited frequently in Camden's Britannia, by the name of Triades, seems not to carry Age enough to come within this Class. 'Tis the same, I suppose, which he 
d Camd. Remains, Edit. 1614 p. 17.  elsewhere calls the British old Book of Triplicities; running all upon the number three, as appears from his Quotation out of it: Welshmen love Fire, Salt and Drink; Frenchmen Women, Weapons and Horses; Englishmen Good cheer, Lands and Traffic.  
We are not to expect any such Assistances 
Charters.  for the ascertaining the History of these Times, as After-Ages afford us, from Charters, Letters Patents, etc. And yet 'tis too forward an Assertion to say there were no such things in the days of our British Kings, if all be true that 
a Assert. Arth. fol. 12, 13, etc.  Leland tells us of King Arthur's Seal: But I am not, I confess, so much in Love with that Venerable Relic as he seems to have been. It might indeed be brought (as he guesses) from Glassenbury; where I do believe 'twas hung at a forged Charter by some Monk, who was a better Mechanic than Antiquary. The Inscription easily discovers the Cheat: PATRICIUS ARTURIUS BRITANNIAE, GALLIAE, GERMANIAE, DACIAE IMPERATOR. He is certainly called Patricius here (and no where else) out of the abundant Respect that Monastery had for their Guardian, Saint Patrick; and not, as Leland fancies, upon any Account of a Roman Fashion.  
Another Help is here wanting, 
Coins.  which exceedingly Conduces towards the Illustrating the Antiquities of other Nations; and that is the Light that is often gained from the Impresses and Inscriptions upon their old Coins and Medals. The money used here in 
b Commentar. lib. 5.  Caesar's Time was nothing more than Iron Rings and shapeless pieces of Brass: nor does it well appear that ever afterwards their Kings brought in any of another sort. Camden 
a Remains p. m. 199. 200.  says he could not learn that, after their retirement into Wales, they had any such thing among them: none of the Learned Men of that Principality having yet been able to produce so much as one piece of British Coin, found either in Wales or any where else. And, is it likely that a Royalty of this Nature (of so great Benefit to their Subjects, as well as Honour to themselves) would have been laid aside by the Cambrian Princes, if formerly enjoyed by any of their Ancestors? J. 
b Comment. in Cygn. Cant. voce Britannia.  Leland tells us he never (in all his Travels, throughout the whole Kingdom of England) could meet with one British Coin, among the many Millions of those of the Romans found in this Nation. And the Reason, he says, was, because (as he proves out of 
c Vid. Histor. Gilda, §. 5.  Gildas) the Romans would not allow any of our Metal to be stamped with any other Image or Superscription, save only that of Caesar's, that is, some of their own Emperors. However, we now have several ancient Coins in our public and private Libraries, which are generally reputed to be British: tho' 'tis very hard to determine in what Age of the World they were minted. My very Learned and Ingenious Friend Mr. Lwhyd believes that, before the coming in of the Romans, they had Gold Coins of their own; because there have been frequently found (both in England and Wales) thick pieces of that Metal, hollowed on one side, with variety of unintelligible Marks and Characters upon them. These, he is sure, cannot be ascribed either to the Romans, Saxons or Danes; and therefore 'tis reasonable we should conclude them to be British. And the Reason why he thinks they were coined before the Romans came, is this: If the Britain's had learned the Art from them, they would (tho' never so inartificially) have endeavoured to imitate their manner of Coining; and, in all likelihood, have added Letters and the Head of their Kings. Here's a fair and probable opinion against the express Testimony of Julius Caesar; who could hardly be imposed on in this part of the Account he gives of our Isle. Camden 
a Remains p. m. 199.  rather thinks that, after the Arrival of the Romans, the Britain's first begun to imitate them in their Coining of both Gold and Copper: But his Stories of Cunobeline and Queen Brundvica, are much of a piece with those of Doctor 
a Nat. Hist. of Oxfordsh. cap. 10.  Plott's Prasutagus; all of 'em liable to very just and (to me) unanswerable Objections. For my own part, I am of Opinion, that never any of the British Kings did Coin Money: But that even their Tribute-Money (like the Dane-Gelt and Peterpence afterwards) was the ordinary Current Coin; which was brought in (or minted here) by the Romans themselves, as long as this Island continued a Province. The most (if not all) of the foremention'd pieces, which are not Counterfeits, I take to be Annulets; whereof Tho. 
b Antiq. Dan. p. 466.  Bartholine gives this sensible Account: Habuere Veteres in Paganismo res quasdam portatiles, ex Argento vel Auro factas, Imaginibus Deorum, fancy humanâ Expressorum signatas, quibus Futurorum Cognitionem explorabant, & quarum possessione felices se & quodam quasi Numinis praesidio tutos judicabant. These were in use among the Romans a good while 
c Vid. Spartian. in Caracal.  after they came into Britain: and the Amula (from whence they had their Name) was a little drinking 
a Coel. Rhodig. Antiq. Lect. lib. 27. cap. 27.  Cup, most probably of this very Fashion. If any man dislikes my Conjecture, I am willing Sir John Pettus should Umpire the matter between us; and his Supposition (that Coin is an 
b Gloss. ad Flet. Min. voce Coin.  Abstract of Coynobeline, who first coined Money at Malden) will for ever decide the Controversy.  
After the Conquest, 
GEOFFREY of Monmouth.  The first man that attempted the Writing of the old British History was Geoffery Archdeacon of Monmouth; and he did it to some purpose. This Author lived under King 
c J. Pits, p. 217.  Stephen, about the year 1150. He had a peculiar fancy for Stories surmounting all ordinary Faith: which inclined him to pitch upon King Arthur's feats of Chivalry, and Merlyn's Prophecies, as proper subjects for his Pen. But his most famous piece is his Chronicon sive Historia Britonum; which has taken so well as to have had several 
d Apud Jo. Badium A. D. 1508. & Hydelb. 1587., etc.  Impressions. In this he has given a perfect Genealogy of the Kings of Britain from the Days of Brutus: wherein we have an Exact Register of above Seventy glorious Monarches that ruled this Island, before ever Julius Caesar had the good fortune to be acquainted with it. The first stone of this fair Fabric was laid by Nennius: but the Superstructure is all Fire-new, and purely his own. They that are concerned for the Credit of this Historian tell us, that he had no further hand in the Work, than only to translate an ancient Welsh History brought out of Brittany in France by Walter Calenius, Archdeacon of Oxford; who was himself an eminent Antiquary, and added a 
a J. Pits, p. 198.  Supplement to the Book. The Translation of the whole he committed to the care of his Friend Geoffry; who (says 
b Ad An. 1151.  Matt. Paris) approved himself Interpres verus. And there I am willing to let the matter rest. The Translator might have employed his time better, yet may be an honest man: But the Author (whoever he was) has basely imposed upon the World, and was certainly something of another Nature. The best defence that can be made for it is that which was written by Sir John Prise; and is published under the Title of 
a 4to. Lond. 1573.  Historiae Britannicae Defensio: to which something further is added by 
b De Orig. Gentis Angl. p. 124. ad 134.  Mr. Sheringham (if it could be helped) to part with any thing of an old Story that looks gay, and is but even tolerably well contrived. As to the regard (says the ingenious Mr. 
c Camd. Brit. N. E. p. 603.  Lhwyd) due to this History in general, the judicious Reader may consult Dr. Powel's Epistle 
d In calce Editionis suae Pont. Virun.  De Britannicâ Historiâ rectè Intelligendâ; and Dr. Davies ' s Preface to his British Lexicon; and balance them with the Arguments and Authority of those that wholly reject them. I am not for wholly rejecting all that's contained in that History; believing there is somewhat of Truth in it, under a mighty heap of Monkish Forgeries: But, for the main, I am of 
e Britan. in Monmouthsh.  Camden's Judgement; and I hope my Friend will allow me to think the Arguments and Authority of that Writer and common Sense to be as weighty (in these Matters) as those of the two greatest Doctors in Christendom. Ponticus Virunnius, an Italian, 
a 8o. Lond. 1585. curante D. Powel.  Epitomised it; and indeed 'tis of a Complexion fitter for the Air of Italy than England.  
Cotemporary with this Jeoffrey was Caradocus Monk of Lancarvan; 
Caradocus Lancarvensis.  who contented himself with the Writing of a History of the Petty Kings of Wales, after they were driven into that Corner of the Island by the Saxons. This History (which was written originally in Latin, and brought as low as the Year 1156, by its Author) was afterwards translated into English by Humphrey Lhuid; and enlarged and published by 
b 4o. Lond. 1584.  Dr. Powel. There are three MSS. of good note, mentioned by 
c Hist. Eccl. Brit. p. 29, 31.  Archbishop Usher, which seem to reach much higher than Caradocus pretends to go; all which I guess to have been written about the same Time. The first is in Welsh, in Sir John Cotton's Library; reported to be the same that was translated by Jeoffrey of Monmouth. The Second is in old English by one Lazimon: and the Third (as I take it) in Latin, by Geraldus Cornubiensis.  
King Arthur, 
K. Arthur.  and his Knights of the Round Table, made so considerable a Figure in the British History, that many Learned Men have been at a great deal of Trouble to clear up that Prince's Title, and to secure that part of Jeoffrey's Story, whatever Fate might attend the Rest. The first Stickler (against Will. Neubrigensis, etc.) was one Grey, the supposed Author of Scalechronicon; whom 
a J. Pits, p. 680.  Pits calls John, and says, he was Bishop of Norwich and Elect of Canterbury, and that he died A. D. 1217. Bishop 
b Def. Apolog. Par. I. p. 11.  Jewel calls him Thomas. About two hundred Years after him, Tho. Ma●ory (a Welsh Gentleman) wrote King Arthur's Story in English; a Book that is, in our Days, often sold by the Ballad-singers with the like Authentic Records of Guy of Warwick and Bevis of Southampton. But, about the middle of the last Century, his chief Champions appeared on the Stage; in defence of him against Polydore Virgil's fierce attack. These were 
c Hist. Brit. Def. 4o. Lond. 1573.  Sir John Prise and 
d Assert. Regis Arth. 4o. Lond. 1544.  Mr. Leland; the latter whereof was as able as any Man alive to give the Story all the Light which the Kingdom could afford it. And yet his Treatise is the most liable to Exception of any thing he ever published. Many of the Authors he quotes are only Jeoffrey of Monmouth's Echoes; others come not up to the Question; and some are too Modern. These, and more Objections are raised against this History by our most Learned Bishop 
a Orig. Brit. p. 339, etc.  Stillingfleet; who nevertheless confesses that he has sufficiently proved that there was such a Prince. So that, it seems, there is something of 
b Sir W. Temple's Introd. p. 51, 52, 53.  plain Stuff in the Story; whatever Imbroydery may be Introduced by the Spanish Kelton's Chronicle of the 
c 8o. Lond. 1547.  Brutes, and H. 
d Ath. Oxon. Vol. I. p. 293.  Lyte's Records, etc. are such Whimsical and Imperfect Pieces as not to deserve the being named with the last mentioned Authors; tho' they treat much on the same Subject.  
After King Charles the Second Restoration, 
R. Vaughan.  Mr. Robert Vaughan (a Learned Gentleman of Meryonidshire) published his 
a 4o Oxon. 1662.  British Antiquities Revived; wherein are a great many very pretty Remarks and Discoveries. The Author, it appears, was well known to Archbishop 
b See Archbish. Usher's Letters, p. 261, 270, etc.  Usher; by whom he was much countenanced and encouraged in these Studies. In one of his Letters to that renowned Primate, he says, he had now finished his Annals of Wales; which he then sent to be perused by his Grace, and to receive his Approbation (if worthy of it) for the Press. What became of that Work, I cannot tell: but it has not yet appeared so publicly as the Author (it seems) long since intended it should. His Executors owe him and us the Justice of sending abroad whatever they have of his that's complete: For he left also behind him a large Collection of other Manuscript Papers, relating to the same Subject; which were sometime in the Possession of Sir William Williams.  
After him came forth Aylet Sammes 
A. Sam.  with his 
a Fol. Lond. 1676.  Britannia Antiqua Illustrata; wherein he fetches the Original of the British Customs, Religion and Laws, from the Phoenicians. This Conceit (which is all that looks new in his Book) is wholly borrowed from Bochartus; as is his long Discourse of the Offspring of the Saxons, from Sheringham. As for his own part, 'tis visible he equally understood the Phoenician, British, Gothick, Saxon, and Islandic Languages; and, if left to himself, could as easily have brought the Britain's from New Spain, and the Saxons from Madagascar. Upon the first publishing of this Book, Mr. Oldenburg (Secretary to the Royal Society) gave a very obliging 
b Philos. Transact. Num. 124. p. 596.  Character both of the Work and its Author: who (by what the 
c Athen. Oxon. Vol. II. p. 879.  Oxford Antiquary has since told us) was every way unworthy of such a Compliment. Whether his Uncle or himself was the true Author of what he was pleased to publish under his own Name, is not worth our while to inquire. But, if we believe Mr. Wood that Aylet had never so much as heard of John Leland before the Year 1677, he's the most unaccountable and ridiculous Plagiary and Buffoon that ever had his Name in the Title Page of any Book whatever. For that which he pretends to be his, was Printed the Year before; and (in the Preface to it) we are told, that 'twas John Leland's asserting, that the main Body of the Welsh Language consisted of Hebrew and Greek words, which first put the Author upon his search into the Stories of the Phoenician Voyages. So that, it's very probable that good Master Sammes never read so much as the Preface to his Book: Or else, either he or Mr. Wood must be under the misfortune of a very treacherous Memory.  
Something of value might have been 
J. Auburey.  expected from the many Years Labours and Collections of that excellent Antiquary John Aubrey Esquire, Fellow of the Royal Society; if the Proposals he lately made for the publishing of his Monumenta Britannica had met with a suitable Reception. The World is not come to that Ripeness we hope for, as duly to relish Works of this Nature: but how well his have deserved a better Encouragement than hitherto they have met with, is apparent from the little Tastes we have of 'em in the late Edition of the Britannia; especially in Wiltshire, Herefordshire and Wales. He would have given us (if we had been so kind to ourselves as to have accepted his Pains) a good view of the Temples, Religion and Manners, of the Ancient Druids; of the Camps, Castles, Military Architecture, etc. of both Britain's and Romans. But we rejected his offers; and may possibly too late repent of our Folly.  
As to the Roman Writers, 
Roman Historians.  there are hardly any that treat of the Affairs of this Isle any otherwise than occasionally only, and by the buy. The Design of Caesar's Commentaries is to give the World an Account of the most glorious Passages of his own Life; and what he says of Britain (as well as Germany) is apparently what he could pick up from uncertain Tattle and Hear-say. Something better bottomed are the Stories we meet with afterwards in Tacitus, Dio Cassius, Suetonius, Eutropius, Spartianus, Capitolinus, Lampridius, Vopiscus, 
a Vid. Hist. August. Script. Edit. à Fred. Sylburgio, in 2 Vol. Fol. Francof. 1588.  etc. who may all be supposed to have had the perusal of such Memorials as were, from time to time, sent to the Emperors from their Lieutenants (and other chief Officers) in this Province. In the use of these, the Reader ought to take a deal of Leisure and Caution. For most of 'em seem to have been loose Indigested Adversaria; such as had not the last Examination and Thoughts of their Authors; and do therefore want the Regard that should be had to Order and Time. Besides the several Tracts are not well ascertained to their Genuine and Proper Writers; the not heeding whereof may draw one unawares into very dangerous mistakes. These Defects are happily supplied by the famous Mr. Dodwell, in his late Learned Praelectiones 
b 8o. Oxon. 1692.  Camdenianae; which will be highly serviceable to all such as shall hereafter engage in these Studies. Indeed Tacitus' Life of Agricola (especially as improved by 
a Fol. Lond. 1598.  Sir Henry Savil's most admirable Translation and Learned Notes) looks something like a Just Treatise upon that great General's Conduct here; and is done with that Fairness and Respect to the Natives, that I cannot see but Galgacus is made to talk as Bravely, Gracefully and Eloquently, as the best of his Enemies. Many Defects in these Accounts have been likewise supplied (as well as good store of Conjectural Mistakes, in more Modern Authors, rectified) by the Roman Inscriptions and Coins found in several parts of our Island; and there are daily new Discoveries of both these sorts.  
Since the acceptable Services done to 
Inscriptions.  the Students of Antiquities by Gruterus and Reynesius, the Inscriptions on Altars and other Monuments have carried a very high price; and (among others) the Antiquaries of our own Nation have fansyed that our History has had great Improvements from such as have been discovered here. Those that Mr. Camden met with were all preserved (as choice Ornaments) in his Britannia; and some few have been added in the late Edition of that Work. Many more might undoubtedly be had for seeking after: And 'tis no small Unhappiness, that, among the many Advancements of Learning in this Age, the Recovery of these precious Treasures should be so much neglected. The Persons employed in these Searches ought to be Men of Probity as well as Knowledge; Religiously scrupulous in obtruding any thing upon the World, under the Venerable Name of Antiquity, which has not an honest Title to that Character. Annius of Viterbo's scandalous Project of raising the Credit of that City by some forged Inscriptions (which he had caused to be hid in the Neighbouring Fields, and afterwards discovered in a Boasting Triumph) has been justly resented and exploded by all true Lovers of ancient Learning: But the Inclinations of all Men are so naturally bend upon doing Honour and Service to their Native Country in their own way (and the Temptations that we meet with in these Studies are so many and strong) that a very great share of Integrity is requisite to the making of a Complete Antiquary.  
Mr. Camden 
a Remains, P. M. 199.  tells us, that, 
Coins.  from the Time of Claudian to that of Valentinian (about five hundred years) the Roman Coin only was current in this Nation: And that (whereas all Money for this part of the World was, for a long time, coined either at Rome, Lions or Treves) Constantine the Great erected a Mint at London. Some of his Pieces, which were there coined, I have in my poor Collection; and they are not uncommon in many of the Musaea in England. But, long before his Days, his Predecessors took occasion to magnify their Exploits, in this other World of Great Britain, on the Reverse of their Coins; from whence several good Illustrations of that part of our History may be had. What are given us of this kind, in the Britannia, are very valuable: But their Numbers might be further enlarged; and we are the more encouraged to look after those we want, because I have not yet heard that our Traitorous English Money-makers have hitherto busied themselves in Counterfeiting any Coin of so ancient a Date. Such Rogueries are common in France and Germany; where most of their old Medals have been Copied (and many New Ones of the first Caesar's stamped and minted) by Modern Artists: And yet, even there, those that relate to the Affairs of this Isle are always allowed to be True and Genuine.   

CHAP. IU.  
Of the Histories, and other Monuments, that relate to the Times of the Saxons and Danes.  
THe Dispatch that Sir William Temple makes of the Saxon times is very short and pithy; and the Character he gives of their Writers is so full of Contempt, that (if we were sure it came from a proper Judge) 'twould save an Antiquary a great deal of trouble and pains. The Authors (he 
a Introduct. pag. 1.  says) of those barbarous and illiterate Ages are few and mean: and perhaps the rough course of those Lawless Times and Actions would have been too ignoble a subject for a good Historian. The times were not so lawless, nor the Authors so few and mean, as he imagines. A great many of the Records of those days, we own, are lost: but there are still more remaining, than any of our Neighbour-Nations can pretend to show, relating to the Transactions of those Ages. We know not what's become of the Book King 
b Vid. Aelfred. Mag. Vit. p. 82, 92, 93.  Aelfred wrote against Corrupt Judges; of his Collection of the old Saxon Sonnets; of St. Aldhelm's Hymns, and other Musical Composures, etc. And yet we have a pretty good stock of their Laws and Historical Treatises; and those that have been conversant in 'em do not think they have thrown away their time upon so ignoble a Subject as some may fancy it.  
Before a just Sentence could be passed in this case, 
Grammar.  the Judge ought to have had the leisure and patience to have made himself a perfect Master of the Saxon Language; which he might do either in the method prescribed by 
c Archaion. Praef. ad Lect. p. 2.  Mr. Lambard or 
d Praef. ad Gram. Saxon. p. 12, 13.  Dr. Hickes. To this purpose, it had been convenient that he had furnished himself, in the first place, with a Saxon Grammar, since our Tongue is now very much altered in the Construction and Termination of such words as we still retain, from that of our Ancestors. Whether the Monks of Tavistoke (who, as 
e Britan. in Devon.  Camden tells us, had a Saxon Lecture in their Monastery) ever compiled any thing of this kind, is not known; though it has been lately 
f N. E. Camd. Brit. p. 38.  reported, that, in the beginning of the Civil Wars, there was such a Grammar there printed. The first attempt towards it, that we hear of, was by Mr. John Josseline, Archbishop Parker's Secretary; who drew up a Specimen, which is now hardly to be met with. Mr. Somner prefixed some short Grammatical Rules to his Dictionary: but Mr. Junius did not (as far as I could ever learn) bend his thoughts that way. Bishop Fell was earnest with Dr Martial (late Rector of Lincoln-College) to draw up a Grammar; and he devolved the work upon one much more unfit for the employment, who had made some Collections to that purpose. His endeavours were superseded by the excellent performance of Dr. Hickes, who has published his Institutiones 
g 4to. Oxon. 1689.  Grammaticae Anglo-Saxonicae, etc. The Book discovers an Accuracy in this Language beyond the Attainments of any that had gone before him in that Study; and will be of most necessary use to such as shall apply themselves to the right understanding of the ancient History and Laws of this Kingdom. But, as all first Draughts of any sort are usually Imperfect, so there seem to be some Defects in this that may be supplied. For Example, There wants a Chapter of the variety of Dialects; which might have been had out of the Northern Interlineary Versions of the Gospel mentioned by Doctor 
h Observat. in Vers. Anglo. Sax. p. 491, 492.  Martial: One whereof is peremptorily affirmed to have belonged to St. Cuthbert, as the other (in all likelihood) did to Venerable Bede.  
After the Grammar is well and carefully perused, 
Dictionaries  the next Enquiry aught to be after such Dictionaries as have been written in the Saxon Tongue; whereof we shall meet with as great plenty as we did in the British. We find, that even in those Barbarous Ages, they had some few men of Learning, who collected several Vocabularies, in Saxon and Latin, for the use of their Schoolboys. Some of these are still remaining, having been carefully picked up and transcribed by Mr. Junius. The chief of them are the two that bear the Name of the learned Aelfric: whereof the worse was printed, with his Grammar, in the end of Mr. Somner's Dictionary; the better still continuing in Manuscript (notwithstanding 
i Auct. Hist. Dogm. Vsserii, p. 377, 378.  Mr. Wharton's Remark to the contrary) both in Cotton's Library, and in that of St. John's College in Oxford, as well as amongst Junius' Transcripts. Out of these, and other helps, the most Industrious of our English Antiquaries have compiled their Saxon Dictionaries; very serviceable towards the carrying on of these intricate and useful Studies. All that I have heard of in this kind, are: 1. That which was drawn up by Laur. Noel, Dean of Litchfield, in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's Reign: whose Original Manuscript fell into the hands of Mr. Selden, and is now in Bodley's Library; as a fair Copy of it is amongst Junius' MSS. 2. John Josseline's; said to be in 
k Titles of Hon. p. 82.  Cotton's Library, though Dr. Hickes does not mention it in his Catalogue. 3. Will. Somner's; which was 
l Fol. Oxon. 1659.  published at the Earnest Request and Charges of some of the most Learned Men in this Kingdom. The chief Additions he made, to what was done to his hand by the two forementioned Gentlemen, were out of Caedmon's Paraphrase, and the Medicinal MS. in the King's Library; together with two old Glossaries in Sir John Cotton's. 4. That most elaborate one of Fr. Junius, who has infinitely outdone all that went before him. His large Glossary or Lexicon of the five old Northern Languages (whereof the Saxon has the preference) may be seen in the Author's own MS. in Bodley's Library; and a fair Transcript of it (in Eleven Volumes, at the charge of the late pious Bishop Fell) in the Musaeum Ashmoleanum. It was designed for the Press by that most excellent Prelate; and may be yet hoped for, as soon as it shall please God to restore to us the Blessing of Peace, together with (one of its certain Consequences) the Encouragement of Industry and good Learning. We may likewise then expect the same Author's Etymologicum Anglicanum, a work completely finished in two Volumes; which will be also of singular use to our English Antiquary. After these I can hardly think it worth the while to take notice of the Imperfect Collections made by Sir William Dugdale in Saxon and English; nor of two Anonymous Fragments, of the like kind, in the Libraries of Sir Thomas Bodley and Bennet-College.  
To these Dictionaries ought to be added the Glossaries of Sir Henry Spelman 
Glossaries.  and Mr. Somner; which explain the hard and obsolete Words frequently occurring in our ancient Histories and Laws The former of these was first 
m Fol. Lond. 16●6.  published Imperfect: but in the 
n Fol. Lond 1664, & 1687.  Second and Third Editions that Defect is supplied. That the whole is the true Genuine Work of its pretended Author, appears from the uniformity of the Style in both parts; from the Quotations of the same Manuscripts; References in both to the Readins of his Grandfather Sir John Spelman, etc. 'Twas a great misfortune that the late publisher of it was not made acquainted with the Notes and Enlargements upon the whole amongst Somner's Manuscripts in the Library at Canterbury. The other Glossary was long after compiled by W. Somner, and annexed to the 
o Fol. Lond. 1652.  Decem Scriptores, published by Sir Roger Twisden; who acknowledges, that without it that work had been a very dry and useless performance. Out of these two Du Fresne usually transcribes whatever he has, in his 
p Glossar. ad Script. Med. & Infim. Latinit. 3 Vol. Paris. Fol. 1678.  great work, which relates to the difficult passages in our old Laws, etc. Dr. Wats has added a Glossary to his Edition of M. Paris; which may be very serviceable to a young English Antiquary: And 
q In Praef. ad Archaion. Guil. Lambardi.  Mr Wheloc promised one of his Composure.  
There's not much to be learned 
Coins.  from any Coins we have of our Saxon Kings, their Silver ones being all of the same Size, and generally very slovenly minted. In this Metal they coined only Pennies, worth about three pence of our present Money. But they had also (as appears from the Saxon 
r Luc. 12. 6. 21. 2.  Gospels Halfpennies and Farthings; which perhaps were of a base Matter. They had also Half Farthings (eight to a Penny, like the Liards de France) which they called 
s Marc. 12. 42.  Sticas: Of which kind I take those Brass pices to be which were lately found near Rippon in Yorkshire, and by Sir Edward Blacked (into whose possession they first came) kindly communicated to several curious Antiquaries in that County. The rest of their Money-Terms are Names of Accounts and Weight; which are thus stated by 
t Remains p. m. 200.  Camden.  
 l. s. d. 1. Their Shilling was 5 of their Pennies; in our Money 0 1 3 2. Their Pound was their 48 s. our 3 0 0 3. Mancha, Mancusa or Marca, about 0 1 0 4. Mancha of Gold, their 30 d. our 0 7 6  
This computation (though not exact) comes near the truth; and is as much, or more, than we have occasion for at present. Camden here omits their Thrimsa; which Sir Henry Spelman takes to have been three Shillings; Mr. Selden thinks it was the third part of a Shilling; and Mr. Somner modestly owns he knows not what it was. As far as I am able to judge, King 
u Vid. LL. Aethelstan. R. ●dit. Wheloc p. 55.  Aethelstan's Laws make the Thrimsa, Peninga and Sceat, all one thing. They tell us a King's Weregild was thirty thousand Thrimsa's: that is (say they) one hundred and twenty pounds. Now, one of their pounds being allowed to be about three times the weight of ours, this Sum will amount to about three hundred and sixty pounds of our Money; and, there being eighty six thousand and four hundred pence in our three hundred and sixty Pounds, it follows that a Thrimsa is somewhat less than our three pence; which is the same with their Peninga or Sceat.  
In several 
w Bibl. Cot. Tiber. A. 13. Nero, E. 1. 131. & 132. etc.  Libraries, 
Charters.  and in many Register-Books of our oldest Monasteries, we have a deal of Charters granted (and pretended to be granted) by our Saxon Kings: but they are very cautiously to be admitted and allowed on. The most ancient that we meet with are those that are said to have been granted by 
x H. Spelm. Concil. Tom. 1. p 118, 119, 120.  Ethelbert King of Kent, about the Year 605. and they have such Marks of Forgery upon them, as would make a Man jealous of meddling with any others of the like kind. The Records of the very Church of Canterbury, to which these Grants are said to have been made, assure us that King Withered (who reigned almost a whole Century after Ethelbert) was the first that gave out Charters in Writing; his Predecessors thinking their bare word sufficient to secure any of their Gifts and Benefactions. Nay, one of their own 
y Gervas'. Dorob ad an. 1181.  Monks acquaints us, that his Brethren were eminent Artists at coining of Charters: and we have all the reason in the world to take his Word for it. The Cheat may commonly be discovered by a strict Enquiry after, and comparing of, their Dates and the Times of such Witnesses (Bishops, Abbots, etc.) as are brought in to attest their Truth. Mr. Wharton 
z Praef. ad Angl. Sacr. par. 2. p. 3.  says, he could rarely observe one Saxon Charter, penned in their own Tongue, to have been counterfeited: and the reason he assigns, is, because all the Forgery came in after the Conquest; when the hungry Normans put the Monks and others upon proving their Titles to their Lands and Houses, or otherwise made bold to seize them into their own hands. Now, what was written in the Saxon Tongue being generally slighted, it was necessary they should produce their Grants in Latin, if they expected that their new Masters would everregard or cast an Eye on them. Another occasion was afterwards taken of feigning Charters, upon William the Conqueror's extraordinary one to his new erected Monastery at Battle-Abbey; whereby he exempted the Abbot there, and his Monks, from all Episcopal Jurisdiction. This set the Religious, in other parts of the Kingdom, upon grasping at the like Immunities; and, to that end, they frequently framed the like Grants from former Kings. R. Fabian 
a V●l. 1. p. 310.  will tell us, that the first Charter the Citizens of London ever had was granted by King William the First; which (notwithstanding the great Antipathy which he is said to have against it) is written in the Saxon Tongue, sealed with green Wax, and expressed in eight or nine Lines.  
A great many of their Laws have been published; 
Laws.  and we are not without hopes but that a good deal more, which hitherto have lain in private hands, will shortly appear abroad. The first attempt towards so good a service to the Kingdom was made by A. Nowell, who collected all he could find, and left them to be translated by his Friend W. Lambard. He accordingly made them 
b Archainom. 4to. Lond. 1568. & Fol. C●nta●● 1644.  public: but his Translation is so false and affected, that the best Judges of such a performance have not been satisfied with it. For which reason 
c In Praef. ad Gloss. Goth.  Mr. Junius recommends the old Translation in John Brompton's History, as much more correct, and better to be relied on. Mr. Somner took the pains to review the Book, and to correct his Errors; adding several Laws omitted by Lambard, and giving a 
d Kennet 's Life of Somn. p. 52.  double Translation, in Latin and English, to the whole. These are now, with what else of that kind was left unpublished by that industrious person, in the Custody of the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury. Mr. Junius took the like pains with the Book; and his Emendations are to be had at Oxford. But still there are several Saxon Laws in Manuscript; which we have good hopes will e'er long be published. At least, those of 'em that relate to the Affairs of the Church, will be given us in a better Edition of Sir Henry Spelman's Councils: Of which more hereafter.  
By the way, 
Denelaga, etc.  I am not satisfied with the Opinion of Camden, Lambard, Spelman, (and, generally, all our English Antiquaries and Historians who have treated of these matters) that there were in this Kingdom, before the Conquest, three Codes or Digests of Laws: which, from the several Countries wherein they first prevailed, were rightly named the West-Saxon, Mercian and Danish Laws. This conceit is derived down, without Contradiction or due Examination, from the most early Translators of our Saxon Records; who took it for granted that Laga (in Westsexena laga, Myrcena laga and Dene laga) was a word of the same Import and Signification with the Norman Ley. Whereas, in truth, Laga or Lage is properly a Country or District: and so, 'tis very evident, it ought to have been translated in the Laws of 
e Archaion. Edit. Wheloc. p. 88 On 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Quae male Lambardus, Merciae, quae legibus Anglorum gubernatur. Rectius— quae postea Ditio Anglorum.  Ethelbert, 
f Ib. p. 110. On 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & on 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. i. Intra Ditiones Danicas & Anglicas'.  Cnute, and 
g Ib. p. 149. Erat Lex Danorum, Norfolc. etc. Quam ob omni sensu alienum! Pro Lex itidem hic Loci Diti● sive Provincia substituenda est.  Edward the Confessor; even in those very parts of 'em which have occasioned all these mistakes.  
It appears there were some Historians 
Saxon Chronicle.  who wrote of the Saxon Affairs before Venerable 
h Vid. Bed. Eccl. Hist. lib. 3. cap. 1.  Bede's time; and I am inclinable to think that a part of their old Chronicle (which has had so 
i Life of Somn. p. 53.  much honour of late done to it by Mr. Gibson) is of that Age. The first Publisher of this Noble Monument was Ab. Wheloc; who translated it, and caused it to be printed in the end of his 
k Fol. Cantab. 1643.  Saxon Bede. He made use only of two Manuscript Copies; one in Cotton's Library, the other in that of Bennet College: whereof the former ended with the year 1001, and the latter with 1070. Cotton's, he says, had been compared with a Third; which the Collater (whom he supposes to have been Mr. Josseline) calls the Book of Peterburgh. Mr. Gibson had the advantage of three Copies more: 1. Laud: A fair one in velum, given by Archbishop Laud to the University of Oxford; which corrects those that Wheloc had seen, and continues the History down to the year 1154. This, he fancies, did anciently belong to the Monastery of Peterburgh; because it often largely insists upon the Affairs of that place. But, if it did so, 'tis plain it cannot be the same wherewith Mr. Wheloc's Cottonian MS. had been compared, though its variations from it are not very considerable, being mostly in words, and not in sense. 2. Cant. Another Gift of the same Archbishop to the public Library at Oxford. 'Tis a Paper-transcript of some Copy (now lost) differing from all the rest; and sometimes explaining their dark passages, and supplying their defects. It ends with the year 977. 3. Cot. A better Copy than it had been Mr. Wheloc's Fortune to meet with in the 
m Tiber. B. 4.  Cotton-Library: which was accurately compared with Wheloc's Edition by ●r. Junius, and ends A. D. 1057. Out of all these we have the Text made up as entire and complete as 'twas possible to give it us; with an elegant and proper 
n 4to. Oxon. 1672.  Translation, void of all affected Strains, and unlucky Mistakes, which used to abound in Works of this kind. If some few passages have a little puzzled the Ingenious publisher, let it be considered, that in these, Florence of Worcester and Matthew of Westminster (who lived nearer the times wherein they were penned) were much more lamentably graveled. Perhaps, some further Enlargements and Additions might yet be made to this Work, out of such MSS. as came not early enough to Mr. Gibson's View and Knowledge. Of this Number I take to be, 1. The Saxon Chronicle from Julius Caesar down to the Reign of King Edward the Martyr, in 
o Tiber. A. 6.  Sir John Cotton's Library: For (if it ends, as Mr. Wharton 
p Angl. Sac. par. I. p. 176.  says it does, A. D. 975.) it must be different from what was perused by A. Wheloc. 2. Another, in the same 
q Tiber. B. 1.  Library, from julius Caesar down to the Conquest; which was transcribed by Summoner, and is now (under the Title of the Chronicle of Abingdon) amongst his MSS. at Canterbury. 3. A Third, in Latin and Saxon, at the same 
r Domitian. A. 8.  place; which is frequently referred to by 
s Angl. Sac. par. I. p. 332, 558, 791, 796.  Mr. Wharton, and seems to have recorded many particulars of Note not mentioned by any of the rest. This Book was given to Sir Robert Cotton by Mr. Camden, says 
t Vsserij Hist. Eccles. p. 20. 218.  Archbishop Usher; who also mentions a 
u Ib. p. 182.  Copy of his own, worth the enquiring after. 4. The Book of Peterburgh, which was never thoroughly compared with any Copy, hitherto published, and 
w Angl. Sacr. p. 405.  differs from them all. May we not also bring into this List those hinted at by 
x Life of Somn. p. 30. 66.  Mr. Kennet; and that which 
y Roman Ports, etc. p. 32. Vid. etiam D. Hickesij, Catal. Lib. Sept. p. 171.  Mr. Somner had from Mr. Lambard? I think we may.  
The History that is written by Bede 
Historians.  is so purely Ecclesiastical that it will not fall under our consideration in this Chapter: But some of his Cotemporaries are said to have recorded the Civil Transactions of their Times. Thus Cimbert (first Monk, and afterwards Bishop, of Lincoln) is the 
z I. Pits, p. 127. Bale, Cent. 1. cap. 89.  reputed Author of the Annals of his own time; and Daniel Bishop of the West Saxons is 
a Pits, p. 144. Bale, Cent. 1. cap. 91.  said to have written four or five Historical Treatises. I suppose there was no other grounds for dubbing these men Historians, save only Bede's grateful Acknowledgements of his being indebted to both of 'em for the Informations and Assistances they gave him towards the compiling his Ecclesiastical History: and, if he quotes them in twenty particulars, 'tis enough for either Bale or Pits to make them Authors of as many Books.  
To W. Caxton, 
K. Aelfred.  I suppose, good Mr. Fox was obliged for the Account he gives us of King 
b Martyrol. ad An. 872.  Aelfred ' s compiling a Story in the Saxon Speech, etc. But Bale and Pits have bravely 
c Pits, p. 170. Bale, Cent. 2. cap. 7.  enlarged upon the matter; assuring us that he did not only write Collectiones Chronicorum, but also Acta suorum Mastratuum. The Mirroir des Justices (written in the days of Edward the First) would incline us to believe the latter part of the story; giving so very punctual an 
d Aelfr. Mag. Vit. p. 82, 83.  Account of forty and four of his Judges executed, in one year, for corrupt Practices. But all that now remains of that great Monarch's Works (which relates to History) is only his paraphrastical Translation of Bede, and a short Genealogy of the Kings of the West Saxons. The former of these will be treated on 
e Chap. 7.  hereafter, and the other may be seen among the Appendices to the Oxford Edition of his Life.  
The earliest Account we have of 
Asserius.  the Reign of this excellent Prince is owing to Asserius Menevensis; who lived in his Court, and is said to ha●e been promoted by him to the Bishopric of Sherburn. This Treatise was first published by A. B. Parker, in the old Saxon Character, at the end of his Edition of 
f Fol. Lond. 1574.  Th●. Walsingham's History. This he did to invite his English Readers, and to draw them in unawares, to an Acquaintance with the Hand writing of their Ancestors, in hopes to beget in 'em (by degrees) a Love for the Antiquities of their own Country. Asserius wrote his Sovereign's Life no further than the 45th year of his Age, which, according to his computation, fell in the year of our Lord●893. So that, though the Book (as 'tis published) continue his Story to his Death, yet that part is borrowed from Authors of a later time; particularly, the Copy of Verses, by way of Epitaph, is Henry of Huntingdon's. He shows, through the whole, a great deal of Modesty, especially in the Account he gives of his own being called to Court, and his Reception there. He mentions nothing of the Visionary Dialogue 'twixt King Aelfred and St. Cuthbert; which all the rest of our Historians largely insist on, together with the good effects it had upon the Diocese of Lindisfern. He is exactly copied by Florence of Worcester, and others; when they come to treat of the great things of this Reign. As to what relates to the Truth or Falsehood of that Memorable Passage in this Book, mightily asserting the Antiquity of the University of Oxford, I shall not meddle at present; that matter having been sufficiently canvased by 
g Vid. Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. lib. 1. p. 9, 10. Et Vit. Aelfr. R. p. 141, 142, 143, etc.  those whose proper business led them to it. The best thing this Contest could do for us was the putting Sir John Spelman upon writing a New 
h Fol. Oxon. 1678.  Life of this King; which he seems to have undertaken chiefly upon a Design to vindicate the University of Cambridge from the Reflections which he apprehended were cast upon it by the use that had been made of that passage. The most elaborate piece in his whole 
* Ibid.  Book is on this Subject; and his zealous Management has afforded us some good Remarks of his own, and others of the learned Translator and Publisher of his Work. Whether St. Neot ever wrote (as some have reported) the Life of King Aelfred, Sir John Spelman justly 
i Vit. Aelfr p. 3, 4.  doubts; and I am not able to resolve him, unless the next Paragraph will unravel the matter.  
Another piece has been lately pub●lisht, 
Pseu●lo-Ass●rius  under the Title of 
k Fol. Oxon. 1691.  Asserius' Annals, by Dr. Gale; who tells us that the Manuscript Copy, which he used, is now in the Library of Trinity College in Cambridge. Jo Brompton 
l l●ter X. Script. p. 753.  indeed citys several things, relating to the Story of King Offa, out of Asserius' Writings, which are not in his Life of Aelfred. Hence some have concluded that he might possibly have been imposed upon by those that had given the Name of that Author to such Anonymous Collections as they knew not how truly to Father; and the Jealousy may still continue for any thing which this Book discover●●o the contrary. For King Offa is hardly named in it; and therefore Brompton must have hit upon a 
m Vid. Angl. Sacr. par. I. p. 330.  spurious piece, how genuine soever this may prove. The learned Publisher does not 
n Praef. 10.  question but 'tis the true Offspring of Asserius; and its insisting chiefly on the Fortunes of King Aelfred seems to countenance his Opinion. Leland calls it the Chronicle of St. Neot's; because he found it in that Monastery. Marianus Scotus had also met with it somewhere, for he transcribes it by whole Sale.  
The next Saxon Historian now extant, 
Ethelwerd.  is Ethelwerd or Elward Patricius, descended (as himself 
o Lib. 4. cap. 2.  attests) of the Blood Royal; who lived till the year 1090, but did not continue his Chronicle so far. His work consists of four Books; which are published by 
p Inter 5 Scrip. post Bed. Fol. Francof. 1601.  Sir H. Savil. The whole is a Translation of a very false and imperfect Copy of the Saxon Chronicle: and therefore William of Malmesbury has modestly (out of Deference to his Family) 
q Prologue. ad Lib. 1. de Gest. Reg.  declined the giving a Character of this Writer's performance. If he had done it truly, he ought to have told us that his Style is boisterous; and that several parts of his History are not so much as hardly sense. It appears from what we have noted above, that both 
r Id. ib.  Malmesbury and 
s Britan. in val. Pict.  Camden are mistaken, when they affirm him to be our most ancient Historian after Bede. J. Pits 
t J. Pits, p. 173.  will tell you that we had two other Ethelwerds of the same Royal Extraction, who, long before this Man's time, wrote each of 'em a Chronicle or History of our English Affairs. The Elder of these he makes Son to King Aelfred, and the other his Grandson. Nay, and St. Ethelwold (Bishop of Winchester) was likewise most certainly Signior to this Ethelwerd Patricius, dying in the year 984. Now, he (says the same 
u Id. p. 178.  Author) wrote two Books De Regibus, etc. totius Angliae, and De Tempore Regum Britannorum: for Copies of both which he sends to the public Library at Cambridge.  
Many things relating to the Civil 
Lives of their Kings.  Government of these Times are dispersed in some particular Lives of their Saints and Kings; the latter whereof may be here mentioned, though the former will fall under another Head. The Life of Offa (frequently referred to by 
w Concil. Tom. I. p. 302, 303, etc. Gloss. p. 296.  Sir Hen. Spelman) has been published by 
x In Edit. M. Paris.  Dr. Watts: That of King Oswin was somewhere met with by 
y Vid. Monast. Angl. Tom. I. p. 334.  John Leland: King Ethelwolph's is said to have been written by 
z J. Pits, p. 181.  Wolstan, a famous Monk of Winchester, much commended by William of Malmesbury: Edward the Confessor's, written by Abbot Ealred, has had 
a Apud Capgravium, ●urium, etc. Optima autem inter 10. Script.  several Editions: and Queen Emmas Encomium is also made 
b Edit. Paris. 1619.  public.  
After the Conquest, J. Pike is 
c I. Pits. p. 195.  
Since the Conquest.  said to have written De Regibus Anglo-Saxonum, and De Danis in Anglia dominantibus: but it seems to be a 
d Vid. H. Wharton, Praef. ad Angl. Sac. par. II. p. 28, 29.  mistake. Upon the same Credit we are assured that 
e J. Pits, p. 213.  John Mercius, under the Reign of King Stephen, published an Historical Account of the Mercian Kings, which got him his Surname: That 
f Id. p. 266.  Colman the wise (John Harding's great Friend) wrote most copiously and clearly of the Saxon Heptarchy, their uniting afterwards into a Monarchy, the Danish Incursions and Cruelties, etc. And that 
g Id. p. 281.  Gyraldus Cambrensis penned the Story of the West Saxon Kings.  
R. Verstegan's 
h Quarto Antwerp. 1605. oct. Lond. 1653. 1674.  
R. Verstegan.  Restitution of decayed Intelligence in Antiquities does especially relate to the Language, Religion, Manners and Government of the ancient English Saxons. This Writer being of Low Dutch Extraction, a Romanist, and something of an Artist in Painting, had several advantages for the making of some special Discoveries on the Subject whereon he treats; which is handled so plausibly, and so well illustrated with handsome Cuts, that the Book has taken and sold very well. But a great many Mistakes have escaped him: Some whereof have been noted by Mr. Sheringham; As, his fancy of the 
i Sheringh. de Angl. Gent. Orig. p. 35, 36, etc.  Vitae being the ancient Inhabitants of the Isle of Wight; Of the 
k Id. p 75, 149, 345.  Saxons being in Germany, before they came in the more Northern Countries; Of 
l Id. p. 85.  Tuisco's coming from Babel, his giving Name to 
m Id. p. 317.  Tuesday, etc. The rest have been carefully corrected by Mr. Somner, who has left large Marginal 
n Kennet' s Life of Somn. p. 63. 120.  Notes upon the whole.  
Mr. Selden 
J. Selden.  was a person of vast Industry, and his Attainments in most parts of Learning were so extraordinary, that every thing that came from him was always highly admired and applauded. Tho, I must confess, I cannot think he was that great Man in our English Antiquities which some have taken him to be: His Analecta 
o Quarto Francof. 1615.  do not so clearly account for the Religion, Government and Revolutions of State, among our Saxon Ancestors, as they are 
p Deg. Where. Method. Legend. Hist. p. m. 133.  reported to do. The Laws he quotes in his Janus Anglorum are as faulty, as if his whole Skill in them reached no higher than Lambard's Translation; and seem to want Will. Somner's Emendations, as much as those he has published of William the Conqueror in his 
q Fol. Lond. 1623.  Spicelegium in Eadmerum.  
The very best performance that I 
R. Sheringham.  know of, relating to the prime Antiquities of the Saxons, is Mr. Sheringham's Treatise 
r Octau. Cantabr. 1670.  De Anglorum Gentis Origine. Our Civil Wars sent this Author into the Low Countries, where he had the Opportunity of coming acquainted with Dr. Marshal and the Dutch Language; both inclining him to such Studies as this Book shows him to have delighted in. He appears to have been a person of great Modesty; as well as Industry and Learning. Hence some will conclude him to be too credulous; and that several of his Authorities (particularly 
s Cap. 4.  Lazius' Tattle about the Hebrew Inscriptions found at Vienna) have not been sufficiently considered: But his Collections out of the Greek, Roman, and (chiefly) the Northern Writers, are highly commendable; and, for the most part, very well put together.  
Our Saxon Antiquary ought also to 
German Writers.  be skilled in the Writings of those Learned Germans, who have made Collections of their old Laws; or have written such Glossaries, or other Grammatical Discourses, as may bring him acquainted with the many ancient Dialects of our Ancestors and Kinsmen in that part of the World. Of the former sort, those I would chiefly recommend to his use, are the large Volumes of Goldastus and Meichsner's Kayserlich und Koniglich Land und Lehnrech; The Frisian Laws, amongst F. Junius' Book● in Bodley's Library; and (above all) the 
t See Engl. Atlas, vol. II. p. 113, 114.  Sachsen●Spiegel or Speculum Saxonicum, which is a notable Manual of the old Laws of the ancient German-Saxons. For the acquiring a sufficient knowledge of the Language, a Man ought not only to be conversant in the Francic pieces that are collected by 
u Vid. Hickes Catal. Lib. Sept. p. 177.  Junius, and others published by 
w Comment in Biblioth. Vindobon.  Lambecius; but also (and most especially to be familiarly intimate with the most elaborate and exquisite Work of 
x Von der Teutschen Ha●pt-Sprach, etc. Lib. V. 4to Brunsw. 1663.  J. G. Schottelius, who has all that can be wished for on that Subject.  
'Twas the Opinion of 
y In Epist. ad D. P. Rosaecran, Mon. Dan. p. 159.  Sir Henry Spelman, 
Danes.  that our British Historians have more largely treated of the ancient Affairs of Denmark than the Danes themselves. But this seems to have been a little unadvisedly written; and before his Correspondence with Wormius had better informed him. I know that some of the most eminent Antiquaries of that Kingdom bewail a mighty breach in the thread of their History of no less than three hundred years together) and that in such Centuries as their Records ought to be most serviceable to us. But 
z Hist. Dan. lib 1. p. 37.  Pontanus has happily removed that Panic Fear; showing that the Story is entire enough, and only the Chronological part (which is a Fault common to all the ancient Histories of the whole World) a little dark and troubled.  
The Scaldris or Runae were men of 
Scaldri.  the same fashion among the Danes, and the other Northern Kingdoms, as the Bards in Great Britain. They were the professed Historians and Genealogists of their several Countries; always in attendance on their Kings both in Peace and War, and ready to celebrate every remarkable Occurrence in everlasting Rhimes. This was their Office: And 'twas of that Consideration in the State, and so acceptable to the Monarches themselves, that those Poets were always the chief Courtiers and Counsellors; as being perhaps the only Men of Letters. Out of their Compositions is fetched all the ancient Danish History for some Centuries; as both 
a Vid. Praef. ad Sax. Grammat. Hist. Dan.  Saxon himself, and all the rest of their Historians, have acknowledged. The Art is still in great Vogue and Credit with the Modern Islanders, who are justly reputed the main preservers of the Northern Antiquities, notwithstanding that a late 
b Sir Tho. Craig's Scotland's Sovereign. p. 121.  Learned person has affirmed that their Country produces nothing but Apparitions, Ghosts, Hobgoblins and Fairies. Mighty are the Commendations which they that pretend to Skill in these Venerable Sonnets have given us of them. They will not allow any thing that was ever penned by Homer or Virgil to come in Competition with them: assuring us, that the 
c Vid. S. joh. Steph. Not. in Sax. Gram. p. 11, 1●.  happiest Flights we can meet with in the Greek and Roman Poets are dull Trash, if compared with the Seraphic Lines of a true Cimbrian Scalder.  
The Language wherein the forementioned 
Asamal.  Rhimes were composed was (by the Northern Nations themselves) called Asamal, or the Asian Tongue; being supposed to be brought out of Asia by Woden or Odin, the first great General that led a Colony into these parts. The best Remains of this (as I long since 
d Engl. Atlas. vol. I. in Denm. p. 49, 70.  acquainted the English Reader) are now amongst the Inhabitants of Island: who have preserved their ancient Language in the greatest Purity; both by being least acquainted with foreign Commerce, and by taking care to Registerin it the public Transactions of their own and the Neighbouring Nations. The same old Tongue was also called 
e Ol. Worm. Lit. Run. cap. 5.  Runa Maali, from the Characters wherein 'twas written, and which they termed Runer: Of the Original of which word, and its proper signification, Wormius has given us a large account. The Characters themselves were first (he shows) called Runer; though afterwards that word came to acquire some new significations: As, 1. Enchantments; because they were performed by the help of these strange Letters. 2. Learned Men; whose business it was, by the help of the same Alphabet, to compose Epitaphs for their great ones, and to make Inscriptions on their Monuments.  
'Tis well worth our Observation, 
Ira Letur.  that among the several Runic Alphabets reckoned up by 
f In Epist. ad Olaum ibid.  Arngrim Ionas, there's one which he calls Ira Letur, or Irlandorum Literae. Now, it appears indeed that the Danes were long in possession of the Kingdom of Ireland, or (at least) a good share of it: and yet we have not hitherto met with any Remains of their ancient Learning, which have been discovered in that Island. But the thing is not much to be wondered at. As all Reformations in religious matters are zealous and warm; so we have reason to believe that to have been wherein these Pagan Nations were first converted to Christianity. Care was taken to abolish the very Ruins of their former Worship; and their first Apostles, bringing generally their Commissions from the Court of Rome, thought the Papal Conquest never to be effectually finished till even the Italian Characters and Way of Writing had been wholly admitted into practice by their Northern Converts. Which was the more easily brought about, by reason of the ill use which had been some time made of their Runic Letters: For the suggestion was obvious, that, as long as these were at hand, it would be difficult to preserve Men from trying some of their old Magical Conclusions; and, by degrees, relapsing into Idolatry and Paganism.  
The Danes (as all other ancient 
Runic Monuments.  People of the World) registered their more considerable Transactions upon Rocks; or on parts of them, hewn into various Shapes and Figures. On these they engraved such Inscriptions as were proper for their Heathen 
g Vid. Lit. Run. cap. 1. & 25. Mon. Dan. lib. 5. p. 344, 345, & 438.  Altars, Triumphal Arches, Sepulchral Monuments and Genealogical Histories, of their Ancestors. Their Writings of less Concern (as Letters, Almanacs, etc.) were engraven upon Wood: And because Beech was most plentiful in Denmark, (though Fir and Oak be so in Norway and Sweden) and most commonly employed in these Services, from the word Bog (which in their Language is the Name of that sort of Wood) they and all other Northern Nations have the Name of Book. The poorer sort used Bark; and the Horns of Rain-Deer and Elks were often finely polished, and shaped into Books of several Leaves. Many of their Old Calendars are likewise upon Bones of Beasts and Fishes: But the Inscriptions on Tapestry, Bells, Parchment and Paper, are of later use.  
Some other Monuments may be known to be of a Danish Extraction, 
Unlettered Monuments.  though they carry nothing of a Runic Inscription. Few of their 
h Mon. Dan. lib. 1. cap. 3, 6, 7.  Temples were covered; and the largest observed by Wormius (at Kialernes in Island) was 120 foot in length, and 60 in breadth. Their Altars stood in a sort of Chapel, or Chancel, in the end of these Temples; being only large broad Stones, erected on three bulky Supporters, on the top of a Hillock, surrounded with Rows of lesser Stones. These Altars are usually, three of 'em, found together; being consecrated to their three chief Deities. They buried their Princes and great men (as the old Greeks and Romans also did) in Hills, raised sometimes to a considerable height, surrounded with one row of Stones about the bottom, and another near the top; and, on some pompous occasions, having a third row (in a square) at some distance from the lower of the two former Coronets. They likewise anciently burned their dead, and enclosed their Ashes in Urns, which were reposited in the forementioned Barrows, together with the choicest Jewels, Treasure, and valuable Accoutrements, of the deceased. The places wherein they fought their Duels were sometimes Squares, lined out with rows of Stones; sometimes round Pits, with convenient Posts (at a due distance) for the Bystanders. Thus fought 
i Sax. Gram. Hist. Dan. lib. 3.  Ubbo with the Sclavonian. Their Courts of Judicature (which they called Tinge) were also certain plots of ground, either 
k Mon. Dan. lib. 1. cap. 10.  oval or square, environed with great Stones; and having one larger than the rest in the middle. Near akin to which were the places assigned for the 
l Ib. cap. 12.  Election of their Kings; being Circles of such Stones (usually twelve in number) with the bulkiest in the midst.  
The next Monument of Age is their Edda Islandorum; 
Edda.  the meaning of which Appellation they that publish the Book hardly pretend to understand. As far as I can give the Reader any satisfaction, he is to know that 
m Arng. Ionas▪ in Chrymog. lib. 1. cap. 2.  Island was first inhabited (in the year 874) by a Colony of Norwegians; who brought hither the Traditions of their Forefathers, in certain metrical Composures, which (as is usual with Men transplanted into a Foreign Land) were here more zealously and carefully preserved and kept in memory than by the Men of Norway themselves. About 240●years after this (A. D. 1114.) their History began to be written by one 
n Tho. Bartholin. Antiq. Dan. lib. 1. cap. 11. p. 192.  Saemund, surnamed Frode or the wise; who (in nine years' travel through Italy, Germany and England) had amassed together a mighty Collection of Historical Treatises. With these he returned full fraught into Island; where he also drew up an account of the affairs of his own Country. Many of his Works are now said to be lost: But there is still an Edda, consisting of several Odes (whence I suspect its Name is derived) written by many several hands, and at as different times, which bears his Name. The Book is a Collection of Mythological Fables, relating to the ancient State and Behaviour of the Great Woden and his Followers, in terms poetical and adapted to the Service of those that were employed in the composure of their old Rhymes and Sonnets. Another Edda (published by 
o Quarto Hatn. 1665.  Resenius) was written by Snorro Sturlaesonius, who was born (A. D. 1179.) above a hundred years after Saemund; and lived to be an eminent Lawyer in his own Country. His Work is thought to be only an Epitome of the former: but I rather look upon them as two several Collections of Islandic Tales and Ballads; out of which may be picked a deal of good History, and the best View of the Religious Rites of the Northern Nations that is any where extant. 'Tis plain Saxo had seen many Sonnets that are not touched upon in either of these; and thence the Report comes of an Elder Edda much larger (a thousand times says Bishop 
p In Epist. ad. S. Joh Stephan.  Br. Suenonius) than both of 'em put together. Nor is it indeed improbable but that a thousand times more Songs of this kind might have been had for seeking after, whatever Scantiness they may now be reduced to. Magnus Olaus collected many of 'em for Wormius'; which he was also so kind as to translate and explain to him: And, near twenty years ago, I met with a much more perfect Edda than Resenius' in the famous Library of the Duke of Brunswic-Wolfembuttel. Whether it was a Copy of Saemund Frode's I am not now able so much as to conjecture; but I remember the Library Keeper (Mr. Hanisius) was so much a stranger to its Contents, that he had entitled it an old Moscovian MS. To the Edda is always annexed the Scalda, which is the old Danish or Islandic Prosodia, teaching how to compose their several sorts of Meter.  
Our Danish Antiquary should be also acquainted with the best Islandic Historians; 
Islandic Histories.  the most ancient whereof is Aras Frode, Cotemporary with Saemund. He first wrote a Regular History of Island, from the first planting of the Country down to his own Time: wherein he gives an account also of the Affairs of Norway, Denmark, and England, intermixed with those of his own Nation. This fell happily into the hands of Tho. Bartholine; who with the 
q Tho. Bartholin. Antiq. Dan. p. 197, 198.  assistance of his Friend the Bishop of Scalholt) took care to have it published, A. D. 1689. Since his time the Islandic Historians have not had any great occasion to meddle with the Transactions in Britain, excepting only 
r Chrymogaea. 4to Hamb. 1610.  Arngrim Ionas, who touches upon some passages which we have also in others already mentioned. And indeed most of 'em are written with so little judgement (confounding the true and fabulous Sonnets of their Scaldri) that they are not to be read without some Caution and Acquaintance with those Poetical Writers who are owned to be their chief Authors: And the Emulation that daily appears to be betwixt the Antiquaries of the two Neighbouring Kingdoms of Sweden and Denmark (for the gaining the honour of Precedence to their several Countries) seems to threaten us with further Corruptions in the Editions of their Manuscripts. A misfortune this is, which is too frequently observable (though very highly scandalous) in Historians and Learned Men; who ought not to be biased by any, even the most natural, Affections.  
There is likewise extant a couple of 
Norwegian Writers.  Norwegian Histories of good Authentic Credit; which explain a great many particulars relating to the Exploits of the Danish Kings in Great Britain, which our own Historians have either wholly omitted or very darkly recorded. The former of these was written soon after the year 1130, by one 
s 8vo. Amstelod. 1684.  Theodoric a Monk; who acknowledges his whole Fabric to be built upon Tradition, and that the old Northern History is no where now to be had save only ab Istendingorum antiquis Carminibus. The other was compiled by Snorro Sturlaesonius; who confesses he drew it out of the Ballads of the Scaldris, which he verily believes to contain nothing but what may be firmly relied on as most unquestionable Truth. And Arngrim Ionas so far concurs with him, as to 
t In Supplement. ad Hist. Norvag.  assure us that the Songsters of those days were far from Flattery; and knew nothing of the more modern poetical Licence, of Fable and Rhodomantade, in recording the story of their Princes and Patrons. This Book was translated into the Vulgar Danish Language by Pet. Vndallensis; and so 
u 4to. Hafn. 1633.  published by Wormius.  
Nor do I know of any more than 
Danish Historians.  two Danish Historians which are necessarily requisite to be in our Antiquary's Library; and those are Saxon Grammaticus and (his Cotemporary and Fellow-Servant) Sueno Aggonis. Before Stephanius' excellent 
w Fol. Sorae, 1645.  Edition, Saxo's History had been thrice published, but very faultily. He is commonly reckoned the most ancient (as well as most polite) Historian of Denmark; dying, Provost of the Cathedral Church at Roschild, A. D. 1204. Saxo himself says he 
x In Epist. Ded.  compiled a good part of his out of the Islandic Ballads; yet Arn. Ionas (as quoted by 
y Proleg. p. 37.  Stephanius) assures us that he did not deal fairly in that matter, nor make such good use of those Authorities as he ought to have done. J. Lyscander 
z Antiq. Dan. Serm. 8.  quarrels him upon the like bottom, and seems to intimate that he had a greater care of the Style than Matter of his Book. Sueno died before he could bring his Work (which is also 
a Sorae 1643.  published by Stephanius) to perfection: But what we have is of as good and valuable a kind as the forementioned: For, as Saxo framed his History out of the old Rhimes, so he declares that his is mostly taken from the Tales and Traditions of old people. Out of these two is borrowed the most of what we meet with, relating to those Times wherein the Affairs of Denmark and Britain were chiefly interwoven, in Huitfield, Pontanus, Meursius, and all other later Historians of that Kingdom.  
The great Restorer of the decayed 
O. Wormius.  Antiquities of Denmark was Olaus Wormius; who has also enabled us to make many new Discoveries in those of our own Nation. His 
b 4to. Hafn. 1636. & Fol. ibid. 1651.  Literatura Runica was the first happy Attempt made towards the right explaining of the old Cimbrian Monuments: which, till his time, had laid neglected and unknown to the Learned World; not only in those Northern Kingdoms, but in several parts of Italy, Spain and other Europoean Countries, where the Gothic Arms and Letters had gained a footing. The whole Treatise is divided into 29 Chapters; largely treating of the Name, Number, Figure, Powers, etc. of the Runic Characters. His 
c Fol. Hafn. 1644.  Monumenta Danica affords a Noble Collection of the scattered Runic Monuments through all the several Provinces of the Danish and Norwegian Kingdoms: An undertaking fruitlessly attempted before him, and a Work that was so much despaired on, that some of the best pieces were put to the most vile uses. Out of this Misery he recovered them; and has now raised himself an everlasting Monument out of them all. The whole Book is of singular use to any man that pretends to write upon any Branch of our English Antiquities; some whereof are 
d Mon. Dan. p. 326, etc. 339, 342.  particularly Illustrated by the worthy Author himself. To these we must add his 
e Fol. Hafn. 1650.  Lexicon Runicum and 
f Fol. Hafn. 1626. & 1651.  Fasti Danici: Nor is the 
g Fol. Lugd. Bat. 1655.  Musaeum Wormianum so full fraught with Physical Rarities, but that it will supply us with some Curiosities in Northern Antiquities worth our seeking. After him, Joh. Mejerus made some Glean in the same Field; which still remain in MS. And several Swedes were, by his example, induced to pay the like respect to the long neglected Monuments of their Ancestors. Among whom Buraeus and Verelius have already appeared in public; and Joh. Hadorphius' more complete Work (de Sepultura Sueco-Gothorum) has been long since promised.  
Tho. Bartholinus 
〈…〉.  (Son to the famous Physician of that Name) has lately given us an 
h Antiquitates Dan. 4to. Hafn. 1689.  Addition to Wormius' Discoveries; enquiring into the Reasons that induced the ancient Danes to contemn Death, and carry on the most dangerous Exploits with so much Courage and Bravery. In pursuance whereof he gives us a notable Account of their Belief of the Soul's Immortality; their Deifying of Woden, Thor, Fro and other Heroes; their hopes of enjoying a sensual and Turkish Eternity in Valhalla or Woden's Elysium, etc.  
Some few more Writers there are (of a lower form) that have treated on the same subject; which may be useful to our English Antiquary. But for these I must refer him to Alb. Bartholine's Treatise 
i 8vo. Hafn. 1666.  de Scriptis Danorum; being not very well disposed (at present) for the writing of dry Catalogues.   

CHAP. V.  
Of our English Historians since the Conquest.  
TO give an exact and full Register of these would be a tedious Work; and require a much better acquaintance with our public and private Libraries than I can pretend to. Sir William Temple has rightly observed, that tho, since this great period, the face of affairs 
a Introduct. to Hist. of Engl. p. 319, 320.  has not been drawn by any one skilful hand, or by the Life; yet 'tis represented in so clear a Light as leaves very little either obscure or uncertain in the History of our Kingdom, or Succession of our Kings: And 'twill be enough for my present purpose to pick out the chief of these Limners, and to give the Reader a View of 'em in their proper Colours. This I shall endeavour to do as briefly as is possible; ranking them in the several Centuries wherein they wrote.  
1066. 
The Eleventh Century.  The first of our English Historians, after the Conqueror's Arrival was Ingulphus: who (because he chiefly treats of the affairs of Crowland, though he occasionally intermixes the Story of our Kings) will be more properly placed 
b Chap. 10.  elsewhere. The Relation he bore to King William does manifestly bias him in the ill account he gives of Haerold; pelting that Prince with a Volley of hard Names, all in a breath, Contemptor praestitae fidei, ac nequiter oblitus sui Sacramenti, Throno Regio se intrusit, etc. About the same time wrote Marianus Scotus (a Monk of Mentz in Germany) 
Marianus  who brought down our English History, interwoven with a more general one of Europe, as low as the year 1083. This Work met with such an universal and great applause in our Monasteries, that there was hardly 
c Angl. sacr. Tom. 1. Praef. p. 24.  one in the Kingdom that wanted a Copy of it, and some had several. The frequent transcribing it gave occasion to a deal of errors and mistakes; and the Interpolations were so many and confused, that (when it came to be 
c Vid. H. Lhuid Fragm, Brit. Descr. f. 27. 〈◊〉  prepared for the Press) some of its Genuine and fairest Branches were lopped off, for Morbose tumors and Excrescencies. Nor will the Reader meet with a word of our English affairs in that lame Edition of Marianus' Chronicle by 
d Fol. Francof. 1583.  Pistorius: whose business 'twas only to publish the ancient Writers of the Germane History; and therefore he designedly omitted all that concerned this Kingdom. The best, and most 
e See J. Gregory ' s Notes on Ridley' s View, etc. p. 171.  complete Manuscript Copy is in the public Library at Oxford.  
1101. 
Cent. 12. Florence of Worcester.  The earliest 
f Fol. Francof. 1601.  History in the twelfth Century was written by Florence (a Monk) of Worcester, whom I know not whether to call an Epitomiser or Transcriber of Marianus. He seems to give 
g Ad Ann. 1043.  himself the latter Character; though it must be acknowledged that he has added very many Collections, out of the Saxon Chronicle and other Writers, with much Care and Judgement. His Book ended, with his 
h J. Pits, p. 197.  Life, in the year 1119; but 'twas continued 50 years farther by another Monk of the same Monastery. He so 
i Praef. ad Chron. Sax. p. 6. Et Praef. ad V●t. Aelfr. R. p. 3.  scrupulously adheres to his Authorities, that he sometimes retains even their very mistakes; and yet I must do him the Justice, to say he is not guilty of all the Contradictions that have been laid to his charge. An ingenious person has lately observed that he makes his Friend Marianus die in the year 1052. and yet affirms that the same Man was made a Presbyter (seven years after) A. D. 1059. But, in truth, the Gentleman himself is more upon the Blunder than his Author. The Phrase of Saeculum reliquit, does not (as he imagines) import the same thing with mortuus est: But signifies only (as it does, in the same Year, and on the same Occasion, in Matt. of Westminster, and others) the Man's leaving the Concerns of this world, Secular Affairs, to turn Regular and Secluse. 'Tis a scandalous reproach, and not worth the answering, which Sir Thomas Craig gives of him: That 
k Scotland's Soveraignt. Assert. p. 〈◊〉  He led his followers into Error, like so many Cattle breaking over a Ditch.  
Eadmerus, 
Eadmerus.  a Monk of Canterbury, is our next Historian, whose Historia Novorum, etc. was 
l Fol. Lond. 1623.  published by Mr. Selden, and contains the story of the two William's and Henry the First, from the year 1066 to 1122. 'Tis a Work of great Gravity, and unquestionable Authority. It affords no fooleries of Miracles, so very rife in the Writings of other Monks, unless perhaps the Story of the B. Virgin's 
m p. 88  Hair have a smack of the Cloister. He had Temptations enough (being an intimate Acquaintance of Archbishop Anselm) to take the Pope's part, in the mighty Dispute of his Time about Investiture; and yet he approves himself a person of that steady Loyalty to his Country as to give a fair account of the management on both sides, and the unanswerable arguments made in Defence of the Regal Power. His comparing of our Saviour's Commission to St. Peter, and Pope Gregory's to Augustine the Monk (for the establishing of the Primacy of Canterbury) is notable; and either clears that of Canterbury, or clouds that of Rome. The Character which Selden himself gives of him is, that his Style equals that of Malmesbury, his Matter and Composure exceeds him. His Cotemporary Aelfred (Monk and Treasurer of the Church) of Beverly seems to be no more than an Epitomiser of Jeoffrey of Monmouth: So that all the four 
n J. Pits, p. 204.  general Treatises said to be written by this Author may probably well bear the Name of Deflorationes Galfredi.  
But William (Monk and Library-Keeper) 
William of Malmesbury.  of Malmesbury was a person of another figure; and has had the highest Commendations imaginable given him by some of our best Critics in English History. One calls him an 
o J. Leland, Assert. Arth. fol. 4. b. & fol. 8. s.  elegant, learned, and faithful Historian: Another says he's the 
p D. Hen. Savil. In Epist. Ded. ad 5 Script.  only Man of his Time that has honestly discharged the Trust of such a Writer: And the third calls him the 
q Vsher. in Ep. Ded. ad Eccles. Hist.  chief of all our Historians. What falls under our present consideration is his Account 
r Fol. Francof. 1601.  De Gestis Regum Anglorum, in five Books; with an Appendix in two more, which he styles Historiae Novellae. In these we have a judicious Collection of whatever he found on Record, touching the Affairs of England, from the first arrival of the Saxons; concluding his Work with the Reign of King Stephen; to whom he shows himself as hearty an Enemy, as (his Patron) Robert Earl of Gloucester could possibly be. We shall have occasion to mention this Author in several of the following Chapters; and therefore I shall now only add, that I think himself has given an honest account of this part of his Labours, when he tells us, 
r In Prolegom ad Libb. 5. de Gest. Reg.  Privatim ipse mihi, sub Ope Christi, gratulor, quod ●ontinuam Anglorum Historiam ordinaverim post Bedam vel solus vel primus. And again: Ego enim veram Legem secutus Historiae, nihil unquam posui nisi quod a fidelibus Relatoribus vel Scriptoribus addidici. Pits says he was epitomised by 
s J. Pits. p. 723.  W. Horman, sometime Master of Eaton-School: But whether all his Works, or some part of 'em only, were so contracted he does not tell us. Possibly, he only transcribed what 
t Id. p. 228.  Simeon Dunelmensis had before drawn up to his hand.  
This Simeon, 
Simeon Dunelm.  and (his Cotemporary) Ealred, Abbot of Rievaulx, are our next Historians of Note in this Century; and have both deserved to be remembered in several parts of this Treatise. The former was Monk and Precentor of Durham, A. D. 1164. and might justly be reckoned one of the most 
u Vid. J. Selden. Praef. ad X Script. p, 1.  learned Men of his Age. But his two Books De Gestis Regum (which alone are now to be mentioned) are not his Masterpieces: Being only a few indigested Collections, chiefly out of Florence of Worcester, whose very words he frequently copies. Abbot Ealred (not of 
x Ut male J. Selden, in Praef. ad X Script. Vid. Monast. Angl. Tom. I. p. 172.  Revesby in Lincolnshire, but of Rievaulx in Yorkshire) gives us a short Genealogy of our Kings; but enlarges chiefly on the Praises of David King of Scots, Founder of a great many Abbeys for the Cistertians. His other Books (of the Life of Edward the Confessor, etc.) are treated on elsewhere. I doubt Sir George Mackenzy's 
y Def. of the Royal Line of Scotl. p. 22. & 27.  Baldredus Abbess Rynalis is this very Author: Notwithstanding the great pains he is at to distinguish them.  
About the same time flourished 
Henry of Huntingdon.  Henry Archdeacon of Huntingdon, whose eight Books (concluding with the Reign of King Stephen) were published by 
z Fol. Francof. 1601.  Sir Henry Savil. In the Preface he owns himself a Follower of Bede, in the main, for the time he wrote in: But says (withal) that he added many things met with in old Libraries. His first Lines will easily convince the Reader that he does really follow Bede; for he Copies him to a word. But I am not satisfied that he has added any great matters, as far as that Author goes. He has indeed a great many Lies out of Jeoffrey of Monmouth, which Bede never heard of; and which the World might have wanted well enough. After Bede's time, he has many particulars out of the Saxon Chronicle; which had been omitted by our Historians before him. He is pleased to take notice of one great Truth, that he writes very 
a Lib. 2.  confusedly. All the Transactions of the Heptarchy he reduces to the several Reigns of the West-Saxon Kings: But has not adjusted them so well as he ought to have done. At the same time lived John Serlo (Abbot of Fountains) who, (as John 
b J. Pits, p. 224.  Pits tells us) wrote a Treatise De Bello inter Scotiae Regem & Angliae Barones. We are not so well assured of this, as that he wrote a History of the Foundation of his own Monastery; for which he shall be remembered in a proper place. The general Histories written by Richard of the 
c Id p. 255.  Devises, and John of 
d Id. p. 258.  Tilbury (a London-Divine) before the end of this Age, are of the same authority; and that's all I have to say concerning either of 'em.  
William of Newburg was so called from a Monastery in Yorkshire, 
Neubrigensis.  of that Name, whereof he was a Member, though his true Surname was Little, whence he sometimes styles himself Petit or Parvus. His History ends at the year 1197. and therefore (though he is said to be alive 
e D. Where, Method. Leg. Hist. p. 138.  A. D. 1220.) he ought to be reckoned among the Historians of this Age. John Pits 
f J. Pits, p. 271.  thinks he appears too much a Flatterer of the Grandees at Court to write a true History: But, by the account he gives of the beginning of it, a Man would be tempted to believe he never read it. He was a most violent Persecutor of Jeoffrey of Monmouth, of whose History he gives this sharp Character, that it contains only pro expiandis Britonum maculis ridicula figmenta, etc. But 
g In Epist. Ded. ad Pontic. Virun.  D. Powel gives the reason of this bitterness of Spirit. It appears, he says, from some of their Histories of good Credit and Antiquity, that this William (whom those Welsh Historians call Gwilym Bach. i Gulielmus Parvus) put in for the Bishopric of St. Asaph, upon the death of the said Jeoffrey (Bishop there) about the year 1165. and, being disappointed, fell into a mad humour of decrying the whole Principality of Wales, its History, Antiquity, and all that belongs to it. He is large in his account of the Life, Manners, etc. of Hugh Bishop of Durham. His Latin Style is preferred to that of M. Paris, and equalled with those of Eadmerus and William of Malmesbury by 
h Praef. ad M. Paris, Hist.  Dr. Wat's.  
1201. 
Cent. 13.  The thirteenth Century begins with Gervase a Monk of Canterbury; who 
i J. Pits, p. 268.  is reported to have been a most judicious Antiquary and Methodical Historian, and to have made excellent Collections of the British and English Story from the coming in of the Trojans down to the year 1200. 'Twere to be wished these dormant Tomes could be discovered: For the Reigns of three Kings (which are the only part of our General History, of this Author's penning, now 
k Fol. Lond. 1652. inter X Script.  extant) are done with judgement enough. About the same time Nicholas de Fly, Bishop of Durham, is 
l J. Pits, p. 889.  said to have written and Historical Treatise; wherein he relates that memorable passage (mentioned also by some other Historians) of one Simon Thurvay's forgetting all that he had learned, which was to a good pitch of Eminence, and turning perfect Blockhead.  
Cotemporary to these two (and a much greater Historian than both of 'em joined) 
R. Hovedon.  was Roger de Hoveden, who seems to have been Chaplain for some time to King Henry the Second. His History was 
m Fol. Francof. 1601.  published by Sir H. Savil: But (as Sir H. 
n Glossar. in voce Frithborga.  Spelman observes) there are many errors in that foreign Edition of this and all our other Historians; and therefore he well cautions the English Reader attentively to consider the spelling of such words as are of our own growth, as very frequently mistaken by Printers that are Strangers to our Country and Language. 'Tis a heavy Censure which Leland has given of this Author, 
o Comment. ad Cygn. Cant. voce Dunolm.  Qui Scrinia Simeonis, suppresso ejus nomine, strenue compilavit, & aliena pro suis, Gloriae avidulus supposuit. Mr. Selden justifies him 
p Praef. ad X Script. p. 2.  against this sharp Sentence; and Sir Henry Savil gives a quite different Character of the Man and his Writings: 
q Epist. Ded. ad 5 Script.  Huntingdoniensis & Hovedenus (says he) Authores cu●● primis boni & diligentes, verissimique superiorum temporum Indices. He may possibly have borrowed something from Simeon of Durham: But, if he did, he has improved his Story, adding the years to many things confusedly related in that Writer. After the year 802. he falls indeed a little into confusion himself; jumbling a great many things touched on before, without any manner of Form or Order. But, after three or four Pages, he comes to himself again; and goes on regularly enough. There are in his Book many Letters, Speeches, etc. relating to Ecclesiastical affairs; which are good Materials towards a General Church history of this Kingdom. In the year 1291. King Edward the First is said to have caused diligent search to be made in all the Libraries in England for Hoveden's History, to adjust the Dispute about the Homage due from the Crown of Scotland: which (says my 
r J. Pits, p. 272.  Author) it clears effectually. At the same time Joh. Oxfordius (Bishop of Norwich) is 
s Id. p. 265.  reported to have compiled an English Chronicle; and we may look for some good Remarks from a person employed (as he was) on an Embassy to Rome, there truly to represent to his Holiness an account of Archbishop Becket's Behaviour. Hector Boethius pretends to have seen his History; and applauds him as a Writer next to his mighty Jeoffrey of Monmouth, in Authority as well as Time.  
The next Historian of Note and Figure is Ralph de Diceto, 
R. de Diceto.  or Disseto, Dean of London; who wrote about the year 1210. He sometimes refers to a 
t Angl. Sacr. Par. II. p. 677.  Chronological Account of our British Kings of his own Composure, which must have reached much higher than any thing hitherto published under his Name. And such a Work in several parts (containing a British Chronicle from Brute to Cadwallador, and an English one from Hengist to King Harold) the industrious Mr. Wharton 
t Praef. ad Par. TWO Angl. Sac. p. 27.  says he had seen and perused in the Norfolk-Library. The two Treatises which concern us at present, and are already 
u Fol. Lond. 1652. inter 10. Script.  printed, are his Abbreviationes Chronicorum and his Imagines Historiarum: The former whereof contains an Abstract of our History (but chiefly in Church-matters) down to the Conquest; and the latter gives the Portraitures of some of our Kings more at length, ending with the first years of King John's Reign. Mr. Selden is much in the Praises of this 
w In Praef. ad 10. Scrip.  Author, and his Works: though all that is here remembered is usually copied out of other Writers, who are often transcribed verbatim. Dr. Gale met with a better Copy of his Abbreviations than had fallen into the hands of Sir Roger Twisden; and has taken occasion (in discoursing 
x Praef. ad Hist. Brit● p. 14.  upon that subject) to show how mischievously the old Monks of Canterbury used to corrupt their Manuscripts. Dicetoes Talon lay mainly towards Church-history; and, on that Topick, we shall hereafter meet with him more than once. If Gyraldus Cambrensis ever wrote any such thing as an 
y J. Pits, p. 281.  English Chronicle, it ought to come in the same rank of time with these of Dicetoes: But I very much suspect the Truth of that Report. Hither also must be referred the famous 
z H Spelm. Glossar. in voce Scaccarium. J. Stow, Chron. p. 154.  Exchequerman, King Henry the Second Nephew, Gervase of Tilbury; who (besides the Black Book, to be remembered when we come to the Twelfth Chapter) is said to have written a large historical Commentary upon Jeoffrey of Monmouth, under the Title of 
a J. Pits, p. 274. Bale, Cent. 3.  Illustrationes Galfredi, which he dedicated to the Emperor Otho the Fourth.  
Walter Monk of Coventry deserves a more particular Remembrance, 
Walter Coventriensis.  as perhaps very well meriting the account given of him by john 
b Apud Jo. Pits, p. 290.  Leland, who says the two main Ornaments of an Historian (Sincera sides & lucidus ordo) are to be had in him. Upon the strength of this Authority, Bale tells us he was 
e Cent. 3. cap. 74.  Immortali Vir dignus memoria. But his three Books of Chronicles and Annals (for which these men send us to Bennet College) are all one; being chiefly Collections out of Jeoffrey of Monmouth, R. Hoveden, and H. Huntingdon. Some few things of Note and Consequence he has which are not to be met with in those Authors. He is said to have lived in Coventry, A. D. 1217. and therefore Alexander 
f Vid. Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. Par. I. p. 15.  Essebiensis' Epitome of our English Annals, Peter 
g J. Pits, p. 297.  Henham's history, and R. 
h Id. p. 292.  Niger's (continued by his Namesake 
i Id. p. 301.  Ralph Abbot of Coggeshal) are of the same date.  
Soon after these appeared Matthew Paris, a Monk of St. Alban; 
Mat. Paris.  one of the most renowned Historians of this Kingdom. His Historia Major contains the Annals (at large) of Eight of our Kings; from the beginning of the Reign of William the First, to the conclusion of that of Henry the Third. 'Twas first published at London, A. D. 1571. and the 
k Fol. 1606.  Zurich Edition only copied from that. It was again verbatim reprinted (the errors of the Press being only corrected) by 
l Fol. Lond. 1640.  Dr. Wats, who beautified it with additions of various Readins; the Author's large Additamenta, and his Lives of the Abbots of St. Alban; a good Glossary of his own composure, etc. Among other Reasons that prevailed with him to publish the very words of the former Edition, he thought he should hereby effectually stop the Mouths of the Romanists (who pretended that the Heretics had vilely corrupted that Historian) when they should see their Case was not bettered by comparing it with all the Manuscript Copies that could be had of it. From the year 1259. (wherein M. Paris died) to King Henry the Third's Death, it was continued by Will. Rishanger, a Monk of the same Fraternity; as some inform us. Others will needs affirm, that Paris himself had a very small hand in the whole, having only begun at the year 1235. the rest being done to his hand by one Roger de Windleshore, or Windsor, (the MS. Copy of his History in Cotton's Library calls him Rogerus Wendoure de Wendover prior de Bealvair) one of his Predecessors in the same Monastery. Before that time (they 
m Vid. D. Watsi● P●aefa●.  tell us) there are only some few Interpolations of M. Paris', who (for some reasons best known to himself) did not break off at the year 1250. as it appears he designed, but continued writing to his Death. The Author (whoever he was) did certainly begin his Chronicle at the Creation, though we now have lost all that went before the Conquest; unless, as the 
n ●n Praef. ad Editionem Tigurin.  Publisher of him guesses, that which now goes under the Name of Matthew of Westminster, be (in reality) the true Work of Mat. Paris. This undoubtedly is as much the Offspring of Roger de Wendover, as that following part now published is the genuine Work of M. Paris, as will sufficiently appear to any that shall take the pains to consult the abovementioned Manuscript Copy. The whole Book manifests a great deal of Candour and Exactness in its Author, who furnishes us with so particular a relation of the brave Repulses given by many of our Princes to the Usurping Power of the Roman See, that 'tis a wonder how such an heretical history came to survive thus long. Quam fuit animo infensissim● in Apostolicam Sedem quivis facile potest intelligere, says Cardinal 
o Annal. Eccles. ad An. 996.  Baronius. The English whereof is only this; he was a Writer of a singular Courage, and one that durst maintain the Prerogatives of his Sovereign's Imperial Crown against the Usurpations of the Papal Crosier. And yet he is as kind to the Pope, as he is either to the King himself, or the Abbot of St. Alban; for he indiscriminately las●es (upon occasion) every body that comes in his way. The same Author wrote an Abstract of the forementioned Work, to which he gave the Title of Chronica, and W. Lambard first christened it Historia Minor. It begins, as the former, with William the Conqueror, and ends A. D. 1250 having in it several Particulars of Note omitted in the larger history. The fairest Copy of this Book (supposed to be written by the Author●s own hand) is in the King's Library at St. James'. One John Shepshed is 
p J. Pits, p. 313.  supposed to have lived at the same time with M. Paris; and is, by John Stow, asserted to be the Author of an English history. We may probably bring in also Robert of Gloucester for another of his Cotemporaries, since Archbishop 
q Hist. Eccles. Brit. p. 29.  Usher, and 
r Remains, p. m. 8.  Mr. Camden are both positive, that he lived some time in the Reign of King Henry the Third. His rhyming Chronicle is in English; and the Reader may have a Taste 〈◊〉 it (as much, it may be, as ever he'll desire) either from 
s Titles of Hon. p. 535.  Mr. Selden, or 
t Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. Par. I. p. 112.  Mr. Wood  
The Chronicle of 
u Fol. Oxon. 1684.  Mailros (though its Title may seem to rank it among 
Chronicle of Mailros.  the Records of another Kingdom, yet) may justly challenge a place among our English Historians, since it chiefly insists upon the affairs of this Nation. The Abbot of Prior of Dundrainand (in Galloway, a Nursery under Mailros) is thought to have been the first Compiler of the work; which was afterwards continued, by several hands, down to the year 1270. There's very little relating to the Northern history of this Kingdom before the year 1142. (when the little Convent of Dundrainand was founded) save what is borrowed from Florence of Worcester, and Matthew of Westminster: So that it must be after that time that the Character which the Publisher gives of this Chronicle (exhibet Principum, Procerum, Episcoporum, Abbatum, 〈◊〉 Borealibus istis Oris successiones) is most agreeable. From the year 1262, the Continuator (whoever had the turn to be Register at that time) is as dull and whimsical as any Monk needs be. 'Twas his business to draw the Picture of Simon Monfort, the famous Earl of Leicester; and he has so overdone the matter, that he thought himself obliged, in the Conclusion, to instance in a great many Authors of Note that had published some Stories a little Romantic, and yet had found the favour to be believed.  
The rest of the general Historians of this Age are of a much lower form, 
Meaner Historians.  and less weight, than these already mentioned. Such were Elias de Evesham, and (his Namesake) Elias de Trickingham; who are 
x J. Pits, p. 350, 351.  both said to have flourished about the year 1270. There is a Copy of the latter's Chronicle among my Lord Clarendon's Manuscripts, which ends A. D. 1268. Peter Ickeham (a 
y Id. p. 355.  Kentish Man born, and sometime a Student in the University of Paris) about the year 1274. collected the British and English Histories, from the coming in of Brute; and continued them to the Reign of Edward the First. This Chronicle is 
z E● Gibson Catal. Bibl. Tennison. p. 26.  said to have been some time in the possession of Sir Symonds D' Ewes; and perhaps is the same Book which 
a Angl. Sacr. Par. I. p. 116.  Mr. Wharton acquaints us is now at Lambeth. John Buriensir (Abbot of St. Edmundsbury, where he died A. D. 1280.) wrote also 
b J. Pits, p. 361.  English Annals, wherein he treats at large of the Disputes betwixt Pope Innocent the Fourth and R. Grostest Bishop of Lincoln. Possibly this Buriensis may be the same with 
c Id. p. 448.  Burgensis; and all one with John Abbot of Peterburgh, whose MS. Chronicle is quoted by 
d Angl. Sacr. Par. I. p. 115.  Mr. Wharton. And then he should have been reserved till the next Century, about the middle whereof that Abbot certainly flourished.  
1301. 
Cent. 14. Th. Wikes.  Tho. Wikes (called by Leland, Vicanus; by others Wic●ius) ought to begin the Fourteenth Century, though both Bale and Pits bring him within the foregoing; for his History (which begins at the Conquest) ends at the Death of Edward the First, A. D. 1304. The Author was Canon Regular of Osney near Oxford; and writes as clearly and full (especially in some passages relating to the Baronwars) as so compendious a Chronicle as his is would allow him to do. We are indebted to Dr. Gale for the 
e Hist. Angl. Vol. II. Fol. Oxon. 1687.  publishing of this history, together with others of good value, that had long laid imprivate hands John Castorius (called also 
f J. Leland, Assert. Arth. fol. 30. a.  Fiber and Beaver) was a Monk of Westminster, about this time, and wrote a Chronicle, still extant in some of our 
g Bibl. D' Ewes, Monast. Angl. Tom. I. p. 177.  English Libraries. Leland commends him as an Historian of good credit; and he is also cited, with respect, by John Stow in his Survey. He begins with the coming in of Brute, and ends at his own time. W. Rishanger (who died, very old, about the year 1312) has been mentioned already; and Rad. Baldoc who died the year following, and whose history is quoted by Leland and Archbishop 
h Hist. Eccles. Brit. p. 21.  Usher) seems hardly to deserve it. Of the like kind is the compendious Chronicle of Tho. 〈◊〉, Canon Regular of Leedes in Kent, whom both Bale and Pits have fixed at the year 1321. But 
i Fun. Mon. p. 206.  J. Weever, from a passage in his Book, which gives an account of the Victories of the Black Prince, shows that he must have lived pretty late in the Reign of Edward the Third, if not under (his Grandson) Richard the Second.  
Of something better value are the Annals of Nicolas Trivet 
N. Trivet.  (Son of Sir Thomas Trivet, Lord Chief Justice) who was Prior of a Monastery of Dominican Friars in London; where he was buried A. D. 1328. An excellent Copy of his history (which John Pits 
k J. Pits, p. 422.  subdivides into three several Treatises) is now in the Library at Merton College in Oxford, whence several of our most eminent 
l Vid. H. Spelman. Concil. Tom. l. p. 111. Hist. Oxon. lib. 2. p. 392. & Ab. Whel●c. ●ed. Hist. p. 115.  Antiquaries have had very remarkable Observations. 'Tis in French, and bears the Title of Les Gestes des Apostoiles, (or, the 
m Spelm. Gloss. in voce Apostolici.  Popes) Emperors è Rois. Roger ●estrensis (who was a Benedictine Monk of St. Werburg's in Chester) was Trivet's Cotemporary, and wrote a large account of the affairs of this Nation. This Work he entitled Polycraticae Temporum, and began it with the coming in of the Romans. He continued it at first no lower than the year 1314. but added 
n J. Pits, p. 438.  afterwards a Supplement of fifteen years more.  
About the same time (as Mr. Selden 
J. Brompton.  probably 
o Praef. and X. Script. inter quos J. Brompton.  conjectures) lived the Author of that Chronicle which goes under the Name of John Brompton, some time Abbot of Joreval (or Jorvaulx) in the County of York, which begins (with the coming in of Augustine the Monk) A. D. 588. and ends with the Death of Richard the First, 1198. 'Tis not indeed likely that this History was written by any Member of the Abbey of Joreval, since it takes no notice of the Foundation of that Monastery, etc. But only procured by Abbot Brompton, and (by him) bestowed on his Monastery. The Author (whoever he be) is very full in his Collections for the Saxon times, but takes no notice of the Chronological part in the whole story of the Heptarchy. In this he has not been very inquisitive; ending (for example) Northumberland where Bede's History leaves him. He gives the Saxon Laws at large, and translates them pretty honestly. In what he borrows from the old Chronicle, in that Language, he is not altogether so correct: Otherwise, he had never told us such a rare story of one 
p Vid. Joh. Spelm. Vit. Aelfr. R. p. 18.  Sumerled, a Danish Tyrant, who sacked Reading, etc. His chief Author is Roger Hoveden. Of Walter Hemmingford the Reader needs no further account than what has been already given of him by his worthy 
q Tho. Gale, Hist. Brit. & Angl. vol. II. in Praefat. p. 8, 9, 10.  Publisher: Nor have I any more to say of Richard of Chichester than what John Pits has told me 
r J. Pits, p. 438. , that he was a Monk of Westminster, A. D. 1348. that he travelled to most of the Libraries of England; and, out of his Collections thence, compiled a notable History of this Kingdom, from the coming in of the Saxons down to his own time.  
Ran. Higden 
R. Higden.  (Monk of St. Werburg's in Chester, where he died very aged, 
s Jta joh. Pits, p. 517. Verum Balae●s, Anno 1363.  A. D. 1377) was an industrious Historian, a great Follower of Florence of Worcester and others of our best Writers; Vnicuique Authorum suorum honorem integrum servans, says Bale. The Character might be true for any thing (perhaps) he knew: But 'tis that Writer's way to give accounts of Men and their Labours at random. It is very evident that, on the Contrary, he falls foul on William of Malmesbury in many places; and yet that person is thought to have deserved a Respect, and is usually better treated by all our other Historians. He is pleased to style his Work Polychronicon: And, if you spell the first Letters of the several Chapters that begin it, you read Praesentem Chronicam conpilavit Ranulphus Monachus Cestrensis. What he wrote relating to the times of the Britain's and Saxons has been lately 
t Hist. Brit. Vol. I. Fol. Oxon. 1691.  published by Dr. Gale, who commends him for preserving many Remains out of ancient Chronicles, now wholly lost or mislaid. (I have a Parchment Manuscript of this History, which seems to be a better Copy than what the Learned Doctor made use of.) The rest was first translated into English by John de Trevisa (a 
u J. Pits, p. 567.  Cornish Man born, and some time Vicar of Berkeley in Glocestershire) who illustrated the whole with Annotations of his own, says my Author: But they 
x Vid. Vsserii Hist. Dogm. Edit. ab Hen. Wharton, p. 157, 439.  that know the matter better have observed aright that the many Interpolations and Additions in W. Caxton's English Edition, are the Publishers and not Trevisa's. And so is also the Continuation down to the year 1460. For Caxton expressly takes it upon himself, though our famous 
y In Praefat. ad 10. Script.  Selden says 'twas the Work of Trevisa, who (if the great Man were not mistaken) must have penned it near a hundred years after his death.  
John Vicar of Tinmouth 
J. Tinmuthensis.  (whence he is always called Tinmuthensis, though he was afterwards 
z J. Pits, p. 500  Monk of St. Alban, A. D. 1366) was a mighty Collector of our English Histories, which he has left digested in to three very large Volumes; whereof there are now fair Copies in the Libraries at Oxford, Lamboth, etc. This Work he was pleased to call Histori●● 〈◊〉, and, for that reason, the Author himself is by 
a Assert. Arth. & alibi.  Leland named Chrysistoriographus. Out of this large Mass many notable Remarks have been made by the learned Men of this Age: But, because they chiefly relate to the doughty Feats and Miracles of our English Saints, as well as his other Works that more professedly treat on that Subject, we shall defer the further consideration of him to 
b Chap. 13.  another place.  
To humour Bale, Pits and Vossius, 
Matthew of Westminster.  we shall here place Matthew (a Benedictine Monk) of Westminster, who, they tell us, flourished in the year 1377. 'Tis more probable that he hardly outlived the year 1307. in which he 
c Vid. H. Wharton, Praef. ad Angl. S. c. Par. I. p. 32, 33.  ended his History, though 'twas afterwards (as we shall see anon) continued by other hands. He was a choice Collector of the Flowers of former Historians, from whence, and from the Title of his Book; he is usually styled Florilegus. His chief Benefactoris Matthew Paris, whom he so accurately transcribes, that he cannot be persuaded to leave him, even when he warmly treats of the particulars of his own Monastery of St. Alban. Nay, he sometimes refers (in Paris' very words) to that Author's Addilamenta, as to a Work of his own composure; and hence some have concluded that the whole, even that part which precedes the Conquest, was borrowed from the same hand. But I can hardly agree to that, since the same heedless way of writing (unbecoming the Accuracy of M. Paris) runs through both of 'em. Hence 
d Ad An. 489.  Vnde Reges Cantiae usque hodie Aeskynges vocantur; with a thousand more of the like. 'Tis most likely (as has been already observed) that R. de Wendover was a common Parent to both the Matthews; and the main of what is published under both their Names came from that hand. There was an Edition of Westminster's history before that at 
e Fol. A. D. 1601.  Francfort, but abominably corrupt and imperfect, especially after the year 1245. the Author's punctual Relation of the brisk behaviour of our Kings and Nobility, in opposition to the Encroachments of the Roman See, being wretchedly mangled and purloyn●d. Upon this bottom John Pits divides the History into two 
f J. Pits, p. 519.  several Works, whereof the former he calls Historia ampla, which (says he) is that which was published at 
g Fol. A. D. 1570.  London; and the other Historiarum Flores. The Distinction he had from Bale; though the Application be his own. This Report seems to have had some slender Foundation; since we are told that, amongst my Lord 
h Catalogue. Bibl. Tennison. p. 1.  Clarendon's Manuscripts, there's another historical Work which bears the Name of Flores Historiarum, which is very different from the Printed Copy, and is continued near forty years further. But the Reader ought to know that there are many anonymous Historians in this Kingdom, who (beginning at the year 1307,) manifestly show that they chiefly intended to continue the Work of Matthew of Westminster. The most eminent (indeed) of his Continuators was Adam Merimuth, Canon Regular of St. Paul's, and an eminent Civilian, who in the latter end of his days, gave himself wholly to the reading and writing of English History. He begins his Work 
i So says Pits, p. 531. and yet Pety●'s Quotation runs in his Ancient Right of the Commons, etc. p. 30.  at 1302. and his first part reaches only to 1343. (which, I suppose, makes the Enlargement in my Lord Clarendon's Copy) but the second continues the Story to (in all likelihood, the year of his own Death) A. D. 1300. 'Tis observable that his History commences at Michaelmas, and for that reason, he always afterwards begins the New Year at that Feast.  
A few more, 
J. Staffort, etc.  of an inferior Rank, may probably be reckoned amongst the Historians of this Age. As, 1. John Staffort, a Franciscan ●●iar, who is 
k Pits, p. 523.  supposed to have written an English History about the year 1800. Tho. Fuller 
l Worthies in Staffordshire, p. 45.  observes very well that the exact time when he wrote (or lived) is not known 〈◊〉 only, being a Francisean (and that, I doubt, is not very certainly known neither) he must have flourished after the year 1226. when that Order first came into England; and, being quoted by John Ross, must come in before 1400. 2. William de Packington, Secretary and Treasurer to the Black Prince in Gascoigne, wrote a Cronique in French from the Ninth year of King John down to (his own time) 1380. out of which several Collections have been made by 
m MSS. Tom. 1. p. 657.  Leland, 
n Chron in RR. Joh. Ed. I. etc.  Stow and others. 3. Henry de Knyghton, one of the Canons of Leicester, whose 
o De Eventibrs Angliae Fol. Lond. 1652. inter 10. Scrip.  History may be said to begin at the Conquest, since he has only a short Abstract of the Saxon Affairs in his first Book. It is continued down to the year 1395. He fairly owns what he transcribes from Ralph Higden; whom he imitates also in the Crotchet of making the fifteen first Chapters of his Second Book give his Name in their Initial Letters, thus:  
HENRICUS CNITTON.  
'Tis plain that neither Leland, Bale nor Pits, had ever seen this Work. An Encouragement to the industrious Antiquaries of this Age to continue their Inquiries after such Histories as are presumed to be irrecoverably lost. 4. Galf, Lingius (a Franciscan of Norwich, about the year 1390.) is also 
p J. Pits, p. 555.  said to have compiled a History of this Kingdom, from the coming in of Brutus, down to his own Time.  
1401. 
Cent. 15. Sir J. Froissart.  The fifteenth Century was one of the most rude and illiterate Ages, and therefore we are not to look for a large Harvest of Historians, in a Dearth and Scarcity of Persons eminent in other parts of Learning. Sir John Froissart (sometime Canon 
q See his Hist. Vol. II. cap. 200.  and Treasurer of Chimay in the Diocese of Liege) justly deserves to be placed first, as having ended his Life and Story about the beginning of it. His Work contains a General History of the Affairs of France, Spain, and other parts of Europe, as well as England; though it chiefly insists on those of this Nation. The Author was a Frenchman born, but was brought up, in his Youth, in the Court of our King Edward the Third; and, many years after, familiarly conversant in King Richard the Second. He wrote in his own Native Language, which was also, in his Time, the 
r Selden's Tit. of Hon. p. 635.  Court-Language of England. The Copies that were taken of him in French (as well Manuscript as in 
s Fol. Paris. 31 Vol. 1505.  Print) are generally faulty and corrupt in Names and Numbers; whereas the Author himself, being perfectly acquainted with the English Court and Customs, could not well mistake. Most of these Errors are corrected in the English Edition, which was published by Sir John Bourchier, Deputy of Calais, at the Command of King Henry the Eighth, towards the latter end of his Reign. His Account of matters seems to be plain and honest; and perhaps none gives a better of the Affairs of Edward the Third, and (his unfortunate Successor) Richard the Second. Sleidan epitomised his History in 
t Quarto Heydelberg. 1587.  Latin; but has not done it with that impartiality and fairness that might have been expected from a Man of his great Name. Take the Censure which our learned Humphrey Lhuid long since gave of that piece and its Author: 
u Comment. Brit. Descrip. fol. 27. a.  Dum Gallico Nomini nimium faveret, Anglorum Nobilissima Gesta aut Silentio praeteritt, aut, ab Authore dissentiens, aliter, quam á Froissardo scriptum est, literis commendavit.  
After him follow, 
Tho. Otterburn, etc.  down to the middle of the Century, a set of very ordinary Scribblers, such as, 1. Tho. Otterburn, a Franciscan Friar of some of our English Monasteries about the year 1411. whose MS. History is 
x Monast. Angl. Tom. II. p. 468.  said to be in our public Library at Oxford. 2. Tho. Radburn, Bishop of St. David's, 
y Godwin. de Praesul. in St. David.  and Chancellor of the University of Oxford, A. D. 1420. He is usually quoted by the Name of Radburn ●enior, to distinguish him from another little Chronicler of both his Names, who was a Monk of St. Swithin's in Winchester, and Joh. Ross' great Acquaintance. This latter wrote two Books of our General History; the one whereof he styles 
z MS. Bibl. Cotton. Nero, A. 17.  Breviarium Chronicorum, which begins at Brute, and ends A. D. 1234. After the Conquest he copies most from M. Paris, and is very unhappy in his Chronological part His 
a MS. in Bibl. Lambeth. & Coll. Ben. Cantab.  Historia Major (as he calls his other Work) consists of large Collections out of other common Historians, save only in what relates to the Church of Winchester. 3 John Sherburn, a Monk, who wrote 
b MS. inter Codd. D. Com. Clarendon.  Chronica Britannorum, from the first coming in of the Trojans, to the Reign of Henry the Sixth. 4. John Henfield, a Monk of Battle-Abby, who drew an 
c 8vo. MS. in Bibl. D. Com. Carliol.  Abstract of our Chronicles down to the same time. 5. John Langden, 
d J. Pits, p. 607.  Bishop of Rochester, who possibly is all one with John Langton, (another of the same 
e Id. p. 625.  authentic Gentleman's Historians) a Carmelite Friar, who is said to die at the Council of Basil, A. D. 1434.  
Tho. Walsingham, 
Tho. Walsingham.  a Benedictine Monk of St. Alban's, (and very probably Regius Professor of History in that Monastery, about the year 1440.) made something a better figure than the last mentioned; and accordingly both his Historia brevis and his Hypodigma Neustriae, have had the honour to be published by Archbishop 
f Fol. Lond. 1574.  Parker. His short History begins at the Conclusion of Henry the Third's Reign, where M. Paris ended his: And he might well seem to be Paris' Continuator, were his Language answerable to his matter. The account he gives is well enough, and we are indebted to him for many things not taken notice of by any other Writer of those times. Indeed, his Reign of King Edward the Second is wholly borrowed from Sir Thomas de la More. His Ypodigma Neustriae (as he calls it) has a more particular regard to the Affairs of Normandy; giving an account (at large) of that Dukedom, from the time it came first into the hands of Rollo and his Danes, down to the Sixth year of Henry the Fifth; wherein the Reader will find many Occurrences not elsewhere to be met with. About the same time wrote John Wethamstede, the first 
g J. Stow's Pref. to his Chron.  Opposer of the story of King Brutus; and Nicolas Cantelupus (the Cambridge Historiographer) who is also reported to have penned a 
h Pits, p 635.  General Chronicle of England.  
The next Historian of Note was John Harding a, 
John Harding.  Northern 
i Id. p. 653. Bale, Cent. 8. cap. 30.  Englishman, and an inveterate Enemy to the Scottish Nation; against whom he carried Arms in several Expeditions. He collected out of all our Histories whatever might tend to the proof of the ancient Vassalage of that Kingdom to the Crown of England; and, hearing there was in Scotland an old Record that put the matter beyond dispute, he went (with great hazard) thither in disguise, and, with much ado, brought it away, and showed it. to Hen. V. Hen. VI and Edw. IU. To the last of these he dedicated his two Books of Chronicles in English Rhyme; whereof the curious Reader may have a taste in some of our Modern 
k Vid. Aelfr. mag. vit. p. 63.  Writers. It appears he was living (though very old) in the year 1461. So that Nic. Montacute (about that time 
l J. Pits, p. 656, 657.  Master of Eaton-School, and a Collector of English History) may be reckoned his Cotemporary; as may also Roger Albanus, a 
m Id. p. 644.  Carmelite of London, who drew up the Genealogies of some of our Kings.  
William Caxton 
W. Caxton.  (of whose continuation of Trevisa something has been noted already) seems to challenge the next place after Harding. He was a menial Servant for thirty years together, to Margaret Duchess of Burgundy (Sister to our King Edward the Fourth) in Flanders. He afterwards returned into England; where finding, as he says, an imperfect History (begun by one of the Monks of St. Alban, says John Pits, very 
n J. Pits, p. 670, 671.  unadvisedly) he continued it in English, giving it only the Latin Title of 
o Fol. Lond. 1515.  Fructus Temporum. How small a portion of this Work is owing to this Author, has been observed before; but he now usually bears the Name of the whole, which begins with the first inhabiting of his Island, and ends (the last year of Edward the fourth) A. D. 1483. The opportunities he had, of being acquainted with the Court-Transactions of his own time, would encourage his Reader to hope for great matters from him; but his fancy seem to have led him into an Undertaking above his strength.  
John Rosse, 
John Rosse.  or Rous, was a person somewhat better qualified to write History; being a Man of tolerable Parts, and singular Industry. He was born at Warwick, 
p Vid. Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. Par. II. p. 77.  and bred at Oxford. He travelled over the greatest part of England; and, having made large Collections out of the Libraries where he came, relating to the History and Antiquities of this Kingdom, he at last retired to Guy's Cliff (about a mile from Warwick, on the Banks of Avon) where he spent the Remainder of his Life, and died A. D. 1491. His History of our Kings is still 
q MS. Bibl. Cotton. & Coll. Ben. Cantabr.  extant; wherein are many Collections illustrating the Antiquities of our Universities. Hereupon, he is frequently quoted by our Oxford-Antriquary; who nevertheless will not allow that his Judgement equalled his Pains.  
1501. 
Cent. 16. R. Fabian.  The first Post in the Sixteenth Century is due to Rob. Fabian, an eminent Merchant, (and some time Sheriff of London, where he died A. D. 1512. Both Bale and Pits subdivide his historical Writings into a great many several Treatises; but I presume that which they call his Historiarum Concordantiae is the sum of all. This Chronicle is 
r Fol. Lond. 1559.  published, and does indeed consist of seven parts, whereof the six first bring down his Story from Brutus to William the Conqueror, and are chiefly taken out of Jeoffry of Monmouth; and the Seventh gives an account of our several Kings from the Conquest of Henry the VII. He is very particular in the Affairs of London, many good things being noted by him (which concern the Government of that great City) hardly to be had elsewhere. He gives the Names of all the Bailiffs, Mayors, and Sheriffs, with the chief Transactions in their several Years; but, in other matters, he is a great Follower of R. Higden. He mixes all along the French History with the English; but in different Chapters. He translates his Authors very literally; whence Monmouth's Phrase of Ferro & Flamma vastare is rendered 
s P. 42. etc.  to waste with Iron and Fire, & c. In the beginning of his Seventh part he observes Higden's method of making his Years commence at Michaelmas; by which the Reader will understand how William the Conqueror comes to begin his Reign in October 1067. Cardinal Woolsey is said to have procured all the Copies of this History, that he could meet with, to be burned; because (says my 
t Bale, Cent. 8. cap. 62.  Author, who is not infallible either in his Reasons or Relations) the Church's Patrimony was thereby too plainly discovered. This Cardinal's Menial Servant (John Skuish, Squisus, or Squisius) is 
u Id. Cent. 9 cap. 19 & I. Pits, p. 709.  reported to have compiled a notable Epitome of our Chronicles about the Year 1630. but I am not able to direct the Reader where to meet with it.  
Polydore Virgil 
Polydore Virgil.  was the most recomplished Writer, for Elegancy and clearness of Style, that this Age afforded. So much the 
a J. Leland. Comment. ad Cygn. Cant. voce Isis.  severest Enemy he had has acknowledged of him; and, on this score alone, 
b Sir Tho. Craig's Scotl. Soveraignt. p. 20, 38, 44, 181.  some have unreasonably extolled him. But there's so little of the other more Necessary Qualifications of a good Historian (Truth and Fair Dealing) in all his 
c Fol. Basil. 1534.  Twently-six Books, that he has been justly condemned by our Critics: and 'tis no wonder that some of them have expressed an Indignation suitable to the Abuses put upon their Country. Sir Henry Savil is warmer on this occasion than is usual with him. 
d Epist. Ded. ad 5 Script. post Bedam.  Polydorus (says he) ut homo Italus, & in rebus nostris Hospes, & (quod Caput est) neque in Republicâ versatus, nec magni alioqui vel Judicii, vel Ingenii, pauca ex multis delibans, & falsa plerumque pro veris complexus, Historiam nobis reliquit cum coetera mendosam, tùm exiliter sanè & jejunè conscriptam. Some have fansyed that the severe Character which Sir Henry is here pleased to give of this Author, might chiefly by applied to the History of Henry the Eighth: And that a great many Passages in that Reign may be darkly or falsely represented by him, by reason of his being unacquainted with the English Tongue; which could not but very much obstruct his Knowledge in Modern Transactions. Other things, say 
e Vid. Mantiss. ad Deg. Wheàr. Method. etc. p. 143.  they, have fallen from him under a borrowed Light and Colour, out of the Respect he had for Queen Mary, and his great Inclinations to serve the Interests of that Princess. But does not even this Apology carry a deal of Invective in it? Sir Henry Savil is far from being singular in the severest part of his Censure. Some of our late 
f Not. in Aelfr. R. Vit. p. 152.  Writers have agreed to it; and his Cotemporary Humph. Lhuyd out-throws him a Bar or two. For, what think you of these 
g Comment. Brit. Descrip. Frag. fol. 6, 17, 19, etc.  Expressions? Nominis Britannici gloriam non solum obfuscare, sed etiam Britannos ipsos mendacissimis suis Calumniis infamare totis viribus conatur.— Homo Ignotus & Exterus.— Vir perfrictae frontis— Invidiâ & odio tumens.— Infamis Homunculus.— Os Impudens. Nor ought any thing of this to be attributed to an overboiling of honest Humphrey's Welsh Blood, if the other Matters he's accused on be true. He is said to have 
h Hist. Oxon. Lib. 2. p. 50.  borrowed Books out of the public Library at Oxford, without taking any Care to restore them: Upon which the University (as they had good reason) declined lending any more, till forced to it by a Mandate which he made a shift to procure from the King. In other places he likewise pillaged the 
i S. Tailor's Gavelk. p. 83, 84.  Libraries at his pleasure; and, at last, sent over a 
k Th. Gale, Praef. ad Hist. Angl. Tom. 1.  whole Ship-load of Manuscripts to Rome. And yet when this Publican himself left England (when there was no further occasion for his Collecting the Papal Revenues) King Edward the Sixth is said to have dismissed him with several handsome Presents: Which we are not to look upon as a Reward, as a certain 
l Ant. Harmer, p. 95.  late Writer expresses it; but rather to consider, that the young King being about to take his final leave of the Pope, and all that belonged to him, resolved to do it as courteously as was possible.  
The other Historians of his Time have been much Eclipsed by the glaring Lustre of this Foreigner; 
John Rastal, etc.  insomuch that some of their Writings have hardly ever seen the Light, John Rastal, a Citizen and Printer in London (who married Sir Thomas Meer's Sister, and died A. D. 1536.) wrote an 
m Ath. Oxon. vol. I. p. 38. & J. Pits, p. 726.  English Chronicle; but I know no more where to find it than another of the same Age, written by Richard Turpin a Leicestershire Gentleman, and an Officer in the Garrison at Calais, which I find quoted by his 
n Burton, Descript. Lei●. p. 153.  Countryman. Tho. Lanquet (who died at London in the twenty-fourth year of his Age, A. D. 1545.) began an Abbreviation of our Chronicles, but brought it no lower than the Birth of our Saviour. Its third part, which chiefly relates to this Kingdom, was written by the Learned Tho. Cowper (afterwards Bishop of Winchester) and by him 
o 4to Lond. 1560.  published. He calls it, as justly he may, an Epitome of our Chronicles, and 'tis a Meager one too, far short of the Performances of the same Author on other Subjects. The like slender Abstract of our English History was, about the same time, penned by George Lily (son of William the Famous Grammarian) which, together with his short Account of the Wars betwixt the Houses of York and Lancaster, and his Genealogy of our Kings, has had several 
p 4to Venet. 1548. Francof. 1565. Basil. 1567. etc.  Impressions. Somewhat bulkier is the Work of Edward Hall, who was some time Recorder (if I understand my 
q J. Pits, p. 735. Vid. etiam Fuller's Worthies, p. 219. in London.  Author right) of London, where he died A. D. 1547. He wrote a large Account of the foremention'd Wars; which, in a very flattering Epistle, he dedicates to Henry the Eighth. If the Reader desires to know what sort of clothes were worn in each King's Reign, and how the Fashions altered, this is an Historian for his purpose; but in other Matters his Information is not very valuable. A great Borrower from this Hall was Rich. Grafton, who (as 
r Hist. Scot lib. 8.  Buchanan rightly observes) was a very heedless and unskilful Writer; and yet he has the Honour done him to be sometimes quoted by Stow and others.  
Of much better Note are the joint 
R. Holinshead.  Labours of Will. Harrison and Ra. Holinshead, whose 
s Fol. Lond. 1577, 1587., etc.  Chronicle has been well received, and still bears a good Port among our Books of that kind. These Authors are 
t Ath. Oxon. vol. I. p. 189. & 270.  supposed to have been both Clergymen; but 'tis not certainly known where they spent the most of their days. So remarkably careful have they been to benefit the Public, without the Vanity of making their own Story known to Posterity. Holinshead frequently owns the great Assistance he had from Fran. Thynne, sometime (in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth) Lancaster-Herald, and an eminent Antiquary. He has been severely treated by 
u Scotland's Sooner. 8vo Lond. 1695. pertotum.  Sir Thomas Craig, for some Insolences which that Learned Gentleman supposed him guilty of, in Relation to the Kingdom of Scotland: Whereas (in Truth) that part of the Book no farther concerned poor Mr. Holinshead, than as the whole was sheltered under his Name. In the second Edition the History was continued (to the year 1586.) by John Hooker, alias Vowel, of whom we shall have occasion to make some further mention hereafter.  
1601. 
Cent. 17 J. Stow.  Industrious John Stow leads the Van in the present Century, which is now brought near its Conclusion: And he well deserves to be remembered with Honour. He was a Member of the Merchant-Taylors Company in London, and (as has been already observed) a special Benefactor to that City, in enquiring after and preserving its Antiquities and Records. He travelled (on 
w See his Chronicle published by Howes, p. 811.  foot) through a good part of England, in search after the Manuscript Historians in the Libraries of our Cathedral Churches, and was very exact and Critical in his Collections. Having spent above Forty Years in these Studies, he was put upon the Correction and Publishing of Rein Wolf's Chronicle by Archbishop Whitgift; and he had fairly transcribed his Work, and made it ready for the Press, when he died A. D. 1605. He always protested (and we may take his honest word for it) that he never was swayed by Favour or Fear in any of his Writings; but that he had impartially to the best of his Knowledge, delivered the Truth. This good Opinion the greatest of our later Historians seem to have of him, since even Sir Francis Bacon and Mr. Camden (not to mention others of a less Repute) have boldly taken several things upon his single Credit, and (sometimes) without being so just as to own their Benefactor. Upon his Death, the Revising and Continuation of his Book was committed to Ed. Howes, who says he bestowed thirty Years in bringing it into that good Order and Method in which we 
x Fol. Lond. 1631.  now see it. He is very Unfortunate, if (after so great Pains) he be justly liable to the sharp Sentence that 
y Tho. Fuller's Worthies, p. 220, 221. in London.  one has passed upon him; That he's as far short of Mr. Stow in Goodness, as 〈◊〉 Age is of the Integrity and Charity of those that went before it. I am abundantly sensible of the Degenetacy of our Age, and how Corrupt our Morals are, beyond the Precedents of former Times: But how applicable this grave Comparison may be to Mr. Howes, I know not: He does indeed say some great things of King James and King Charles; and if that be a Fault in him. 'tis transgressing with a Multitude. Not long after Mr. Stow, died R. White (Vitus he calls himself) Canon of Douai, who left nine 
z 8vo Duac. 1602.  Books of our English, or rather British, History, in a pretty elegant Latin Style: His business is to assert the Rights of the Papacy in this Kingdom; and therefore having settled Religion by Augustine the Monk and other Emissaries, he ends his Story A. D. 800.  
Our next Historian of Eminence was Sam. Daniel, 
S. Daniel.  some time Groom of the Privy-Chamber to Queen Anne. He was a Person of great Wit, a notable Poet, and of an Affable and Winning Conversation. His first and second Part of the History, 〈◊〉 England fell no lower than the end of Edward the Third's Reign; but was penned in so accurate and copious a Style, that it took mightily, and was read with so much Applause, that it quickly had several 
a Fol. Lond. 1618., 1621., etc.  Impressions. It was afterwards enlarged, and 
b Fol. Lond. 1638, etc.  continued to the end of King Richard the Third's Reign, by John Trussel Alderman of Winchester, who has not had the Luck to have either his Language, Matter or Method, so well approved, as those of Mr. Daniel. About the same time Will. Martin (Recorder of Exeter) wrote his 
c Fol. Lond. 1616.  History and Lives of the Kings of England, from William the Conqueror to Henry the Eighth. This came recommended to the World by the Author's own Sons: But I cannot learn that any other Family in the Nation could ever discover so much Worth and Beauty in the Book, as they pretended to see in it. Upon a 
d Fol. Lond. 1638.  second Edition, it was enlarged (by R. B. Master of Arts) with the Reigns of Edward the Sixth, Queen Marry and Queen Elizabeth.  
John Speed (who 〈◊〉 London A. D. 1619.) 
J. Speed.  must be acknowledged to have had a Head the best disposed towards History of any of our Writers; and would certainly have outdone himself, as far as he has gone beyond the rest of his Profession, if the Advantages of his Education had been answerable to those of his Natural Genius. But what could be expected from a 
e So Fuller in his Worthies, p. 181.  Tailor? However, we may boldly say that his Chronicle is the largest and best we have hitherto Extant: It begins with the first Inhabitants of the Island, and ends with the Union of the Kingdoms under King James, to whom it is Dedicated. Tho' some 
f Deg. Where. Method. p. 146.  say he spent twice seven years in compiling the whole, he himself owns he made more haste than he ought to have done; and that he was forced to trust a deal of his Work in the hands of his Friends and Journeymen. And the Truth of this honest Acknowledgement and Confession is obvious enough to a discerning Reader; who will easily find a mighty Difference in the Style, as well as Matter, of several of the Reigns. Those of King John and Henry the Second, were written by Dr. Barcham 
g Ath. Oxon. vol. II. p. 9, 10. , Dean of Bocking, a curious Antiquary, who has done them answerably to the good Opinion which Men of Learning had of him. Several Remarkables in that of Henry the Fifth were Collected by 
h Id. vol. I. p. 452.  George (Carew) Earl of Totnes; as was his Catalogue of the Monasteries by 
i Sir H. Spelm. Concil. Tom. I. p. 215.  Will. Burton, etc.  
Sir Richard Baker (who died in the Fleet, A. D. 1644.) 
Sir Rich. Baker.  was a Person of those Accomplishments in Wit and Language, that his Chronicle has been the best Read and Liked, of any hitherto published; which looks as if almost every Body in the Kingdom, as well as himself, believed it to be Collected with so great Care and Diligence, that, if all other of our Chronicles were lost, this only would be sufficient to inform Posterity of all Passages Memorable or Worthy to be known. His Method is New, and seems to please the Rabble: But Learned Men will be of another Opinion; for 'tis the same with that of Sueronius, which is justly complained of by 
k Praelect, Ca●●den, p. 36.  Mr. D●dwell. In the 
l Fol. Lond. 1641. & 1663.  first and second Editions we had nothing more than the Author's own Work, containing the History of our Kings from the Roman Government down to the end of King James the First's Reign: But afterwards it was 
m Fol. Lond. 1660, 1671.  continued to the Restoration of Charles the Second, by Edward Philip's; who (having the perusal of some of the Duke of 
n 〈◊〉 vol. II. p. 34.  Alb●●arle's Papers) might have set that great Revolution in its true Light, had not Ambition and Flattery carried him beyond Truth and his Copy. Soon after these Additions were published, the whole Book was examined by Tho. Blount a Barrister of the Inner-Temple, who 
o 8vo Oxon. 1672.  printed his Animadversions upon it, and gave the World such a Specimen of its many and gross Errors, as aught to have shaken its Credit. And yet (so little Regard have we for Truth, if a Story be but handsomely told) the Chronicle has been Reprinted since that Time, and Sells as well as ever; notwithstanding that no notice is taken of the Animadversions, but all the old Faults remain uncorrected. Mr. Blount himself spent some Years in writing an 
p Ath. Oxon. vol. II. p. 34.  English Chronicle, which we may believe would (at least) want those Errors which he had descried in the Labours of other Men: But where 'tis to be had I know not.  
There are some later Histories, 
Sir W. Churchill, etc.  which are so well known to all that are any thing Curious in these Matters, that I need do little more than mention them. Such are, 1. Sir Winston Churchill's 
q Fol. Lond. 1675.  Di●i Britannici, which gives the Reader a diverting View of the Arms and Exploits of our Kings, down to the Restoration in 1660. 2. Fr. Sandford's 
r Fol. Lond. 1677.  Genealogical History of the Kings of England and Monarches of Great Britain, from the Norman Conquest to the year 1677. with their several Effigies, Seals, Tombs, Arms, etc. 3. Let me add Dr. Hoel's 
s 8vo Lond. 1679.  Medulla Historiae Anglicanae, which, tho' only a very concise Epitome of our History, is done with that great Judgement, that it deserves a place among the best of our Writers on this Subject. There have been some Additions made to this Treatise, since the Doctor's death in 1683. which (whatever Relish they may have with some Readers) are not to be laid to his Charge. Others, we hear, are now engaged in the bold Work of Compiling General Histories of this Kingdom. The most considerable of these are Sir John Marsham, and James Tyrrel Esq and, if the former writes with the true Spirit of his Father, and the other with that of (Archbishop Usher) his Grandfather, we have good cause to hope for great things from them both.  
There are also many Anonymous Historians, 
Anonymous Histories.  whose Books are said to remain in several of our public and private Libraries, which ought to be referred to in this Chapter. 'Tis true, the Numbers of these might be lessened, if they were viewed by proper Persons, before their Titles were sent abroad in our Catalogues; whereas we are now told of Forty Nameless Authors, who (upon perusal) prove only imperfect Copies of Paris, Westminster, Hoveden, etc. A few, we are sure, are not of this kind, but appear to be of good value in themselves, tho' of an unknown Authority. Such are three Manuscripts of good Esteem in the Library at Lambeth, sometimes quoted by 
t In notis ad vol. I. Angl. Sac. p. 55, 109, 121.  Mr Wharton; a Fourth, referred to by 
u Hist. Eccles. Brit. p. 72.  Archbishop Usher; a Fifth and Sixth by 
w Tit. of Hon. p. 25, 83.  Mr. Selden; a Seventh now in the Possession of, my worthy Friend, Mr. Thoresby of Leedes in Yorkshire, etc. To which we might add a large Scroll of those that bear only the Names of such Monasteries as they were penned in: But these may happen to be remembered when we come more particularly to treat of the Registers and Records of those Religious Houses.   

CHAP. VI  
Of the Writers of Particular Lives of our Kings since the Conquest.  
THE Historians that have been already mentioned, in the foregoing Chapter, have usually treated most Copiously of the Reigns of those Princes that ruled in their own Times; and are to be most especially consulted in such Transactions as may be supposed to have happened within the Compass of their own View and Observation. Others have confined their Pens to the History of this or the other particular Monarch; and from them (if not manifestly under some Prejudices and Temptations either to Invective or Panegyric) we may expect the best and most comprehensive Account, as far as their Subject carries them. Of these I shall give the Reader as full a List as I can; following the Succession down to the Union of the two Kingdoms.  
William the First's Conquest (or 
a vid. H. Spelm. Gloss. in voce Conquaestus.  Acquest) 
William the Conqueror.  of this Kingdom was a Revolution that appeared so Great and Glorious, that 'tis a Wonder how we come to have so few Writers of his Story, whose Labours have continued to this day: For, 'tis plain, our Englishmen have been as backward in paying this Compliment to this Memory, as they were in acknowledging his Title. Among those that have done it, William of Poitiers (Pictaviensis) is the largest; and, tho' a Foreigner, and under some seeming Obligations to the King's Interests, has so fairly acquitted himself, as to find good Credit with the most of our Historians. Archbishop Lanfranc 
b Bale (Edit. 1.) Cent. 2. cap. 28.  is said to have written his Life also; and he is observed to have been so well affected towards the English Nation (tho' a Lombard himself) and to have carried so even betwixt their New Governor and them, that 'tis very probable he would likewise approve himself an unbyass'd Author. There's a short Anonymous History of this Reign published by Silas Taylor, in the end of his 
c 4to Lond. 1663.  Treatise of Gavel-kind. He guesses the Author was a Monk of Battle-Abbey: But I see no cogent Reason, in the Tract itself, to press such a Persuasion. 'Tis plain the Writer lived in the days of Henry the First, and so might be sufficiently informed of the Truth of all he relates. There was some time in the Library of Sir Kenelm Digby, a Manuscript History of the Life and Death of the Conqueror, said to have been written by Sir Walter Raleigh; but my 
d Ath. Oxon. Vol. I. p. 373.  Informer reckons it amongst some other Pieces, which he thinks unduly fathered upon that great Man. But, above all, Sir William Temple has lately given us the most excellent and Judicious Account of this 
e Introd. to Engl. Hist. 8vo Lond. 1695.  King's Reign and Policy; the old Laws he preserved, and the new ones he enacted; his good Conduct and Success in his many Wars, both in England and France; several Instances of his Clemency and Wisdom, etc. Upon all which he makes such Reflections as become a Statesman, and a Person so conversant in the Management of public Affairs, as that Author is known to have been.  
William the Second was more Unfortunate (both in his Life and Death) 
William II.  than his Father; and has also been so Unhappy, as to have none to attempt the preserving his Memory, in any special History, that I have yet heard of.  
Henry the First (tho' he reigned much longer than his Brother, 
Henry I.  and Founded several Religious Houses in this Realm) met with the like Treatment: Unless we reckon Walter de Mopez's Book De N●gis Curi●llu●, to be something of that ●ind; seeing a great many witty things, relating to the History of this King, are quote● out of it by 
f Remains, p. m. 260, 262, 264.  Mr. Camden. That Author was archdeacon of Oxford, and a Merry Good Fellow, in the Reign of Henry the Second.  
King Stephen's Memoirs were collected by Richard, 
Stephen.  Prior of Hexbam; whose Book is like to be preserved as long as the most durable of our English Records, having had the Honour to make a part of the noble Edition of our 
g Fol. Lond. 1652.  Decem Scriptores. Mr. Selden 
h Tit. of Hon. p. 537, 557, etc.  quotes another Anonymous Writer of his Life, who seems to be a voluminous Author.  
Henry the Second long Contests, 
Henry II.  with the haughty Archbishop Becket, gave occasion to vast Numbers of Writers to engage on both sides: So that we have several Pictures drawn of this King, who is represented sometimes as a God, and elsewhere as a Devil, according as the Author favoured the Court of England or Rome. Gilbert Folioth 
i J. Pits, p. 251, 252. , Bishop of London (who died before the end of this Reign, A. D. 1187.) was the earliest Stickler for the King against the Archbishop, and wrote smartly in Defence of the Prerogative Royal, and against the Papal and Prelatical Usurpations of those Times. Will. Stephens (or Fitz-Stephens, the London Antiquary) is 
k Id. p. 257.  said to be another Writer of this King's Life; but I suspect the Truth of the Story. Stow and others quote him sometimes as writing in the Reign of Henry the Second; and that's enough for Pits to conclude that he wrote his Life. Prior Richard of Hexham is 
l Id. p. 259.  brought in for another; as is also John Oxfordius 
m Id. p. 265.  Bishop of Norwich, This last was sometime Dean of Salisbury; and was certainly sent by King Henry to Rome, to give the Pope a true Account of Becket's Behaviour. But whether he did really draw up a Journal of his Embassy, with an Apology for his Master, I cannot assuredly inform the Reader; tho' Hector Boethius pretends to have seen it, and recommends it as a Treatise highly worth the Perusal. Three of Gyraldus Cambrensis' many Historical Books are likewise 
n Id. p. 281.  reported to be written on this Subject: And Mr. Wharton 
o Angl. Sacr. vol. I. p. 169.  mentions a Manuscript History of the same Reign by Benedictus. Some 
p Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. p●r. II. p. 241.  say that the Life of this King, as we now have it in Speed's Chronicle, was composed by Dr. Barcham, Archbishop Bancroft's Chaplain; and penned chiefly in Confutation of one Bolton (a Papist) who had newly enlarged too far in the Justification of Becket's Insolent Carriage to his Prince. These are mostly the King's Friends; and such as engaged on the behalf of our English Monarchy. What was to be said, on the other hand, for good Saint Thomas, must be learned from those that have recorded the Actions, Sufferings and Miracles, of that worthy Roman Saint and Martyr. An Account whereof shall be given in their proper 
q Infra, Cap. 13.  place.  
Richard the First's Meritorious Expedition into the Holy Land, 
Richard I.  gained him so much Repute, that he's as highly extolled by the Monkish Writers of that and the following Ages, as his Father is reproached for his Persecution of their St. Thomas. The chief Remarkables in his Life (that part of it especially which was spent in the Levant) are largely treated on by Rich. 
r Bale, Cent. III. cap. 28.  Divisiensis, [i. e. of the Devises in Wiltshire] a Monk of Winchester; Walter 
s J. Pits, p. 263.  Constantiensis, Bishop of Lincoln, who accompanied him in some of his Travels; Will. 
t Id. p. 266.  Peregrinus, so called from the Peregrination he also made in Attendance on this King; and Rich. 
u Id. p. 268.  Canonicus (Augustine Canon of St. Trinity in London) another of his Retinue. Jos. Iscanus (or, of Exeter) had the like Curiosity; followed the Fortunes of his Prince in the Holy War; and, at his Return, celebrated his Acts in a Book which he thought fit to call A●tiocheidos: 'Tis in Heroic Verse; and in a 
w Camd. Remains, p. m. 317.  Style and Strain of Poetry, much beyond what one would expect to meet with in the Writings of that Age. John Leland (who thought himself as great a Master and judge in Poetry as History) says of this Author, that he was 
x Assert. Arth. fol. 7. b.  Poeta Britannus omnibus Numeris Elegantissi●us; and calls his Book Op●s Immortal. His Life is also said to have been written by 
y J. Pits, p. 304.  Stephen Laugton (Archbishop of Canterbury) and 
z Id. p. 316.  Alexander de Hales the Famous School-man. But we have not so particular Directions where to look for these as for ●n 
a Id. p. 824.  Anonymous Manuscript to the same purpose, in the Library of Magdalene College in Oxford. The Learned 
b Hist. Angl. Scrip. 5. Fol. Oxon. 1687.  Dr. Gale has obliged us with one of the largest of this King's Journals, taken by one Je●ffrey Vinesauf (or, de Vino Sal●●) whom he takes to be the same Man with the forementioned Walter Constantiensis, who sometimes (he says) is also called Walter Oxoniensis. He likewise believes that Richard of the Devises and Richard the Canon were the same Person: So that instead of having our Store enlarged by what he has done for us, we have lost some of our former Stock.  
King John's Unhappy Reign was not a Subject so taking as that of his Brother; 
K. John.  and therefore has not been enquired into by so many Curious Authors. John de Forda or Fordeham (who is ignorantly confounded with John Fordon the Scottish Historian, by 
c J. Pits, p. 277. Vid. Stissingst. Orig. Brit. p. 249.  John Pits) was the first that attempted it; and, being this King's Chaplain, had Opportunities enough of knowing the Truth, if he was a Person of such unbyass'd Honesty as to reveal it. Gyraldus Cambrensis, living also at the same time, is 
d J. Pits, p. 281.  said to have likewise penned his Story; and we may believe it will discover that warmness of Temper which runs through all that Author's Writings. Some of the Learned Men of the present Age, have thought the Extraordinary Freaks of this Prince worth their Considering; and have therefore bestowed good Pains in Collecting and Methodizing the most Notable Transactions of his Reign. Of these, Dr. Barcham's History is (as we have already observed) published in Speed's Chronicle; and is so well done, that an Industrious 
e Anth. à Wood Ath. Oxon. vol. I. p. 10.  Antiquary gives this Character of it, That it shows more Reading and Judgement than any Life besides in that History. And another 
f Tho. Fuller's Worth. p. 276. in Dev●●sh.  witty Author says, 'Tis the King of all the Reigns of that Book, for profound Penning. The Voluminous 
g Hist. of K. John, R. Hen. III. and K. Ed. I. Fol. L●nd. 1670.  Will. Prynne has also carefully and largely informed us of the public Occurrences of this Reign, as well as the two next following, in order to the Asserting and Vindicating of the ancient Sovereignty of our English Monarches, against all Foreign Encroachments and Innovations whatever.  
Henry the Third's long Reign might seem to afford Matter enough to employ one Man's Pen; 
Henry III.  and yet (till the Disturbances given him, in the latter end of his time, by S. Monfort and the other Barons) so few memorable things happened in so many years, that it has not hitherto been very nicely enquired into. In a late Edition of the learned 
h 8vo Lond. 1679.  Sir Robert Cotton's Remains, the Table of the several Discourses reckons the last of the Sixteen The Life and Reign of Henry the Third, compiled in a Critical way: But the Reader, to his great Disappointment, will meet with no such thing in the Book: Perhaps it is to be had in a former Edition of that Treatise, as published by James Howel.  
Edward the First was a brave and Victorious Prince, 
Edward I.  and his Achievements in Scotland deserved to be Recorded by some Person of Abilities suitable to so Noble an Undertaking. To this purpose he carried Robert Baston, 
i Bale (Edit. 1.) Cent. 3. Fol. 127. Pits, p. 399. But, the Story is told otherwise by An. Wood Hist. Oxon. par. I. p. 101.  Prior of Scarborough, with him into that Kingdom, to describe his Battles, and (particularly) the Famous Siege of Sterling. This was done in pretty Elegant Heroics: But the Author, being the next year unfortunately taken Prisoner by the Scots, was (by the overpowering Commands and Severities of R. Bruce) obliged to rec●nt all; and to extol the Scotch Nation as highly as he had lately magnified the English. Will. Rishanger (who was Historiographer-Royal during this King's whole Reign) composed a special Treatise of the Annals of Edward the First; whereof, I presume, three other Tracts of the same Man's Writing (entitled by 
k J. Pits, p. 403.  J. Pits and others, De Joanne Baileolo Rege; Super Electione Regis Scotorum; and De Jure Regis Anglorum ad Scotiam) are only so many several Parts.  
Edward the Second Misfortunes are very honestly, 
Edward II.  without either Flattery or Contempt, written by Stephen Eiton or Eden, a 
l Id. p. 410.  Canon Regular of Warter in Yorkshire, sometime about the Year 1320. His Life was more accurately penned in French by Sir Thomas de la More, who was Knighted by 
m So says Pits: But Sir Thomas himself says otherwise, see Stow, p. 233.  Edward the First, was Counsellor to Edward the Second, and lived to the beginning of Edward the Third's more prosperous Reign. It was first Translated into Latin by 
n Stow's Chron. p. 217.  Walter Baker, or Swinburn, Canon of Osney near Oxford; and has been frequently published in English by our general Chroniclers. In our Age, Sir Henry Carey (Lord Viscount Faulkland) wrote the 
o 8vo Lond. 1680.  History of this unfortunate Prince; with choice Political Observations on him and his unhappy Favourites, Gaveston and Spencer. There was also an Historical Poem written about the same time (tho' it appeared abroad much 
p 8vo Lond. 1629.  sooner) on the same subject, whose Author was Rich. Hobert, a younger Brother to Sir Henry, who himself made some additional Observations that are 
q Ath. Oxon. vol. I. p. 501.  of good Use and Ornament to it.  
Edward the Third reigned long and prosperously; 
Edw. III.  and yet I cannot assuredly inform the Reader of one Writer who has singly treated on those Glories and Successes that attended him. I doubt whether Walter Hemmingford's Chronicle of this King be as certainly Extant as that larger History of his which has (in part) been published by Dr. Gale: For, tho' 
r Bale, Cent. 5. Cap. 71. Pits, p. 456.  Bale and Pits assert it, 
s De Viris Illustr. MS.  Leland mentions no such thing. If it be, 'tis not likely that it can escape the diligent and curious Enquiry of the forementioned worthy Person; who has encouraged us to hope for his sending abroad a great many more of our old Manuscript Historians. The like Scruples I have upon me as to some other Res Gestae of this King, which are said to have been written by Robert Bale, sometime Recorder of London. And yet, John Pits 
t Pag. 654.  avers, that, in his time, such a Treatise was kept (as a choice Rarity) by the Citizens of London, in their public Library; together with some Historical Pieces of the same Author's Penning, which more immediately related to that City. The victorious Achievements of the Black Prince, falling all within the Compass of his Father's Reign, make up a good Share of its Story: And these were collected, and 
u J. Pits, p. 530.  separately treated on in French, by Will. Packington, who was Secretary and Treasurer to that Hero, and constantly attended him in the Wars. The English Historian will observe, that in this and many of the following Reigns, this Kingdom was so constantly engaged against the United Policies and Forces both of France and Scotland, that 'twill be convenient for him to consult the Accounts given by the Writers of those Nations, as well as our own; especially, since the Testimony of an Enemy (if to the Advantage and Honour of our Country) is of double value with that of a Friend.  
Richard the Second good Success in Ireland, 
Richard II.  was so far out-balanced by the other (more unlucky) Adventures of his Reign, that I have not heard of any who have thought it worth their while to write his Life; except only a poor Knight of John Pits' Creation. That Author 
w Id. p. 576.  says, That one Sir John Gower (a Yorkshire Knight, and Cotemporary with the Famous Chaucer) died in the Year 1402. leaving behind him a deal of Monuments of his Learning, and (amongst the rest) a Latin Chronicle of King Richard the Second. There was indeed one Mr. John Gower, a noted Poet, who lived about the time he mentions. This witty Person took the Liberty, that has always been allowed to Men of his Profession, to make Free with his Prince; and Mr. 
x Stow's Chron. p. 325.  Stow (or, his Continuer, Howes) has done him the Honour to Translate the Elegy he made on this King's untimely Death, which (it may be) contains the whole Chronicle. There's an Ingenious Treatise lately written and published by 
y 8vo Lond. 1690.  Sir Robert Howard, which (in the Title-page) is said to be the History of the Reigns of Edward and Richard the Second: But the Author himself seems to have more rightly named it Reflections upon some select Passages in them. His Design is to give a Prospect of the Hazard and Madness of a Prince's following the Misguiding Meteor of Arbitrary Power: And, by comparing the Misadventures of these two unhappy Kings, with the Triumphs of their Prosperous Predecessors, to show what 
z Vid. p. 17.  Glory and Safety Wise and Virtuous Princes have obtained, and what Ruin the Cruelty and Folly of others have brought upon Themselves and Subjects. This he has done in a Well-penned Political Essay, which will very much advantage our English Historian, in giving him a Right Notion of many (otherwise) dark Occurrences in those Reigns.  
Henry the Fourth's surprising and pompous Accession to the Throne, 
Henry IU.  was a more proper Subject for a Poet to Descant upon, than the Melancholic Reign of his Predecessor: And therefore we may the more readily believe (what the same Author tells us) that the foremention'd Northern Bard wrote his Panegyric. Pits also 
a J. Pits, p. 598.  says, that Rob. Mascall, Bishop of Hereford, was employed in several Embassies during the Reigns of this King and his Successor; and that (dying at Ludlow, in the Year 1417.) he left, among other things, a Treatise De suis Legationibus. Sir John Hayward, King James the First's Historiographer at Chelsey, wrote Henry the Fourth's Life among others; and had the Repute (in those days) of a good clean Pen and smooth Style, tho' some have since blamed him for being a little too 
b Ath. Oxon. vol. I. p. 824.  Dramatical.  
Henry the Fifth was a most Heroic Prince; 
Henry V.  and his single Victory at Agincourt might have afforded Matter for more Volumes than (as far as I can yet learn) have been written on his whole Reign. 'Tis said that his Exploits were carefully Recorded by Peter 
c J. Pits, p. 616.  Basset, who was of his Bedchamber, and an Attendant on him in all his Triumphs: But what the same 
d Id. p. 824.  Person writes of another (Anonymous) Author who translated Livy's History into English; and also wrote the Life of Henry the Fifth, is such Stuff as is common with him. The Truth is, His Life was written at large by one who called himself Titus Livius; who, by that name, dedicated it to King Henry the Sixth, and is still quoted by Stow and others. We have, to this day, two good Copies of his Work; one in Sir John Cotton's Library, the other in that of Bennet College. Out of these, carefully collated, a third was prepared for the Press by the 
e See Wh. Kennet's Life of Somn. p. 65, 66.  worthy Publishers of the Decem Scriptores; which (with several other Historical Treatises, some whereof have been printed) was afterwards purchased by that Indefatigable Promoter of all sorts of Learning, the late Pious Bishop Fell. This Treatise is abundantly quoted by our General Chroniclers: But no piece of History relishes so well at the second hand, as it does when we have it from its first Author. It were therefore to be wished, that the good Prelate's Executors would do Him and Themselves (as well as the Public) so much Right as to Print it; together with the like valuable Manuscripts which have thus fallen into their hands. What was done by Sir George Carew (Earl of Totness) has been already observed to be remitted into J. Speed's Chronicle; where the Reader will meet with some Remarks becoming a Statesman, a General and a Scholar.  
Henry the Sixth was as Good as his Father was Great; 
Henry VI.  being as Conversant in the Holy Scriptures, and Books of Devotion, as the other was in Arms and Feats of Chivalry: And yet I do not find that all his strict Piety gained so far upon the Monks of his Time, as that there was any great struggling among them, who should most effectually recommend him to Posterity. Archbishop 
f De Script. & Sacr. Vernac. p. 171.  Usher tells us of one john Blackman, a Carthusian, who was particularly intimate with him, and has left a Collection of the many good things he had taken notice of, in the most Secret Passages of his Life. Tho. Walsingham (who also lived in his Time) took a Journal of his Reign; out of which is composed that which some have entitled his 
g J. Pits, p. 630.  Acta Regis Henrici Sexti. Had the Pope favoured the Attempt which was afterwards made at the Enshrining or Sainting of this King, 'tis very likely that his Legend would have out-grown his History, and have been penned by more Writers than his Life: Since the Roman Saints are commonly most Active after their Decease, and the Wonders of their Relics are usually much greater than those of their Persons.  
Edward the Fourth can hardly be said to have enjoyed so much Quiet, 
Edw. IU.  during the Twenty Years of his supposed Reign, as to have settled the House of York in the Throne: So that even the Favourers of Justice, and his Cause, have not known what Account to give of the Times; or how to Form a Regular History out of such a vast Heap of Rubbish and Confusion. Mr. Habbington has given us as fair a Draught as the thing would bear: At least, he has Copied this King's Picture as agreeably as could be expected from one standing at so great a distance from the Original.  
Edward the Fifth had the Name of a King for some few Weeks; 
Edw. V.  and purchased the Compliment at far too high a Rate. His Accession to the Throne, the Tower and the Grave (all within the Compass of little more than two Months) are largely and elegantly described by the Famous Sir Thomas Moor, Lord Chancellor of England; who has sufficiently shown how a short and doleful Tale may be improved into a complete History, by a Person of good Skill and Judgement. This Treatise has met with such a general Acceptance, as that it not only finds Admission (by wholesale) into all our late Chronicles; but has also been 
h 8vo Lond. 1651.  separately printed, without any other Alteration than a small change of the English Orthography, according to the Usage and Mode of the present Age. The short Epitome of this and the three following Reigns, that was written 
i Elenchus Annalium RR. Edw. IU. etc. 12o Lond. 1597.  and published by Will. Fleetwood, Sergeant at Law, is so thin a piece (and refers so peculiarly to the Transactions in the Courts at Westminster) that it has been rather looked on as a Table or Index to the Year-books of those Times, than any Historical Treatise.  
Richard the Third's short and unfortunate Reign, 
Rich. III.  had its 
k 8vo Lond. 1651.  Tragical History begun by Sir Thomas Moor, who did not bring it to such a final Conclusion, as he had done that of his Nephew and Predecessor. Neither Bale nor Pits take notice of any such thing: But Vossius seems to have seen and perused it. 
l De Hist. Lat. lib. III. cap. 13.  Vt fusè (says he) persequitur quibus Sceleribus ille ad Regnum pervenerit; ita quomodo id gesserit non exponit: Ac nec eâ parte quam habemus ultimam manum accepit. Praeterea Elegantiâ Latini Sermonis ab aliis ejusce viri operibus longè vincitur. Which last words must refer to Sir Thomas' Life of this King; and not to that of Edward, which indeed might seem to be an Introduction to this, and would answer all the former part of Vossius' Story: But King Edward's was only written in English; whereas Richard's was in both Languages, and (as appears from 
m Stow's Chron. p. 458.  Stow's account) was more copiously treated on in Latin. Great Additions have been since made by a more Candid 
n G. Buck's Hist. of Rich. III. Fol. Lond.  Composer of his Annals; who endeavours to represent him as a Prince of much better Shapes (both of Body and Mind) than he had been generally esteemed. Various are the Censures which have passed upon this Work. I shall only trouble the Reader with that of Dr. Fuller: 
o Worthies, p. 282. in Northamptonsh.  His Memory (says he, speaking of King Richard) has met with a Modern Pen, who has not only purged but praised it to the height; and pity it is that so able an Advocate had not a more meriting Person to his Client.  
Henry the Seventh, having most fortunately and wisely united the Houses of York and Lancaster, 
Hen. VII.  continued his Reign as prosperously as it began; and is justly esteemed one of the most Politic Princes that ever sat on the English Throne. It appears Sir Thomas Moor had once some 
p Stow's Chron. p. 459. col. 1.  faint Thoughts of writing this King's Life, whilst he was in hand with those of his immediate Predecessors: But I know not whether he ever lived, or not, to digest them. Sir James Ware has Industriously Collected and 
q In Append. add Disquisit. de Hiberniâ, 8vo Lond. 1658.  Published such Occurrences of this Reign, as relate to the Affairs of Ireland: And a Poetical History of the whole has been 
r 8vo Lond. 1638.  printed by Ch. Aleyn. But this good Work was the most effectually undertaken and completed by the Incomparable 
s Fol. Lond. 1676. & apud Joh. Speed in Chron.  Sir Francis Bacon, who has bravely surmounted all those Difficulties, and passed over those Rocks and Shallows, against which he took such Pains to 
t De Augment. Scient. lib. 2. cap. 5.  caution other less experienced Historians. He has perfectly put himself into King Henry's own Garb and Livery, giving as sprightly a View of the Secrets of his Council, as if himself had been Precedent in it. No trivial Passages, such as are below the Notice of a Statesman, are mixed with his Sage Remarks: Nor is any thing of Weight or Moment slubbered over with that careless Hast and Indifferency which is too common in other Writers. No Allowances are given to the Author's own Conjecture or Invention; where a little Pains and Consideration will serve to set the Matter in its proper and true Light. No Impertinent Digressions, nor fanciful Comments, distract his Readers: But the whole is written in such a Grave and Uniform Style, as becomes both the Subject and the Artificer.  
Henry the Eighth was a Prince of great Virtues and Accomplishments, 
Hen. VIII.  and as great Vices: So that the pleasing Varieties that were in his Life and Reign, might have temptest many more Writers, than we know of, to engage in the Composure of so entertaining an History. Edmund Campian wrote a Narrative of the most remarkable Passages relating to his Divorce of Queen Katherine, which is printed at the end of Nich. 
u Fol. Duaci, 1622.  Harpesfeild's Church-History, and is written with the true Spirit and Heart (as well as Eloquence) of a Jesuit. Fran. Godwin (Bishop of Landaff, who will be remembered at large amongst our Ecclesiastical Historians) compiled also the 
w 4to & Fol. Lond. 1616, 1628., etc.  Annals of this and the two following Reigns: Whereof 
x Deg. Where, Method. p. 144.  one of our Critics gives this just Character, That his Book is penned, Non m●gis succinctâ quam laudabili brevitate. The Author was a perfect Master of the Latin Tongue, and wrote in that Language: But his Annals were translated into English (and so have been frequently published) by his Son Morgan Godwin LL. D. Sir Robert Cotton had drawn together some Notes and Collections as Materials for a future History of this King's Reign: But these fell unfinished into the hands of John Speed▪ who has taken Care to preserve them, as orderly as he could, in his Chronicle. I suppose that which was written in Greek Verse by George Etheridge, sometime Regius Professor of that Language in Oxford (and by him 
y Vid. Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. Lib. I. p. 289. & Lib. II. p. 235.  presented to Queen Elizabeth) was intended only for the Use of Her Majesty and its Author; and, for that reason, has ever continued in Manuscript, & sub Noctibus Atticis. Above all, Edward Lord Herbert of Cherbury may be truly said to have written the Life and Reign of King Henry the Eighth; having acquitted himself with the like Reputation as the Lord Chancellor Bacon gained by that of Henry the Seventh. For, in the Politic and Martial Part this Honourable Author has been admirably Particular and Exact, from the best Records that were Extant: Tho', as to the Ecclesiastical, he seems to have looked upon it as a Thing out of his Province, and an Undertaking more proper for Men of another Profession. The Oxford Antiquary 
z Athen. Oxon. Vol. II. p. 19  tells us, That he had seen four thick Volumes (in Folio) of Collections, which this Lord has furnished himself withal; as Materials necessary for the firm erecting of so noble a Structure. Out of these, and other Helps, he (at last) finished his excellent History; the Original Manuscript whereof he was pleased to bestow on the University of Oxford, in whose Archives it still remains. It has been frequently Printed, and the several Impressions as greedily bought up: But the 
a Fol. Lond. 1682.  last Edition is indeed (what is always Pretended) the Best and most Correct.  
Edward the Sixth. 
Edw. VI  The most Considerable Transactions of this Reign, are (it may be) as well Registered by the Young King himself, as any other Historian, in the Diary written with his own hand, and still preserved in Sir John Cotton's Famous Library; from whence our Learned Bishop Burnet transcribed and 
b In Append. ad Vol. II. Hist. Reform.  published it. There was a Notable Discourse, touching the State of the Times in this King's Reign, written by (a Person admirably well Skilled in the Antiquities and Laws of England) Dr. Gerard Langbaine, Provost of Queen's College in Oxford; which he published, by way of Preface, to Sir John 
c 4to Oxon. 1641.  Cheek's True Subject to the Rebel. As for Sir John Hayward, He is the same Man in his 
d 8vo Lond. 1622.  Life of Edward the Sixth, that we have already observed him to be in that of Henry the Fourth: Only, his Style is here sometimes too Sharp and Pungent; especially when he comes to give Characters of the Nobility, Ministers of State, etc. where an Intelligent Historian ought no more to be Clownish, than he needs turn Courtier when he Converses with Plowmen.  
Queen Mary's Reign had Blemishes in it, 
Q. Marry.  which have discouraged some sort of Writers from attempting its Story; tho' I cannot but wonder that others have not thought themselves obliged to endeavour to Represent it as Advantageously to Posterity as Art can do it.  
Queen Elizabeth, 
Q. Elizabeth.  in a long and Prosperous Reign, gave the World very ample Proofs of her Sex's being Capable of Government, and the most gallant A●chievements. Her blasting the longing Hopes of Spain after an Universal Monarchy in Temporals, and putting a final Period to that of Rome in Spirituals, together with her Personal Endowments, were such Extraordinary Glories as tempted a great many Artists to try how fairly they were able to take the Features of such an Original in all Points of Sovereignty. Her Establishment of the Reformation, and Executing the Laws upon some few Turbulent Persons of the Romish Communion, whetted the Style of that Party against her; and (particularly) provoked Tho. Bourchier, a Franciscan Doctor of the Sorbon, to write a History of the 
e 8vo Paris, 1586.  Martyrdom (as he terms it) of the Men of his Order. The Life and 
f J. Pits, p. 799.  Martyrdom of Mary Queen of Scots, was also written by Rob. Turner, sometime Scholar to Ed. Campian, who was afterwards Doctor of Divinity at Rome, and Secretary to Ferdinand Archduke of Austria. Some of her better Subjects have furnished us with more agreeable Accounts of the chief Passages in her Reign. Sir Henry Vnton has drawn up a Journal of his Embassy in France, giving a full Register of his Commission, Instructions, Expenses, etc. a Manuscript Copy whereof is now in the Public Library at Oxford. Heyward Towneshend, an Eminent Member of the House of Commons, preserved the Debates in Parliament of her last fourteen Years; which, long after the Author's Death, were published under the Title of 
g Fol. Lond. 1680.  Historical Collections, etc. But this, as vast an Undertaking as it seems to be, is only a part of that more Comprehensive one of Sir Symonds d'Ewes; whose Journal of Both Houses, during her whole Reign, was soon after given us in 
h Fol. Lond. 1682.  Print. Her Wars with Spain, the several Engagements of her Fleets at Sea, with their many Successful Expeditions, etc. have been well described by Sir William Monson, who bore a high Command in most of them, and has shown such a Judgement in Maritime Affairs, as well qualified him for such Posts of Honour. His Book bears the Title of 
i Fo●. Lo●d. 1682.  A Particular and Exact Account of the last Seventeen Years of Queen Elizabeth 's Reign, both Military and Civil: The former kind being the Work of Sir William, and the latter Mr. Towneshend's. Out of all these, and many other good Helps, Mr. Camden composed his most Exquisite History of this Queen; which, as Dr. Smith shows in his 
k Vid. Camd. Vit. Epist. Praef. p. 57  Life, was undertaken by the special Directions and Command of the great Lord Cecil. It has had many Editions, and in several Languages; tho' 'tis pity it should be read in any other than its Author's Polite Original Latin. Dr. Fuller 
l Worthies▪ p. 94. in Margin.  observes, that one of its English Translations (for it had several) was done out of French by Abraham Darcy; who understood not the Latin, and has therefore committed many Mistakes. Hugh Holland (one of Camden's 
m Ath. Oxon. Vol. I. p. 498.  Scholars at Westminster, and a Papist) is said to have written this Queen's Life as well as his Master's: But 'tis only (if it be at all) an English Manuscript, and very probably not worth the seeking. Sir Robert Naunton's Character of her Court and Favourites has been lately published with Sir Francis Walsingham's 
n 8vo Lond. 1694.  Arcana Aulica; and a short System of her Policies hath been offered to our present Sovereign, and the late excellent Queen, by the Ingenious 
o Character of Queen Elizabeth, 8vo Lond. 1693.  Edmund Bohun Esq Author of many other Treatises of good Value.  
The End of the First Part.   

AN INDEX OF THE AUTHORS, etc.  

A  
ABingdon Pag. 67  
adam's 16  
Aelfred; King 100, 118  
— of Beverly 147  
Aelfric 103  
Agard 21  
Albanus 190  
Aldhelm 101  
Aleyn 223  
Anonymi 199, 202  
Antoninus 2  
Arras 136  
Asamal 131  
Asserius 121  
Ashmole 22, 25  
Aubrey 65, 102   

B.  
Bacon 223  
Baker 196  
Baldoc 165  
Bale 46, 213  
Barcham 193, 205, 209  
Bards 78  
Bartholin 146  
Basset 217  
Baston 218  
Beaumond 19, 53, 57  
Bede 4  
Bedenham 41  
Benedictus 205  
Benlanius 79  
Bets 35  
Blackman 219  
Blome 15  
Blount 197  
Boun 52  
Bohun 232  
Bourchie● 229  
Boil 18  
Bradshaw 29  
British Grammars 76  
— Dictionaries 77  
— Charters 89  
— Coins 90  
Brompton 175  
Brown 50  
Buck 47, 222  
Burgensis 172  
Buriensis 172  
Burlace 43  
Burton 3, 43, 195  
Butche● 44  
Butler 35  
Buttoner 5  
Byshe 59   

C.  
Caius 50, 56  
Calenius 95  
Cambrensis 4, 60, 125, 205, 206  
Camden 10, 21, 49, 231  
Campian 224  
Canonicus 206  
Cantelupus 178  
Caradocus 97  
Carew 29, 193, 218  
Cary 211  
Castorius 173  
Catheral 53  
Caxton 5, 178, 190  
Cestrensis 174  
Chamberlain 21  
Chapman 57  
Charlton 66  
Charters, British 89  
— Saxon 109  
Chauncey 36  
Chetwind 58  
Chichester 176  
Childrey 18  
Churchill 197  
Cimbert 117  
Clavering 52  
Coggeshall 158  
Coins, British 90  
— Saxon 106  
— Roman 107  
Colman 125  
Constantiensis 205, 206  
Corbet 34  
Cornubiensis 91  
Coryate 9  
Cotton, Sir Rob. 37, 210, 225  
— Mr. 31  
Coventriensis 164  
Couper 188  
Currar 52   

D.  
Daniel 117, 193  
Danish Histories 129  
— Monuments 135  
Davies 72, 73  
Dean 70  
Denelaga 113  
Denton 30  
Derham 64  
Devisiensis 157, 205, 206  
D'Ewes 11, 59, 230  
Diceto 5, 162  
Doderidge 21, 28, 62  
Dodesworth 55, 69  
Dodwel 104  
Dorobernensis 153  
Dugdale 22, 26, 44, 49, 63  
Dunelmensis 154   

E  
Eadmerus 151  
Ealred 124, 150  
Edda 137  
Eden 211  
Elbodus, or Elvodugus 88  
Eliot 6  
Erdeswick 26, 58  
Essebiensis. 158  
Ethelwerd 12●  
Ethelwold 122  
Etheridge 225  
Etrick 32  
Evesham 171  
Exeter 64, 207   

F.  
Fabian 46, 192  
Ferrer 15  
Fitz-Stephens 45, 204  
Fleetwood 221  
Fleming 42, 65  
Florilegus 171  
Fly 159  
Folioth 204  
Fordham 208  
French 70  
Froissard 185  
Fuller 14   

G.  
Ga●e 3  
Germane Writers 128  
Gibbons 66  
Gervase Cantuar. 159  
Gildas 73, 81  
Gillingham 40  
Gloucester 169  
Godwin 225  
Gower 214  
Grafton 189  
Grant 48  
Grey 52, 92  
Guidot 57  
Guillim 23  
Gurguntius 89   

H.  
Habbington 220  
Hagustaldensis 201, 202  
Hales 34, 207  
Hall 189  
Harding 189  
Harrington 28  
Harrison 8, 190  
Hasilwood 173  
Hayward 216, 228  
Hemmingford 175, 212  
Henfield 188  
Henham 165  
Herald's Office 21  
Herbert 226  
R. of Hexham 203  
Higden 176  
Hobert 212  
Hoel Dha 85  
Hoel 198  
Holinshead 190  
Holland 10, 231  
Hollingworth 43  
Hooker 32, 189  
Horman 154  
Horminger 5  
Horn 34  
Hoveden 160  
Houghton 31  
Howard 215  
Howel 47, 192  
Howes 192  
Huntingdon 155   

I.  
James 35  
Ickham 171  
Ingulfus 148  
Johnson 45, 57  
Johnston 67  
Ionas 140  
Jones 31, 66  
Jordan 57  
Josseline 101, 103  
Ira letur 133  
Iscanus 207  
Islandic Histories 140  
Junius 103, 112  
Izaac 32   

K.  
Keep 49, 68  
Kelron 67, 99  
Kennet 25, 54  
Keurden 41  
Kilburn 39  
King 27  
Knollis 35  
Knyghton 183   

L.  
Lambard 37, 112  
Lanfranc 201  
Langaurid 88  
Langbain 227  
Langden 188  
Langton 188, 207  
Lanquet 188  
Land 47  
Laurence 50  
Lazimon 97  
Leigh (Edw.) 14  
Leigh (Char.) 43  
Leland 7, 37, 78, 98  
Leicester 27  
Lhuid Humph. 8, 62  
— Edw. 19, 62  
Lily 6, 189  
Ling●●●s 184  
Lister 18, 68  
Livius 217  
Lucian 26  
Light 99   

M.  
Machell 64  
Madan 41  
Mailros 169  
Malmesbury 152  
Malory 92  
Manlow 36  
Manwaring 25  
Mapez 203  
Marianus 148  
Marsham 198  
Martin 192  
Mascal 216  
Maurice 73  
Mawornus 89  
Mayow 57  
Mercius 125  
Merimuth 182  
Merlin 80  
Merret 18  
Mickleton 32  
Middleton 74  
Molmutius 81  
Monmouth 94  
Monson 230  
Montacute 190  
Moor 220, 221, 223  
Morden 16  
More 211  
Morgan 61, 73   

N.  
Nash 50  
Naunton 231  
Nennius 84  
Neot 121  
Neubrigensis 157  
Nevil 50  
Niget 158 V. Blackman  
Noel 103  
Norden 29, 33, 36, 45  
Northcot 31  
Norwegian Histories 141  
Notitiarum Liber 3   

O.  
Otterburn 52, 186  
Ousley 33  
Oxfordius 162, 205   

P.  
Packington 183, 213  
Paris 165  
Peregrinus 206  
Perry 77  
Petty 48  
Philips 196  
Philpot 12, 39  
Pictaviensis 201  
Pike 125  
Platt 18  
Plott 18, 54, 58  
Prise 62, 96, 98  
Pritchard 76  
Prynne 209  
Ptolemy 2   

Q.  
Quillivere 76   

R.  
Radburn 187  
Raleigh 21, 202  
Rastal 188  
Ray 19, 20  
Rhese 76  
Risdon 31  
Rishanger 173, 211  
Roman Historians 103  
— Inscriptions 105  
— Coins 107  
Rosse 64, 192  
Rowzée 41  
Runic Monuments 134   

S.  
Saemund 138  
Saintemer 49  
Saliphilax 89  
Salisbery 76  
Sammes 65, 101  
Sandford 198  
Saxo 142  
Saxon Grammars 100  
— Dictionaries 102, 105  
— Coins 106  
— Charters 108  
— Laws 111  
— Chronicle 114  
Scaldri 130  
Selden 22, 126  
Seller 16  
Serlo 151  
Shafto 52  
Shepeshed 169  
Sherburn 187  
Sheringham 127  
Simpson 68  
Skelton 48  
Skuish 194  
Smith 21, 27  
Snorro 138, 142  
Summoner 38, 40, 41, 105, 106, 112  
Speed 13, 194  
Spelman 13, 49, 106, 120  
Spott 41  
Stafford 183  
Stanhop 70  
Stow 46, 191  
straddling 76  
Strangman 33  
Sueno 142  
Sulemannus 6   

T.  
Talbot 3, 67  
Tanner 65  
Tate 21, 51  
Tailor 33, 36, 40  
Temple 202  
Thaliessin 81  
Theodoric 141  
Thoresby 69  
Thorn 5  
Thoroton 53  
Tilburiensis 151, 157  
Tinmuthensis 169  
Todd 38  
Tonstall 70  
Townshend 230  
Trevisa 5, 178  
Triades 89  
Trickingham 171  
Trivet 174  
Trussel 35, 194  
Turner 229  
Turpin 188  
Twine 8, 40  
Tyrrel 198   

V.  
Vaughan 100  
Vergil 185  
Verstegan 125  
Vincent 51  
Vinesauf 207  
Virunnius 97  
Vitellius 11  
Unton 229  
Vowel. V. Hooker   

W.  
Walsingham 188, 219  
Wantner 34  
Ware 223  
Waterhouse 48  
Wats 124  
Webb 27, 66  
Webster 19  
Weever 40, 45, 49  
Wendover 167, 180  
Westcot 32  
Westminster 179  
Wethamstede 189  
Wheloc 106  
White 191  
Widdrington 68  
Wigorniensis 149  
Wikes 172  
Williams 77  
Willoughby 19, 20  
Witty 70  
Wolf 191  
Wolstan 124  
Wood 54  
Woodward 19  
Worcester 149  
Worgresius 89  
Wormius 144  
Wright 54    

ERRATA.  
PAg. 11. l. 15. r. Brookmouth. p. 17. l. 18. r. artis. p. 61. l. 3. r. is for in.   

ADVERTISEMENT.  
THE Universal English Dictionary,  
Explaining the Sense and Etymology of all English Words; with Select Phrases, showing the Force, Significancy, Construction, and different Acceptations of every Word, the native and borrowed Graces, and all the remarkable Peculiarities of the English Idiom. And in particular, containing an Explanatory Account of all difficult and unusual Words, whether such as are obsolete or not yet universally received: With a full and distinct Interpretation of the Terms, Phrases and Expressions used in all Sciences and Arts, as in Divinity, Logic, Metaphysic, Natural and Moral Philosophy, Medicine, Anatomy, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Surgery, and the Natural History of Animals, Plants and Minerals. The Terms of the Law, Statute, Common, Canon, Civil, Feudal and Municipal. The Terms used by Mathematicians in Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, the Doctrine of Conic Sections and other Curve Lines, Trigonometry Plain and Spherical, Optics, Dioptrics, Catoptrics and Perspective, Astronomy, Astrology, Dialling, Surveying, Gauging, Measuring, etc. Music Theoretical and Practical, with the Names of the Instruments. The Terms and Expressions used in the Arts of Grammar, Rhetoric and Poetry; Painting, Sculpture, Printing; Architecture, Fortification and Gunnery; the Art of War, at Land and at Sea; Naval Terms, the Names of the Parts and Furniture of a Ship, and of all sorts of Arms and Military Engines. The proper Words and Phrases of Merchants, Husbandmen, gardiner's, and most sorts of Tradesmen; and the Terms that belong to Horsemanship, Hunting, Hawking, Fowling and Fishing. The Names of Exotic Productions of Nature and Art mentioned in the Relations of Travellers; with a particular Description of the Coins, Weights and Measures, used both at home and abroad. The whole digested into an Alphabetical and the most natural Order, the Derivatives and Compounds being ranked after the Primitives; and enriched with many Thousands of Words that were never inserted in any other Dictionary. Illustrated with Figures curiously Engraven on Copper Plates, representing all the parts of a Human Body, of a Horse, Ship, Fort, and several other things that cannot be well understood without such a Help to the Imagination, particularly Geometrical Figures, etc. To which is added, a Collection of the Words and Phrases that are peculiar to the several Counties of England.  
Some of the Parts done, and the whole revised by J. Mitchel M. D.  
A larger and more particular Account of the Design and Method of this Great and Useful Work, with a Specimen, will be speedily published.   

THE ENGLISH Historical Library  
PART II.  
GIVING A CATALOGUE Of the most of our Ecclesiastical Historians, And some Critical Reflections upon the chief of them. WITH A PREFACE; Correcting the Errors, and supplying the Defects of the former PART.  
By WILLIAM NICHOLSON, A. M. Archdeacon of Carlisle.  
London, Printed for Abel Swall at the Unicorn in St. Paul's Churchyard, 1697.   

TO THE Right Reverend Father in GOD, THOMAS, Lord Bishop of CARLISLE.  
MY LORD,  
THE first Part of this Work having taken Shelter under the Patronage of our Metropolitan, this naturally flies to your Lordship: From whom I have good Encouragement to hope for as kind a Protection. I have great Reason to be fond of any Opportunity of making my grateful Resentments of your Lordship's Favours known to the World; and I heartily wish this little Book may be looked upon as any part of a suitable Return. I can honestly boast of your Lordship's Approbation of what I have already published, and of your Encouragement to proceed: Tho' (give me leave, My Lord, here to repeat it) those are Words which sometimes appears in Dedications without any thing of the caressed Patron's Knowledge or Allowance. I dare not presume to enlarge upon your Bounty and Goodness to the Author; since most of the Instances I should give of 'em are so many Testimonies of your Lordship's Desire to follow the Directions of your Great Master, in bestowing your Benefits in Secret. May God be graciously pleased to reward openly what you have thus done for this Church and Diocese, as well as for,  
MY LORD, Your Lordship's most Obliged, Dutiful, and Grateful Servant, W. Nicolson.   

THE PREFACE.  
WHen I was first persuaded to publish this Historical Library, I easily foresaw some of the many Difficulties to which such an Adventure would expose me. I knew the little I had to say would fall very far short of being a just Treatise on so copious a Subject: And I was also sensible that, even in that little, there was too much that would give Offence. This was the general Notion I had of the Undertaking; which was so natural and obvious, that 'twas impossible I should be mistaken. I confess, in Particulars, my Conjectures have very much failed me. I have been cavilled at, and buffeted by a couple of Gentlemen, whom (above all Mankind) I thought I had obliged. One of these is lately dead; and therefore my Answers to his Reflections (which, I think, were never made very public) shall be buried with him. The other attacks me in the Face of the Sun; and what he objects shall be particularly replied to, as soon as that Author and his Book are out of the Clouds; Till when, it will be sufficient to acquaint the Reader that I have here amended whatever he has truly observed to be amiss in me. If these two Persons had known and consider's that I have been fifteen Years (which Tacitus justly calls 
a In vit. Agric.  grande mortalis aevi spatium) a Member of a Church and Diocese at a very great distance from our Universities and Public Libraries, they would have overlooked a few little Failures; and have given some grains of Allowance to a Writer in my Circumstances. Not that I, who am so insolent as to censure every body, either do or aught to beg Quarter of any. No. Let each Man that's offended chastise me in his own way; provided his stripes make me wiser: For 'tis indifferent to me whether my Informations come wrinkled or smooth; whether I have 'em in plain English, or in rough (balderdash) Latin. I was as much surprised with the different and more acceptable Entertainment which my former Book met with amongst a great many eminently learned Men; who were pleased, together with their kind Remarks on the Omissions and Mistakes in it, earnestly to request the publishing of this Second Part. 'Tis to their unexpected Goodness that I owe a great share of the following Emendations; which strongly oblige and encourage me to proceed in the Attempt, hoping for the like Assistance and support from them hereafter. I must also acknowledge myself extremely indebted to the late accurate 
b Edit●a Tho. Smith, S. T●P. Fol. Oxon, 1696.  Catalogue of the Manuscripts in Sir John Cotton's Library; which has effectually cleared a great many of my Doubts, rectified my Mistakes, and furnished me with a much better Light than I could have hoped for from any other hand: So that, if it shall be the good Fortune of this Work to appear in a second (and more entire) Edition, it may possibly prove more serviceable to the English Reader than ever its Author had the Confidence to think it would.  
The first Error, that's to be taken notice of, is of a very large Extent; and wherein the Printer and I are joint Falters. The Index, 'tis observed, is too scanty: and the repeating of no less than Twenty Pages (from p. 99 to 108. and again, from 185. to 194. inclusive) causes great Confusion in some of the References. This latter Failure is remedied in the following Additions, by marking the repeated Pages thus, 99 *, 100, *. etc. and the Reader is desired to correct the first Index after the same manner.  

Aelfred, King, 87. 100, 118.  
— of Beverley, 147. 152.  
Aldhelm, 100 101.  
Annius of Viterbo, 106.  
Antoninus, 2. 17.  
Aras, 140.  
Archer, 27.  
Arthur, K. 98.  
Ashmole, 22. 23, 25.  
Asserius, 14. 16, 87, 119, 121.  
Aubrey, 17. 65, 66, 102.  
Bacon, 17. 192, *, 223.  
Baker, 196. 212.  
Baldoc, 173.  
Baldwine, 60.  
Bale, 8. 46, 213.  
Barcham, 195. 204, 205.  
Bartholine, 140. 146.  
Baston, 210.  
Beaumont, 19 56, 57  
Bede, 4. 59, 102, 114, 117.  
Bernard, 24. 74.  
Blacket, 107.  
Blome, 15. 23.  
Bolton, 205.  
à Bosco, 82.  
Bodley, 23.  
Boethius, 205.  
Bourchier, 186. 229.  
Britannus, 79.  
Bodenham, 55.  
Brompton, 112. 121, 175.  
Brook, 11. 23.  
Brutus, 81.  
Burnet, 56. 227,  
Burton, 3. 43, 44, 53, 55, 195.  
Caedmon, 104.  
Caesar, 92. 103.  
Caius, 50. 56, 89.  
Cambrensis, 4. 60, 125, 164, 205, 206, 208.  
Combden, 8. 9, 10, 15, 21, 29, 49, 93, 105, 108, 117, 192, *, 231.  
Cantelupus, 189.  
Caradocus, 82. 97.  
Carew, 29. 195, 218.  
Cary, 212.  
Caxton, 5. 118, 178, 190.  
Chetwind, 44, 58.  
Childrey, 17. 18.  
Coggeshal, 165.  
Constantiensis, 206. 208.  
Cornubiensis, 97.  
Coryate, 9 57  
Cotton, Sir Rob. 21. 37, 44, 210, 225.  
— Sir John, 21. 23, 33.  
— Sir Tho. 35.  
— Mr. 31.  
Couper, Cowper, 188. *.  
Cheek, 227.  
Chiswel, 29. 〈◊〉  
Clarendon, 171. 181, 182.  
Craig, 151. 190, *.  
Crew, 27.  
S. Cuthbert, 102.  
Darcy, 231.  
Daniel, 35. 117, 193, *.  
Danish, Histories, 129. 142.  
— Monuments, 134. 135. 144.  
Davies, 77. 96.  
Devisiensis, 157. 205, 206, 208.  
Digby, 202.  
Doderidge, 21, 28, 29, 62.  
Dodesworth, 16. 55, 59, 69.  
Dadwel, 104. 196.  
Doilie, 50.  
Dugdale, 15. 16, 22, 26, 44, 49, 53, 63. 23. 24, 105.  
Ealred, 124. 154, 155.  
Edda, 137. 138, 139.  
Essebiensis, 158. 165.  
Ethelwerd, 122, etc.  
Ewes, 11. 59, 171. S. D' Ewes.  
Fabian, 46. 111, 192.  
Fairfax, 68  
Fell, 15. 101, 104, 218.  
Florilegus, 171. 180.  
Fox, 118.  
Fresne, 106.  
Fuller, 11. 12, 14, 27, 31, 32, 50, 183, 192, *, 222, 231.  
Gale, 16, etc. 2. 3, 29, 83, 121, 163, 173, 177, 207, 212.  
Gibson, 23. 24, 39, 49, 114, 116.  
Gildas, 73. 81, etc. 85. 87. 16.  
Grafton, 189. *.  
Grey, 52. 92, 98.  
Glover, 15.  
Hall, 189. *.  
Hanson, 15.  
Harding, 125. 189.  
Harley, 36.  
Harpesfield, 225.  
Harrison, 8. 190, *.  
Hatton, 23.  
Hemmingford, 18. 176, 212.  
Herald 's Office, 21, 23.  
R. of Hexham. 203. 204.  
Heylin, 13.  
Higden, 176. 184.  
Hickes, 24. 26, 100, 101, 104.  
Hobbes, 31.  
Holinshead, 32. 190, *.  
Hooker, 32. 191, *.  
Howard, 14. 215.  
Howes, 192. *, 215.  
Huntingdon, 120. 155.  
Hypercritica, 12.  
James, 22. 35.  
Jessop, 20.  
Ingulfus, 24. 148.  
Johnson, 20. 45, 57  
Ionas, 133. 140, 142, 142.  
Josseline, 8. 12, 83, 101, 103, 114.  
Iscanus, 206. 207.  
Junius, 23. 101, 103, 104, 111. 112.  
Kelton, 61. 67, 99  
Kennet, 35. 39, 25, 54, 117.  
Keurden, 41. 42.  
Kilburn, 37. 39  
Kniveton, 15.  
Lambard, 37. 100, 111, 112, 117, 127, 168.  
Lanquet, 188. *.  
Laud, 23. 114.  
Lawson, 20.  
Leland, 7. 8, 37, 72, 77, 78, 83, 90, 91, 98, 122, 124, 164, 207.  
Leicester, 27, 28.  
Lhuid, 8. 20, 62, 75, 80, 97, 186, 186, *.  
Lhwyd, 92. 96.  
Lily, 6. 189, *.  
Lister, 18. 20, 68  
Mackenzy, 155.  
Malmesbury, 123. 124, 152, 177.  
Malory, 98.  
Manwaring, 28.  
Marianus, 122. 148, 149, 150.  
Marshal, 101. 102, 127.  
Martia, 87.  
Martin, 194. *.  
Medals, 90.  
Middleton, 78.  
Milton, 9  
Molmutius, 81. 87.  
Monmouth, 85. 94, 152, 158, 164.  
More, 189. 211.  
Morgan, 61. 77.  
Nash, 50. 51.  
Nennius, 16, 84, 85, 88, 95.  
Neubrigensis, 24. 98, 157.  
Niger, 158. 165.  
Norden, 29. 33. 36, 39, 45.  
Northcot, 31. 32.  
Nowell, 111.  
Olaus Magnus, 139.  
Oldenburg, 101.  
Oxoniensis, 208.  
Paris, 14. 24, 165, 180.  
Parker, 14. 119. 188.  
Philpot, 12. 37, 39  
Pettus, 94.  
Pistorius, 149.  
Pits, 83.  
Plot, 18. 20, 45, 53, 54, 58, 93.  
Powel, 60. 86, 88, 96, 97, 158.  
Ptolemy, 2. 17.  
Rastal, 188. *.  
Reiner, 38.  
Resenius, 138.  
Rhese, 76. 88  
Risdon, 31. 32.  
Rishanger, 166. 173, 211.  
Ross, 64. 183, 192.  
Soemund, 137. 138.  
Saint George, 16.  
Sammes, 65. 101.  
Samothes, 81.  
Sanderson, 53.  
Savil, 15. 105, 123, 155, 160, 185, *.  
Saxo, 131. 139, 142, 143.  
Saxton; 16.  
Selden, 8. 15, 22, 23, 59, 103, 126, 151, 155, 163, 199.  
Sheringham, 13. 87, 96, 126, 127.  
Simpson, 70.  
Sleidan, 186.  
Somner, 37. 38, 40, 41, 105, 106, 108, 101, 103, 104, 112, 116, 117, 126, 127.  
Speed, 13. 16, 194, *.  
Spelman, 13. 16, 49, 50, 86, 106, 105, 108, 112, 120, 121, 124, 129, 160.  
Stephens, 45.  
Stillingfleet, 80. 99  
Stow, 46. 47, 191, *, 215.  
Sueno, 142, 143.  
Surita, 17.  
Silvius, 81.  
Taylor, 33. 36, 40, 79, 202.  
Temple, 9 99, 147, 202.  
Tenison, 24.  
Thynne, 190, *.  
Thoresby, 69. 199.  
Tilburiensis, 157. 164.  
Tinmuthensis, 178.  
Todd, 30.  
Towneshend, 230. 231.  
Trussel, 35. 194, *.  
Turner, 33. 229.  
Turpin, 188. *.  
Twisden, 15. 106. 163.  
Twine, 8. 9, 40.  
Virgil, 82. 98, 185, *.  
Vincent, 16. 23, 51.  
Vinesauf, 207, 208.  
Vndallensis, 124.  
Vossius, 221.  
Usher, 15. 82, 83, 97, 100, 117, 199.  
Walsingham, 14. 119, 188, 219, 231.  
Wat's, 106. 124.  
Waverley, 18.  
Westcot, 31. 32.  
Westminster, 14, 116. 167, 179.  
Wharton, 12. 19, etc. 40, 61, 103, 110, 116, 163, 171, 172, 199, 205.  
Wheloc, 21, 106, 114, 116.  
White, 193. *.  
Whitgift, 191. *.  
Wikes, 118. 172.  
Williams, 73. 77.  
Wolf, 191. *.  
Wood, 54. 57, 68, 102.  
Woolsey, 194.  
Worcester, 14. 116, 120, 149.  
Wormius, 129. 135, 139, 142, 144.  
Wyrley, 23.   
'Tis to be noted, that in this additional Index References are not only made to the Book itself, but also to the Preface, which is supposed to be Paged from the Title-Page. The other Errors and Defects are thus to be corrected and supplied.  
P. 2. l. 13. Reckoning: Nor ought any thing that has been transcribed from them by Strabo or Pomponius Mela, by Solinius or Pleny, to carry any higher Value.  
P. 4. l. 26. Most of them. ay, Leland, 
d De Script. Brit. Vide & J. Pits, p. 266.  says he, once saw in the Library at St. Paul's, a Description of England written in the Saxon Tongue by Coleman; who (if he be the the same Man with Colemannus, Monk of Worcester, the Writer of St. Wulstan's Life) may justly challenge a Precedence. Otherwise, Gyraldus, etc.  
P. 13. l. 6. This Nature. With this fanciful Treatise let me join Mich. Drayton's Polyolbion; which affords a much truer Account of this Kingdom, and the Dominion of Wales, than could well be expected from the Pen of a Poet. The first 
a Fol. Lond. 1612.  eighteen of these Songs had the Honour to be published with Mr. Selden's Notes; the other 
b Fol. ib. 1622.  twelve being hardly capable of such a respect.  
P. 15. l. 11. and Speed. Mr. Ogilby designed a most Noble Description of England in Three Volumes; the first whereof (which only is 
c Fol. Lond. 1675.  published) contains an Ichnographical and Historical Account of all our great Roads, on 100 large Copper Cuts. The second was to have given us the like View of our Cities; and the third should have afforded us a Topographical Description of the whole Kingdom.  
P. 16. l. 7. Library. Sir John Marsham, Junior (lately deceased) took good Pains in writing an Historical List of all the Burroughs in England, which send Members to the Parliament. This Work was just finished upon the Death of its Author; and is now (ready for the Press, in the hands of his Brother Sir Robert Marsham.  
P. 18. l. 8. Performance. There are two small Tracts about our English Mastiffs, and other extraordinary Animals (as well as Plants) written by Dr. Caius; which are printed with his Treatise 
d 120. Lond. 1570.  de Libris propriis.  
P. 25. l. 13. before mentioned: In which Work he told us he designed a more complete History of these, and that he had made Collections in order to it. These Collections are now in his Musaeum at Oxford; where there are also very considerable Materials (of his own gathering) for a General History of Berkshire.  
P. 26. l. 5. Kingdom. A Catalogue of the indigenous Plants of Cambridgeshire was long since 
a 80. Lond. 1660.  published by the learned Mr. Ray; augmented afterwards by Mr. Stone-street and Mr. Dent. There is also a Manuscript-History of this County, by Mr. Laire of Shephred near Royston; whose Son intends to deposit it in some of the College-Libraries at Cambridge.  
P. 31. l. 13. Jones. There's a MS. in the Musaeum at Oxford, which bears the Title of Phil. Kynder's Natural History of Derbyshire: But 'tis only (as the Author himself there calls it) a short Prolusion to an intended future History, and has little in it worth the consulting or looking after.  
P. 34. l. 12. Wantner; who, meeting with those Discouragements that were suitable to the Man's busy meddling in things beyond his Sphere, was content to enjoy, etc. Nor is Corbet's Book worth the mentioning.  
P. 37. l. 4. County. But the late learned Publisher of Sir Robert's 
b T. Smith, vit D. R. Cott. p. 23. vid. & Tiber. E. VIII. 81.  Life, says, 'tis only probable (from the great store of Collections that he had made out of Doomsday, etc. to that purpose) that he had projected such an History. He does not believe that he ever finished any thing of that Nature.  
P. 50. l. 19 Spelman; and was long since printed with the first Edition of his Treatise 
c 40. Lond. 1575.  de Furoribus Norfolciensium Ketto Deuce. Sir Symonds D Ewes 
a See the Preface to his Journal, etc.  thought of making a Survey of Norfolk out of Original Deeds; but we know not what Advances he had made in it.  
P. 51. l. 9 Mr. Peter le Neve, one of the Pursuivants at Arms, is now 
b Hist. Bibl. Cott. p. 42.  preparing an accurate Description and History of this County; which we hope to see published ere long. Ibid. l. 10. Augustine Vincent.  
P. 52. l. 20. For the Anonymous Author, etc. Read, Ralph Gardiner in his England's Grievances, etc. Ibid. In the Notes (d) 40. Lond. 1655.  
P. 57 l. 1. Bathoniensibus; as did also 
c Fol. Colon. 1562.  Dr. William Turner, a famous Physician in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's Reign.  
P. 59 l. 12. Oxford. A kind Friend of mine could not meet with them there: But he tells me (what is much better worth the hearing) that Dr. Battely, the present archdeacon of Canterbury, has made a good Progress in the History of the Town and Abbey of St. Edmondsbury. I wish this Discovery of it may be a means to hasten its publishing.  
P. 68 l. 21. The late Recorder of Heddon, Mr. Christopher Hildyard; which is now enlarging by Mr. Forr., a Gentleman of good Industry and Abilities suitable to the Work.  
P. 79. l. ult. Historical Ballads. Be that Matter as it will, we ought here to observe that Sam. Beaulanius or Britannus was (as himself owns) Scholar to Beaulanus Presbyter, who was the Genealogist; and that neither of 'em lived in the beginning (or perhaps any part) of the Seventh Century. Britannus as we shall see anon) did certainly write Notes upon Nennius; and therefore must have flourished after him. 'Tis likewise very improbable that he never meddled with any of the Saxon Genealogies: since, in one of those Notes, he says expressly 
a Vid. Nenn. Edit. Gal. p. 115.  Cum inutiles Magistro meo, id est, Beaulario (it should be Beaulano) Presbytero, visae sunt Genealogiae Saxonum & aliarum Genealogiae Gentium, nolui ea scribere, etc.  
P. 81. l. 2. or nothing. The most learned of the British Antiquaries agree, that this Myrdhyn ap Moruryn (called from the Country wherein he lived Caledonius, and Sylvestris, from his Humour of leading a retired Life in the Woods) wrote a Poem called Avalleneu, or the Appletrees, to his Lord Gwendholen ap Keidio; who was slain in the Battle of Arderith, in the Year 577. Some Fragments of this Poem were found at Hengwrt in Meiriondyshire, the last Summer, by Mr. Lhwyd; who very probably conjectures that from hence he had the Surname of Avalonius. If so; there's a happy Discovery made of one of the many foolish Impostures of the old Monks of Glassenbury: who, to secure this famous Prophet to themselves, have made King Arthur's Tomb, and their own Monastery to stand in Insulâ Avallonia.  
P. 82. In the Notes, (d) 80. Lond. 1525. Basil. 1541. 120. Lond. 1568. Inter Orthodoxographa Patrum, etc. & Angl. 120. Lond. 1638.  
P. 84. l. penult. Mervinis Regis. Though here also there seems to be some Mistake: For the first Mervin 
b Vide Success RR. Walliae praefix. Angl. Sacr. Tom. II.  died in the Year, 843. and the second did not begin to reign till 885.. It's therefore most probable that the Words ought to be read. Anno 828. Anno 40. Mervinis Regis.  
P. 85. l. 10. to Gildas. John Leland mentions an ancient Copy of this History, which (he says) he borrowed from his Friend Thomas Solme Secretary for the French Tongue to King Henry the Eighth; in the Margin whereof were the Additions of Sam. Beaulanius, or Britannus. He has 
a Collect. MSS. Vol. 2. p. 46.  transcribed several of these Marginal Annotations; which (it appears) were afterwards inserted in the Body of the History, and are so published by Dr. Gale. The Doctor indeed, in his Notes, mentions Samuel as the Scholiast upon his Bennet Copy: but Leland has a great many other things, as Excerpta out of Beulanius, which are not there observed to be only in the Scholion. There is also in Bodley's Library a MS. of this Nennius, which cannot be less than 500 Years old; wherein the Prefaces, and all those Interpolations, which are by Leland said to be this Samuel's, are wanting.  
P. 88 l. 11. His Reign. It appears indeed from the Preface of this Hoel's Laws (in most of the Latin and 
b Bibl. Cott. Caligula, A. 3. Vitellius, E. 11. Titus, D. 2. 9 Cleopatra, B. 5.  Welsh Copies) that Blegorede, or Blegwrt, was one of the Commissioners appointed to draw up that Code or Abstract; and 'tis also probable, seeing he was the only Ecclesiastic amongst them, that he penned it: But, whether he did it in the Latin, or British Tongue, is wholly uncertain.  
Ibid. l. 17. Augusto 1600. Sir William Dugdale 
c Orig. Jurid. p. 54.  reckons up seven Manuscript Collections of the old British Laws, besides those we have aloeady mentioned: As, 1. Kyfnerth ap Morgan. 2. Gronu vab Moreddig. 3. Lhyfr hen y tuy Gwyn. 4. Gwair mab Ruon. 5. Lhyfr Prawf. 6. Prawfyneit; a Collection (he says) out of the four first. 7. Lhyfr Kyghawssed. The third of these is undoubtedly the same with Howel's Dha's; as will easily appear from the Title of those Laws. All the rest (whereof the fifth and sixth seem to be the same) are now at Hengwrt; except only the fourth, which is supposed to be (in the hands of Sir William Williams) amongst Mr. Maurice's MSS. There we are likewise to inquire for that eminent Antiquary's Dedhf-grawn, or Thesaurus Juridicus; wherein are the various Readins of above thirty ancient Copies of the British Laws. To which we may possibly add the Liber Cardiff; being a Treatise upon the ancient Customs of Wales, in the Welsh Language.  
P. 96. l. 6. Sheringham; who is always very loath (if it, etc.  
P. 99 l. ult. same Subject. J. Bale 
a Cent. 8. cap. 42.  makes Will. Caxton write King Arthur 's History in no less than One and twenty several Books; which, if they could have been found, might have saved Rich. Robinson the trouble of translating Leland 's Assertio into 
b Lond. 1582.  English.  
P. 100 l. ult. Williams. The forementioned learned Primate made also some choice Collections, in his Retirement at St. Donate 's, relating to the British Antiquities; which were afterwards in the hands 
c See his Life of A. B. Ilsher, p. 60.  of Dr. Parr, his Grace's Chaplain: And, from the like Helps in the Library at Llantarnam, Mr. Percy Enderby collected his 
d Fol. Lond. 1661.  Cambria Triumphans, or, Ancient and Modern, British and Welsh Histories from Brute to Charles the First. Nic. Allen's Britanneis (ten Books whereof are now in MS. in Bodley's Library) comes no lower than the Conquest.  
P. 107. l. 4. from the time of Claudius to that of Valentinian (about five hundred [he should say four hundred] years') the, etc.  
P. 104. *. l. 20. Bodley 's Library: But the Transcript of it (in eleven Volumes, at the Charge of the late pious Bishop Fell) is not in the Musaeum Ashmoleanum, as 
a Catalogue. Libb. Sept. p.  Dr. Hickes was informed.  
P. 111. l. 20. Laur. Nowell. P. 121. l. 19 the matter: But I do know that there was a short Life of this great King 
b 8o. Lond. 1634.  published by R. Powel, a Lawyer; who has been at no contemptible Pains to make up a Parallel betwixt Aelfred and Charles the First.  
P. 128. l. 12. put together. A short Chronicle of our English-Saxon Kings, from Hengist to the end of the Heptarchy, was written in Latin by 
c 8o. Lond. 1634,  Dan. Langhorn; 
c 8o. Lond. 1679.  whose chief Authors are those published by Sir Hen. Savil, and Sir Roger Twisden. He had 
d 8o. Lond. 1673.  formerly given us the Antiquities of this Island, previous to the Arrival of the Saxons; wherein (amongst other Remains of those dark Times) we have a Catalogue of the Pictish King. 'Tis said that the Continuation of this History is 
e See Mr. Bohun's Additions to D. Where, p. 134.  much desired by Learned Men: And 'tis pity but the Author, if yet living, should be prevailed with to gratify them.  
P. 139. l. 15. Wormius 's use;  
P. 140. l. 14. own Nation. Some part of this fell happily into the hands of (Tho. Bartholine 's Friend) the Bishop of Scalholt; who took care to have it printed, A. D. 1689.  
P. 152. l. 23. Galfredi. But in this I dare not be positive. Leland saw this Author's entire History; which ended, Anno 29 Hen. 1. He has made Collections out of it: wherein (as in some other Passages cited by R. Higden) there are several things not found in Jeoffrey. Which (considering withal that Aelfred may probably be reckoned as early a Writer as himself) is one of the most cogent Arguments, as far as I know, to prove that this Monmouth was not the first Author of the whole British Story.  
P. 159. l. 17. Judgement enough. So much Encouragement we have to look after the whole, that we are sure Leland had the perusal of an entire Copy; the Prologue whereof he has 
a Collect. MS. Vol. 1. p. 105.  transcribed, as likewise many following Passages relating to the Affairs of the Britain's and Saxons.  
Ibid. l. ult. Blockhead. 'Tis to be feared we shall hardly meet with this History, till we find the Historian himself (which is more than either Bishop Godwine, or Mr. Wharton could do) amongst the Bishops of Durham.  
P. 161. l. 3. temporum Indices. And indeed Leland himself was afterwards of the like Opinion: For (in his Book 
b MS. in Bibl. Bodl. p. 183.  de Scriptoribus) he says nothing of his being a Plagiary, but gives him this great Character— Mortuo Henrico [Rege sc. ejus nominis secundo] omne studium suum ad Historiam scribendam contulit; in quo Negotio si diligentiam, si Antiquitatis cognitionem, si sanctam fidem spectes, non modo quotquot seculis rudibus quidem praecesserunt Scriptores, verum etiam seipsum superavit.  
P. 163. l. 3. Library. This British Chronicle is probably the same that's printed by 
a Inter XV. Script. P. 553.  Dr. Gale; and seems to be wholly transcribed out of the Works of a former Author, whom he calls Brome. This may be the same with Jo. Bromius or Bramus, quoted sometimes by Dr. Caius and 
b Holinshead's Hist. Vol. 2. p. 1589.  Franc. Thynne; but must be different from Jo. Bramis the Friar of Gorleston (with whom he is confounded by Bale and Pits) because the Friar did not flourish till 1440. and the Historian must live before Ralph de Diceto, and was moreover (as Thynne observes) a Monk of Thetford.  
P. 164. l. 19 the Fourth. Here likewise notice ought to be taken of Joh. Wallingford's Chronicle, published by 
c XV. Script. p. 525.  Dr. Gale; if the Abbot of St. Alban of that name (who dy'ds in the Year 1214.) was, as the learned Editor guesses, the Author of it. But he seems to be a different Person from the Historian; who carries down his Work forty years after the Abbot's Death. The Doctor indeed makes R. Wendover Author of the latter Part of that History: But if he had looked into the next Treatise to this Chronicle (in the Cottonian MS. from whence he had it) he would have met with another John Wallingford, who was made Monk of St. Alban's in the Year 1231. and so might bring down the History till 1258. without the Assistance of Wendover.  
P. 172. l. 15. flourished. Or, it may be, the 
d Bibl. Cott. Julius, A. 1.  Chronicle that was written by John de Taxston a Monk of Bury, which ends at the Reign of Edw. 3. is the same thing with these Annals. John de Oxenedes (a Monk of Hulm, mentioned by 
e Angl. Sac. Vol 1. p. 405. 410.  Mr. Wharton) lived about the same time.  
P. 175. l. 7. Years more. 'Tis probable the Chronicle of Joh. Londinensis (who lived 
b J. Pits, p. 878.  about the same time) is still extant: For 'tis quoted in Lambard's Preface to his Archaionomia, and among R. James' Collections there are several things extracted out of it.  
P. 184. l. 21. To these we may probably add the Author of the MS. 
c Bibl. Cott. Galb●●, E. 7.  Eulogium; who begins his Work at Bru●e, and ends at the Year 1367. The beginning of the Book ('tis likely) may be Nennius': but the rest seems to have been penned by a Monk of Canterbury, by his calling St. Thomas Becket his Patron.  
P. 194. l. 23. the Year 1530.  
P. 185. *. l. 15. their Country. Bale 
d Par. a. p. 103.  reports that Sir Brian Tuke wrote a Chronicle, purposely to vindicate the Honour of the English Nation, against those Aspersions which Virgil had cast upon it in this History.  
P. 190. *. l. 2. and others. To these we may add two Poetical Historians of this Age; Chr. Ocland, who wrote 
e 12o. Lond. 1582.  Anglorum praelia in Latin Verse; and Will. Warner (an English Rhimer) Author of the Romantic Story of 
f 4o. Lond. 1606.  Albion's England in twelve Books, containing the Occurrences of our Land from Noah to the 39th of Queen Elizabeth.  
P. 194. *. l. 19 Queen Elizabeth. Cotemporaries with these were John Clapham, Edward Ayscue and Will. Slatyer; the first whereof left us the 
a 4o. Lond. 1606.  History of Great Britain; the second that of the 
b 4o. Lond. 1607.  Wars, Treaties and Marriages, with Scotland; and the third his 
c Fol. Lond. 1621.  Palae-Albion, in ten Books of Latin and English Verse.  
P. 198. l. 9 Arms, etc. 3. Dr. R. Brady's Complete 
d Fol. Lond. 1685.  History of England; wherein he endeavours to prove (and no Man ever did it more effectually) that all our adored Liberties are derived from the Crown, and owing to the Concessions of our Princes. He shows that the Normans themselves (weary of the Tenure of Knight-Service, and other Drudgeries of the Feudal Law) raised all our old Civil Commotions in England: And that no ancient Rights and Properties of the Subject were any part of the true Controversy. He very well illustrates many dark Passages in our English-Saxon Laws; by comparing them with those of the old Germans, Francs, Lombard's, &c. His Preface to the Norman History largely accounts for the Customs of that People; and shows what sort of Government and Laws they brought with them into this Kingdom. Afterwards we have a good view of the seven first Reigns after the Conquest. His chief Author is M. Paris, well epitomised; and confirmed and enlarged with authentic Evidence from Records, a great many whereof are printed (at large) in his Appendix. He has also published an Introduction to the English History; which (treating chiefly of Matters of Law and Government) shall be considered elsewhere. 4. Let me add, etc.  
P. 202. l. 17. great Man. Sir John Hayward's 
e Lond. 1623.  History of the three Norman Kings was undertaken at the Request of Prince. Henry, who hardly lived to read it, and not to requite the Author's Pains. He calls his Lives of these Monarch's 
a In Epist. Ded.  Descriptions rather than Histories: And so indeed they are; being only short Portraitures of 'em, in such a witty and humour some Style and Method, as might better serve to divert the young Prince than instruct him. I shall give the Reader but one Instance of the Care he took of the Chronological part of his Story. He 
b P. 216. & 223.  says, Hen. 1. was crowned the second of August; which is the same day whereon (he acknowledges) King William II. was slain, a little before Sunset, in the New-Forest. A small Fragment of the Conqueror's History is among Cambden's Anglica, Normannica, etc. and some Particulars relating to the Reigns of this, and the two following Kings, may be picked out of Guil. Gemeticensis, and others published by the learned 
c Fol. Paris. 1619.  And. du Chesne. But above all, etc.  
P. 203. l. 21. the second. There's an old English History (in Saxon Letters) of the Transactions of some few years of his Reign, after 1123, in 
d Tiberius, B. 4.  Sir John Cotton's Library.  
P. 204. l. 3. voluminous Author. In Du Chesne's Collection there's a pretty large Life of this King; whose Author, though Anonymous, seems to have flourished in the latter end of this, or the beginning of the next Reign: And Pits assures us that Ralph de Dicetoes Annals of King Stephen are in the Library at Bennet-College.  
P. 205. l. 18. Benedictus; whose Book (we are 
e Bibl. Cott. julius, A. 11.  since told) is full of notable and politic Remarks, and is much followed by Hoveden and Brompton. Pet. Blesensis 
f Vid. P. Bles. Epist. 14.  certainly wrote his Life; tho' we know not what's become of it. Tho. May (the Translator of Lucan) has given us seven 
a 12o. Lond. 1633.  Books, in English Poetry, on this Subject: to which is annexed his Character in Prose, with a short Survey of the Changes in his Reign, and a comparative Description of his two Sons, Henry and Richard.  
P. 207. l. 5. Antiocheis.  
P. 208. l. 8. But perhaps he's mistaken in that Conjecture; since Rich. Devisiensis was certainly a Monk of Winchester. However, to make up the Number, the Reader is to know that an old printed 
b 4o. Lond. 1528.  Life of this Ceur du Lion, is in English Meeter; tho' I cannot inform him who was its Author.  
P. 211. l. 15. several Parts. Peter de Langetoft, who drew up an Epitome of our 
c Bibl. Cott. Julius, A. 5.  Chronicles in old French Rhimes, bestows one whole Book upon Edward the First.  
Ibid. l. 21, 1320. The Annals of the greatest and best part of his Reign (from 1307. to 1323.) were digested by 
d Ibid. Claudius, D. 6.  John de Frokelow a Monk; as the History of his Treaty of Peace, in the Sixteenth Year of his Reign, with Robert King of Scots, was by Heminford's Life of Edw. II. is said to have been in the Library of Bennet-College; which we are not so sure of as that his Life of Edw. III. is in that of Magdalene-College in Oxford, as well as in 
e Nero, D. 2.  Sir John Cotton's at Westminster.  
P. 212. l. 22. Deleantur I doubt whether, etc. usque ad Old Manuscript Historians, p. 213. l. 7. inclusiuè.  
P. 214. l. 11. a Friend. R. James, in some Volume of his MS. Collections, reports that Rob. Avesbury, (Registrary of the Archbishop of Canterbury's Court wrote Mirabilia gesta R. Edwardi III. post Conquestum, procerúmque suorum, tractis primitùs quibusdam gestis de tempore Patris sui D. Edu. II. quae in regnis Angliae, Scotioe, & Franciae, & in Aquitaniâ & Britanniâ, non humanâ sed Dei potentiâ contigerunt. Tho. May (the Poet) has likewise 
a 8o. Lond. 1637.  some English Raptures upon this King 's Life: Nor ought I to forget that Sir John Froissard is said to have written two Books on that of Queen Philippe, the first glorious Patroness of Queen's College in Oxford. Above all; Mr. Joshua Barnes has diligently collected whatever was to be had, far and near, upon the several Passages of this 
b Hist. of Edw. III. Fol. Cantab. 1688.  great King's Reign. His Quotations are many; and (generally) his Authors are as well chosen as such a Multitude can be supposed to have been. His Inferences are not always like a Statesman; and sometimes his Digressions are tedious. His deriving of the famous Institution of the Garter from the 
c P. 294. 295.  Phaenicians is extremely obliging to good Master Sammes: But came too late, it seems, to Mr. Ashmole's Knowledge; or otherwise would have bid fair for a choice Post of Honour in his Elaborate Book. In short, this industrious Author seems to have hastened his Work too much to the Press, before he had provided an Index, and some other Accoutrements, which might have made it more serviceable to his Readers.  
P. 215. l. 6. untimely Death. Deleantur, which (it may be) contains the whole Chronicle. Et add, Richard Maidstone (a learned Carmelite) wrote also in Latin Verse 
d MS. in Bibl. Bodl.  Concordiam inter Ricardum II. & Cives Lond●nenses: And Henry Knighton's History of his Deposition is among the Decem Scriptores, as another short History of his Reign (by an anonymous Monk of Evesham) it in the 
a Tiberius, c. 9 Claudius, B. 9  Cottonian Library. Amongst later Pamphlets on this Subject, the 
b 120. 1654.  Idol of Clowns (or the Insurrection of Wat Tyler, as a Parallel with some Occurrences in our late Days of Rebellion) may balance the 
c 40. Lond. 1689.  Exact Acaccount of the Articles and Proceedings, etc.  
P. 216. 1. 5. those Reigns. There is an old French MS. in Verse, which treats of the Affairs of this Reign; the Title whereof, in a hand more modern than the Book itself, is this: Histoire du Roy D' Angleterre Richard, traictant particulierement la Rebellion des sus Subjects, & prinse de sa personne, etc. Composée par un gentilhomme François de Marque, qui fut à la suité du dict Roy, avecque permission du Roy de France. At the end, in a hand as old as that of the Book, is written: Ce liure de la prinse du Roy Richart d' Angleterre est à Monseigneur Charles Damon Conte du Maine & de Mortaing, & Gouverneur de Languedoc. This was lately in the Possession of the learned Dr. Hickes; who (finding many Passages in it not touched on by other Writers, and others differently related) had once Thoughts of publishing it, with a Translation and Notes of his own: But, being afterwards acquainted that Dr. Brady had written the Life of this King; and knowing that nothing could escape the Diligence of that Historian, he lay those Thoughts aside. Here (rather than it should be wholly forgotten) let me put the Reader in mind of the elegant History of our old Civil Wars; written in Italian by Sir Francis Biondi (of the Bedchamber to King Charles the First) and translated into 
a In 2. Vol. Fol. Lond. 1641. 1646.  English by the Earl of Monmouth.  
Ibid. l. ult. too Dramatical. This Piece is certainly the least liable to that Censure of any this Author ever wrote; being the most elaborate of all his Works, and what looks like a part of what he designed for a just History. But the little that's 
b Lond. 1599  published should rather be entitled the Reign of Richard the Second; since it reaches no farther than his Death, and the Settlement of his Successor in the Throne.  
P. 218. l. 14. their hands. There's a very fair Ms. in Bodley's Library, entitled a Translation of Titus Livius 's Life of K. Hen. V. dedicated to Hen. VIII. But 'tis more truly a History of that Prince's Life, compiled out of a French Book called Enquerrant (which, of all the French Chronicles, is said to treat most copiously of the Wars betwixt England and France) and out of Titus Livius: To which Book (says the Author or Translator in the Prologue) I have added divers Sayings of the English Chronicles, and to the same Matter also divers other Opinions that I have read of the Report of a certain Honourable and Ancient Person— and that is the Honourable Earl of Ormond. There are likewise two several Lives of this King in 
c Julius, E. 4. Tiberius, B. 6. Claudius, A 8. E. 4.  Cotton's Libary; whereof the one was written by Tho. Elmham (Prior of Lenton) and the other by an Anonymous Author. Fran. Thynne (in the Conclusion of Holinshead's Chronicle) mentions one by Roger Wall, a Herald.  
P. 220. l. 10. Original. Dr. John Herd was employed by the great Lord Burleigh to write the History of England, during the Reigns of Edw. IU. V. Rich. III. and Henry VII. which he did in Latin Verse, and his Book is still extant in several hands.  
P. 222. l. ult. his Client. They that are dissatisfyd with any Passages in this Book, may have recourse to a Copy 
a Bibl. Cott. Tiberius, E. 10.  corrected and amended in every Page.  
P. 223. l. 7. Throne. He is mightily extolled by Bern. Andrea's of Tholouse, his Poet Laureate and Historiographer; who has written 
b Jbid. julius, A. 3. 4. B. 12. Domitianus. 18, 15.  two good Volumes on the most eminent Transactions of his Reign.  
P. 228. l. 20. do it. A slender historical Account of Wiat's Rebellion was published by one 
c 120. Lond. 1555.  John Proctor Schoolmaster of Tunbridge; who (for any thing I have yet learned) must be looked upon as the only particular Historian of this Reign.  
P. 232. l. 5. good value. There are several other Treatises which will be useful in furnishing out a complete View of her long and prosperous Reign; As, 1. Eliza, 
d 80. 1631.  or the Life and Troubles of Queen Elizabeth from her Cradle to her Crown, by Tho. Heywood. 2. Elizabetha, 
e 120. Lond. 1582.  or a Panegyric on the most considerable Occurrences of her Reign, in Latin, Verse, by Chr. Ocland. 3. The Felicity of her Time, 
f 120. 1651.  by Sir Digge's Complete 
g Fol. 1655.  Ambassador; containing all the Letters, Instructions, Memoirs, etc. relating to the French Match with that Queen. 5. Some good Materials may be had from the Itinerary of F. Moryson; Secretary to the Lord Montjoy, General and Governor of Ireland. They are given us in that useful Method, which is now generally allowed to be the most pleasing and instructive; 
Fol. 1617.  giving us at large all those Original Evidences, whereby the Author justifies his Narrative. 6. Sir John Hayward 
a In Epist. Ded. ad Hist. RRR. Norman.  acquaints us likewise that he presented Prince Henry with some Years of this Queen's Reign, drawn at length and in full proportion: But these, I think, were never published. 7. Dr. Barth. Clerk, Dean of the Arches, was 
b See his Pref. to Castilion de Aulico.  put upon the writing of her History by my Lord Buckhurst; and he seems to have been every way fit for the Undertaking: But, whether he might not afterwards be prevented by Death, or Mr. Camden's engaging in the same Design, I know not.  
These are the chief of those Errors and Defects that have either been remarked by others, or hitherto observed by myself, in the former part. There are several others, of lesser Note, which an intelligent Reader will easily correct, without my Directions: As (particularly) the frequent References to some following Chapters, which are here digested in a different manner than was at first projected. They that have any Acquaintance with the Drudgery of preparing Books for the Public View, know very well how apt an Undertaking of this kind is to grow upon the Author's hand; and how little 'tis we see of our Work, when we first begin to engage in it. With these I shall need no Apology, and the rest must excuse me, if I make none. I am now in haste: And can only stay to tell them that I have as many Papers that treat on our Law-Books, Records, etc. so far as they are serviceable to History (all which I once thought to have crowded into a Chapter or two), as will furnish out a Third Part; if they and the Bookseller think it worth their while to call for it. For the present, I am resolved to keep myself within the Verge of the Church; and shall only (in this Second Part) give the Reader the best Account I can of our Ecclesiastical Historians, in the following Chapters: 

1. Of the Affairs of the British Church.  
2. Historians of the English-Saxon Church; from the coming in of Augustine the Monk, to the Conquest.  
3. Church-Historians from the Conquest to the Reformation.  
4. Histories of the Reformation, and our Church-Affairs to the End of Queen Elizabeth's Reign.  
5. Accounts of our Bishops in general; and their several Sees.  
6. Lives of particular Bishops, and other eminent Churchmen.  
7. Histories, Chronicles, Cartularies, etc. of our Ancient Monasteries.  
8. Histories of our Universities and Writers.     

CHAP. I.  
Of the Writers of the Affairs of the British Church.  
IF 
a De Excid. Brit. cap. 2.  Gildas had cause to complain, That in treating of the Civil History of Britain, he had no Assistance from any Monuments or Records of his own Country, but was forced to seek his whole Information from Foreigners; they that take upon them to write the Church-History of the first British Christians, will find themselves much more obliged to Strangers, and must look abroad for their Intelligence. 'Twas Happiness enough to enjoy the Gospel-Light, as long as the Heathen Romans were our Masters, without the rejoicing in it so openly as to have had our Public Notary's registering the Acts of our Councils, Convocations and Synods; even amongst such of our Ancestors as had (at once) learned to write and to obey: And they that, either in the North or West, had shunned the Roman Yoke, and enjoyed their Liberty and 
b See the B. of S. Asaph's Pref. pag. 8. where he also quotes Irenaeus for his Opinion.  Traditional Christianity in the Woods and Mountains, are generally believed to have been so much unacquainted with Letters, as not to have been able to transmit their own Story to Posterity. Some Remains there are of those ancient Times, and the State of Christianity in them; and our Church has not wanted Men of Learning and Industry, who (even at this distance) have successfully employed themselves in gathering up the scattered Fragments, that no part of so valuable a Treasure might be lost.  
Master 
c De Script. Brit. Edit. Wesal. fol. 14. a.  Bale tells us there are some that, 
joseph of Arimathea.  with a deal of probability on their side, have guessed, That Joseph of Arimathea wrote several Epistles to the Churches of Great Britain: And for the better strengthening of such a Conjecture, he assures us 'twas usual for the Primitive Fathers to send such Letters to those Churches to which they were some way or other specially related. He might as well have told us of some Epistles sent hither by St. Peter or St. Paul; since 'tis likely that one (or both) of those Apostles were as instrumental in planting Christianity in this Island, as this Joseph himself; and we are also very sure, that they used to write such Epistles.  
Our next Ecclesiastical Writer is said to be 
a Vid. Nenii Hist. Brit. cap. 18. & Pont. Virum. Hist. Brit. l. 4. Bed. Hist. Eccles. lib. 1. cap. 4.  King Lucius; 
K. Lucius  who (about a hundred Years after Joseph's Death) wanted somebody, it seems, to instruct him in the First Rudiments of Christianity: And thereupon sent a Letter to Pope Eleutherius, desiring that some Persons in Holy Orders might be sent hither to Baptise Him and his People. There is not any Copy of this Epistle now extant; and yet I dare not say the Original is lost. Not to mention the Inconsistences that are among the several Authors, upon whose Credit this whole Story rests, 〈◊〉 observable that the pretended Epistle (in return) from Eleutherius, seems to intimate that Lucius' Request was quite of another Nature; and that his Enquiry was after the Imperial (Civil) Law, and not after the Precepts of the Gospel: So that, I know not how we shall be sure of such a Royal Church Historian. But, in short, the Pope's Letter has so many undeniable Marks of 
a Vid. II. Spelm. Concil. Tom. 1. pag. 3●.  Forgery upon it, that we cannot think it worth our while to be very inquisitive after the Kings; and tho' a genuine Piece of this kind were highly to be prized, we do not desire to build upon Shadow and Fable.  
This Story of King Lucius has helped us to a Couple more of Ecclestiastical Historians; 
Elvanus and Medvinus.  Eluanus and Medvinus, who (forsooth) were first employed in the forementioned Embassy to Rome. After their Return, Eluanus was made AB. of London, and wrote a 
b Joh. Pits, p. 79.  Book, De Origine Ecclesiae Britanniae. Medvinus had not the luck to mount equally in Preferment, with his Fellow-Ambassador; but he rivalled him in the public Services of his Pen, having written Fugatii & Damiani gesta in Britannia. (These were Pope Eleutherius' Legates; and are by others called Faganus and Derwianus.) The most probable part of this Account is, That this latter Book was found in the Rubbish at Glassenbury: 'Tis no matter whether at the repairing of that Monastery by St. Patrick, or at some other time.  
After these, we hear no more of the Writers of our British Church-History, 
Augustine.  before the coming in of (a more famous and true Legate) Augustine the Monk; who is believed to have 
a Vid. Antiq. Brit. pag. 3. & Fr. Godwin de Convers. Brit. pag. 12.  written something of the state of Christianity in these parts, even before his own Arrival. If we could be assured of this, we could not have a better Authority in some of our Modern Disputes with the Court of Rome: But 'tis more than probable that those Learned Men, that assert such a thing, mistook the meaning of William of Malmesbury; who seems to have been their Informer in that Matter. That Historian, speaking of something relating to the first Foundation of the Monastery at Glassenbury which he had met with, Apud Sanctum Augustinum, Anglorum Apostolum, his unwary Readers presently concluded that he quoted some latent MS. Work of that Monk: Whereas, in truth, he meant no more than that he had met with such an Account in the Library at St. Augustine's in Canterbury. The like Phrase is common with him; and, in the same Paragraph, 
a Vid. Cl. Vsherii Antiq. Brit. Eccles. p. 56.  Apud Sanctum Edmundum, is to be Englished, in the Library at St. Edmundsbury.  
The Remonstrance of Dinoth, 
Dinoth.  Abbot of Bangor, against the Pretensions of this Legate Augustine, challenging a Supremacy for his Master in this Isle, is of some better Credit; since even 
b Pag. 104. Vide & Baleum, fol. m. 35.  John Pits himself owns that he stoutly opposed such Encroachments, and that he has left to Posterity his Thoughts on that Subject: having written (among other Things) two Books, entitled, Defensorium Jurisdictionis sedis Menevensis, and De Conservandis Britannorum Ritibus. Both these Treatises have certainly been framed out of that Answer of the Abbots, which Sir H. Spelman 
c Concil. Tom. 1. p. 108. Extat etiam Wallice in Bibl. Cott. Claudius, A. 8.  has given us in Welsh, English and Latin: having found it in an old Transcript out of a more ancient Manuscript in the two former Languages; and adding a Translation of his own, in the last. The Critic that our Learned Stillingfleet gives upon this Piece, and its Publisher, is what I dare not add to: 
a Orig. Brit. p. 360.  There is, he says, all the appearance of Ingenuity and Faithfulness that can be expected; and he was a Person of too great Judgement and Sagacity to be easily imposed upon by a Modern Invention, or a newfound Schedule. I know some Romanists have endeavoured to persuade the World, That this Monument bears no great Age, and was probably forged since 
b Eman Schelstraet, Dissert. pag. 103.  the Reformation: But since Venerable Bede 
c Eccles. Hist. l. cap.  himself (who was as great a Favourer of Augustine, and as professed an Enemy to the ancient British Church, as they could wish) confirms the main of the Story, they will not easily persuade us that the whole is improbable.  
I can hear of no more ancient Treatises relating to the Ecclesiastical State of Old Britain, 
S. Graal.  save only the Sanctum Graal: Which, says trusty john 
a Pag. 122.  Pits, was written by an Anonymous Hermit about the Year 720. and gives an ample Account of the Miracles wrought by Joseph of Arimathea. Indeed Vincentius 
b Specul. Histor. lib. 23. c. 27.  of Beauvais mentions such a French Legend; which, as he observes, had the Name of Graal (or Gruel) because it likewise treated of a Dish of Meat, miraculously preserved since our Saviour's last Supper: But the Book (he confesses) was somewhat hard to be met with. In this Dish (which was to be seen among the sacred 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at Glastonbury) they pretended to have part of the true Blood of our Redeemer: But whether 'twas of that shed on the Cross, or of that which was at the said last Supper, after Consecration, the 
c Tho. Malorii Hist. Arthuri R.  Historian dares not be positive. However, from hence the same Person gives the Relic the Name of Sanegreal, i.e. Sanguis Realis: And from him 'tis 
d Vid. Vsserii Brit. Eccles. Antiq. p. 9 & Orig. Brit. p. 13.  probable the following Writers, gave that Title to the Legend itself. The Learned Reader will pardon me if I give him a further Account of this rare French MS. out of Monsieur Borel's 
a Tresor de Recherches & Antiquitez Gauloises & Francoises, 4to, Paris, 1655. in voce Graal.  Glossary: Which (because the Book is not in many of our English Libraries) I shall do at large in his own Words. Il ya un Romant ancien, says he, intitule, La Conqueste du Saingreal, c. du S. Vaisseau ou estoit le Sang de Jesus-Christ, qu'il appelle aussi le Sang real, c. le Sang royal. Et ainsi ces deux choses sont confundues tellement, qu'on ne connoist qu'auec peine quand les anciens Romans qui en parlent fort sowent, entendent le Vaisseau, ou le Sang. Perceval l'explique bien en ces mots:  
Senefioit que li greaus,  
Qui tant est beaux & precieux,  
Que le S. Sang glorieux,  
Du Roy des Rois y fu receus.  
Et ailleurs: Un greal Trestout descowert.  
Item, Et puis apporta un greaux  
Tout plein de pierres precieuses.  
R. de Merlin MS. Ne oneques peus ne fust veu au siecle, ne du greal ne pall. Et apres il dit: Et cil Rois pecheors avoit le digne sang Jesus-Christ en guard. D'ou il est manifeste que le R. de Sangreal, n'est que du Sang Royal de Jesus-Christ. Item, Pensa moult a la lance, & ou graal qu'il avoit veu porter. Ce text monster que c'estoit un vase. Mais en suite le mesinem Autheur parlant du Graal, l'appelle un Vaisseau; car il parle ainsi: Et quand le premier mes fust apportee, si issi le Graal for'rs d'une Chambre, & les dignes Relics avenc; & si tot comme Perceualle vit qui moult en avoit grand desir de scavoir, si dit: Sire, je vos prie que vous me diez, que l'en sert de cest Vessel que cest vallet porte. Et encore il dit ailleurs: Et porce laupelon nos Graal qu'il agree as prodes homes. En cest Vessel gist le Sang de Jesus-Christ. En ce texte il donne une Etymology different du Sang Royal, a scavoir le Sang agreeable aux hommes, en ce qu' ils en lavent leurs pechez. Et derechef confirmant cela, il dit vers le commencement de son Livre. Et ils distrent, & porrons dire du Vesseil que nos veimes; & coman le clameron nos qui tant nos gree, cil qui lie voudront clamer ne metre non a nos esciens, le clameront le greal qui tant agree: Et quant cil l'oyent, si dient, bien doit avoir non cist vesseaux graax. Et ainsi le nomment. Et enfin il dit: Ou li Vessel de graal seit. C'est le vase on Joseph (dit- i'll) recueillit le Sang qui sortit des playes de Jesus-Christ, lors qu'il lavoit son corps pour l'embaumer, a la maniere des Juifs.  
The present Age, 
R. Broughton.  amongst her many Writers in all parts of Learning, has afforded us some that have thought it an Undertaking worth their Pains to search after the Remains of our first British Church; and the Discoveries they have made have met with very different Characters and Entertainment, according as they have fallen into the Hands of proper or improper Judges. The first of these (I suppose) was R. Broughton, a Secular Priest; who was bred at Rheims, and sojourned sometime 
a Athen. Oxon. vol. 1. pag. 854.  in Oxford. In this latter Place he collected Materials for his 
b Fol. Duaci, 1633.  Ecclesiastical History of Great Britain, from the Nativity of our Saviour unto the happy Conversion of the Saxons. The Account that Mr. Wood gives of this Book, is this; Tho' 'tis a Rhapsody, and a thing not well digested, yet there's a great deal of Reading showed in it. 'Tis said King James J. was overjoyed to hear of 
a D. Smith, de Vit. D. Rob. Cotton, pag. 24.  Sir R. Cotton's Design of writing our Church-History, from the first planting of Christianity to the Reformation: And so far he carried on the Project, as to draw together no less than 
b Bibl. Cott. Cleopatra, E. F.  Eight large Volumes of Collections, which have long been (and still are) very serviceable to those that engage in those Studies.  
The like Collections were made (about the same time) by AB. 
I. Vsher.  Usher, the most Reverend and Learned Primate of Ireland, and soon after Commendatory Bishop of Carlisle; of whom 
c D. Joh. Marsham, in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ad Monast. Angl. Tom. 1.  one (that knew him well, and was as able as any Man to judge of him) gives this Character, Vir ob Eruditionis immensitatem, morumque Sanctitatem toto Orbi Vener andissimus. His Book was first printed at Dublin, under the Title, 
d 4to. 1639.  De P●imordiis, etc. and is since published by the Name of 
a Fol. Lond. 1687.  Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates. 'Twas begun by Command of King James I. who gave him Licence, under the Great Seal of Ireland, to retire from his Bishopric of Meath to one of our English Universities, for the more effectual carrying on of so good a Work: And this 
b See his Life by Dr. Parr. p. 24, 45.  Grant was had and enjoyed above a dozen Years before the Book was first published. He begins with a Collection of whatever Narratives and old Stories he could meet with about Simon Zelotes, Joseph of Arimathea, and others, first planting Christianity in this Island: From whence he proceeds to the Legend of King Lucius, and the whole Succession of those Archbishops and Bishops descended from Jeoffrey of Monmouth's Flamines and Archi-Flamines. After this, we have the Settlement of three Metropolitical Thrones, at London, York and Caerlion; which are afterward removed to Canterbury, Dole (in Brittany) and St. david's. Then follows the generous Endowments of Glastonbury, and other places by Lucius and Arthur: The Martyrdom of St. Alban and his Friend (or Cloak) Amphibalus, with many more of their Fellow-Saints: The famous Expedition of Ursula; etc. Interwoven with these Reports, the Reader will find a deal of excellent Learning, and the clearing of many doubts in our British, Roman and Saxon Antiquities. He also gives a particular Account of the Original and Progress of the Pelagian and Semi-Pelagian Heresies; and concludes with the Remains St. Patrick, and the ancient Scottish (or Irish) Church. The Author himself 
a In Praefat. p. 2.  modestly calls the Work, Ex omni Scriptorum genere promiscue congesta farrago. Which Sir Geo. Mackenzie has, a little bluntly, translated; 
b Def. of Royal Line, p. 11.  A confused Rabble, and a formless Lump of fabulous Nonsense. 'Tis a more just Account that another gives of this Treasure of our ancient Church-History, That 
c Dr. Parr, in vit. Authoris, p. 44.  all that have written since, with any Success, on this Subject, must own themselves beholding to him for his Elaborate Collections. In the late Edition, the References which the Author makes to the several parts of his Work, are very faulty: The Margin of the former Quarto Edition having not always been Corrected.  
The same Year with AB. 
H. Spelman.  usher's Book, was published Sir H. Spelman's first Tome of the Councils, Ecclesiastical Laws and Constitutions, etc. of this Kingdom, and its Dependencies: Whereof we are to give some farther Account anon. For the present, the Reader is only to be informed, That the excellent Publisher of those Collections has prefixed to them an Elaborate and Learned Discourse of his own; touching the first Preachers of the Gospel in this Country, our British Metropolitans, and the State of the Churches under them.  
The next that engaged in these dark Inquiries, 
W. Lloyd  was our Learned Dr. William Lloyd, (than Bishop of St. Asaph, now of Coventry and Lichfield) in his 
a 8vo, Lond. 1684,  Historical Account of Ancient Church-Government in Great Britain and Ireland. The Undertaking became a Bishop of our English Church; and the Performance answered the great Opinion that Men of Learning have always had of this worthy Prelate. His Aim in it was the encountering an Objection against the Order of Episcopacy, from the Story of the Scotch Culdees: An Argument put into the Mouths of our Schismatics by Blondel and Selden, out of the abundant Kindness they had for our Establishment. In the answering of the several Cavils of these Learned Men, the Bishop thought himself obliged to give a short History of the first planting of the Scots in Great Britain; which thwarted the common Road of their Historians since the Days of Hector Boethius, and bereafed them of about Forty of their first Monarches. This shortening of the Royal Line, His Majesty's Advocate of Scotland, the late Ingenious and Learned Sir Geo. Mackenzie, presently resented as an Affront little short of what the Lawyers of that Country call Lese-Majesty; and therefore published 
a 8to. Lond. 1685.  a Defence of the Antiquity of the Royal Line of Scotland. In this Tract the zealous Author was so wholly on Fire, that 'twas not safe for the Bishop himself to approach him: but his incomparable Friend Dr. Stillingfleet took the 
a In praefat. ad Orig. Brit.  Pains to confirm, at large, the Bishops Positions, and to answer the most considerable of Sir George's Objections. Soon after, the Advocate published a 
b 8vo. Lond. 1686.  Reply to his new Antagonist, under the Title of The Antiquity of the Royal Line of Scotland, further cleared, etc. I am not now concerned to inquire whether these two great Opponents, or their no less ingenious Answerer, had the better in these Debates; tho' I may perhaps hereafter weigh some of the Arguments on both sides, if I live to publish my Notes on the Scotch and Irish Historians. For the present, I shall only observe that the Cause of our Church in this Controversy, was thought long since to have been secured (in few words) by Sir John Marsham 
c In 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ad Monast. Angl. . Columbanus (says he) postquam in Hybernia Armachanum Monasterium fecerat, Anno 565. Britanniam venit ad Pictos: Australes autem Pictos Nynias Brito ad Veritatem converterat, Anno 412. & hii Insulam Episcopatus sedem fecerat. This last particular was more than needed; and is what he could not prove from (his avowed Author) Venerable 
a Hist. Eccles. lib. 3. c. 4.  Bede, who says no such thing. He never speaks of Nynias' being at High: but expressly tells us, that his Church was at Whithern.  
The latest of our British Church-Historians (and, 
E. Stillingfleet.  who shall come after him?) is the renowned Dr. Stillingfleet, not Bishop of Worcester; whose 
b Fol. Lond. 1685.  Origines Britannicae have perfected all the Collections of former Writers on that Subject. The Design of the Book is to vindicate the Liberties of the ancicient British Church, against the pretended Jurisdiction of the Bishops of Rome: so that it reaches only, from the first appearance of the Christian Faith in this Island, to the Conversion of the Saxons. 'Tis penned with an Accuracy of Judgement and Purity of Style peculiar to its great Author; and clears many doubtful Passages that had escaped the diligence of the famous AB. of Armagh. He tells us (in the conclusion of his Preface) that it comes forth as a Specimen of a greater Design; to clear the most important difficulties of Ecclesiastical History. He rejects, for very good Reasons, the Glastonbury-Legend of joseph of Arimathea; but confirms the Story of St. Paul's planting a Church in this our 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The History of King Lucius he endeavours to set free from the Monkish Fopperies and Contradictions that clog it in other Authors; explains the Subscriptions of the British Bishops in the Council of Arles; shows the probability of some of 'em being present in the Council of Nice; excellently illustrates the State of Arrianism and Pelagianism, etc. The Picts he thinks (contrary to Camden's Opinion) to have been a People originally distinct from the ancient Britain's; and agrees with Hector Boethius, for better Reasons than ever he knew, that they were some of the old Maritime Inhabitants of the Baltic Sea. He teaches his Reader how to judge of the Antiquities and Antiquaries of Scotland and Ireland; and concludes with a very particular and full Account of the great Revolution in this Island, upon the coming in of the Saxons. His Preface (as we have already hinted) was attaqu'd by Sir George Mackenzie; and the Book itself by Emanuel a Schelstrate (Keeper of the Vatican Library) in his 
a 4to. Angl. Edit. Lond. 1688.  Dissertation concerning Patriarchal and Metropolitical Authority. To the latter there needs no other Reply, than only to tell him; 1. The probable Arguments alleged for St. Paul's preaching Christianity in this Isle, are not to be overthrown by less probable ones on the behalf of St. Peter: Nor should the Man that admits King Lucius' and Pope Eleutherius' Epistles as genuine, reject the MS. account of Abbot Dinoth and his Monks. 2. Mr. Launoy and Dr. Beverege agree with Dr. Stillingfleet, in their Exposition of the sixth Canon of the Nicene Council, as well as the Anonymous French Author of the Treatise De Disciplina Ecclesiae; who exactly jumps with our great Prelate in his Notion about the Suburbicarian Churches. Dr. Basire's 
b Ancient Liberty of the Britannic Church, 120. Lond. 1661.  four Positions, asserting the Legitimate Exemption of the British Church from the Roman Patriarchate, contain only a short Essay towards the proof of what we have more amply advanced, and more clearly demonstrated, in the Origines; not to mention that the greatest part of 'em are borrowed from John Barnes' 
a 8vo. Oxon. 1680.  Catholico Romanus Pacificus.  
The Lives of our British Saints 
Saints.  must be read with the allowance that's usually given of those of our Neighbouring Nations: and we are not under any great difficulties to learning what Opinion even the Romanists themselves have of the Writings of their Monks on these Subjects. Dolenter hoc dico (says 
b Loc. Com. lib. 11. cap. 6.  Melchior Canus) multo severius a Laertio vitas Philosophorum scriptas, quam a Christianis vitas Sanctorum, longeque incorruptius & integrius Suetonium Res Caesarum exposuisse quam exposuerint Catholici, non res dico Imperatorum, sed Martyrum, Virginum & Confessorum. 'Tis the sense of the gravest and best Writers of that Church; and what will very well agree to those of the Times and Country we are now mentioning. There cannot be bolder, nor more inconsistent Miracles than those we meet with in the Stories of St. Alban and St. Patrick: And the whole Treasury of Legends seems to be out-vy'd by the choice Adventures of St. Ursula and her Train. To furnish the Reader with an exact List of all the ancient Saints of this Island, would be as edifying as to present him with a Catalogue of the Parishes of Wales; most of which bear the Inscription and Name of some one or other of Them. Besides the general Pains taken by 
a De Sanctor. Hist. Tom. 7. Fol. Cologn. 1576. & Collect. Hist. Sanct. Edit. Lovan. 1485.  Surius and others in this Matter, there are some who have more particularly treated of our British Saints; and others that have applied themselves to the History of the Life, Actions and Sufferings, of some special Hero. John Pits 
b p. 868. Ubi & Liber MS. extare dicitur in Bibl. Gu. Copi.  tells us of Johannes Anglicus (who seems to have been a Welsh Man, notwithstanding his Name) that wrote a Book De Vitis Sanctorum Wallensium: And we are also told (by a 
c Ath. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 182.  Brother of his, of somewhat better Authority) that there is now in the Library of the English College at Rome, a Manuscript Treatise (of the like import) by William Good, a Fugitive Papist under the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. 'Tis likewise certain that: Ricemarchus (whether 
a Vid. Vsserii Antiq. Brit. Eccles. pag. 3. & H. Wharton, praef. ad Angl. Sacr. vol. 2. pag. 25.  Bishop of St. David's himself, or only Son to Sulgenus Bishop of that Place, or both) wrote such a Martyrology: tho' perhaps in the Manuscript Lives of the British Saints, which are now in the 
b Vespasianus, A. 14.  Cottonian Library, the Life of St. David is only to be ascribed to that Author. In perusing those of the several other Writers, who have made it their Business to collect or invent Matter for the magnifying of some single Martyr, the Reader will be cautious in separating the Chaff and good Corn: And so, by distinguishing the Monk from the Historian, a good use may be made of these Romantic ones that follow.  
St. Alban is our Proto-Martyr, 
S. Alban.  and might therefore justly challenge the first place in our Catalogue, if the method of the Alphabet (which shall be our Guide) had not given it him. His Life has been the Subject of some learned Pens; and of some that were otherwise. The first that we hear of was a 
a Pits, p. 103. Vid. etiam Vsser. Antiq. p. 80.  Person of good Abilities, who wrote about the Year 590. but had the modesty to conceal his Name. This Work was translated into Latin by 
b Bibl. Cott. Faustina, B. 4.  Will. Albanensis (a Monk of St. Alban) who afterwards prevailed with his Brother 
c Ibid. Claudius, E. 4.  Ralph de Dunstable, to turn it into Heroic Verse. Unwon, an old Priest well skilled in the ancient British Language, translated another such Volume (but of much greater Antiquity) at the Request of Abbot Aedmar about the Year 970. whereof we have an notable Account given by 
d In vit. Abhatum S. Albani Edit. Wats. p. 41.  Matt. Paris; who is also 
e Joh. Pits, p. 339, 887.  reported to have written two Books of the Martyrdom of St. Alban and St. Amphibalus. Dr. Wats could not meet with them; and indeed Pits is not very consistent in the Account he gives of them: For he elsewhere tells us, That a certain modest Gentleman (who calls himself 
a In the Conclusion of that translated by W. Alban▪ the Author calls himself Miser and peccator ultimus: and this is what M. Paris translated into French, Vsser. Antiq. p. 82. 83. Bibl. Cott. Otho, D. 8.  Miserorum Simplicissimus) wrote these same Books, which were translated into French Verse by M. Paris; as they were afterwards into English Meeter by John Lydgate. The latest Writer of his Life is Stephen Gourmeline, a 
b Pits, 784.  Cornish Man; who is said to have published something of that kind about the Year, 1585.  
St. Columba's Life translated out of Cornish, 
S. Columba.  was in the Hands of Mr. Roscarrock, who communicated it to 
c Vid. Camd. Epist. p. 91. & Britan. Edit. novis. pag. 10.  Mr. Camden; and thereby convinced him of an Error (which he had advanced in some of the first Editions of his Britannia) that St. Columb's, a Market-Town in Cornwall, had its Name from Columbanus, the famous Scotch Apostle.  
St. David's had almost as many Penmen as St. Alban. 
S. David  The oldest (says 
d Act. Sanctor. Martyr. lib. 1. §. 1. num. 5.  Bollandus) is the Vtrecht-Manuscript, which he publishes, The next to this he thinks that in Colganus; which he believes to be that which was written by Ricemarchus, and is now published by 
a Angl. Sacr. vol. 2. p. 645.  Mr. Wharton. This industrious Person observes that, out of this, all the latter Writers of his Life have transcribed their Treatises: particularly Giraldus 
b Ibid. p. 628. Bibl. Cott. Vitellius, E. 7.  Cambrensis; who omits some Miracles, but gives new ones in lieu of them, and is (with the like freedom) epitomised by John of Tinmouth and Capgrave. For this Reason he has thought it sufficient to give us Giraldus entire; adding only what he was pleased to omit in that of 
c Bibl. Cott. Vespasianus, A. 14.  Ricemarchus.  
St. Dubricius (Archbishop of Caerleon) is beholden to one Benedict, 
S Dubricius.  Monk of Gloucester; who is supposed to have written his Life about the middle of the Twelfth Century. This is also published by the same Learned Person; who 
d Vid. Praefat. ad vol. 2. Angl. Sacr. p. 26. & deinde p. 654, 655.  acknowledges he passed over some fulsome Miracles, and guesses that its Author borrowed his best Materials from Geoffrey of Landaff, whose Manuscript-History of this Saint was in the same Volume out of which this is given us.  
St. Germanus' Embassies (under Pope Celestine) have been treated on at large by some Foreigners, 
S. Germanus.  and others of our own Nation: of whose Performances the inquisitive Reader will have a better Account from our great 
a Antiq. Brit. Eccles. p. 175.  AB. Usher, than I can pretend to give him.  
St. Kentigern 
S. Kentigern.  (better known to our Northern Borderers by the Name of St. Mungo) had his Life largely written by Josceline, a Monk of Fournes in Lancashire, whose Book is now in Sir John Cotton's Library: But whether that which was written by his Scholar 
b Bale, Cent. 1. cap. m. 53. & Pits, p. 103.  St. Asaph be any where extant, I dare not take upon me to determine.  
S. Lupus 
S. Lupus.  was Germanus' Colleague in the notable Undertaking for confounding of the Palagian Heresy, and re-establishment of Catholicism in this Island; and has been particularly obliged by an 
c Antiq. Brit. Eccles. p. 176.  anonymous Writer of his Life.  
St. Ninian (who by our Neighbours on the Borders of Scotland is corruptly called Ringen, 
S. Ninian.  and is remembered in our Nine Churches in Cumberland) is 
a Vid. Pits, 229, 230.  reported to have had his Wonders recorded by Ealred Abbot of Rievaulx: which is not so certain, as that his Life was some time 
b Vsserii Antiq p. 347.  extant and pretty common in Ireland.  
St. Patrick, 
S. Patrick.  the great 
c AB. Usher mentions an old MS. Life of this Saint in the Library at Louvain; which quotes some Passages out of his own Writings. See his Letters, p. 1.  Apostle of Ireland, is challenged by the Monks of Glassenbury; and therefore may be reckoned indifferently either a British or Irish Saint. Under the former Denomination we must believe that his History was written by 
d Pits, p. 279, 280. & Praef. ad Angl. Sacr. vol. 2. p. 23.  Gyraldus Cambrensis; and under the latter by Joceline and 
e 8vo. Antwerp, 1587.  Rich. Stanyhurst.  
St. Teliau (or Eliud, 
S. Teliau.  St. David's Successor in his Archbishopric) had his Life penned by Geoffrey of 
f Bibl. Cott. Vespasianus, A. 14.  Landaff, Brother to Vrbane Bishop of that See, about the beginning of the Twelfth Century; whose Treatise is still to be had at large in an 
a Vid. Vsserii Antiq. Brit. p. 44.  old Register-book of that Church.  
St. Ursula, 
S. Ursula  and her Eleven thousand Companions, had reason to expect to have their Story handed down to Posterity in a Method peculiar to themselves; and therefore (about Thirteen Ages after their Martyrdom) they deputed one Verena to bring hither a true Relation of their Sufferings. This she punctually revealed to one Elizabeth a Nun of Schaffhausen: who published (with the great Applause of the Monks of Cologn, who set her on Work) her 
b 8vo. Paris, 1513. & Colon. Agrip. 1628.  Visions on this Occasion.  
St. Winefride's 
S. Winefride.  Miracles (and the many glorious Cures done by her Well in Flintshire) were Registered by 
c Bale, Cent. 2. cap. 76.  Robert Prior of Shrewsbury; who (about the Year 1140.) translated her Relics to his own Convent: so that 'tis justly 
d Ath. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 605.  wondered how Giraldus Cambrensis came to take no notice of this sacred Fountain in his Itinerary of Wales, which was penned many Years after. The Wonder will increase when we consider that, long before the Prior's time, her Life was written by 
a Pits, p. 109.  Elerius a Monk of St. Asaph, who himself (about the middle of the Seventh Century) instructed her in the Monastic Rules; and had the comfort of seeing her so great a Proficient as first to turn Nun, afterwards to become an Abbess, and (in the end) a Martyr, under the Tyranny of Carodocus.  
Abstracts of these Lives (and many others which are either now lost, 
J. Tynmouth.  or, at least, have not come to my Knowledge) may be had in the voluminous Work of John of Tynmouth's 
b MS. in Bibl. Cott. Tiberius, E. 1.  Sanctilogium Britanniae; which gives the best and largest Account, that is any where extant, of the Lives of our British, English, Scotch and Irish Saints. The whole is a Collection of such Passages as related to these Holy Persons, out of his Historia Aurea, mentioned in the first part of this Work: And this perhaps gave occasion to Mr. Pits to split the Sanctilogium into a Majus and Minus; and to provide a pair of 
c J. Pits, p. 500  Appendices Martyrologii to bind up with these two Books. There's an ancient and fair Copy of it in the 
a Tiberius, E. 1.  Cottonian Library; at the end whereof we have this Note: Hunc Librum dedit Dominus Thomas de la Marc, Abbas Monasterii St. Albani Anglorum Protomartyris, Deo & Ecclesiae B. Amphibali de Redburn; ut Fratres ibidem in cursu existentes per ejus Lecturam poterint coelestibus instrui, & per Sanctorum Exempla virtutibus insigniri.  
John Capgrave, 
J. Capgrave.  Provincial of the Augustine Friars, and Confessor to the famous Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, epitomised Tynmouths Book; adding here and there several Fancies and Interpolations of his own, It was translated into English by Caxton, and first printed in the Year 1516. since which time it has been frequently reprinted, both here and beyond the Seas, and is common in the Families of our Gentlemen of the Roman Communion. He's not quite so modest as his Principal John of Tynmouth; who sometimes (c) 
b Vid. Cl. Vsserii Antiq. p. 10, 11. & 332.  prefaces a Miracle of a more than ordinary size, with leaving his Reader to a liberty of believing or disbelieving, as his own Reason shall guide him. But, so far is both Capgrave and his Translator from any thing of this bashful Temper, that they always load a Man's Faith with more than it well can carry. For Example; The Story of St. Ursula and her Eleven thousand Virgins was thought (in former times) a sufficiently glorious Army of Martyrs: but Mr. Caxton assures us, there were also Fifteen thousand Men that suffered with them, and so the whole Company consisted of no less than 26000. This part of the History was vouched to him by the Men of Cologn; who seem to have had some farther Revelation since the Days of Tynmouth and Capgrave.   

CHAP. II.  
Historians of the English Church, from the coming in of Augustine the Monk, to the Conquest.  
THE Conversion of our Saxon Ancestors happened at a time when Learning run very low, and when a general Credulity and want of Thought gave opportunity to the Monks of coining their Legendary Fables, and obtruding them upon the World for true and unquestionable History: So that the main part of the Ecclesiastical Story (if we may so call it) of those Ages is to be had amongst the Lives of our English Saints, which are much of a piece with those of the British already mentioned. The Account that 
a Bale, Fol. m. 35.  Augustine gave to Pope Gregory, of the Success of his Apostleship in Kent, is hardly extant: But we have the Queries he put to that Holy Father, with the Pope's Answers, in 
a Eccles. Hist. lib. 1. cap. 27.  Bede; from whom several of our later Historians have transcribed them. Both the Questions and Answers are plain enough, and of no great moment; yet I think Bale's Censure a little too severe, when he affirms that they are Omnis Evangelii atque Legis Eruditionis vacuae, immo ineptissimae.  
In truth Venerable Bede 
Bede.  is the only Person of those Times, that deserves the Name of an Ecclesiastical Historian; there having not been many of his Cotemporaries furnished with either Learning or Judgement sufficient for such an Undertaking. The Account which 
b Ad fin. lib. 5. Hist. Eccles. pag. (See Edit. Wheloc.) 492.  himself gives of his own Life, is, That he was born within the Territories (〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, says the Saxon Paraphrase) of the Monastery of St. Peter and St. Paul at Weremouth and Jarrow; where he was afterwards Educated: That he was, when Seven Years old, committed to the care of Abbot Benedict: That he was ordained Deacon (at Nineteen) and Priest (at Thirty) by St. John of Beverly: That from thenceforth he continued still in the same Monastery to the 59th Year of his Age. Here he employed himself in writing Commentaries on the Scriptures, and distinct Treatises upon almost every part of Learning; most of which are still extant. What we are (at present) concerned in is his Ecclesiastical History of this Island, in Five Books, which have had many 
a 8vo. Antverp. 1550. Heidelb. 1587. Colon. 1601. etc.  Impressions in Latin; the Language wherein he penned them. It's plain he had seen and perused several Chronicles of the English Kings, before his own Time: witness that Expression 
b Lib. 3. cap. 1.  Vnde cunctis placuit Regum tempora computantibus, etc. But he first attempted an Account of their Church-Affairs; and kept Correspondence in the other Kingdoms of the Heptarchy, the better to enable him to give a true State of Christianity throughout the whole Nation. He treats indeed most largely of the Conversion of Northumberland, and the progress of Religion in that Kingdom: but always intermixes what other Relations he could borrow from Books, or learn from such living Testimonies as he believed to be credible. Some have censured his History, as composed with too great partiality; favouring, on all Occasions, the Saxons; and depressing the Britain's. Such a Charge is not wholly groundless. He must be pardoned for stuffing it, here and there, with thumping Miracles; the natural product of the Zeal and Ignorance of his Age: Especially, since so little Truth was to be had of the Saints of those Days, that there was a sort of Necessity of filling up Books of this kind with such pleasant Legends as the Chat of the Country, or a good Invention would afford a Man. It's worth our observation that none of the Writers of his own Life have mentioned one single Miracle wrought by him; because, they had enough of Truth to relate: Not but that we may boldly reckon him (as a Foreign Minister is said once to have done) a much better Saint than many of those Thaumaturgi that we read of in his History. There was a Paraphrase very early made of it in the English Saxon Tongue, which has been printed 
a Fol. Cantabr. 1644.  together with the Original Latin Text: But whether 'twas done by the famous King Alfred, or some other Hand, we are not very certain. Mr. Wheloc dares not be positive; yet thinks it very 
a In Praefat. ad Lect.  probable, that it was the Work of that Great Monarch, to whom (in his Title-page) he has confidently ascribed it. Sir John Spelman 
b Aelfredi mag. vit. p. 166.  proves him the Author, from a Distich in the Front of that very Manuscript, out of which Mr. Wheloc afterwards published it; which runs thus,  
Historicus quondam fecit me Baeda Latinum,  
Aelfred Rex Saxo transtulit ille prius.  
Indeed, he is commonly so reputed; and particularly by 
c G. Hickes, in Praefat. ad Gram. Anglo-Sax. p. 12.  one, who (of all Men now living) is the best able to give a Character of the Performance, which the Reader will be pleased to have in his own Words. Nil Regiis versionibus perfectius dici possit. Bone Deus! Quam in illis Nativus, facilis & simplex Sermo! Praecipue in Ecclesiasticae Historae Bedae Paraphrasi; cujus Augustissimum Auctorem, sive dictionis in ea puritatem, sive perspecuitatem▪ Styli, sive hypotyposin illam miram, qua res omnes quasi ob oculos legentis ponit; spectes, Caesari in dicendo aequalem censebis. The Publisher of this Noble Monument has beautified his Edition with some learned Annotations of his own; wherein he takes frequent occasion to show in what Points of Doctrine our Saxon Ancestors differed from the present Members of the Roman Church, and agreed with those of the Reformed. If we live to see this Paraphrase reprinted (and, why should we despair?) it will have considerable Enlargements from the excellent Notes of Fr. Junius, 
a Inter Conned. MSS. Junianos', Oxon.  who has carried his Animadversions and Illustrations through the whole Work: and some advantage may be given it from a Manuscript Copy in 
b Vid. Not. in Aelf●. m. vit. p. 166.  Corpus Christi College in Oxford, which Mr. Wheloc never saw. The History itself was translated into English by 
c 8v●. Antverp. 1565.  Tho. Stapleton, a Doctor of Divinity in the University of Louvain: But (as on other Occasions he has shown himself too partially inclined to serve the Interests of his own Church, so) we have here 
a Vid. Edit. Wheloc. p. 29. & 115.  sometimes just Cause to complain that he does not deal fairly, and honestly with us. Rich. Lavingham (Prior of the Carmelite Monastery at Bristol, and a mighty Writer in Divinity, about the latter end of the Fourteenth Century) is 
b J. Pits, p. 534.  reported to have epitomised Bede's History; beginning his Work with Britannia cui quondam Albion, etc. There's such an Abstract added in Wheloc's Edition, with a continuation to the Year, 766. which perhaps may be the same: For, tho' it does not begin with these words, Bede himself begins with such as are very like them; and to confound two Writers, if they appear under the same Cover, is no great Transgression in my Author. There's another anonymous Continuer of this History, who descends below the Conquest; and whose Book (now in MS. in the public Library at Oxford) is quoted by some of our most Learned 
a Guil. Somner, Antiq. Cantuar. p. 157. Hist. Oxon. lib. 1. p. 49.  Writers.  
All that looked like Truth in Bede's Collections, and was purely Ecclesiastical, was remitted into the First Volume of Sir Henry Spelman's 
b Fol. Lond. 1639.  Councils: to which were added such other genuine Remains of the Saxon Church, as that Industrious and truly Religious Knight could any where meet with. This good Work was undertaken at the Entreaty of AB. Abbot, and his Successor Laud; and mightily encouraged by Bishop Andrews, who had Thoughts of engaging in it himself. Many of the Notes are owing to AB. Usher; who seems to have furnished the Author with more than were published. He is mightily perplexed in some of them, when he comes to reconcile the Times of the Kings and Bishops mentioned together in the Laws; and the Difficulties increase upon him, by his adhering too stiffly to Bishop Goodwin's and Sir H. Savil's Authority. Had he had the complete Saxon Chronicle (especially, with the Advantages of such accurate Indices as are now published with it) these Mists would have vanished more readily; and he would have had much fewer Achronisms to disturb him. He confesses, he often follows blind Guides; and is therefore apprehensive of the danger he's in of leading his Reader into the same Ditch with himself. Some Laws, he acknowledges, were omitted (he knows not well by what Misfortune) which were even in his own Possession; and others were communicated by his Friends (chiefly, the Learned Primate of Armagh) when 'twas too late to insert them in their proper places. His Translations are mostly Lambard's, which we have already observed to be uncorrect. Where those failed him, he made use of W. L'Isle, and (sometimes) his Son Sir John Spelman; who seems to have understood our ancient Language better than his Father. He had also great Assistances from Mr. Stephens, a Person eminently skilled in our English Antiquities; and who, for his good Services in the Edition of this very Book, is 
a Hist & Antiq. Oxon. lib. 2. p. 223. Vide etiam ipsius H. Spelm. praefat. ad Lect.  said to have had a Prebend of Lincoln, procured for him by AB. Laud. There are several Mistakes in the very Titles of his Chapters. I shall only instance in Two: 1. 
a Pag. 432. & 434.  Aedgari Regis Anglorum Charta ae Oswaldeslaw, hoc est, de ejiciendis Clericis Vxoratis & introducendis Monachis. 'Tis known St. Oswald was Canonised for his inveterate Hatred of secular and married Clergy; and for that he helped to enact severe Laws against them. But none of these were ever called by the Name of Oswald's Law; which signifies no more than a certain Hundred of that Name in the Country of Worcester, whereof we have this account in an old Register of that Church: 
b Regist. MS. Coenob. Wigorn. in Monast. Angl. Tom 1. p. 120.  Idem Rex [Aedgarus] fecit de tribus Centuriatibus, sc. Welverdes-Law & Wiburneto (qui erant Episcopi) & the Chutberes-Lawe (qui erat Prioris & Conventus) unum Centuriatum, i. e. Hundredum: Deditque Beato Oswaldo & ejus successoribus eandem per omnia libertatem in eodem Hundredo perpetuo possidendam, quam ipse Rex habuit in suis Hundredis. Et vocatur Oswaldeslaw. So that here's a very unfortunate Mistake; and of the same Nature with that we have already observed of Denelage, etc. in the first part. I wonder we never had any mention of the Laws of the Picts, as well as those of the Danes. since we read of 
a Vid. Vsserii Antiq. p. 350.  Pithland-Law in Hector-Boethius, of the like signification with the former. 2. The proof that a Learned Person 
b W. Kennet, paroch. Antiq. p. 24.  alleges for Amesbury being in the Primitive Ages of English Writers called Vrbs Ambrosii, is not conclusive: For the Title, there referred to, is manifestly Sir Henry's own; his Author mentioning only Ambresbyrig, which may admit of another signification than Vrbs Ambrosii. It may be as well, and 'twas as anciently, translated, Mons Ambrii. We wait impatiently for a New Edition of these Councils: And the worthy Undertaker (if God please to bless him and us with the continuance of his Health) will amply answer our Expectations. He will be able (out of Junius' Collections; a Manuscript in the Hands of Mr. Jones of Sunningwel, etc.) to make large Additions; and to insert them, appositely translated, in their proper places. He'll finish the Pains which Mr. Somner long since took 
a Inter MSS. Somner. in Bibl. Cantuar.  to collate all the Saxon Pieces (already printed) with the Original MSS. and to correct the Translation. He'll give us necessary Prefaces to the whole, subjoin a convenient Glossary; and (in a word) do all that's requisite to the rendering of such a Work as complete as we can wish it.  
When this is done, 
Saints.  we shall have no occasion to search any further for the History of our English-Saxon Church: unless the Lives of the Saints of those Times (which are very numerous) will afford us some little Supplies, together with what the Reader will find considered in other Chapters. I pretend not to any certain Account of the Vitae variorum Sanctorum, written by 
b Pits, pag. 121, 205, 212.  Egwine Bishop of Worcester, and Founder of the Abbey of Evesham; those of Osbert Clarentius (Prior of Westminster, A. D. 1136.) are said to be in the Library of Bennet College; and Henry of Huntingdon's, in that of the Jesuits at Antwerp. There are two Books of these Lives, in the Saxon Language, in Sir John Cotton's Library: whereof the one was written by Aelfric, and the other by an Anonymous Author. I know not but they may be the same with two small Treatises, amongst Junius' Saxon Transcripts, de Sanctis in Anglia sepultis. His Menologium also (which is a Calendar of those ancient Saints, and was transcribed by him out of two old Copies in the Cottonian and Bennet Libraries) is a Piece which he thought highly valuable; and which he sometimes refers to under the Titles of Martyrologium, and Fasti Anglosaxonici. Some of their Lives are described at large in the Old Homilies; tho' the main of all those Stories comes usually out of Bede's Shop. This is observable in the Homilies on St. Edmund and St. Cuthbert in Bodley's Library; on St. Cuthbert, St. Aetheldrytha, St. Bennet junior, and St. Oswald, in the public Library at Cambrige; on St. Ceadda amongst Mr. Junius' Manuscripts; and on St. Cuthbert, St. Swithin and St. Ethelgetha, in that of Bennet College. Other general Historians of this kind (besides John of Tynmouth and Capgrave, already mentioned) we have not many. John Wilson's Martyrology is not much to be heeded, since an unquestionable 
a Usher, Antiq. Eccles. p. 109.  Judge of these Matters has thought fit to bestow the Epithet of Nugivendulus upon its Author. And I know not what greater regard can be had to (Tho. Fuller's 
b Hist, Eccles. lib. 1. p. 40. lib. 2 p. 91. etc.  great Friend) Father Jerome Porter, and his Flowers of the Saints. Particular Lives may be ranked in the following Order.  
St. Aldhelm's 
S. Aldhelm.  is most copiously written by W. of Malmesbury; whose Fifth Book of the English Bishops, is (almost) entirely upon this Subject. It has been lately published both by Dr. Gale and Mr. Wharton; whereof the former is 
c Vid. Epist. Ded. ad Angl. sacr. vol. 2. & Praefat. ad Lect. p. 1, 2.  said to have employed a careless Amanuensis, and the other confesses he transcribed a very faulty Copy. Be that Matter as 'twill, betwixt the two we may hope for an entire Book: whereas Father 
d Act. Bened. Sae●. 4. par. 1. p. 726.  Mabillon gave us only an imperfect Abstract. Of what Authority this Writer is to be reckoned, we have already been acquainted. 'Tis in this Treatise chiefly, that this Credit flags, and that he falls below himself. Pervenisset ad summam Laudem (says 
a Praefat. at Hist. tv. p. 11.  Dr. Gale) si carbasa sua non implesset Poetico farore; si veritatem Historia Fabulis officiosis non contaminasset; si de splendore & dulcedine Aldelmi minus prolixe judicasset. We are not sure the like was done for this renowned Prelate by Egwine, Daniel (his Cotemporary Bishop of Winchester) and Alfred Abbot of Malmesbury; tho' Pits 
b Pag. 121, 144, 180.  affirms it: Nor can we tell what's become of those that were written by Ofmund of Salisbury, or Eadmerus, which 
c Praefat. ad Act. Bened, Saec. iv.  Mabillon vouches for, with the same assurance.  
St. Augustine's is 
d J. Pits, p. 136.  reported to have been treated on by Venerable Bede, 
S. Augustine.  in a very large Volume, the Manuscript Copy whereof is said to be in Walter Cope's Library. Bede 
e Hist. Eccles. Edit. Wheloc. pag. 494.  himself says he corrected a false Translation of the Life of St. Anastasius; which I am apt to think is the Groundwork of this Story. There's hardly so good an one for 
f Pits, p. 141.  Nothelmus' three Treatises of his Life, Miracles and Translation; which were undertaken at the joint Instances of Bede and Alcuinus. 'Tis enough that we have a bigger and a less. History of him (as well as two other like Treatises on his Miracles) written by Gotseline, sometime Monk of Canterbury; the former whereof is published by 
a Act. Bened. Saec. 1. p. 499.  Mabillon, and the latter by 
b Angl. Sac. vol. 2. p. 56.  Mr. Wharton.  
St. Cedda's 
S. Cedda.  was either penned by Daniel 
c Pits, p. 141.  Bishop of the Westsaxons; or (which is the same thing to Bale and Pits) some Particulars of it were, by that Prelate, communicated to Bede; who took care to transmit them into his Ecclesiastical History.  
St. Cuthbert's 
S. Cuthbert.  has been treated on at large by a great many Hands. 'Twas first engaged in by Venerable Bede himself in a particular 
d Inter opera ejus.  Tract; wherein he has omitted no Miracle, that could well be swallowed, even by the greedy Faith of his own Age. He wrote it first in Heroic Verse; and afterwards in Prose. It is also 
e J. Pits, p. 122.  said to have been compiled by Laurence Monk and Precentor of Durham; as it certainly was by Reginald, 
a Bibl. Cott. Claudius, D 4.  another Monk of that Church. AB. Usher 
b Antiq. Eccles. p. 489. e Bibl. Cott. Otho D. 14.  quotes a Manuscript Life of this Saint collected out of the Irish Histories; and there's another in English Meeter, answerable to the forementioned Latin Poetry, in the Right Honourable the Earl of Carlisle's Library at Naworth. Many more are in 
c Ibid. Nero, A 2. Vitellius, E. 1.  other Libraries. But that which I would especially recommend to my Reader, for his Diversion and a pleasant Entertainment, is the printed 
d 8vo. Lond. 1663.  Legend of St. Cuthbert, with the Antiquities of the Church of Durham; which was published by B. R. a Gentleman of the old 
e Ath. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 455.  Lord Fairfax's Retinue, but written by one Robert Hag, sometime Fellow of Corpus Christi College in Oxford. The latter part of the Title might have been spared, since there's not much in it that will any way illustrate the Antiquities of that Church: But the Saints own History is prettily composed, in a good orderly Method and handsome Style; intermixed with great variety of Learning and witty Reflections. The Publisher did not do his Author Justice: For, besides the concealing his Name, he 
a Vid. D. Tho. Marshal. praefat. ad observat. in Evang. Anglo-Sax. p. 492.  omitted a great many considerable Passages, all his Quotations, and a Learned Preface. All these Defects have been lately supplied (from the Author's own Manuscript) by Mr. Tanner; who has also added some curious Notes and Observations of his own. This Piece he has had, for some time, ready for the Press: and (methinks) the Members of that great Cathedral, which owes so much to the Memory of this Saint, should encourage and countenance his Pains.  
St. Dunstan's 
S. Dunstan.  Wonders were as famous in the West, as St. Cuthbert's in the North; and have been as duly recorded. This was first done by Bridferth, Monk of Ramsey; who was his Cotemporary, and whose Treatise is published in the 
b Maii. Tom. 4. p. 344.  Antwerp Collection. This was afterwards epitomised and beautified with a set of new Miracles, by 
a Bibl. Cott. Nero, c. 7. Vide & E. 8. It. Cleo, patra, B. 13.  Adalard, at the Command of St. Elphegus, to whom 'tis dedicated. This is also published, with the former. Out of these two, and some other Helps, Osbern (a very Learned Monk, and Precentor of Canterbury, about the Year 1074.) composed a couple of elegant Treatises; in one of which he gives us the Life, and in the other the Posthumous Miracles, of St. Dunstan. The former of these was published by 
b Angl. Sacr. vol. 2. p. 88  Mr. Wharton; and both of them by Monsieur 
c Act. Bened. Saec. v. p. 654.  Mabillon.  
St. Edmund, 
S. Edmund.  King of the East-Angles has been celebrated in Saxon by Abbot 
d Bibl. Cott. Julius, E. 7.  Aelfric; and in old English, by john 
e MS. in Bibl. Hon. D. Com. Carl●ol.  Lydgate, Monk of Bury. Both Bale and Pits tell us a formal Story of one Burchardus, a Dorsetshire Hermit, whose Company was much affected by Fremund Son of King Offa; whose Life (after he was Martyred by the Danes) he took the Pains to write: and 
f Fol. m. 63.  Bale pretends to have seen it. This very Life is quoted by John 
a Survey of L●nd. p. 28.  Stow; who says 'tis the Life of St. Edmund, and that Burchard was Secretary to King Offa. 'Twas also written by 
b Bibl. Cott. Vitelli●s, D. 14.  Will. Monk of Croyland; and more fully penned (at the Request of King Aethelred and St. Dunstan) by the famous Abbo Flori●censis, about the Year of our Lord 985. And, soon after the Conquest, another Book (of his Miracles) was composed by archdeacon Herman. The two last are bound up in 
c Ibid. Tibe●ius, B. 2.  one Volume; with several other Pieces, relating to the Monasteries of St. Edmundsbary and Ely.  
St. Elphegas. 
S. Elphegus.  (AB. of Canterbury, who was also murdered by the Danes) is indebted to the abovementioned Osbern; whose two Books, on his Passion and Translation, are still 
d Angl. Sacr. vol. 2. p. 122. 143. Bibl. Cott. Nero, C. 7. Otho, A. 12. Vitel. B. 17.  extant.  
St. Ethelbert was slain by King Offa, 
S. Ethelbert.  A. D. 793. and had afterwards the Honour of being reputed a Martyr. To him the Old Church of Hereford was dedicated; and therefore Gyraldus Cambrensis (who was sometime Canon there) took the pains to write his 
a Ibid. Vitellius, E. 7.  Life, among many others that his teeming Pen has given us.  
St. Ethelreda (commonly called 
S. Ethelreda.  St. Audery) was the famous Virgin Queen to Egbert King of Northumberland; and first Founder of a Religious House at Ely. Upon this latter score, she has her Life largely treated on by 
b Ibid. Domitianus, A. 15.  Thomas, a Monk of that City; part whereof has only been published by 
c Act. Bened. Saec. i●. p. 739. Vid. etiam Bedae Hist. Eccles. Edit. Wheloc. p. 312. 313.  Mabillon, to whom we are likewise indebted for 
d Saec. v. p. 608.  Wulstan's Life of Saint Ethelwold.  
St. George. 
S. George.  Though neither Tinmouth nor Capgrave mention him amongst our English Saints, yet we meet with him in both our old Saxon Legendaries. I cannot promise the Reader, that he'll have any great stock of English History in his Life: But 'tis written at large by 
e 4to Lond. 1631. 1633.  Dr. Heylin; who designed to have obliged (for ever) our Knights of the Garter, by such a signal Service to the Memory of the great Guardian Saint and Protector of their Order. Out of this Elaborate Book have been stolen 
a 4to Lond. 1661. & 8vo. Ibid. 1664.  two shorter Accounts of his Life; which bear the same Title, and are sometimes sold amongst Romances and Ballads.  
St. Guthlac, 
S. Guthlac.  the Tutelar Saint of Croyland, had his Austerities early described by Faelix a Monk of that Place, about the Year 730. who has the Honour to be quoted by our Learned 
b Rem. p. m. 319. MS. in charact. vet. Saxon. in Bibl. Ben. & Cot. Nero, E. 1.  Camden, as a Poet fortunate enough in his descriptions, tho' Bale is pleased to give this harsh Character of him, 
c Fol. m. 50. a Vid. Pet. Blesens. in contin. Histor. Ingul●.  Fictis Narratiunculis, immo manifestissimis mendaciis, Historiam, Monachico more implevit. The like was done (in Latin Heroics) by Will. 
d Bibl. Cott. Otho, D. 14.  Ramsey, who died Abbot of that Monastery, A. D. 1180. of whom 
e Comment. in C●g. Cant. voce Grantae.  Leland (who was a good Judge of Poetry) gives this Account, that he was, Poeta tam barbaro Saeculo clarus. We are told of a third, by Aelfric, in the Cottonian 
a G Hickes, Catal. Libb. Septen. p. 175  Library; which I guess to be that Saxon Translation of Felix's Book which is mentioned by Archbishop 
b Antiq. Eccles. p. 33. Bibl. Cott. Vespas. D. 21.  Vsher. We are further assured by 
c P. 193. 339. Vid. Bibl. Cott. Nero, c. 7.  Mr. Pits, that both Ingulfus and M. Paris wrote of the Life and Miracles of St. Guthlac: but I dare hardly rely upon his single Authority.  
St. Frideswide's exemplary Chastity is recommended to Posterity by Philip, 
S. Frideswide.  
d Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. lib. 1. p. 12. & 55.  sometimes Prior of her Monastery in Oxford: whereof there's a fair MS. Copy in the Library of Jesus College in that University.  
St. John of Beverley's 
S. John of Beverley.  History was first written (at the request of Aldred Archbishop of York) by 
e Pits, p. 188. Bibl. Cott. Otho, c. 16. Faustin●, B. 4.  Folcard, a Benedictine Monk, about the Year 1066. which was enlarged by Will. 
f Pits, p. 411.  Asketel (or Chettel, Clark of Beverley) A. D. 1320. Another draught was taken of him by 
g Id. p 204.  Alfred, Canon and Treasurer of that Church, in the beginning of the twelfth Century: and a Third (or Fourth) by an 
a Hist. & Ant. Oxon. lib. 1. p 11. & Monast. Angl. Tom. 1. p. 169.  Anonymous Writer about 1373.  
St. Marcellinus would have been utterly forgotten by our English Historians, 
S. Marcellinus.  had not Pits met with him in his Travels beyond Seas; and learned (from his own 
b Coln. 1508.  printed Works) that he was a Dominican Monk of York, and one of the twelve Apostles sent by Abbot Egbert (A. D. 690.) to convert the Pagan Germans. The Particulars of their Mission, with their Entertainment in Westphalia, Friesland, etc. we have from his own Pen.  
St. Neot's Life, 
S. Neot.  written by Will▪ Ramsey, is in the Library at Magdalene College in Oxford. 'Tis in Verse: but of so 
c Vi●. Not. in Aelfred. M. vit. p. 103.  low a strain, that the Author seems to have failed here of that Spirit which Leland observed in his Guthlac. The Matter is likewise as fulsome as the composure is flat; so that 'tis not probable we shall ever see it out of Manuscript. I suppose this is the same which is quoted by 
a Hist. et Antiq. Oxon. lib. 1. cap. 13.  Leland, and some of our later Writers.  
St. Oswald, 
S. Oswald.  Archbishop of York, merited highly of the Regular Clergy; and therefore 'tis no wonder that a Manuscript Copy of his Life was to be had in (almost) every Monastery of the Kingdom. That whereof Eadmerus was the Author (which seems to have been collected with good Judgement, out of some others that had been written before him) is lately 
b Angl. Sac. vol. 2. p. 191.  published; as is also another written by an 
c Apud Joh. Mabillon, Act. Bened p. 735.  Anonymous Monk of Ramsey. A Third, more Voluminous than either of these, was composed by another Nameless Monk of Ramsey; which is now amongst the many more valuable Manuscripts in 
d Nero, E. 1.  Sir Jo. Cotton's Library. There also (as I 
e Vid. Praefat. ad Angl. Sac. vol. 2. p. 14.  guess) the Reader may meet with his Saxon Legend, by Abbot Aelfric: But where he'll find either of those that were penned by 
f Ord. Vital. Hist. Eccles. lib. 2. ad an. 1108.  Folcard, or 
g J. Pits, p. 237.  Senatus Bravonius, I cannot inform him.  
St. Swithun's miracles were recorded by Lamfrid or Lantfred, 
S. Swithun.  a Benedictine Monk of Winchester, about the Year 980. Of whose Book we are told there was a Manuscript Copy in the Lord 
a J. Pits, p. 178.  Lumley's Library, and we are sure there now is one in 
b Nero, E. 1. vide et Gal●●, A. 13.  Sir Jo. Cotten's. This treats only of the great things he did after his Death: but 'tis probable there was a former part of the Discourse (which seems also to have been 
c Prae●at. ad Angl. Sacr. vol. 1. p. 29. 30.  translated into the old English-Saxon Tongue) that took the Story higher. The like, says Pits, 
d pag. 181.  was penned by Wolstan, the same famous Monk of Winchester, who (about the Year 1000) did as much for St. Ethelwald: but I can hear of this piece no where else.  
St. Wilfrid's 
S. Wilfrid.  uneasy Life and Sufferings were first registered by Eddius or Heddius, a noted Monk of Canterbury; whence he was brought, by Wilfrid himself, to instruct his Quire-men of the Kingdom of Northumberland in the Art of Singing. Out of this (which is lately published by 
e Inter 15 Scriptt. p. 40.  Dr. Gale) there was a second Account taken in Latin Rhyme by Fridegod, 
a Edit. a Job. Mabillon, Act. Bened. Saec. V. p. 283. e Bibl. Cott. Claudius, A. 1.  another Monk of the same Church, who was put upon the Employment by Odo, Archbishop of Canterbury. The Archbishop himself wrote a Preface to the Book, which was omitted by Mabillon, but is since published by 
b Angl. Sac. vol. 2. p. 50.  another; and, for this Mr. Pits 
c pag. 174.  makes him a distinct Writer of St. Wilfrid's Life. A Third was written in Prose by 
d Apud J. Mabillon Act. Bened. Saec. III. par. 1. p. 196. et. Bibl. cott. Caligula, A. 8.  Eadmerus; and a fourth by 
e Vid. Monast. Angl. Tom. 1. p. 172.  Petrus Blesensis, dedicated to Jeofrey A. B. of York. So that this Petrus Blesensis and Mr. Pit's Petrus 
f J. Pits, p. 257.  Ripponensis (tho' he makes them two several Authors) are the same Person. There is now in my Possession a Latin Manuscript Life of this Saint; which perhaps may be the same with the last mentioned. It is certainly different from the three first; and seems not to have Length enough for that tedious Discourse on this Subject, which is said to have been written by one 
a Id. p. 911.  Stephen a Priest; and Epitomised by William of Malmesbury. It begins, An●● igitur ab Incar natione Verbi Dei Sexcei●●esimo tricesimo quarto; and ends with St. Wilfrid's Epitaph, in twenty Hexameters.  
St. Wulstan (as two of his immediate Predecessors) 
S. Wulstan.  held the Archbishopric of York, together with the Bishopric of Worcester; and was Sainted for the same Reasons as St. Oswald. There's a double Account of his Life already published; a short one by 
b Angl. Sacr. vol. 1. p. 541.  Hemming, a Monk of Worcester, and another (more at large) by the famous 
c Ibid. vol. 2. p. 241.  Will. of Malmesbury▪ But what's become of those by 
d J. Pits, p. 237. et 339.  Bravonius and M. Paris, we know not.  
These are they that make the most considerable Figure in the Saxon Calendar, and whose Lives, being most amply treated on, will afford some Passages that may be of use to our English Historian. Nor are the little inferior Saints of those times to be wholly despised by him. He'll meet with abundance of such in the several Voluminous Collections to which we sometimes refer him: And I dare promise that, in most of 'em he shall frequently discover some hidden Treasure, even in the midst of the most drossy Miracles.   

CHAP. III.  
Of our Church-Historians, from the Conquest to the Reformation.  
THE Subject of this Chapter is, in a great measure, dispatched already. The general Historians of the Kingdom, during this whole Period, were mostly Monks and other Churchmen; who have taken care to Register our Ecclesiastical Transactions as accurately as the Civil, and to carry along with them the Affairs of our Church and State together. Canon-Law and Appeals to Rome were first brought into England in King 
a Vid. Gervas'. Dorobern. Act. Pontif. col. 1665. Num. 20. 30.  Stephen's Reign, upon the Debates that arose betwixt the Bishop of Winchester (the Pope's Legate) and the AB. of Canterbury: And these soon introduced that Exaltation of the Clergy, that they were necessarily in at every thing; no Intriegue (either of the Court or Camp) being to be managed without them. So that 'tis no wonder if, after that time, our Histories are generally crammed with Disputes and other Matters of a purely Ecclesiastical Nature; and the main Body of 'em look like the Annals of Saint Peter's Patrimony.  
Odericus (or Ordericus) 
O. Vitalis  Vitalis ends his Ecclesiastical History at the Year 1121. some time before these Alterations happened in England. He was Monk of St. Eurole's [Vtici] in Normandy; where he lived 56 Years. The most of his Thirteen 
a Inter Script. Normann. Fol. Paris. 1619.  Books are spent in Affairs of the Church within his own Native Country: But, towards the latter end, he has intermixed a great many Passages that relate to us. There are in his Writings two Faults (and they are great ones) which Lucian of old condemned in History: For 1. He's immoderate in the Praise of his Friends; and the Dispraise of his Enemies; either all Panegyric, or all satire. Now such Discourses are rightly observed to be strangely monstrous and unnatural Productions: They want Meeter to become Poems, and Truth to make them just Histories. 2. He's too large in his Descriptions of little petit Matters; and, on the contrary, passes too cursorily over some things of such weight as would well endure Reflection and a second Thought. We are told of one 
a J. Pits, p. 248.  Richard Pluto (who was Monk of Canterbury, A. D. 1181.) a Writer of the Ecclesiastical History of England; which he dedicated to Richard Duke of Normandy. Where (or what) it is, I know not. But what is hoped for in that Book may possibly be found in the 
b Inter Hist. Angl. Fol. Oxon. 1684.  Burtonenses annal; written, I suppose, by some Monk of Burton in Staffordshire: For it begins with the Foundation of that Monastery, A. D. 1004. and ends at the Year, 1263. Many Passages in it are borrowed from Roger Hoveden (whom the Author calls Hugh) and not a few from M. Paris. The latter of these was certainly Cotemporary with this Author, whoever he was; and they may be, to good purpose, read together. The Reader will meet with a great many remarkable Stories in it that are hardly to be had elsewhere: none (perhaps) having a better Collection of Letters, Memorials, etc. of the Church-History of those Times.  
The Defects of these Annals will be (in part) supplied by W. Linwood's 
a Fol. Oxon. 1679.  Provinciale; 
W. Linwood.  being a Collection of Canons and Ecclesiastical Constitutions, enacted and published by no less than Fourteen Archbishops of Canterbury, from Stephen Langton (inclusively) down to Henry Chicheley. These give us a View of what Points were chiefly under Debate in the Church, for about 200 Years; and are ranked (after the Example of the Decretals) under several distinct Titles, or Common Places: having annexed to them a large Commentary or Gloss, of the Learned Collector's own composure. This Writer was Dr. of Laws, Official of Canterbury, and (at last) Bishop of St. David's; after he had been employed by King Henry the Fifth in 
a Godwin. de praeful. p. 613.  several Embassies, and entrusted with his Privy-Seal. The Book was first published by 
b 4to. Paris. 1506.  Jodocus Badius, and dedicated to Archbishop Warham: but, the Abbreviations in the Original MS. being retained in this, and two following Editions, it was lately reprinted at Oxford, much more accurately and correct. The Legatine Constitutions of the two Cardinals Otho and Othobon (in the Years 1236, and 1268.) have been always added to these, in the Prints; together with the like Commentaries of John Acton or Athon, sometime Prebendary of Lincoln. The Oxford Edition gives us the Canons of the several Archbishops entire and apart, as well as in that confusion to which Linwood's Method had reduced them: and it also intermixes some other Edicts of a spiritual kind; such as Edward the First's Statute of Circumspect Agatis, the Decree of the University of Oxford against some Tenets of Wickliff, etc. Lastly, it furnishes us with some other Canons made by Stafford and Wa●ham▪ which will bring us down as low as the beginning of the Reformation.  
What is here missing may be sought for in Sir Henry Spelman's 
H. Spelman.  
a Fol. Lond. 1664.  second Volume of our English Councils; which unhappily wanted the finishing Hand of its Author. Indeed, he was so far from perfecting what he had projected, that he is 
b Ath. Oxon. vol. 2. p. 697. & Wo● Kennet, Life of Som. p. 88, 89.  said to have left no more than 57 Sheets, of the 200. which are now published under his Name: the rest being entirely owing to the indefatigable Pains of, our late excellent Antiquary, Sir William Dugdale. 'Tis a pity that the joint Labours, of two such great Men as these, should stand in need of a third Hand to complete them: And yet the Errors that were committed (either in Transcribing, or Printing, or both) are apparently so many, that we cannot but earnestly wish that better care may be taken in a second Edition. Archbishop Sheldon and Chancellor Hide thought such a Structure, as this, worth the rearing; and will none of the present Patrons of our Church think fit to repair it? Mr. Somner has long since made a considerable advance toward so good a Work; having with 
a W. Kennet, ibid.  great Pains and Accuracy collated the Printed Copy with many of the Original Records, and in the Margin amended the infinite Defects. This Book is now, amongst others of the same worthy Person's valuable Labours, in the Library at Canterbury: where it cannot lie much longer in obscurity.  
After the Papal Yoke was thrown off, 
N. Harpesfield.  in that great Revolution, which was begun in our Church by King Henry the Eighth, and finished by Queen Elizabeth, the Roman Emissaries tried all imaginable Expedients, to reduce us to our former Obedience; and, amongst others, spared no Pains in representing to us the Primitive State of Christianity in this Isle. The first of these doughty Champions was Nicholas Harpesfield, sometime Archdeacon of Canterbury; but outed (A. D. 1559.) for refusing the Oath of Supremacy. John Pits 
b Pag 781.  says he, was afterwards imprisoned. So far from it, that AB. Parker took him into his own particular care; and gave him all the assistance he could wish for, in compiling what he calls his 
a Fol. Duaci. 1622.  Ecclesistaical History of the British Church. In the first Ages he has lazily followed Bede and Malmesbury; transcribing the very Errors of such Copies as he met with, and not giving himself leisure to examine the Incoherencies in Chronology; and other Contradictions, that he delivers for good and grave History. In aftertimes, he amasses Things together, out of the Registraries and other Helps he had at hand, without any sort of Order or Form: Insomuch, that sometimes the Reader is plagued with several Sheets of tedious Impertinences; and elsewhere scarce meets with the bare Names of the Prelates for some Ages together. Some things are said to have been expunged out of his Original Manuscript, by the Licenser of his Book; being mostly particular Opinions of his own, condemning the 
b Ath. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 172.  Discords, Broils, and ambitious Poverty of the begging Friars: So that we may probably want the best part of his Work; since this would have a little balanced that 
a Vid. Somner. Antiq. Cantuar. p. 272.  load of Infamy which he endeavours to lay upon the chief of our Reformers. I confess our Oxford Antiquary gives a somewhat different Character of this History: 
b Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. lib. 2. p. 137.  Quo quidem in Libro Eruditio an Industria conspicua magis sit, haud facile dicendum. Vtroque revera Nomine laudandus adeo comparet, ut, nisi partium studio abductus suorum in Vtilitatem omnia rapuisset, haud modice de Republica Literaria meruisset.  
Another Zealous engager in this undertaking was, 
R. Parsons.  the famous Jesuit, Robert Parsons; who wrote an Account of the three Conversions of England from Paganism to Christianity, in as 
c 8vo. Audomar. 1603. 1604.  many little Volumes. The first of these he ascribes to St. Peter; whom he very Logically proves to have been here, because he was not at Rome when St. Paul sent his Epistle thither. His story of King Lucius' change is 
d Vsserii Antiq. Eccles. p. 26.  shown to be borrowed from Baronius; who also (tho' he would have been loath to have owned any such thing) had it from the Centuriators. The whole seems to have been designed in answer to Mr. Fox, whom he professedly opposes, throughout a great part of his Second and Third Volumes. He represents that Author, as a Person very ignorant and very dishonest; perverting the Sense in some of his Quotations, and mistaking it in others.  
Rich. Smith 
R. Smith.  (Titular Bishop of Chalcedon, who took upon him to exercise Episcopal Jurisdiction here in the beginning of K. Charles the First's Reign) was not much short of Parsons in Learning; and was certainly much his superior in that Candour and fair Dealing which ought to be the Property of an Historian. He made very large Collections out of our English Histories; which were published (in seven Books) under the Title of 
a Fol. Paris, 1654.  Flores Ecclesiasticae Historiae Gentis Anglorum. The whole Volume is rather an indigested heap of Materials than a just and formal History: and thus much may be said in its commendation, that it honestly Quotes the Reformed Writers as well as those of the Author's own Persuasion.  
After these Flores, 
M. Alford.  came out the Annals Ecclesiae Britannicae (in 
a Leod. 1663.  four Volumes) by Michael Alford, a Jesuit; whose true Name is 
b Ath. Oxon. p. 387.  said to be Griffith. From this Work a late 
c H. Woarton, Angl. Sacr. in Praef. ad vol. 1. p. 15.  Learned Member of our Church has well proved how vain and empty are the brags of our Romanists; who are frequently valuing themselves upon the great Treasure they have of our Ancient English Records. These, they say, were carried off by Monks and other Religious People, who were forced to fly in the last Age; and are now (in Salva Custodia) in several Monasteries beyond the Seas. 'Tis much, as he unanswerably argues, that none of their own Friends should ever reap any Benefit from these mighty Spoils: that this same Alford, for Example, should not have the Advantage of one of those Venerable Instruments to grace his Book; but be forced to run on in the beaten Track, and fetch all his Quotations from such printed Authors as we poor Heretics have published for him. This is the true state of his Case. There's nothing in him that carries a Face of Antiquity, save only some few Shreds that were picked up at Lambeth by Harpsfield; who has furnished him and his Brethren with whatever looks this way.  
Out of this Gentleman, 
S. Cressy.  and some more of our late published Historians, Serenus Cressy compiled his Church-History; which should have been brought down to the Dissolution of Monasteries by K. Henry the Eighth, tho' what is 
a Fol. Rothom. 1668.  published reaches no lower than the Conquest. 'Twas much wondered (by those that had been acquainted with this Learned Person in Oxford, before he fled to the Roman Communion) how he came to stuff his Book so full of Legendary Miracles; since a Man of good substantial Learning, and that enlargement of Thought which usually accompanies it, is very rarely split upon such Rocks. Yet let this be said for him (says honest and blunt 
b Ath. Oxon. p. 388.  Anthony Wood) that for as much as he mostly quotes his Authors for, and leaves what he says to the Judgement of the Readers, he is to be excused, and in the mean time to be commended for his grave and good Style, proper for an Ecclesiastical Historian.  
In the rear of these, let us remember such as have penned the Lives of those few Saints that flourished in the English Church after the Conquest; who have been usually Canonised for such Exploits as (in our days) are commonly thought to deseure another sort of Treatment.  
St. Anselm, 
S. Anselm.  who is believed to have a better 
a Vid. Godwin. de Prae●ul. p. 95.  Title to his Saint-ship than any of those that follow, had great contests with Henry the First about Investitures: an Account whereof, with the other Remarkables of his Life, was written by John 
b J. Pits, p. 249. vide etiam Bibl. Cott. Nero, c. 7.  of Salisbury, an Author much commended by Petrus Blesensis. 'Tis the same with that which is now extant in Manuscript (I suppose in the Library at 
c Angl. Sac. vol. 1. p. 109.  Lambeth) and goes by the Name of John Carnotensis.  
St. Edmund's 
S. Edmund.  is 
a I. Pits, p. 318, 319, 339. Bibl. Cott. Julius, D. 6. Vitelius, C. 12.  said to be penned by Rob, Bacon a secular Priest, and Dr. of Divinity in Oxford; who is also reported to have been sometime Servant to that eminently learned and pious Archbishop. The same Authority assures us that 'twas likewise written by, his only Brother and Companion in all the varieties of his Fortune, 
b Ibid. Cleopatra, B. 1.  Robert Rich; as also by M. Paris. Let me add, 'twas also written by 
c Hist. et Antiq. Oxon. lib. 2. p. 10.  Albert AB, of Prussia, the Pope's Legate.  
St. Gilbert of Sempringham (the Founder of our Famous English Order of Gilbertines) had his Life written by a modest Brother of his own Order; 
S. Gilbert.  who dedicates his Work to Hubert AB. of Canterbury. This is published in the Monasticon, out of the Cottonian Library.  
St. Goodric. Nicholaus Dunelmensis, 
S. Goodric.  a Monk of Durham, was (as M. 
d Adan. 1170. p. 120.  Paris tells the Story) a great Comrade of an Eminent Hermit of his Time called Goodric; whose Life Nicolas being by some of his Friends desired to Write and Publish, he acquainted Goodric with the Design, and desired his Assistance. But instead of having an Account of the remarkable instances of Piety and Mortification, which he expected, the Hermit gives him a long Schedule of all the Crimes he had been guilty of, during his whole Life: Yet, on a second Importunity, his request was granted; and plenty of Materials given for such a Treatise.  
St. Remigius and St. Hugh, 
S. Remigius.  were both Bishops of Lincoln; and had their Histories written in the same 
a Vid. Angl. Sac. 408 et 419.  Treatise, by Gyraldus Cambrensis. The latter having himself been sometimes Prior of a Carthusian Monastery at Witham in Somersetshire, had his Life also written by one Adam, a Monk of that Order; which is supposed to be done about the Year 
b J. Pits, p. 442.  1340.  
St. Richard (de Witz or Wych, 
S. Richard.  Bishop of Chichester) was sometime Chaplain to St. Edmund; and so intimately privy to all the Severities of his Life that he could not well avoid the being very exemplary afterwards in his own Conversation. This, and the Miracles that were necessary upon such an Occasion, procured for him an Enrolment in the Calendar of Saints by Pope 
a M. Paris, Edit. Wats. p. 982.  Vrban, in the Year 1259. And Ralph Rocking, his Confessor, wrote 
b Godw. de Praesul. p. 554. et Pits, p. 349.  two Books of the History of his Life and Wonders which he dedicated to Isabel Countess of Arundel.  
St. Robert's 
S. Robert.  is reckoned amongst the Works of 
c Id. p. 287.  Joceline Bracland; a Learned Monk of St. Edmundsbury about the Year 1214.  
St. Thomas Becket 
S. Thomas Becket.  was the great Goliath Saint of these times; and, as his Shrine outdid that of all the Martyrs that had gone before him, so his Life and Miracles have had more Writers to record them (for the use of after Ages) than the most Glorious Adventures of the best of our Kings. The following long list of 'em may be picked out of Leland, Bale and 
d pag. 214, 239, 249, 250, 257, 271, 286, 304, 316, 501, 797, 835.  Pits; together with some of our later Authors. 1. Herbert Bosenham (Boseham 
e Bibl. Cott. Néro, A. 5.  or Bosseham) Secretary to this Archbishop; who was also present at the Slaughter of him. Others call him Herb. de Hoscham; and, by that Name, we shall shortly meet with him again. 2. Edward a Monk of 
a Bibl. Cott. Vespasianus, E. 10.  Canterbury; the Martyr's most intimate Friend. 3. Joh. 
b Ibid. Claudius, B. 2.  Salesburiensis, who accompanied Becket in his Exile; but never countenanced him in his Misbehaviour towards his Sovereign; being as sharp a Writer against the Encroachments of the Papal See, as any Man of his time. 4. Barthol. Iscanus (or Exoniensis) Bishop of Exeter; where he died A. D. 1184. 5. E. a Monk of Evesham, who dedicated his Book (or wrote by way of Epistle) to Henry Abbot of Croyland. 6. Will. Stephens (or Fitz-Stephen) a Monk of Canterbury; and, for that reason, some times called Guilielmus Cantuariensis. He is said to have written three several Treatises of the Life Martyrdom and Miracles, of this precious Saint; which we are 
c See W. Petyr's praef. to his Right of the Commons, etc. p. 64.  told, are now in Cottons Library. But that which there carries his Name seems to have been penned by Joh. Carnotensis, who is the same Person with 
a Vid G●dw. de Praesul. p. 459.  Salesburiensis above mentioned; since in the Quadripartite History, what we have from him, is often (in the same Words) in that Life there attributed to Fitz-Stephen. 7. Benedictus Petroburgensis, Abbot of Peterborough; who died in the Year 1200. 8. Alanus Teukesburiensis, Abbot also of the Monastery, from whence he had that surname, who lived and died about the same time. 9 Roger Monk of Croyland; who lived about the Year 1214. 'Tis 
b Fuller's Worthies. p. 164. in Lincolnsh.  observed that St. Thomas' Miracles increased so fast in his time, that, as late as he was started, he had matter enough for Seven full Volumes; in composing whereof, he spent no less than Fifteen Years. 10. Stephen Langton, a famous Successor of his in the See of Canterbury; whose Work on this Subject, is said to be in the Library of Bennet College. 11. Alexander de Hales, so called from the Monastery of Hales in Glocestershire, where he was sometime Educated; one of the most eminent Schoolmen of his Age, Master to Thomas Aquinas and S. Bonaventure, etc. 12. John Grandison, or Graunston, Bishop of Exeter, who died in the Year 1369. 13. Quadrilogus, or the Author of the Book, entitled, De Vita & Processu & Thom● Cantuariensis & Martyris super Libertate Ecclesiastica. 'Tis 
a See Dr. Brady's Pref. to his English Hist.  collected out of Four Historians, who were Cotemporary and conversant with him, in his height of Glory and lowest depression; Herbert de Hoscham, Joh. Carnotensis, Will. of Canterbury, and Alan of Tukesbury: who are brought in, as so many several Relators of Matters of Fact, interchangeably. This Book was long since 
b Paris. 1495.  printed in an Old Character and senseless Method; and is often quoted by our Historians, in the Reign of Henry the Second, by the Name of Quadripartita Historia. 14. Thomas Stapleton, the Translator of Bede; in whose 
c De tribus Thomis. Fol. Duac. 1588.  Pairroyal of Thomas', this Gentleman makes as considerable a Figure as either Thomas the Apostle or Thomas Aquinas. 15. Laurence Vade, or Wade, a Benedictine Monk of Canterbury, who lived and died we know not when or where; unless perhaps he be the same Person with, 16. An Anonymous Writer of the same Life, who appears to have been a Monk of that Church; and whose Book is now in Manuscript in the 
a Angl. Sacr. vol. 2. p. 523. Vid. & Bibl. Cott. Vitellius, C. 12. Vespasiamus, B. 14.  Library at Lambeth. 17. Rich. James (Nephew to Dr. Tho. James, our Bodleyan Library-keeper) a very industrious and eminent 
b Athen. Oxon. p. 524, 525. See also AB. usher's Letters, p. 303.  Antiquary; who endeavoured to overthrow the great Design of the foremention'd Authors, in his Decanonizatio Thomae Cantuariensis & suorum, which (with many other MSS. of his Composure) is in the Public Library at Oxford.   

CHAP. IU.  
Histories of the Reformation, and of our Church-Affairs, down to the end of Queen Elizabeth's Reign.  
THE first Man that engaged in the History of our Reformation was Mr. John Fox, 
J. Fox.  sometime Prebendary of Salisbury, who died at London in the Year 1587. His Acts and Monuments were first written in Latin, for the Instruction of Foreigners; and were so published, during his own Exile in the Reign of Queen Mary. They afterwards grew into two large English Volumes, which have had several 
a Lond. 1583, 1596.  Impressions; and have (at last) been published in 
b Ibid. 1684.  three, with fair Copper-Cuts. In behalf of this last Edition, the Publishers had well nigh prevailed with King Charles the Second to revive Queen Elizabeth's Order and AB. Parker's Canon, for the having a Set of these Volumes in the Common Halls of every Archbishop, Bishop, Dean, Archdeacon, etc. But that Project failed, and came to nothing: And indeed it would have looked a little oddly, to have paid such a respect to the Works of an Author, 
a Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. lib. 2. p. 195.  Qui Matri Ecclesiae Anglicanae non per omnia Amicus deprehenditur, ut pote qui Puritanis faveret, & Ritibus Ecclesiae se non Conformem praestiterit. The Design of the Author is to discover the Corruptions and Cruelties of the Romish Clergy; together with the Sufferings and Constancy of the Reformed, and of the Maintainers of their Doctrines in all Ages of the Church: which he has done so throughly, that 'tis no wonder to find those of the Papal Communion very much galled with his Writings. Hence the Jesuit Parsons 
b De tribus Convers. vol. 1.  took such Pains to represent him as a Corrupter of Antiquity, an impertinent Arguer, etc. And Nich. Harpsfield treated him as coursely; in those 
c 4to. Antverp. 1566.  six Dialogues of his, which were printed beyond Seas in his Friend Alan Cope's Name, during their true Author's residing in England. It must be confessed that these Volumes (being large and penned in haste) have some Mistakes in them that are not to be dissembled: But in the main, 'tis an Honourable Character that 
a G. Burnet, Praef. ad Hist. Reform. vol. 1.  one of the greatest Historians of our Age gives of them, That having compared these Acts and Monuments with the Records, he had never been able to discover any Errors or Prevarications in them, but the utmost Fidelity and Exactness. Indeed, where his Stories are of a more modern Date, and depend on common Reports, or such Informations as were sent him from distant parts of the Kingdom, the like exactness is not always to be looked for; since the Author's hasty Zeal against the Papists, furnished him with a large Stock of Faith, and a readiness to avouch any thing that might effectually blacken them and their Religion. One 
b Young Lawyer's Recr. p. 161. and rolls Reports. p. 87.  unlucky Tale occasioned a deal of Trouble to a Clergyman; who very innocently reporting from him that one Greenwood had by Perjury taken off a Martyr in Queen Mary's Reign, and came afterwards to a shameful End; the said Greenwood was (it seems) present at the Sermon, and brought an Action of Scandal against the Preacher. However the Judge cleared him at the Trial; as only harmlessly quoting an Author, without any malicious intent, of slandering his Neighbour. Such Slips as these were pretty numerous in some of the first Editions: But as many of them as came to the Author's knowledge were rectified by himself; and others have been corrected since his Death.  
Several Papists were provoked to write Counterparts to these Volumes; 
Popish Historians.  wherein they pretended to set forth the Reformers in as bloody a Dress, as Fox had painted Them; and to draw up as large Kalendars of their own Martyrs. The chief of these were, 1. Maurice Chancey (by some called Chamney, and by others Chawney) a famous Carthusian Friar in the Monastery of that Order near London; who fled upon starting the Question of the King's Supremacy, and died in a voluntary Exile A. D. 1581. He wrote a large Account of the Sufferings of Sir Thomas Moor, Bishop Fisher, and others; as also of Eighteen Monks of his own Order. This Work bears the Title of 
a 4to. Mogunt. 1550. &. Colon. 1607.  Historia aliquot nostri saeculi Martyrum; and is falsely subdivided into three several Books by John Pits. 2. John Fenn, sometime a Civilian of New College in Oxford, and afterwards a Member of the University of Louvain; who clubbed with one John Gibbon, a Jesuit, for such another Martyrology: which they published under the Title of 
b 8vo. Treu. 1583.  Concertatio Ecclesiae Catholicae in Anglia adversus Calvino-Papistas & Puritanoes. This Book was afterwards enlarged by John Bridgwater (or Aquaepontanus, as he styles himself) another Jesuit; who, having corrected many faulty Particulars, and added about a hundred new Martyrs, dedicated his 
c 4to. Treu. 1594.  Edition to the AB. of Triers. 3. Thomas Worthington, Doctor in Divinity, and sometime Precedent of the English College at Douai; who died in England, A. D. 1626. His Book or Pamphlet (for it consists only of Four Sheets) bears the Name of 
a 8vo. Duac. 1612, 1614  Catalogus Martyrum pro Religione Catholica in Anglia occisorum ab Anno 1570. ad Ann. 1612. and is mostly taken out of the Book last mentioned. 'Tis chiefly valuable upon the Account of a Preliminary Discourse; wherein the Author gives the History of our English Seminaries beyond Seas, and the Success that has attended several Missions out of them. 4. John Musheus, sent from Douai into England; where he lived A. D. 1612. somewhere in his Native County of York. He is 
b J. Pits, p. 810.  said to have drawn a Register of the Sufferings of all the roman-catholics in the Northern parts of this Kingdom.  
Nicolas Sanders deserves a peculiar Respect, 
N. Sanders.  and aught to be considered by himself. The short of his Story (as we have it from his Nephew 
c Pag. 775.  Pits) is this: He was born in Surrey, Educated at Winchester and New College in Oxford; where he was sometime Regius Professor of the Canon-Law. He afterwards fled to Rome: whence he attended Cardinal Hosius to the Council of Trent, as also into Poland, Russia, etc. At last Pope Gregory the 13th sent him, as his Nuncio, into Ireland; where he died about the Year 1580. He was an indefatigable Writer, as well as Warrior, for the Roman Cause; and stuck at nothing that he thought might advance it. Amongst his many Treatises, those that fall under our present Consideration, are 
a 8vo. Colon. 1610.  De Martyrio quorundam temp. Hen. 8. & Elizab. running in the same Strain with those of the like Title already mentioned. 
b 8vo. Colon. 1585. Rom. 1586. etc.  2. De Origine & Progressu Schismatis Anglicani, with such Enlargements as were made to it by Edward Rishton, another Popish Emissary, 
c Camd. Annal. R. Eliz. ad An. 1584.  Qui impie ingratus in Principem cui vitam debuit, publicatis scriptis malitiae Virus illieo evomuit. This Libellous Invective was mainly designed for a Calumny upon Queen Elizabeth, in her Birth and Parentage. It was not in her Reign allowed to be answered: because such an impudent Slander ('twas thought) would soon fall to nothing, if slighted and despised. But this allowance, of its walking abroad without control, has emboldened some in our Days to magnify its Authority; and to quote it as a Story of great Truth and Gravity. Hence it has had the Honour to be translated, by a Polite Pen, into 
a 8vo. Par. 1673, 1674.  French: A respect which had formerly been paid it in Italian by 
b L' Hist. Eccles. della Rivoluzion d' Inghil terra. 8vo. Rom. 1594.  Pollini, who (tho' he pretended to write a History of his own, yet) in reality was no more than a Translator of Sanders. But sufficient care has been taken by our Learned Bishop 
c In fi●e utriusque Tomi Hist. Reform.  Burnet, to guard the English Protestant Reader against any Mistake that this bold Romancer might lead him into; by publishing a Catalogue and Refutation of his Calumnies and Lies. His Style is generally clean and pretty; and his way of telling his Tales is facetious enough and pleasant: So that the Book may pass, with Argenis and Euphormio, for good Diversion; but ought not to be relied on for sound History.  
Great were the Clamours of many other Romanists upon this Kingdom's breaking the Papal Tyranny, 
R. Twisden.  and the Monarchy's resuming its ancient and just Rights; insomuch that Pamphlets were penned and published by Men of all Professions (Priests, Lawyers and Lay-Gentlemen) aspersing our Reformers with Heresy, Schism, Apostasy, etc. As much of these as falls under our present Consideration has been amply replied to by Sir Roger Twisden, in his most elaborate 
a 4to. Lond. 1675.  Historical Vindication of the Church of England in point of Schism; as it stands separated from the Roman, and was reformed 1 Eliz. Wherein he shows, 1. How the Papal Usurpations grew upon us; and what immense Sums they extorted from the English Clergy. 2. That our Kings were always believed to be invested with a Plenary Power in sacris; as much as is at this Day acknowledged by our Laws. 3. That the Procedure of our Princes, in this Separation from the Roman See, was agreeable to that Power; and consistent with the legal and primitive Constitution of our Government. These Particulars he proves at large, by the irrefragable Authorities of a vast number of our old Histories and Records; wherein no Man was ever better versed than this truly Learned and Religious Baronet.  
Tho' Sir Henry Spelman 
a In Praefat. ad Tom. 1. p. 2.  speaks of a third Tome of his Councils (which should give us a Collection of all the Acts and Constitutions of our Reformed English Church) as of a Work already finished, 
H. Spelman.  and ready for the Press, we have no great encouragement to inquire after any such thing. We have seen in what an imperfect Condition the second was left at his Death; and tho' his Grandson acknowledges some assistance given, in the Edition of that Volume, by Mr. Stephens, (who 
b Vid. Car. Spelm. Praef. ad Tom. 2.  he says, not only Corrected the Press, but brought in a deal of Materials, yet) he says nothing of any such Provision like to be made for the sending abroad his Grandfathers third Tome. The Truth is, the Gentleman takes no notice of his chief Benefactor in that Matter; who was (as has been already observed) Sir Will. Dugdale; and who seems to have had a Resolution to have completed the whole Work. Amongst his MSS. at Oxford, there's one Volume of his own Collections, which he has Entitled, 
a Inter MSS. Dugd. in Musaeo Ashmol. lit. Y.  Papers to be made use of for a Third Volume of the Councils; or History of the Reformation: And there's no doubt but they will be found to contain most of what was any where to be had on that Subject.  
Thomas Fuller's 
b Folly Lond. 1655.  Church-History must have the next Place: for, 
T. Fuller.  tho' he begins higher, and goes lower than the strict limits of this Chapter would require, his chief business falls within the Times we are speaking of. It starts with the first planting of Christianity in this Island; and ends with the Death of King Charles the First. 'Tis divided into Eleven Books; whereof the Sixth gives the History of the Abbeys of England; from the first rise of Monkery, to the final Eradication of it under Henry the VIII. These are subdivided into lesser Sections; which are severally dedicated to such Patrons as were most likely to make their due acknowledgements to the Author. Nor were these Infant Lords and Rich Aldermen the only People he designed to flatter. He was to make his Court to the Powers then in fashion; and, he well knew, nothing would be more grateful to them than squinting Reflections on the Management of the Late King's chief Ministers of State, Eminent Churchmen, etc. For such mis-behaviour as this he was severely taken to task by Peter Heylin, in his 
a 8vo. Lond. 1658.  Examen Historicum: to which was added Dr. Cosin's Apology in Answer to some Passages in that History, which concerned himself. We have formerly observed that his Worthies were sent abroad to Apologise for the mistakes in his Church-History; and we have here an ample instance of the Truth of that Remark. Upon the King's Restauration, Dr. Cousin was deservedly advanced to the See of Durham; and 'twas then high time to harp upon another string, and to turn his Eloquence another way. The late wavering Doctor, is now the very 
a Fuller's Worthies, p. 295. in Durham.  Atlas of the Protestant Religion; confirming the same with his Piety and Learning, etc. But to what purpose should we insist upon Particulars? Through the whole he is so full of his own Wit that he does not seem to have minded what he was about. The Gravity of an Historian (much more an Ecclesiastical one) requires a far greater care, both of the Matter and Style of His Work, than is here to be met with. If a pretty Story comes in his way, that affords scope for Clinch and Droll, off it goes with all the gaiety of the Stage; without staying to inquire whether it have any Foundation in Truth, or not; and even the most serious and most authentic Parts of it are so interlaced with Punn and Quibble, that it looks as if the Man had designed to ridicule the Annals of our Church into Fable and Romance. Yet, if it were possible to refine it well, the Work would be of good use: since there are in it some things of Moment, hardly to be had elsewhere; which may often illustrate dark Passages in more serious Writers. These are not to be despised, where his Authorities are cited and appear Credible: But, otherwise (in matters wherein he's singular, and without his Vouchers) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
The first that attempted a formal History of our Reformation was Dr. Peter Heylyn; 
P. Heylin.  who, upon the return of Monarchy and Episcopacy, published his Book entitled Ecclesia 
a Fol. Lond. 1661.  Restaurata; wherein he pretends to give a punctual account of the rise and progress of that great Work. But the first Agitations in Religion (as he calls them) are very slenderly touched; his Story beginning at the Year 1537. What he chiefly designed by it, I cannot well apprehend; unless 'twas to show K. Charles the Second the Errors and Mistakes of our first Reformers, and to direct him how to settle the Church on a better Foundation: For he falls foul on all the Princes of those Times, without any regard to their good or ill Wishes to the Protestant Interest. He represents K. Edward the Sixth as one of ill Principles, and Soft; and Censures his Mother's Relations with a more than ordinary Freedom. He intimates as if the Zwinglian Gospelers would have carried all before them, had that Prince Lived; and observes they were far too rife in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's Reformation, when many were raised to great Preferments, who were too much inclined to the Platform of Geneva. On the other hand; Queen Mary's Bloodiness is no where set off in so lively a Paint as where he tells us, 
a Pag. 139.  She admitted of a Consultation for burning the Body of her Father, and cutting off the Head of her Sister. 'Tis a good Rule which a modern 
b Le Moyne. Dissert. 4. cap. 3.  Critic gives his Historian, That he should have a Regard to his own Birth; and not forget the Respect due to the Memory of those Princes that have Governed his native Country. As this should restrain a Man from exposing the Failures of such Governors in their own Persons; so it ought to caution him against making too free with the Frailties of their Kindred and Councillors. He concludes with the Act of Establishing the Government of the Church by Archbishops and Bishops, in the Eighth Year of Queen Elizabeth; whose famous Court of High Commission, he calls the Principal Bulwark and Preservative of the Church of England. If the Reader desires any further Character of this Writer and his History, 'tis given him by one 
a G. Burnet, Praef. ad Hist. Reform. Tom. 1.  who should be best acquainted with it: He wrote (says he) Smoothly and Handsomely; His Method and Style are good; and his Work was generally more read, than any thing that had appeared before him. But either he was very ill informed, or very much led by his Passions; and, being wrought on by some Violent Prejudices against some that were concerned in that Time, he delivers many things in such a manner, and so strangely, that one would think he had been secretly set on to it, by those of the Church of Rome. Tho' I doubt not but he was a sincere Protestant; but violently carried away by some particular Conceits. In one thing, he is not to be excused, That he never vouched any Authority for what he wrote: which is not to be forgiven any who write of Transactions beyond their own Time, and deliver new things not known before. [The most of his Materials (I guess) were had from the Transcript which AB. Laud caused to be made of all that related to the Story of the Reformation, out of those eight large Volumes of Collections that are still in the 
a Cleopatra, E. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. F. 1, 2. Vid. etiam Hist. & Synops. Bibl. Cott. p. 43.  Cottonian Library.] So that upon what Grounds he wrote a great deal of his Book we can only conjecture; and many, in their Guesses, are not apt to be very favourable to him. I know endeavours have been used to blunt the Edge of this Censure; by one 
b G. Vernon, in vita D. P. H●yli●, 8vo. Lond. 1682.  who has done all, that a true Friend could do, to place the Doctor and his Writings in a better Light. But what would that kind Gentleman have said to a sharper Sentence passed by 
c B. Bar. Re. p. 18●.  another Learned Prelate on this Book? How would he have resented the telling the World that Dr. Heylin's representing our first Reformers as fanatics, was an Angry and Scandalous injury to Truth and our Church? This, I confess, is very hard Language; but, perhaps, it may more easily be digested than refused.  
The Defects of the forementioned Author were abundantly supplied in the more complete History of our Reformation by 
a Fol. 2. vol. Lond. 1681.  Dr. Burnet, 
G. Burnet.  the present Bishop of Salisbury; whose first Volume was published in the Year 1679. by Secretary Coventry's Order, and Dedicated to K. Charles the Second. In the Months of December and January (in the Year following, 1680.) The Historian had the Thanks of both Houses of Parliament for what he had already done; and was desired to proceed to the finishing of the whole Work: which was done accordingly. This History gives a punctual Account of all the Affairs of the Reformation; from it's first beginnings in the Reign of Henry the Eighth, till it was finally completed and settled by Queen Elizabeth, A. D. 1559. And the whole is penned in such a Masculine Style, as becomes an Historian, and such as is this Author's Property in all his Writings. The Collection of Records, which he gives in the conclusion of each Volume, are good Vouchers of the Truth of all he delivers (as such) in the Body of his History: and are much more perfect than could reasonably be expected, after the Pains taken, in Q. Mary's days, to suppress every thing that carried the Marks of the Reformation upon it. The Work has had so much Justice done it, as to meet with a general Acceptance abroad, and to be translated into most of the European Languages: insomuch that even the most Picquant of the Author's Enemies allow it to have a 
a Ant. Harmer, in Praefat.  Reputation firmly and deservedly established. Indeed, some of the French Writers have cavilled at it: But the most eminent of them (Mr. Varillas and Mr. Le Grand) have received due correction from the Author himself 
b Reflections on Varill. 12ᵒ. Amstel, 1686. Defence of those Reflections. Ibid. 1687. Continuation of Reflect. Ib. 1687. Answer to Joach. Le Grand's Defence of Sanders, etc. 4to. Ibid. 1688. . It was no wonder to see some Members of the Roman Communion, laying out their best endeavours to raise themselves a Name by so glorious a Service to their Church, as the disparagement of this Writer (and the disgracing his History) might justly have been reckoned: But 'twas a little unaccountable that the same Rancour should possess Men within the Pale of our Reformed English Church; and such as desired to be looked upon as Zealous maintainers of Her Honour, and the Justice and Honesty of her Reformation. The first of these was 
a Of the Subject of Church power, 8vo. Lond. 1685.  S. Lowth; who pretended only to batter the Erastian Tenets in Mr. Hobbes' Leviathan: But took occasion, in the conclusion of his Book, to Censure the Account Dr. Burnet had given of some of Archbishop Cranmers singular Opinions. This Gentleman had the confidence to assert, That both our Historian and Dr. Stillingfleet had imposed upon the World in that Particular; and had unfaithfully joined together in their endeavours to lessen Episcopal Ordination. I am not now concerned with his Charge against Dr. Stillingfleet; who did him the Honour, which he ought not to have hoped for, to expose his Folly in a short Letter to the Bishop of London. His Quarrel with Doctor Burnet, is wholly about Method and the 
a See Dr. Burnet's Letters in Answer to Mr. Lowth, 4to. Lond. 1685.  Art of Composure; wherein, most certainly, these two Authors have extremely differed. And yet, notwithstanding the awkardness of Mr. Lowth's Style, 'tis thought the Man himself was not Master of so much Venom and Ill-Nature, as appears in his Book: But that he had a great share of his spiteful Language put into his Mouth by a warm Neighbour; who is now dead, and aught to be forgotten. The next Assailant was a peevish Gentleman in Masquerade; who, under the feigned Name of Anthony Harmer, published a 
b 8vo. Lond. 1693.  Specimen of some Errors and Defects in the History of the Reformation, etc. As if what he there gives were only a Sample of what he had in store for us: when it appears that he has stooped to such mean and pitiful Remarks, as sufficiently show that he had pumped himself to the bottom, and that his Malice was upon the Lees. 'Tis a great Indignity which some have put upon the Memory of a late most Reverend, Learned and Pious, Prelate; in reporting him to have been the Author of that malicious Libel: For, whatever other unhappy Mistakes he might be guilty of, he could never fall so low as to write at such an unmanly and uncharitable Rate. The Historian vouchsafed this Book a short Answer, in a 
a 4to. Lond. 1694.  Letter to the Bishop of Litchfield; to which the Animadverter made no Reply. To those that are still inclined to favour the Specimen, I shall only say that the whole 150 Particulars, therein summed up, will fall under these six Heads; as being either, 1. Such airy and superficial Matters as we usually call Impertinencies. 2. Some inconsiderable Mistakes of the Printer's or Copiers. 3. Others that have a little Weight; but might have been corrected without Noise; and do not affect the Reformation. 4. Some few (a very few) that do touch upon its Justice and Honour: In most of which 'tis easy to discern the Affection which the Animadverter pretends to bear it, if Apologies for the old Monks and N. Sanders be any Argument of such Affection. 5. Others wherein he himself is mistaken. 6. Several Objections are raised purely for the sake of Calumny and Reflection. These are the Thoughts I had of this Piece, upon my first perusal of it; and I am throughly confirmed in them from the successful Pains that has been since taken with it by my modest and industrious Friend. Something of a fresh Attaque was afterwards made by 
a Discourses on Dr. Burnet and Dr. Tillotson, etc. 4to. Lond. 1695.  one, who had set himself to discredit, whatever had been published by this Historian: And yet all that even such a Writer could find chargeable on his History of the Reformation, was only, that 
b See the Bishop of Sarum's Vindication, 8vo. Lond. 1696. p. 83, 87.  In a Matter of no great Consequence there was too little Care had in Copying or Examining a Letter writ in a very bad Hand; and that there was since probability that Dr. Burnet was mistaken in one of his Conjectures. I think I may justly observe thus much of all those that have hitherto endeavoured to lessen the Repute of this History; That they have apparently shown their Inclinations rather to bespatter the Author than his Work: And, whatever Success such Persons may meet with in their Attempts, they have commonly the Misfortune to discover themselves to be (at least) Men of like Passions with their Adversary.  
The Reverend Author of these Volumes published also an 
a 8vo. Lond. 1682.  Abridgement of them; 
Burnet 's Abridgement.  wherein the Reader has a full and clear View of the Reformation, without any of those Obscurities or Defects that usually attend Works of this kind. Take an Account of it in his own Words: I have wholly waved every thing that belonged to the Records, and the proof of what I relate; or to the Confutation of the Falsehoods that run through the Popish Historians. All that is to be found in the History at large. And therefore in this Abridgement, every thing is to be taken upon Trust; and those that desire a fuller Satisfaction, are to seek it in the Volumes I have already published.  
The Memorials of Archbishop Cranmer, which were lately published by 
b Fol. Lond. 1693.  Mr. Stripe, 
J. Stripe.  shall conclude this Chapter; tho' (were it not that the Subject rather than the Title of the Book inclines me to bring them in here) they would more properly belong to another Place. The Writer of them has adhered to Dr. Burnet's Method; giving us his own Historical Account in Three Books (ending with the several Deaths of Henry the Eighth, Edward the Sixth, and Queen Mary) and in the Conclusion, a good Collection of Records. Several Things, relating to the State of the Church during that Primacy, are well Illustrated by him; and some Authentic Letters, and other Original Papers of Value, are discovered and made public. The only Blemish I know in this Book is (what, it may be, the Author will think its most comely Feature) the crowding so much of his other Learning into the Body of his History; which, instead of entertaining his Readers answerably to his good Design, is apt to distract and amuse them. Where the Subject is dry and barren, a few choice Flowers out of a right Common-place-book, are very refreshing; provided they are sprinkled with a sparing Hand, and a steady Judgement. But, where the Matter itself is pleasant and diverting, all those Embellishments are nauseous; and even Tully and Tacitus themselves are troublesome.   

CHAP. V.  
Histories of our Bishops in general, and those of their several Sees.  
THAT Joceline de Fourness (an Historian quoted by Stow and Fitzherbert) wrote several Books concerning the ancient British Bishops, John 
a Pag. 884.  Pits is very certain: But, whether he was an Englishman, or (as he rather fancies) a Welshman, he dares not be positive. One Book, indeed, of that kind, was written by Joceline a Monk of Fourness in Lancashire; and is still 
b Vid. Vsser. Antiq. Eccles. p. 36.  extant: But (as the Author himself could not be of any great Age, so) his Collections seem to have been made out of Histories that were penned since the Conquest. Of somewhat less Account (I fear) is that of the Saxon Prelates, whereof Ethelwold, Bishop of Winchester, is said to be the Author; whereof a MS. Copy is likewise 
a J. Pits, p. 178.  reported to be in the public Library at Cambridge.  
After the Conquest, 
Since the Conquest  the Memoirs of our Bishops were taken by a great many Hands. Geoffrey (Prior of Winchester about the Year 1100.) wrote a Panegyrical Account of them in elegant Verse says 
b De Gest. Pontif. lib. 2. p. 246.  Will. of Malmesbury; who himself more largely commented upon them in Prose. His four first Books were published by 
c Fol. Lond. 1596.  Sir Henry Savil, from a very faulty Manuscript; and his Edition was Copied more faultily in that of 
d Fol. 1601.  Francfurt. In these we have all that could be had out of the many old Catalogues which swarmed in our English Monasteries; together with what the Author was able to inform us of his own Knowledge, touching his Cotemporaries. Henry of Huntingdon's 
e Angl. Sac. vol. 2. p. 694.  Letter, to his Friend Walter, describes the Prelates of his own Time, which immediately succeeded to Malmesbury's; and 'tis done with all the heartinesses that becomes a familiar Epistle, and a Freedom inclining to satire. Ralph de Diceto followed these with a Catalogue of his own drawing, from the coming in of Augustine the Monk, to the beginning of King John's Reign: But there's little in it worth the publishing. Joh. Eversden, a Monk of Bury (who died, says 
a Pag. 435.  Pits, about the Year 1636.) is said to have written de Episcopis Anglìae, as well as de Regibus: But Mr. Wharton could never meet with any such Treatise. He found, he says, some of Mr. Joceline's Collections out of Eversden's Chronicle: So that perhaps he's the same Man with that Johannes Buriensis, whom we have mentioned in the 
b Pag. 172.  First Part. We are also told of a like Book by one Nicolas Montacute, or 
c J. Pits, p 656, 657.  Manacutius; who is believed to have been sometime Master of Eton School, because (forsooth) most of his Works were in the Library of that College. What good Things were heretofore in that Library, I know not: But, upon a 
d Praefat. ad Angl. Sac. vol. 1. p. 14.  late Search, nothing could be found that bore this Author's Name; save only a pitiful Treatise (at Lambeth) de Pontificibus Romanis, not worth the reading. I fancy somebody's quoting this under the Title de Pontificibus (simply) has given occasion to Bale and Pits, who collected and wrote in haste, to Naturalise all his Bishops. Polydore Virgil's Book, or 
a Id. Ibid.  Scroll, of our English Prelates, is boasted of in our Seminaries beyond Seas: And (his great Antagonist) John Leland assures us, he had taken mighty care to collect their Remains, 
b Comment. in Cyg. Cant. voc. Antoninus Beccus.  Et majori [cura] propediem in ordinem redigam. He had many other grand Projects in his Head, which came to nothing. John Pits likewise very gravely refers his Readers (in many parts of his Book de Illustribus Angliae Scriptoribus) to another of his own composure de Episcopis: which we are 
c Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. lib. 2. p. 142.  credibly informed, is only a poor and silly Abstract of the first (and worst) Edition of that which falls next under our Thoughts, and deserves to be separately considered.  
Francis Godwine 
F. God. wine.  (Son of Tho. Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells) was most fortunate in his Commentary, as he calls it, on this Subject; being himself advanced to the Episcopal Order 
a Ath. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 497.  for the good Services that (as Queen Elizabeth thought) he had done the Church by that Book. It was twice published in 
b 4to. Lond. 1601, 1615.  English; equally full of the Authors and Printer's Mistakes. The Faults of the latter Edition (especially) were so very gross, that they put him upon the speedy dispatch of another in Latin; 
c Comment. de Praesul. 4to. Lond. 1616.  which came out the next Year. The Style of this is very neat and clean; and he seems to have taken more Pains in polishing it, than in gathering together all the Materials of his History. He quotes no Authorities; excepting (belike) that Posterity should acquiesce in his singly, without enquiring any further. He is particularly ungrateful to the Author of the Antiquitates Britannicae; from whom he has borrowed (by the Great) his Account of the See of Canterbury; varying only the Phrase, and that sometimes for the worse. The like Carriage he is guilty of towards Bale, Camden, and others: But what is most especially notorious, is his transcribing out of Josseline and Mason, what he pretends to have had immediately from the Archives and Registraries, from the Year 1559, to his own Time. He is also frequently guilty of Chronological Mistakes; a too confident Reliance on the Authorities of counterfeit Charters in Ingulfus and others; an uncertain Calculation of Years, beginning some at Michaelmas, and others at Christmas, etc. as his Authors blindly led him: and lastly, a contenting himself with false and imperfect Catalogues of the Prelates in almost every Diocese. These are the Failures where with he stands charged by 
a Praefat. ad Angl. Sac. vol. 1. p. 17.  Mr. Wharton; who modestly assures us that a better Progress had been made in these Matters by himself, within the compass of Eighteen Months, than by this Bishop in Twenty Years. Our Oxford, 
b 4th. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 496.  Antiquary further complains, that he Puritanically vilified Popish Bishops; with a Design thereby to advance the Credit of those since the Reformation: whereby he had given unlucky Advantages to William Prynne (the professed Enemy of Episcopacy) who made ill use of his Book. I will not say that either of these Censurers are mistaken: but I must observe to the Reader, that each of them intended to have furnished us with a View of this part of our Ecclesiastical History, of his own drawing; and therefore, like all new Builders, they must be allowed to spy more Faults in the old Fabric, than others can. The former has helped us to a noble Stock of old Writers upon the Affairs of a great many of our Sees, from their Foundation, in his Anglia Sacra: and the latter has given us almost an entire History of our Bishops, for the two last Centuries, in his Athenae Oxonienses. These are good Materials; and such as will direct to more of the same kind; whereof there are good store in the Bodleian and Cottonian Libraries. We long only for a skilful Architect, to put them into the Figure we desire. And (I hear) the Work is at last put into the Hands of a Person, who wants none of those Helps or Qualifications that are necessary to the Undertaking.  
Hitherto we have mentioned only such as have written the History of our Prelacy with an honest Intent, 
Inveetives.  to represent it to the World in its proper and true Colours: we have others that have made it their Business to daub it with false Paint, endeavouring to give such Pourtraictures of our Bishops, as might most effectually defame and prostitute the sacred Order. The first of these was one Thomas Gibson, a Fanatical Physician in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's Reign; who entitl'done of his Treatises A History of the Treasons of the Bishops since the Norman Conquest. Whether this was ever Printed my 
a Ath. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 109.  Author cannot inform me. The next was Sir John Harring tun of Kelweston; who, soon after K. James the First's arrival in England, began to draw together some malicious Remarks upon the Bishops of his Time; which he at last finished under the Title of 
b 8vo. Lond. 1653.  A brief view of the state of the Church of England, as it stood in Queen Elizabeth 's and King James 's Reign, to the Year 1608. It was presented by the Author, in Manuscript, to Prince Henry; from whom the Presbyterian Faction expected great Alterations in Church-Government. After the downfall of Episcopacy, it fell into such Hands as brought it to the Press; believing it to be a proper Antidote against the return of the plaguy Hierarchis. The last of this Gang was (that eternal Scribbler) Will. Prynne; who raked together all the Dirt that had been thrown at any of our Bishops, by the most inveterate and implacable of all their Enemies; and happed it into a large Dunghil-Book inscribed 
a 4to. Lond. 1641.  The Antipathy of the English Lordly Prelacy, both to legal Monarchy and civil Unity: Wherein he pretends to give an Historical Collection of I know not how many Hundreds of exercrable Treasons, Conspiracies, etc. of the British, English, French, Scotch and Irish Bishops, against our Kings and Kingdom. But— 'tis time to rid our Hands of this Filth and Nastiness. The most ancient Register Books and Records of our several Dioceses and Cathedral Churches will less sully our Fingers.  
S. ASAPH. 
S. Asaph.  The History of the Bishops and Deans of this Place was composed by the late learned and industrious Mr. Wharton; whose Book was 
a Historia de Episcopis et Decanis Londinensibus; necnon de Episcopis et Decanis Assavensibus, a prima utriusq sedis Fundatione ad. An. 1540 8vo. Lond. 1695.  published soon after his Death; as a Specimen of what his general Work (of all the Dioceses in England) would have been if he had lived to have finished it. To this Treatise (as well as to the other that is prefixed to it) there is an Appendix of Authentic Instruments out of the Register Books, etc. According to the Method first taught him by Dr. Burnet. In the Lives of the Bishops he frequently quotes the Liber ruber Assavensis, an old Cartulary of that Church of good Value.  
BANGOR. 
Bangor.  Godwine 
b De Praesul. p. 644.  mentions a Catalogue of the Bishops of this See, in the Archives of the Church of Bangor; which I suppose was a very Empty one, since (upon the two first Editions of his Book) he had not any thing to say of this Diocese.  
BATH 
Bath.  and WELLS. What has been lately done for this Diocese, is already taken notice of by 
a Not. Monast. p. 195.  Mr. Tanner; whose Collections and References (let it be here observed, once for all) I shall not repeat, but shall wish the Reader himself to consult his very useful Book, saving only, that some of those Authors he barely quotes (where I am able to do it) shall be set in the truest Light I can give them. Let it be here also noted, that when ever he refers his Readers (as he does in this place) to one or the other Volume of Anglia Sacra, they are there sure to meet with a good view of such old Writers as have treated of the ancient History of this or that Diocese; or else they have (at least) a composure of Mr. Wharton's, very valuable for the Pains that Author took in adjusting the true Chronological succession of our Bishops. Dr. Thomas Chandler (sometime 
b Hist. et Antiq. Oxon. par. 2. pag. 134.  Warden of New College in Oxford, and Chancellor of this Church) wrote a Treatise, de Laudibus Bathoniae & Welliae; which, I suppose would afford us some such Light as the same learned Person has given in those Lives, that have been gratefully penned by him, and will be taken notice of in another place. I guess the Historia de tempore Primaevae inchoationis Sedis Episcopalis Wellensis, etc. which was made ready for the Press by the noble Publishers 
a See Kennet's Life of Somn. p. 66.  of the Decem Scriptores, is part of what we have had since from Mr. Wharton; who also must be thought to have enriched his own Notes out of the 
b Vid. Praefat. ad Angl. Sacr. vol. 1. p. 51. 52.  great Treasure of Collections which was gathered and communicated to him by the Reverend and Learned Dr. Matt. Hutton.  
BRISTOL. 
Bristol.  This See, having only been erected by King Henry the Eighth, can have no Records of any great Antiquity: but 'tis hoped its entire Story may be had out of such Registers as are in the Hands either of the Bishop or Dean and Chapter of the Church.  
CANTERBURY, 
Canterbury.  as in Justice it ought, has had the most and best learned Preservers of its History and Antiquities of any Diocese in England. The first of these was Archbishop Deusdedit, or Adeodatus; who is 
a J. Pits, p. 109.  said to have recorded the Acts of all his Predecessors; which was no mighty Undertaking, since himself was only the Sixth from Augustine. The eldest of those Writers, whose Works are now Extant, is Gotseline the Monk; who (besides the Life of Augustine, published by Mr. Wharton) wrote also those of the Six following Archbishops. These are now in MS. in 
b Vespasianus, B. 20.  Sir Joh. Cotton's Library: but (being only Collections out of Bede, with the enlargement of a few Romantic Miracles) they have not hitherto been thought worth the Printing. About the same time Osbern was Precentor of Christ-Church; and (upon the 
c Vid. Praefat. ad Ang. Sac. vol. 2 p. 9  unhappy Fire, which destroyed most of their Records, A. D. 1070.) took a deal of Pains in recovering the Histories of the Archbishops; several of whose Lives were written by him, besides those we have in Print. Gervasius Dorobernensis (that is, Monk of Canterbury) has left three good Treatises on this Subject; which bear the following Titles; 
a Inter X Script. Edit. Lond. 1652.  1. Tractatus de Combustione & Reparatione Dorobernensis Ecclesiae. 2. Imaginationes de Discordiis inter Monachos Cantuarienses & Archiepiscopum Baldewinum. 3. Vitae Dorobernensium Dicetoes History of these Primates was discovered in the Norfolk Library, after some others (amongst whom he should have been ranked) were published: And 'twould not have been any great loss if we had still wanted it; being 
b Angl. Sac. vol. 2. p. 677.  very short, and mostly stuffed with Matters foreign to the Purpose. Mr. Pits 
c pag. 304.  sends us to the Library at Bennet College to inquire after a Manuscript Copy of Archbishop Langton's Annals of his Predecessors: But he that runs on his Errand, will find himself mistaken. There are, indeed, in that Library some Collections out of the last mentioned Author's History of our Kings, which relate chiefly to the Affairs of this See; the transcriber whereof had some thoughts of Copying out St. Langton's History of Richard the First, and so prefaced his Work with the Title of annal Stephani Archiepiscopi: But he soon quits that Subject, and so imposes upon a careless Catalogue-monger. The next, in Order of time, was Tho. Spott, Spottey or Sprott, a Benedictine Monk of Canterbury in the Year 1274. 
a So Pits, p. 355. But Bale knew not when he lived.  whose Book has been vainly enquired after by some of our most Industrious Antiquaries, and (particularly) by 
b W. Somner, Pref. to Antiq. of Canterbury. p. 8.  one whom hardly any thing on this Subject could escape. The Truth is, Mr. Somner seems to think 'twas rather a Chronicle of the City of Canterbury than of the Archbishops; and, if W. Thorn (who was a Monk of the same House, in the Year 1380.) either Epitomised or 
c Vid. Pits, p. 355. et 529. V. etiam Thorn inter X. Script.  Enlarged it, it may probably prove only the same with his History of the 
a Bibl. Cott. Vitellius, D. 11.  Abbots of St. Augustine's. St. Birchington's Performance, is largely accounted for by his late 
b H. Wharton, in Praefat. ad Angl. Sac. vol. p. 18. 19, etc.  Publisher; who has assured us that nothing that either this Writer, or any of the former can afford us has been omitted by the diligent Author of the 
c Fol. Lond. 1572. & Hanou. 1605.  Antiquitates Britannicae. Archbishop Parker was generally reputed the Author of this admired Book; till 
d Hist. of Tithes, cap. 9  Mr. Selden transferred the Honour of it to (His Grace's Chaplain) Mr. Josseline, who has since enjoyed it. I confess, I am far from being of AB. 
e Consecration, etc. of Protestant Bishops, p. 165.  Bramhal's Opinion, That the conclusion of the Preface proves the Acrhbishop himself to have been the Author of that Book: But it does fairly intimate that the Composer of it (whoever he was) did desire the World should believe that most of his Materials were handed to him by that Learned Metropolitan; who was also, he says, the Director and Overseer of the whole Work. In the same place the Hannow Edition is blamed for omitting Parker's own Life; which perhaps was no fault in those that had the care of it. There were only a few Copies of the First Edition (such as were designed for 
a Ath. Oxon. vol. 1. pag. 588, 589.  public Libraries, and the accommodation of a few choice Friends) that had the 29 Pages, which make up that Life: so that 'twas not to be expected that the Foreign Publishers should Print it otherwise than as 'twas commonly sold by our English Booksellers. Mr. Wharton every where gives this Writer more respect than any other he's pleased to cite: and yet he 
b In notis ad Canon. Lichfield, de Success. Archiep. Cant passim.  observes a great many of his mistakes; and, I do not doubt but any skilful Antiquary will easily take notice of many and many more. So imperfect will always be the most complete Works of any single Man 
c For the Controversy betwixt the Chapter of Canterbury and the archdeacon, about the Right of Jurisdiction Sede Vacant, see Bibl. Cott. Nero, c. 9 Galba, E. 4. Vitellius, A. 2. 8. D. 7. E. 4. !  
CARLISLE. 
Carlisle.  This remote and small Diocese has been heretofore so much exposed to the continual Incursions of the Scots, (before the Kingdoms were happily united in King James the First) that there are not many of its ancient Records any where now to be had: The only pieces of Antiquity, in the Bishop's possession, are two Register Books of four successive Prelates; Halton, Rosse, Kirkby and Welton: and these will furnish us with little more than the History of one Century. The Records of the Dean and Chapter go not much higher than their new Denomination given them by Henry the Eighth; and are very broken and imperfect since that Epoch. Out of these, and what other helps could be had from some Neighbouring and Distant Libraries, Dr. Hugh Todd (Prebendary of this Church) has made a Volume of Collections which is lately placed in the Dean and Chapter's Library, under the Title of, 
a MS. in Fol.  An History of the Diocese of Carlisle; containing an Account of the Parishes, Abbeys, Nunneries, Churches, Monuments, Epitaphs, Coats of Arms, Founders, Benefactors, etc. with a perfect Catalogue of the Bishops, Priors, Deans, Chancellors, Arch-deacons, Prebendaries; and of all Rectors and Vicars of the several Parishes in the said Diocese. My worthy Brother hopes that the Additions which will hereafter be made to this Work, will (at last) make it answer its Title; and I heartily wish I could do so too: But (to me) the prospect is so discouraging, that I know not which way to look for such Helps as would be necessary for the completing of so full and ample an Account of our Church and Diocese. Our Sufferings in the days of Rapine and Rebellion, equalled or exceeded those of any other Cathedral of England; and (after our Chapterhouse and Treasury had been turned into a Magazine for the Garrison, and our very Charter sold to make a tailor's Measures) it can hardly be expected that so many of our Records will ever be retrieved as are requisite to finish out such a History.  
CHESTER, 
Chester.  being another of King Henry the Eighth's Foundations, cannot have any great stock of Records. Some notice may possibly be taken of its most early Times by Mr. Vrmston; who wrote an 
a MS. penes Tho. Brotherton Arm.  Account of the State of Religion in Lancashire (part of this Diocese) in the beginning of King James the First's Reign.  
CHICHESTER. 
Chichester.  Most of the ancient Records of this Church, were squandered and lost, upon the City's being taken and plundered by Sir William Waller in our late Civil Wars; and, after the Restauration, they never recovered more than three Books belonging to the Chapter, and a Register or two of the Bishops. These do not reach above 230 Years backwards: so that, the prime Antiquities of this See (before the Episcopal Throne was removed from Selsey to this Place, and for some Ages afterwards) are either wholly lost, or in such private Hands, as have hitherto very injuriously detained them from their right Owners. Till a Restitution is made, we must content ourselves with such poor Fragments as Bede, Malmesbury and others, will afford us of the first Foundation of the Diocese by our Northern Saint Wilfrid; who (with his Successors, in the same Order that Godwine has given them) stands yet pictured on the backside of the Quire. Here are the chief Remains of their History, as far as they are now to be had within the Verge of their own Cathedral: to which if more shall be added, by such Foreigners as are Masters of their dispersed Records; 'twill be a very grateful (as well as just) service to the present Members of that Church.  
St. DAVID'S. 
S. David.  We have already noted the Disputes there are about Abbot Dinoth's Remonstrance against the pretensions of Augustine the Monk; and we are told that he did not only leave behind him his thoughts of that Matter in the forementioned Protestation; but that he also wrote another Treatise, entitled, Defensorinm 
a J. Pits, p. 104.  Jurisdictionis Sedis Menevensis. Bishop Godwine quotes a Catalogue of the Bishops of St. David's, not taken notice of either by Gyraldus or the Annals Menevenses; which he 
a De Praesul. p. 602.  says is in the Archives of that Church. There's also an Anonymous Manuscript in the Library at 
b Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. lib. 1. p. 56.  Magdalen College in Oxford which treats de Gestis & Ritibus Cler' Cambrensis; and may probably afford some discoveries of the ancient State of this Diocese.  
DURHAM. 
Durham.  The first Collecter of the History and Antiquities of this Ancient and Noble Church, was Turgot; who was 
c J. Seldon, Praef. ad. X. Script.  Prior, archdeacon and Vicar General, of that Diocese. He was afterwards Bishop of St. David's: But, upon the death of Queen Margaret, returned to Durham; where he died, A. D. 1115. and lies buried in the Chapterhouse. His Book bears the Title, 
d MS. in Bibl. Cott. Faustina, A. 5. see also AB. usher's Letters, p. 315. 321.  De Exordio & progressu Ecclesiae Dunelmensis; that is, from K. Oswald's Time to the Year 1097. This was transcribed by 
a Inter. X. Scrip.  Sim. Dunelm. mentioned in the former part of this Work; who also continued it to the Year 
b Praef. ad Angl. Sacr. vol. 1. p. 48.  1129. from whence it has been drawn downwards by Jeoffery de Coldingham, R. de Greystanes, etc. There are still some latent Manuscript Histories of this Church; which (if discovered) would undoubtedly supply a great many defects in those that are already published. Prior Laurence (who died in the Year 1154.) wrote a Treatise in Meeter, 
c Vid. Angl. Sac. vol. 1. p. 787.  De Civitate & Episcopatu Dunelmensi. There are several MS. Tracts of that Author's Composure, in the Libraries at Lambeth, Durham and elsewhere; and yet we cannot hitherto learn where this is to be had. Tho. Rudburn, in the very heart of his 
d MS. in Bibl. Cott. Lambeth & Bened.  Historia Major, has a large History of the Bishops of this See, from the first Foundation at Lindisfarn, to the Year 1083. which though mostly taken out of Turgot and Simeon, has some remarkable passages never yet Printed. John Wessington (who died Prior of Durham, A. D. 1446.) wrote a Book, 
a Bibl. Cott. Vitellius, A. 9  De Juribus & Possessionibus Ecclesiae Dunelmensis; wherein, amongst other choice Matters, 'tis proved that the Priors of that Church were always invested with the Dignity and Privileges of Abbots. Sir H. Spelman 
b Glossar. in voce 〈◊〉.  quotes some Synodical (or rather Consistorial) Constitutions made by Bishop Lewis in the Year 1319. which certainly must be very learned ones, if they answer the Account 
c De Praesul. p. 121.  Godwine gives of that Prelate. The Cotton Library is hardly better stocked with the Records of any Cathedral Church in England, than that of Durham; whereof the chief is a large 
d D●mitianus, 7.  Catalogue of their Benefactors, from King Edwine down to the Reign of King Henry VIII. The beginning of the Book is in an old Saxon Character, as ancient as the time of K. Aethelstane; in whose Possession 'tis very probable (from his Name in the Title Page, supposed to be written with his own 
e Hist. & Synops. Bibl. Cott. p. 38.  Hand) it sometime was. There is also a 
a Julius, C. 2. 6.  Miscellany Collection of a great many curious Particulars relating to St. Cuthbert, and his Successors in that See; the 
b Julius, D. 4.  Contests of the Prior and Convent with their own Bishops and the Archbishops of York, about the Visitatorial Power; an entire 
c Claudius, D. 4.  History of that Church, from its Foundation at Lindistarn (through all its changes of Fortune and Place) as low as the death of Bishop Hugh, A. D. 1194. with many other 
d Vitellius, A. 9 20. C. 9 D. 20. E. 1. 12. Vespesianus, A. 5, 6. Titus, A. 2. Domitianus, A. 7. 8. Faustina, A. 5, 6.  remarkable Fragments of its History. There's also in the Bishop's Library at Durham, a MS. Collection of the Antiquities of this Church, transcribed by the Directions of Bishop Cousin; wherein there's a different Account of some Particulars from what we have in the Rites and Monuments, published by 
e 8vo. Lond. 1672.  Mr. Davies. Nor is this last mentioned Piece such an ignorant and pitiful Legend, as a very 
f Wh. Kennet, in vit. Somneri, p. 21.  worthy Person has represented it; since there's no where extant so full and exact an Account of the State of this Cathedral, at the suppression of Monasteries. The Author seems to have been an Eye-witness of all that passed at that time; and his Descriptions of such Matters as are still remaining, appear to be so nicely true, that we have great Reason to credit him in the rest. Besides these, there are now in the Possession of the Dean and Chapter, a great many Authentic Records, Original Charters, Endowments, etc. which will enable one to furnish out a much more complete History of this Church, than has yet appeared: And I hope the Ingenious and Learned Dr. john Smith, now Prebendary of that Cathedral, will think the Undertaking most proper for himself.  
ELY. 
Ely.  That History of the Church of Ely which was partly published by Sir William Dugdale, and wholly by Mr. Wharton, is not the Work of Thomas and Richard, whose Names it carries; but an Abstract, by a nameless Author, out of their much larger Volumes, which still remain in 
a Bibl. Cott. Domitianus, A. 15. 〈◊〉. A. 1. Claudius, C. 9 New, A. 15, 16. 〈…〉. Vespasians, A. 19  Manuscript. Some parts of the former have been printed, out of other Copies, by L. D' Achery and Dr. Gale; if those Learned Gentlemen be not mistaken (as I suspect they are) in their Conjectures. Dr. Brady 
a In Praefat. ad Hist. Angl vide etiam Bibl. Cott. Tiberius, B. 2.  quotes a Survey of all the Manors belonging to this Bishopric, taken in the Year, 1248. but does not direct us where to find it. That S. Birchington (or Brickington, as he calls him) wrote a Catalogue of the Bishops of Ely, 
b P. 910.  Mr. Pits is very positive: But how he fell into that Mistake (wherein he is followed by Vossius) has been discovered by a late 
c H. Wharton, Praefat. ad Angl. Sacr. vol. 1. p. 20.  Writer, of much better Credit. He probably conjectures that, staging over the Margin of one of our Learned Church-Historians, he met with this Quotation, 
d Antiq. Brit. p. 246, 248 Edit. Hanou.  Steph. Birch. Catal. Episc. Eliens. and thence presently concluded, that Stephen must be the Author of the Catalogue there cited: Whereas the Historian referred his Readers to two several Manuscripts (Birchington's History of the Archbishops of Canterbury, and an anonymous Catalogue of the Bishops of Ely) for the proof of what he had there advanced.  
EXETER. 
Exeter.  There is in Bodley's Library an old Latin Mass-Book in Saxon Characters; in the end whereof we have many Particulars of the Life of Bishop Leofric (who gave the Book to his Cathedral) as his settling the Episcopal See at Exeter, A. D. 1050. etc. It gives us also a Catalogue of the Relics that Church was possessed of at the time when this Book was written. John Grandeson (who died Bishop of this See, A. D. 1369.) is 
a J. Pits, p. 500  said to have written Martyrologium Exoniense: for a Manuscript whereof we are advised to consult the Library at Bennet College. John Hooker (or Vowel, Chamberlain of Exeter, where he died, A. D. 1601.) wrote a lean Catalogue of the Bishops of that See; first published by him in Quarto, and afterwards inserted into 
b Edit. Lond. 1587. pag. 1300.  Ralph Holinshead's Chronicle. It begins with Eadulph, whom he unaccountably calls Werstant, and ends at Bishop Woolton; who was consecrated in the Year, 1579. There's no want of Materials for the composure of a much fuller History: Since the Registers of a good many of the Bishops (Stapleton, Brantingham, Stafford, etc.) are cited by 
a Hist. de Episc. & Dec. Lond. etc.  Mr. Wharton; and many more pointed at by Mr. Ta●●er.  
GLOUCESTER, 
Gloucester  being a Diocese of Henry VIIIth's Erection, cannot have any Records, relating to the See itself, more authentic than that which acquaints us with the 
b Bibl. Cott. inter Codd. nondum in loculo● reposit. Num. 9  Erection of St. Peter's Church into a Cathedral: But there are many Venerable Remains of Ecclesiastical History, which are to be had in the Register-books of those Religious Houses and Parochial Churches which were then brought within that Jurisdiction. Out of these Dr. R. Parsons (the present worthy Chancellor of that Diocese) has collected two MS. Volumes; which are also digested into so good a Method, that they well deserve the Title of a Complete History. The first of these he styles Memoirs of the ancient Abbey and present Cathedral of Gloucester: wherein he gives an Account of the Foundation of the Great Abbey of St. Peter's in this City, and the Succession of its Abbots, down to the Dissolution; with the History and Succession of the Bishops, Deans, Chancellors, Archdeacon's and Prebendaries, ever since the dismembering of it from the See of Worcester. This Work was happily undertaken at the Request of the late Mr. Wharton; who designed to have obliged the Public with it, in some future Volume of his Anglia Sacra. We are not in despair of seeing the good Services that were intended our Church by that Learned Person, fully finished and brought to Perfection by some other able Hand: So that, 'tis to be hoped, we shall not long want the Benefit of such successful Labours. His other Volume bears the Inscription of A Parochial Visitation of the Diocese of Gloucester; wherein the Matters treated on are chiefly Ecclesiastical, tho' some Affairs of a Civil Nature are also intermixed. The Observations that occur in this are partly owing to the Author's own View and Inquiries, made in the several Parishes; and partly to such Helps as could be had out of the Registry at Worcester, and his own at Gloucester.  
HEREFORD. 
Hereford.  That there were anciently several good old Register-books belonging to this Cathedral, is beyond dispute. Sir H. Spelman 
a Glossar. in voce Panagia.  quotes one of 'em; and we have heard of several others, besides that of Bishop 
b Hist. Episc. & Dec. Londin. & Assav.  Booth. The Library and Archives here fell under the like Misfortunes, during the Ravage of our late Days of Usurpation, with those of other Cathedral Churches: being made a very improper Prey to a Fanatical and Illiterate Army of Rebellious Blockheads. Amongst these Silas Tailor was an Officer of a more than ordinary Fancy and Respect for Books and Learning; and, having gotten part of the 
c Ath. Oxon. vol. 2. p. 464.  Bishop's Palace into his Possession, thought it was also convenient to seize as many of the Church's Evidences and Records, as he could possibly get into his Clutches. With these (and many of the like kind from the Church at Worcester) he trooped off, upon the happy return of our old English Government; and near Twenty Years afterwards, died with some of 'em in his Possession at Harwich. His Books and Papers, together with the other few Movables he left behind him, fell into the Hands of his Creditors; from whom (if any care was taken to preserve them) it will now be a very difficult Matter to retrieve them.  
LANDAFF. 
Landaff.  Bishop Godwine 
a De Praesul. p. 618.  assures us, that all he says of the Archbishops and Bishops of this See, down as far as the Year 1110. was taken out of an old Manuscript-Register of that Church; which seemed to him to have been penned about that Time. This, he tells us, was most particular in the Account of the Acts and Miracles of St. Teliau, the second Bishop of that Diocese; and therefore I take it to be the very same with that which is, now in Sir John Cotton's Library, and (for that very Reason) bears there the Title of 
a Vid. Praefat. ad Angl Sacr. Par. 2. p. 27.  Teilo. From 〈◊〉 
b Council tom. 1. p. 381.  Sir Henry Spelman had the whole Account he gives us of the several Synodical Decrees of divers Bishops in that Church: As Mr. Wharton had also those good Pieces which he afterwards 
c Angl. Sacr. vol. 2. p. 667.  published, as being overlooked both by Godwine and Spelman. There's yet another Book, in the same 
d Titus, D. 22.  Library, that affords a History or Chronicle of this Church; which seems to have escaped the notice of both these diligent Antiquaries. It commences at Brute, and ends A. D. 1370.  
LINCOLN. 
Lincoln.  There's a meager Catalogue of the Bishops of this Diocese in the Cottonian 
e Julius, C. 6.  Library; which brings down the Succession of them from Birinus to John Longland, who was Consecrated, A. D. 1521. 'Tis much the List of these Prelates should be so complete; when our 
a Vid. Godw. de Praesul. p. 388.  Historians are at a loss for the very Place where a good many of them 〈◊〉 Some Letters (from Pope Martin and his Cardinals) about the Struggle that happened upon the Advancement of Rich. Fleming to this See, may be 
b Bibl. Cott. ribe●ius, B. 6.  had; but in the main, we are very deficient in all the parts of its History, and shall hardly recover any great Matters more than its own Registries will supply us with. What those are I know not.  
LITCHFIELD. In the perusal of the History of this Diocese, 
Litchfield.  one great mistake (which has been unanimously swallowed by all our 
c Godwine, p. 337. et 365. Ang. Sacr. vol. 1. p. 428, etc.  Church-Historians) is to be observed to our Reader: And that is, we are told that (upon the subdivision of the Kingdom of Mercia into three Dioceses, about the Year 740.) there was a Bishop placed at Leicester. We do indeed meet with one 
d Vid. H. Spelm. Concil. Tom. 1. p. 247.  Totta, who is said to have been Episcopus Legecestriae, about that Time: But Legercestria is the old name of Leicester, as Legecestria is of Chester. It was therefore (in Truth) at West-Chester that the New Diocese was erected, and not at Leicester; which is too near to Litchfield, were there no other Argument against it. With these Cautions we are to peruse the two valuable MSS. in 
a Cleopatra, D. 9 Vespasianus, E. 16.  Sir John Cotton's Library; which have (in a great measure) been Printed in the Anglia Sacra and are very probably 
b Praefat. ad Angl. Sacr. vol. 1. p. 34. 35, 36.  ascribed to Tho. Chesterton and Will. Whitlock, two Canons of this Church. Of the former of these there are several ancient Copies; and 'tis that venerable Book which is quoted by many of our late Writers under the Name of Chronicon Lichfeldense. These are the chief Registers of the old Records of the Church of Lichfield, that are now Extant: Unless perhaps their Cartulary or 
c H. Spelman, Gloss. in voce Putura.  Black-Book, and the 
d Monast. Angl. Tom. 3. p. 216.  Description of their Close (or College) be still to be met with. The little that was to be saved out of the Ruins, into which this Cathedral fell in our late Days of Confusion, was picked up by (one of the great Preservers of our English Antiquities) Elias Ashmole Esq late Garter King at Arms; and is now, amongst many other of his precious Remains, in his 
a Vid. Catalogue. MSS. Oxon. nuper Edit. Num. 7484. et 7496.  Musaeum at Oxford. This excellent Person had a Design to have honoured the Place of his Nativity, with the writing a History and Description of its ancient and present State; and had collected a good number of choice Materials for that Purpose.  
LONDON. 
London.  I do not much lament Bishop 
b De Praesul. p. 226.  Godwine's Misfortune, that his best diligence could not recover a right Catalogue of the British Arcbishops of this City. Whatever became of Theanus and Theonus (the Alpha and Omega of those Sixteen Metropolitans) I should be mightily pleased to hear that its History is entire since Mellitus' time; or even that we had every thing mentioned in that List of Records, Registers and other Books belonging to this Cathedral, which was 
a Monast. Angl. Tom. 3. pag. 299.  delivered by Dean Cole to his Successor Dr. May, in the Year 1559. What or where the annal Londinenses are, Mr. Wharton (who 
b Angl. Sacr. vol. 1. p. 638.  quotes them) does not tell us: nor whether they treat only of the Affairs of this Diocese, or (what I rather Suspect) present us with such a short History and Chronicle of the Kingdom in general, as almost every one of our Monasteries afforded. 'Tis enough that he has left behind him an elaborate 
c 8vo. Lond. 1695.  History of the Bishops and Deans of this See, of his own composure; wherein (following the Method to which he had confined himself in his two larger Volumes) he brings their Story down to the Year 1540 To this Treatise (as well as that of St. Asaph, which is joined with it) is annexed an Appendix of Authentic Instruments; and he has further let us know that (of the Prelates before the Reformation) we have the Registers of Gravesend, Sudbury, Courtney, Braybrook, Walden, Clifford, Gilbert, Kemp, Grey, Savage, Warham, Barnes, Fitz-James, Tonstal, Stokesley and Bonner. The Sepulchral Monumnts of St. Paul's Church were first drawn out and published by (Mr. Camden's grateful Scholar) 
a 8vo. Lond. 1614  Hugh Holland the Poet: But this was only a mean and dull Performance in comparison of that more absolute one of Sir Will. Dugdale, in his 
b Fol. Lond. 1658.  History of that Cathedral from its first Foundation; extracted out of Lieger Books and other Manuscripts, and beautified with sundry Prospects of the Church, and the Figures of the Tombs. The greatest part of the Cartularies and Records, referred to in this Book, were happily communicated to the Author by one 
c Ath. Oxon. vol. 2. p. 697.  Mr. Reading; who thereby encouraged his Zealous Engaging in the Work, at a very proper and seasonable Juncture. For, soon after he had taken Copies of the Inscriptions, a great many of the Monuments were defaced, and the Church itself turned into a common Stable by the Rebel Army; as it was (within ten Years after that) into a heap of Rubbish by the dreadful Fire of London.  
NORWICH. 
Norwich.  There are not many Histories of this Diocese. All that Mr. Wharton 
a Angl. Sac. vol. 1. p. 397.  could pick up was out of a couple of General Histories of England, written by Bartholomew de Cotton, and another (anonymous) Monk of that Church. He quotes indeed a short Chronicle of Norwich in the same Library, whence he had the former of these; But the late Publisher of the Catalogue of those Manuscripts is mistaken if there be any such Book, in the 
b Bibl. Cott. Vitellim, C. 9  Place referred to. There is indeed, in 
c Julius, B. 7.  another Class, a piece which bears the Title of Festa synodalia Norwicensis Dioeceseos; which begins with St. Foelix the Burgundian, their first Bishop. The oldest Register-Book which I have yet heard of in this See, is that of Bishop 
d Citat. in Hist. de. Episc. & Dec. Londin.  Bateman; the Magnanimous Founder of Trinity Hall in Cambridge. A short Account of the Bishops and Deans of this Church (by Tho. Searle, A. D. 1659.) is among the MSS. of the present worthy Bishop of the Diocese.  
OXFORD 
Oxford.  is of so late an Erection, that it cannot want an absolute and entire History of all its Prelates, since its Foundation by Henry the Eighth: And we have 
a Vid. Par. 1. p. 54.  already observed, that its Parochial Antiquities (preceding that Time) are happily preserved by an Ingenious and Learned Person, who has spared no Pains in Collecting (out of a vast number of Neighbouring Records and Evidences) whatever was worth the Treasuring up, and transmitting to Posterity. Anth. Wood Collected the Sepulchral and Fenestral Inscriptions of the several Parishes in the County of Oxford; which are now amongst those many Papers he left to the University.  
PETERBURGH, 
Peterburgh.  was one of the most Rich and Flourishing Monasteries in this Kingdom; and was turned into one of the poorest Bishoprics by Henry the Eighth. The most of those many excellent Histories that concern this Place, in its Pristine State, have been noted by 
a Notit Monast. p. 160, 161.  Mr. Tanner; tho' some few have escaped his great Diligence. He has taken no notice of two old Registers, given by my Lord Hatton to the 
b Vespastanus, E. 21, 22.  Cottonian Library; nor of some ancient 
c Faustina, B. 3.  Grants and Donations to that Monastery. He has also omitted Hugh White, Abbot of Peterburgh: who in Leland's Character is, 
d Comment. in Cygn. Cant. voce Petropolis.  Rerum Petroburgi gestarum luculentus plane Scriptor. To these there's little to be added, since the Foundation of the Episcopal See, of any great value; saving what has been carefully preserved in 
e Fol. Lond. 1686.  St. Gunton's History, which will be this Churches 
f Kennet's Life of Somn. p. 20.  everlasting Monument. Some Inscriptions are said, indeed, to have been defaced before the Survey taken by this Author: but those, we 
g Athen. Oxon. p. 319.  are told were also to be had amongst the Manuscripts of Franc. Thynne, who Collected them in the Year 1592. 'Twas happy that Sir William Dugdale and Mr. Gunton drew up their Collections at so seasonable and lucky a time as the Year 1641. For (within two years after that) in April, 1643. this Cathedral was most miserably abused by Cromwell's Regiment; who, among other shameless outrages, 
a Dr. Patrick's Supplement to History of Peterburg, p. 337.  broke into the Chapterhouse, ransacked the Records, broke the Seals, tore the Writings, and left the floor covered over with torn Papers, Parchments and Seals.  
ROCHESTER. 
Rochester.  The most venerable Monument of Antiquity that belongs to this Church, is the Textus Roffensis; which may justly challenge a Respect more than ordinary. It was written by Bishop Ernulf, who died in the Year 1124. And (besides the Affairs of this Cathedral, which are accounted for by 
b Angl. Sac. vol. 1. p. 329.  Mr. Wharton) furnishes us with the Laws of four Kentish Kings, (Ethelbert, Hlothere, Eadred and Withered) omitted by Lambard; together with the Saxon Form of Oaths of Fealty and Wager of Law; the old Form of 
c Vid. H. Spelman Golls. in voce Excommunicatio.  cursing by Bell, Book and Candle; of 
a jid. ibid. voce Ordale, & apud E. Brown, in Append. ad Fascic. Rerum Expetend. etc. p. 903.  Ordale, etc. I suppose this Book was wisely committed to the care of Sir Roger Twisden, during the confusions of our late Civil Wars: For in his Custody I find it often referred to by Sir William Dugdale, in a 
b Orig. juridic. passim.  Work which he Composed during those Troubles. Hadenham and Dene's Histories have been picked, and their choicest Flowers are preserved in the Anglia Sacra: And the 
c Sub hoc Titulo citatur Saepius in Monast. Angl.  Chronicon Claustri Roffensis is the same with the Textus.  
SALISBURY. 
Salisbury.  Somewhat of the History of the ancient Bishops of Sherburn may be had among L. Noel's 
d Bibl. Cott. Otho, D. 7.  Collections; and the defects of those (down to the Year 1357.) may be supplied from the Chronicle of the Church of Sarum. This Chronicle begins at the Creation; and has some 
e Vid. Vsserii Antiq. Eccles. Brit. p. 73.  special Remarks touching the Affairs of our ancient British Church, wherein it seems to be singular. The Registers also of several of their Bishops (as 
a Citat. ab. H. Wharton, in Hist. Episc. London.  Mortival, Wivil, Waltham, Medford, Aiscough and Beauchamp) are still extant.  
WINCHESTER. 
Winchester.  There can hardly be any more said of this Ancient and Famous See than what we have from 
b Angl. Sac. vol. 1. p. 179. etc.  Tho. Rudburn and other Authors, lately published out of Sir John Cotton's inexhaustible Treasury: Unless, for the more modern Times, we had that Continuation of the Bishops, which was made by 
c Ath. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 380.  John Trussel; who brought their History as low as the Sufferings of Bishop Curl (and his Order) in the beginning of our English Anarchy.  
WORCESTER. 
Worcester.  As this Church was one of the most flourishing in the whole Island, under the Government of our Saxon Kings; so it had the fortune to preserve its Charters and other Instruments (relating to those Times) much better than its Neighbours. In the Year 1643. Sir William Dugdale drew a Catalogue of no less than 92 such original Donations, none whereof fell lower than the Reign of Henry the First. To these there have been fifteen more (now in the Archives of that Church, and not mentioned in the Monasticon) added by 
a Vid. Catal. Libb Sept. ad finem Gram. Anglo. Sax. p. 169, 170, 171. & 177.  Dr. Hickes; who also believes that among Mr. Lambard's MSS. (now in the Archives at Canterbury) there are several Saxon Grants belonging to the Church of Worcester. After these we are to have recourse to the Anonymous Compilers of the Annals of this Cathedral, and the continuation of them by their learned Publisher; who (by the way) 
b Praefat ad Angl. Sacr. vol. 1. p. 37.  tells us that 
c Bibl. Cott. Tiberius, A. 13.  Hemming's Book has much more in it, than either he or Sir W. Dugdale have given themselves the trouble of transcribing. John Rosse (the Renowned Hermit of Guy's Cliff) is said to have written a Treatise, de Episcopis Wigorniae; which I should not much have believed upon the single Credit of my first 
d J. pits, p. 683.  Author, had I not seen the Book itself quoted by (our late industrious Naturalist) Doctor 
a Hist. Nat. Stafford, p. 407.  Plott. Some part of Mr. Abingdon's Collection of the Antiquities of Worcestershire (mentioned in the former part of this Historical Library) is also reported to bear the Title of, 
b Ath. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 88  A History of the Bishops of Worcester: which I cannot but once more heartily wish were committed to the Inspection and Care of the Learned Dr. Hopkins, Prebendary of that Church; who (we 
c Praef. ad Angl. Sac. vol. 1. p. 52.  know) is throughly versed in the Antiquities of his own Cathedral, as well as in those of the English Church in General. I am well assured there are some failures in it, which he is abundantly able to Correct. 'Twould do a deal of right to the worthy Author's Memory, to have the Style (which in most Antiquaries, is usually a little too Austere) new polished; and to have some defects supplied, out of such Libraries and Ancient Monuments as did not fall in his way.  
YORK. 
York.  The first Historian of the Affairs of this Metropolitical See, was Albinus, Alcuinus or Alcwinus; whose Poem (de Pontificibus & Sanctis Ecclesiae Eboracensis) was first discovered by Mr. Mabillon, and published by 
a Inter 15 Script. p. 703.  Dr. Gale. He begins his Story with such an Account of the Ancient State of that City, and the first appearances of Christianity among the Northern Saxons, as Bede furnished him with; and concludes with the Death of (his Patron) AB. Eanbald the first. The next (if indeed he deserve the Name) was Simeon Dunelmensis; whose Epistle (to Hugh Dean of York, about the Succession of these Archbishops, to the Year 1136.) is in several of our 
b Bibl. Cott. Otho, D 7. Coll. Ben. Eborac. etc.  Libraries. After these came T. Stubbs (or Stobaeus, as some are pleased to write his Name) a Dominican Friar, and Dr. in Divinity about the Year 1373. whose Chronica Pontificum are published amongst our Decem Scriptores. He is highly magnified by Gesner, Bale and Vossius; and he deserves some part of the Applause: But he had merited much more, if he had copied (or stolen) less from Richard of Hexham. Archbishop Usher 
a Antiq. Eccles. p. 25.  quotes a MS. History of our York Primates written about the Year 1460. which I cannot observe to be the same with any of those in the 
b Titus, A. 19 Cleopatra, C. 4. Vitellius, A. 2.  Cottonian Library. However, here we have a large 
c Claudius, A. 3.  Register of all the Affairs of St. Peter's in York; from the Reign of King Henry the First, to that of Edward the First: to which is annexed a Catalogue of the Prebendaries of that Church, and their several Corpses. Here is likewise another remarkable 
d Galba, E. 9  Register of the Acts of the Chapter, during the vacancy of both the Archbishopric and Deanery; Commencing the 6th of January, A. D. 1396. To which is subjoined a Third (of the Dean and Chapter, as Guardians of the Spiritualties) upon the Death of Archbishop Rotheram, A. D. 1500. In other hands we have the Registers of 
e Inter Cod. MSS. D. Com. Clarendon.  Greenfeld, Melton, Thoresby, Scroop, 
f Apud. H. Wharton, Hist. Episc. Lond.  Bowet, Rotheram, and some other Archbishops; as also the 
g Monast. Ang. Tom. 2. p. 57 & Tom. 3. p. 164.  Doomsday and White-Book of St. Peter's, with many more Records, in the possession of the present Archbishop, or his Chancellor, and the Dean and Chapter. Out of all (or most) of these very Voluminous Collections have been lately taken by 
a Vide Praefat. ad Angl. Sacr. vol. 1. p. 52.  Dr. Matthew Hutton (descended from an Archbishop of this Province, of both his Names) and Mr. Torr, a great Favourer of these Studies; by whose Beneficial Labours, we hope, the History and Antiquities of this Church will effectually be preserved: But whoever he be that attempts the whole History of the Diocese, aught to know, that he may have store of choice Materials amongst Mr. Dodsworth's Manuscripts at Oxford.   

CHAP. VI  
Writers of the Lives of some particular Bishops, and other eminent Churchmen.  
THere's no part of History more Instructive than that which falls under the care of Biographers; if the Subject be rightly chosen, and the Author a skilful Artist. The great Concerns of both Church and State pass through the Hands of a Few; who only are acquainted with the true Spring and Cause of all those Changes that inferior People admire and feel, but cannot comprehend. The secret Memoirs of these Men of Business give a quite different prospect of Things, than what we see in Mercuries and Gazettes; and they that have the perusal of them (if otherwise qualified for the Undertaking) must also afford an Account widely different from that of a Monkish Chronicle, where nothing of moment (more than a great Frost or Pestilence, occurs for some Years together. They that sit at the Helm, and are entrusted with the Mysteries of Government, have all their private Affairs so interwoven with the Public, that they are not to be considered asunder: So that he that can justly give the Features of one of these, must be likewise able to present us with the exact Lineaments of that whole Community whereof he was a Member.  
Whoever attempts a Work of this high Nature, must come prepared with suitable Parts and Judgement; such as will enable him to discover many considerable and grand Truths from (sometimes) very poor and slender Hints. To this purpose, it will be necessary that he have a good general Notion of the several Matters, Men and Times, that will come under his Consideration; as well as that he be perfectly acquainted with the Abilities, Inclination and Interests, of that particular Person whose Picture he chiefly intends to draw. His Affections must also be as clear and spotless as his Reason. No Bias of Love or Duty, of Malice or Revenge, must govern or direct his Thoughts or Pen; nor must he be a Zealot (or so much as a Party) in any of the Modish Factions of the Age he treats on. He must have nothing in Common with the Man he describes; so as neither to reap any Advantage by his Fame, nor to suffer any Damage by his Disrepute. 'Tis true, the Remains of deceased Heroes (Ecclesiastical and Civil, as well as Military) fall usually into the Hands of their dearest Friends and Kindred; who are too often so unhappily tender of their Reputation, that they will not entrust them with Strangers of the best Experience and Integrity. What we have of such a Man's Story must come from These; who most commonly send it abroad so tinctured with Prejudice (the Glories of their Friend or Patron being so fulsomely daubed, and his Frailties so slovenly dashed and blotted) that it makes only a very awkard Piece, how Good-like and Personable soever this Gentleman himself may have been. Whereas, the best Service and the fairest Respect that we can pay to the Memories of those that have been public Blessings to the Religion or Government of their Native Country, is the taking Care to have their Actions recorded by just and disinterested Writers; who have Sagacity enough to discern what is fit for Posterity to know, and Honesty enough to transmit and represent it duly.  
These are the proper Qualifications of those that take upon them the writing the Lives of other People: And the Reader will be easily directed by them, how to judge of such Performances. Thus, when he has learned the Relation there is betwixt the Historian, and the Patriot or Confessor, he will be able to make Abatements proportionably: He will see how to distinguish Truth from the additional (garnishing) Devoirs of a Subaltern, a Nephew or a Cousin: He will readily discover the Allowances that are to be given to Flesh and Blood, and in what Particulars they have the upper Hand of Honour and Justice. In like manner, where he finds a great Man's Life undertaken by his professed Enemy, he will be sure to read it with a Curb upon his Faith: He will critically weigh and examine his Author's Conclusions and Inferences; And, if he finds those good and logical, he will yet suspend his Belief till Matters of Fact are attested by some other (indifferent) Authority. And lastly, where Miracles and Revelations are in Vogue and carry a Price, he will attentively consider whether the Penman will not be a Gainer by having his Story credited: And whether he's not in hazard of wanting some part of his daily Bread if it miscarries. In such a Case, a complaisant Respect to the Fashions of a Country, may prevail upon a Man to be silent and say nothing; but Reason will direct him what to think.  
By these Rules we are to judge of the Lives of those Saints which have been taken notice of in some of the foregoing Chapters, as well as of those Religious Persons that are here to follow; I mean, those good Bishops and other pious ecclesiastics (of a lower Form of Sanctity, and second-rate Merit) who, though they have not the Honour to come in the Calendar, are acknowledged to have done the Church very eminent Services in their several Generations. The Lives of these are not very numerous: At least, they are but a few that have come to my Knowledge. In the ancient British and Saxon Churches all that were worth the having their Names registered by an Ecclesiastical Historian, are Saints (of some degree or other) and are all to be had in the Catholic Almanac: where Joseph of Arimathea, Venerable 
a Vid. I. Pits, p. 142. & H. Spelm. Gloss. p. 245. voce Fossa, etc.  Bede, Bishop 
b Monast. Angl. Tom. 3.  Erkenwald, etc. (who are sometimes Saints, and sometimes only Confessors or Reverend old Churchmen) have the Days of their several Obits assigned them. Having therefore nothing more to write of the Lives of the Holy Men of these Ages, I shall take my leave of them; with the Observation of a witty 
c Th. Fuller's Holy War, ch. 8. pag. 11.  Author on some following Times, which I think may be as applicable to these: One may wonder, says he, that the World should see most Visions, when it was most blind; and that that Age, most barren in Learning, should be most fruitful in Revelations. After the Conquest we have several Ecclesiastical Champions, that have had a very profound Respect paid them by their Cotemporary Writers; and yet could never arrive at a legal Canonization. These (as many of 'em, that is, as have had their Lives penned by such particular Historiographers as I have heard of) were mostly either Archbishop's or Bishops: To which a third Class of inferior Clergymen shall be added; to be enlarged by those that have better opportunities (than I have had) of making just and full Inquiries.  
The Archbishops of Canterbury have always presided in the British Church tanquam Papae alterius Orbis; 
Archbishops of Canterbury.  and therefore in their Lives, well written, we may justly expect the most considerable part of our Ecclesiastical History. During the Contests betwixt the Crown of England and the Court of Rome, it was commonly the mishap of these Primates to side with the latter; which brought them sometimes into disgraceful Circumstances with their Sovereigns; but made their Memories precious in the esteem of those bigoted Monks, to whose Lot it fell to write their Eulogies. Hence we have already met with Anselm, Edmund and Thomas, among the Saints; and must here mennion such of their Successors as have had particular Pens engaged in their Service, tho' never so much as honoured with (even the diminutive Saintship) a Beatification. Simon Sudbury, who was beheaded by the Rebels in Wat. Tyler's Insurrection, is the first that I can meet with of this kind: And we have only a Fragment of his Life, written by one 
a Angl. Sacr. vol. 1. p. 49.  William Chatham. It tells us, that 'twas prophesied such an untimely Death should befall him, because (when Bishop of London) he met some Pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, designing to pay their Devotion to St. Thomas' Shrine, and advised them to let the Journey alone; assuring them Quod illa Indulgentia plenaria quae apud Cantuarios fore sperabatur, nullius commodi fuerat vel valoris. Such Doctrine as this in his Life-time, and the sealing his Loyalty to his Prince with his Blood at his Death, ought indeed to be remembered with Honour. That of Henry Chicheley (the pious Founder of All-Soul's College in Oxford) is written by Arth. Duck; and was lately published, with some others of the like kind, by 
a 4 to. Lond. 1681.  Dr. Bates. John Morton's was written and published by 
b 8vo. Lond. 1607.  Dr. Budden, Principal of New-Inn-Hall; who had, in this Primate, as noble a Subject as any Historian could well treat on. He had approved himself a most faithful Servant to Henry the Sixth, a true Subject to Edward the Fourth, and an admirable Counsellor to Henry the Seventh; who gained the English Sceptre (chiefly) by his Management, and had therefore good Reason to bestow a Crosier upon him. Since the Reformation, so much of Archbishop Parker's Life as related to his Consecration has been enquired into by several worthy Patriots of our Church; provoked to it by the impudent and senseless Fable of the Nagshead Tavern. The first that engaged in this Controversy, was 
c Of the Consecration of Bishops in the Church of England, Fol. Lond. 1613. & Latin, Fol. Ibid. 1625, 1646.  Fran. Wilson; who, from the Register-books of the Diocese of Canterbury, discovered the Villainies (and stopped the Mouths) of those Romanists that had first started this Slander. The Dispute was again renewed a little before the Restoration of King Charles the Second; and then our Church's Cause was as happily asserted by Bishop 
a Consecration and Succession of Protestant Bishops, 8vo. Lond. 1664.  Bramhal, afterwards Primate of Ireland. In the late Reign, the University of Cambridge thought it a proper Season to publish an Account of that whole Procedure, from the Original Record in the Library of Bennet College; which they ordered to be printed with two excellent 
b 4to. Cantabr. 1688.  Sermons upon the same Subject, preached by Mr. Edward's, a Member of that University. Archbishop Whitgift's many sharp Conflicts with the Nonconformists, together with the other Occurrences of his Life, are recorded by Sir George Paul; a Writer much commended by Bishop 
c De Praesul. p. 223.  Godwine.  
The Metropolitical Church of York, 
Archbishops of York.  has had several Prelates whose high Birth and Extraction (besides their other personal Endowments) has advanced them to considerable Posts of Honour and Trust in the State; and these will always invite the best Historians of the Age to attempt their Characters. Geoffry Plantagenet, Natural Son to Henry the Second, had great variety of Fortune; being promoted by his Brother King Richard the First, and driven out of the Kingdom by (another of his brethren) King John. His Story is given us at large by 
a MS. in Bibl. Cott. Ben.  Gyraldus Cambrensis; who says he did not think fit to put its Author's Name to it, there being (belike) some of his warm Truths in it, which the Times would not bear. In the 
b Angl. Sacr. vol. ●. p. 445.  Catalogue of his own Labours he tells us that 'twas a Book quod nec in cunabulis aut celsitudine generis, nec in Divitiis aut Fortunae blanditiis spes ponenda, exemplum praebens. Rich. Scroop, Brother to the Earl of Wiltshire, was put to death (for his Gratitude and Loyalty to his lawful Sovereign and kind Master, Richard the Second) by Henry the Fourth; against whom he conspired with the Earl of Northumberland and others. His Declaration against the said Henry, giving his Reason's why he cannot submit to his Government, has been lately 
a Ibid. p. 362, 369.  Published; as is likewise Clement Maydestone's History of his Martyrdom. Cardinal Wolsey's purple will give him a rank with the greatest of our Prelates, how mean soever the Circumstances of his Birth and Parentage may have been; and the Figure that he made in the State, as well as the Church, during his Rule and Government (rather than Ministry) in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth, very justly challenged the pains of a special Historian: Such was Cavendish, his menial Servant, who was also in good esteem with that King. He has left us an impartial Account of his Master's Life; which has had several 
b 4to. Lond. 1590., etc.  Editions. Dr. Burnet 
c Hist. of Reform. par. 1. p. 8.  quotes a MS. Copy, different from what we have in Print: And so does the Lord 
d Hist. of Hen. 8. p. 78.  Herbert; but whether this be not the same with the former I know not. We have another History of his Life and Death, in elegant Verse, by Tho. Storer; who was a Student of Christ-Church, and died (a famous Poet) in the Year, 1604.  
They that know how many of our Bishops 
Bishops.  before the Reformation (not to mention other inferior Dignitaries of the Church) bore the grand 
a Vid. Chronic. Seriem Cancellar. etc. E●it. a D. Guil. Dugdale.  Offices of Chancellors, Treasurers, Judges, etc. will readily believe that most of those left such Memoirs as might easily have been framed into very exquisite Histories of their Lives. And yet our Monks, to whom the Trust of writing all our Historis was usually committed, were so much Strangers to Affairs of this Nature, that we rarely find any thing among them that looks this way. Their Business was to pick up, or invent, as many amazing Stories as they could of the Exemplary Courage of some choice Prelates in asserting the Papal Usurpations; of their extraordinary Sanctity; of their Benefactons to some Church or Monastery; of their Miracles, etc. And with such Narratives as these we shall find the Lives of most of the following Prelates are Stuffed and Glutted. That of Gundulf Bishop of Rochester by a 
a Angl. Sacr. vol. 2. p. 273.  Monk of that Church (his intimate Acquaintance) is the earliest of these; and the rebuilding of the Cathedral, the Enlargement of the Monastery and the Foundation of the Hospital at Chatham, were Acts of Piety that very well deserved such a Respect. The like was done for Robert de Betun, Bishop of Hereford, by his Chaplain (and Successor in the Priory of Lanthony) William de Wycumb; who had a very noble Subject for the two 
b Ibid. p. 299, etc.  Books he has left us, if we may believe William of Malmesbury. He pretends to have known this Robert very well; and assures us that he was the most familiarly entertained at the Court of Rome, of any of our Bishops of that Age. We have only a Fragment of Gyraldus Cambrensis' 
c Ibid. p. 351.  Life of Hugh Nonant of Norwich; and such as is hardly worth the mentioning. He is somewhat more copious in his History of the 
d Ibid. p. 420, etc.  Six chief Bishops of his own Age; to which we may add the Three Books he wrote 
a Ibid. p. 457. & Praefat. p. 22.  De rebus a se gestis●, since he was (at least) Bishop Elect of St. David's. Robert Grostest of Lincoln was a Prelate of great Worth, a mighty Stickler against the prevailing Crime of Simony and the modish Appeals to Rome; and we have a full History of his Life by 
b Ibid. p. 325.  Richard a Monk of Barden (or Burton in Hartfordshire) and another Anonymous Writer. We have also a Letter from the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's for his Canonization: But it appears, from many of his own Writings, that his Request was not like to be granted; notwithstanding the fair Caresses that he had from the Pope (who feared him more than he loved him) in his Life-time. William of Wickham, the great Founder of two famous Colleges in Oxford and Winchester, could not avoid the having his Benefits carefully Registered by some of those that daily tasted of the Sweets of them: And indeed there have been several of those who have thus paid their grateful Acknowledgements to his Memory. The first of 'em (I think) was Tho. Chandler, sometime Warden of New-College; who wrote the 
a MS. in Coll Novo, Oxon.  Founder's Life, by way of Dialogue, in a florid and good Style. This is contracted (by the Author himself, as is supposed) into a 
b Angl. Sac. vol. 2. p. 355.  Couple of Pages; together with which is published a piece of his larger Colloquy, wherein he touches upon the Life of (his Patron) Tho. Bekinton, Bishop of Bath and Wells. He commends this latter Prelate's Skill in the Civil Law; but says nothing of (what won the Heart of King Henry the Sixth) his writing against the Salic Law of France. The next Writer of Wickham's Life was 
c 4to. Lond. 1597. & Oxon. 1690.  Dr. Martin, Chancellor of Winchester under Bishop Gardiner; who had the greatest part of his Materials out of Chaundler's Book. After him, Dr. Johnson (sometime Fellow of New-College, as well as the two former, and afterwards Master of Winchester-School) gave a short view of their Founder in Latin Verse; which, being a small thing of itself has been several times 
a Vid. Ath. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 251.  Printed with other Tracts. Bishop Godwine is 
b Praef. ad Angl. Sac. vol. 1. p. 19  censured for having a little unfairly borrowed the Account he gives us of this Prelate's Life (one of the best in his Book) from Mr. Josseline; without taking any notice of his Benefactor. Henry Spencer Bishop of Norwich (a more proper Officer for a Camp than a Cathedral) had his active Life written by 
c Angl. Sacr. vol. 2. p. 359.  John Capgrave; who takes occasion to state the Case, how far a Prelate may engage in Military Affairs. There's no doubt but there may be some Junctures wherein 'tis not only allowable (but a Duty) in every Man, that is able, to bear Arms; and this Bishop's Suppressing the Rebellious Insurrection in his own Diocese was so far from being a Crime, that 'twas highly commendable and becomingly Brave. But his Achievements in Flanders and other Foreign Parts (against the express Command of his Sovereign) were such extraordinary Efforts of Lay-Gallantry, as are not easily to be defended: Nor do I see that honest John ever thought of Apologizing for them. William of Wainfleet (Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor of England) was bred in Wickham's Colleges; and did his Founder the Honour to Write very fairly after his Copy. His Magdalene may vie with the other's two St. mary's, being (Modestly) one of the richest Seminaries of Learning in the whole World: And his magnificent Charity has been celebrated by the eloquent Pen of Dr. Budden (the Writer of Archbishop Morton's Life) who was a while Reader of Philosophy in that College. His Book bears the Title of 
a 4to. Oxon. 1602. & Lond. 1681. inter Collect. D. Bates.  Guilielmi Pateni, cui Waynfleti Agnomen fuit, Wintoniensis Ecclesiae Praesulis, & Coll. Beatae Mariae Magd. apud Oxon. Fundatoris, Vita Obitusque A Treatise much applauded by Godwine, who (nevertheless) seems not to have perused it: For he calls the Author William Budden, tho' his Name was certainly John. Richard Hall Doctor in Divinity (who died at 
a Joh. Pits, p. 803.  St. Omers, in the Year 1604.) wrote the Life of John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester; who could hardly be called a Cardinal, since his Head was off before the Red Hat passed through Calais. This Treatise was gravely quoted and referred to by Tho. Fuller, before (as I suppose) he had seen it: Since he seems to Apologise for his oversight by telling us, that 'twas a 
b Hist. of Cambr. p. 94. 99  Book which, when in Manuscript, he prized more for its Rarity, than (since 'tis Printed) he trusts for its Verity. A more modern 
c H. Wharton, Angl. Sacr. vol. 1. p. 382.  Author mentions the Life of the same Bishop written by George Lily; which, I guess, is no more than one of the short Characters in his Elogia virorum Illustrium. John Jewel's (of Salisbury) was composed by one that was a great Admirer of his Performances against Harding and other Papists, Laurence Humphrey; out of whose 
d 4to. Lond. 1573.  copious Tract in Latin another small English Account of his Life was afterwards drawn by a 
e 8vo. Lond. 1685.  Person of Quality, as the Author was pleased to Style himself. These are all the Writers, that I know of, which have attempted the History of any of our particular Prelates, before the end of Queen Elizabeth's Reign; which is as low as my Inquiries are to come. I do not question but that, upon a diligent Search into our English Libraries, a good Number may be added to them; tho' I cannot hope they will ever prove either so many, or so exact, as those that have been written of the Bishops since the uniting of the Kingdoms.  
There are few inferior Clergymen that have had the Honour done them to be remembered in any special Discourses on their several Lives; 
Inferior Clergy.  tho' many of 'em had the chief Places of Trust and Honour in the State conferred upon them. Within the compass of six or seven Reigns, after the Restitution of the Saxon Line, we have one Abbot, two Deans, six Arch-deacons and a Dignitary of St. Paul's, Chancellors and Keepers of the great Seal; not to mention others in somewhat lower Stations. I know not whether that these Men, having engaged themselves in the Management of secular Affairs, were thought to desert their Clerical Functions, or for what other Reason, they seem to have been out of the Road of the Monkish Historians: Or, at least, they never looked upon them as Persons that equally deserved their Respect, with such as had entirely devoted themselves to the Church's Service. Not one of them, as far as I have hitherto learned, have had their particular Histories; nor should we have known that some of 'em had ever lived, but from the public Records of the state. In short, I have only a couple of Lives to begin the Account with in this Class (for that of Henry archdeacon of Huntingdon, by 
a Bibl. Cott. Tiberius, A. 8.  Capgrave, is not worth the Readers notice or Mine;) and they both fall within the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, and the single Diocese of Durham. The former of these is that of Dean Whittyngham, one of the sorry Translators of David's Psalms; whose Life the Oxford 
b Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. lib. 2. p. 34.  Antiquary tells us he had in Manuscript. The other is that of (our Northern Apostle) Bernard Gilpin, Rector of Houghton; who had his 
a 4to. Lond. 1628. & inter Collect. Dr. Bates,  Life written, in elegant Latin, by his grateful Scholar, Dr. George Carlton, Bishop of Chichester. There's one passage in this History which has been ill applied by some of its Readers. The Refusal of the Bishopric of Carlisle has been interpreted as an Instance and Argument of the good Man's mean opinion of the Order of Episcopacy: Whereas (not to mention the extraordinary Humility wherewith he is noted to have been endowed) they that know the values of that Bishopric, and the Rectory of Houghton, will easily apprehend there might be other Motives to incline one to Modesty upon such an Offer.   

CHAP. VII.  
Of the Histories, Chronicles, Cartularies, etc. of our English Monasteries.  
THE great Usefulness of the Leaguer Books and other Monastic Records is so apparent to any Man that has had the least acquaintance with them, that I need not much insist on so known a Subject. The most Eminent of our Historians are visibly indebted to them for their chief 
a See the Pref. to Tanner's Notitia, p. 22, 23.  Materials; and 'tis from hence that they are enabled to clear the Descents and Pedigrees of many Noble Families; the Tenors of Estates, the Ancient Customs of Counties, Cities and great Towns; the Foundation and Endowment of Churches, etc. For how sparing, or defective, soever the old Monks might be in Recording the Public Affairs of the State, we are sure they were extremely diligent in noting down those of their own Monasteries: Whence it is that the Histories of those Cathedrals, which were anciently in their Possession, are the most entire of any in the Kingdom. This sufficiently appears from the late Collections of the Publisher of Anglia Sacra, who soon furnished out one 
a Vol. I De Archiepiscopis & Episcopis Ecclesiarum quas Monachi possiderunt.  Volume of this sort of Writers, but was forced to patch up the second out of a more incoherent Medley of Shreds. He would certainly have driven very heavily in the succeeding ones that he had promised; since ('tis plain) his best Fund was already exhausted. Nor are these Registers only more particular and full in Matters relating to their own History, than that of the Public; but they are also much more Authentic and Credible in these. They have always been allowed as good Evidence in our Courts of Judicature; and do often effectually determine such Causes as have been thought to labour under in extricable difficulties. Their Authority, indeed, is not so Venerable in those Passages that concern the Grandeur, Privileges and Immunities, of their respective Houses; where the private Zeal or Interest of the Penman may be suspected to have transported him a little, beyond the exact Limits of Truth. The Monks are rarely so straitlaced, as to boggle at an Officious Lie; and therefore, where the Subject will admit of such a pious piece of Knavery, they are to be read with Caution and Judgement. In reporting the several Grants of their Founders and Benefactors, with the Number and Boundaries of the Acres they gave, we may readily and safely trust them: because an interpolation in such a Case would be hazardous, and what might probably destroy an old Title instead of creating a new one. But when a Story comes to be told that may advance the Repute of the whole Fraternity, or discover the extraordinary Sanctity of a single Brother, we are to look for its being set off to the best Advantage; and the Historian uses us kindly, if he Romances only a little. I am apt to believe (says Father 
a Critic. Hist. of N. Test. par. 1. p. 20.  Simon) that these Letters [of Christ and King Agbar] were really found in the Archives of the City of Edessa: But we ought not too easily to give Credit to the first Originals of Churches. Every one strives to advance their Antiquity as much as is possible; and they make no scruple (on such Occasions) to counterfeit Acts, when they have none that are true.  
Mr. Whelo● 
a In Notis ad Beda Hist. Eccles p. 260.  quotes an old Saxon Schedule of the endowments of our ancient Monasteries before the Conquest, 
Saxon.  which (he says) is in the same Volume with King Aelfred's Paraphrastical version of Bede's History in the Cottonian Library: and yet the learned Publisher of the Catalogue of those Manuscripts, takes no notice of any such Tract, in the place 
b Bibl. Cott. Otho▪ B. 11.  where (if at all) it ought to have been mentioned. We are also told of an Historical Account of the Benedictines in England, from King Edgar's time to the Conquest; which is as high as that Order could be traced in this Kingdom. For, whatever may be argued to the contrary, 'tis very plain that our first Saxon Monks knew nothing of St. Bennets Rule; but lived under the Discipline brought from Ireland, which was very much different from what was afterwards introduced by St. Dunstan. If Augustine himself was of this Order, and planted it at Canterbury, (which is much questioned by very Learned Men) 'tis demonstrable the Rules were soon forgotten or laid aside, even in the southern Parts of the Island; and, in the North, Columbanus and the Men of Hylas were the Founders of all our Monastic Schemes.  
After the Norman Invasion, we had several Members of particular Monasteries that applied themselves to write the Histories of their own Houses; 
After the Conquest  but few that had any such concern for the Honour of their Orders in general. The first I can hear of, was Henry 
a Vid. Hist. Antiq. Oxon. lib. 1. ad ann. 1381 & 1391. & lib. 2. p. 61.  Crump, a Cistertian Monk (about the Year 1380) and Dr. of Divinity in the University of Oxford; who wrote an Account of the Foundation of all the Monasteries of England from the time of St. ●irin (the first, Bishop of Dorchester) down to that of Bishop 〈◊〉: But 'tis to be feared this is now lost; since it could not be found by 
a See Mr. 〈◊〉 Pref. to his Notitia, pag. 8, 9  one whom hardly any thing of that kind could escape. After him John Boston (a Monk of St. Edmondsbury, who will be remembered hereafter on another Occasion) Collected the Histories of the Foundations of his own and some other Religious Orders; which, I suppose, was done in those three Books which bore the Title of, 
b J. ●it●, p 393.  Speculum Coenobitarum. The next Writer on this Subject, was William Buttoner (who is also named Buttonius, 
c Id. pag. 649, 8●1, 8●1.  and William of Worcester) who is said to have written, De Civitatibus, Monasteriis, Abbatiis; deque Longitudine & Latitudine eorum: which Treatise we are assured is in the Library of Bennet College. I am very confident that the Topographical Description of England, which has been already mentioned in the first part, is the whole of this Gentleman's Labours; and that this Treatise has been subdivided into 〈◊〉 deal of lesser Tracts (such as his Itinerary of Bristol, History of Osney, etc.) by the same Powers that sliced the Man himself into three several Authors. Sir Henry Savile did certainly make a draught of a future History of the English Monasteries: but is supposed to have laid aside those Thoughts, upon John speeds intermixing something of that Nature in his General History. The Annual Revenues of the Abbeys, etc. in Speed were had from Sir Robert Cotton; whose 
a Bibl. Cott. Cleopatra, E. 4.  Copy has a double Valuation, of computed and clear Profits: whereof the former is only given by Speed, and the latter by Dugdale. The Reason why the former of these Writers is so frequently mistaken, in assigning the right Counties to the several Monasteries, was because he followed the List brought in by Cromwell's Commissioners; who were chiefly solicitous in learning the Value and Income, without being too nice in the Topographical part of their Account. This is what we have from a very 
a Hist. & Synops. Bibl. Cott. p. 39, 40.  learned Pen: To which let me add what another 
b T. Tanner, in Praefat ad Notit. Monast. pag. 5, 6, 20, 21.  worthy Person (who has been very happy in his searches into these Matters) has further told us. That Catalogue, he observes, was drawn up by William Burton, out of Leland's Papers and the Original Book of Valuations; which Book differs, indeed, from that ancient Copy which Sir William Dugdale transcribed from the Cottonian Library. Nor are these to be reconciled by deducting of Reprises; as appears from the History of those in Dugdale's Warwickshire, where all those common Burdens (of Pensions, Corrodies, Alms, etc.) are summed up: so that he inclines to the Opinion that there were several Rates taken of our Monasteries, upon various Surveys and at different Times; especially since he meets with some Valuations in Leland's Notes, that will not agree with either of these. Richard Broughton (who has been once remembered before) wrote a small Book of indigested Tales; which he entitled, Monasticon 
a 8vo. Lond. 1655.  Britannicum; or, A Historical Narration of the first Founding, and flourishing State of the Ancient Monasteries, Religious Rules and Orders of Great Britain, in the Times of the Britain's and Primitive Church of the Saxons, etc. This was printed a dozen Years after the Death of the Author, by some of his Friends: so that 'tis probable we have it much more imperfect than he intended; and in such an unfinished Condition, as the mistaken Kindness of Executors too frequently send things abroad.  
The same Year was published the First Volume of the famous Monasticon Anglicanum: 
Monasticon Anglicanum.  to which a 
b Fol. Lond. 1661., 1673.  Second and Third were afterwards added. The two former of these were (as the Title-Pages will inform us) owing to the joint Labours of Sir Will. Dugdale and Mr. Dodsworth: who had also the Assistance of a great many other eminent Antiquaries and Wellwishers to our English History. These were indeed chiefly the Work of R. Dodsworth, whose Father was Register at York; and Dugdale had only so much share in it, Vt Authoris alterius Titulum optime meritus sit, as Sir John Marsham 
a In 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. ad vol. 1.  expresses it. That is, as the Oxford-Antiquary 
b Ath. Oxon, vol. 2. p.  explains it to us, He took care in the Methodizing and Publishing of them; in Correcting the Sheets at the Press, and in Composing very useful Indices. Accordingly (tho' Dodsworth was dead before the printing of the First Volume, yet) he has the glory given him, in the Title, of the principal Author of both Tomes. The former of these gives us the Records of the Benedictine Monasteries, and (their Offspring), the Cluniacenses, Cistertians and Carthusians: And the latter affords those of the Canons Regular of St. Augustine, Hospitalers, Templars, Gilbertines, Praemanstratenses, and the Maturines or Trinitarians. We have in them the Remains of all those Orders, digested into a good Method; without any thing intermixed, either by the Collector or Publisher. The Latin Pieces are printed off exactly as they found them; and those in Saxon (as also Leland's English Notes) were translated by Will. Somner. The Collector ought to be reckoned amongst those worthy Benefactors to the Public, that have made it their Business to preserve our ancient Historians; such as Twisden, Fell, Gale, etc. Great and many are the Advantages which all the several Branches of our History (not only in Ecclesiastical, but Civil and Martial Occurrences) will derive from this Work: And hardly a private Family (of any Consideration) in the Kingdom, but will here meet with something of its Genealogy and Pedigree. He is most scrupulously exact in transcribing the ancient Records: So that, the bald Latin, barbarous Expressions, and other Deformities of the Monkish Style, are to be reckoned Beauties in him. By the Catalogue of the Monasteries, in the end of the First Volume, it appears how far the Industry of this Writer has exceeded that of the People employed by Henry VIII. to bring in a List of all the Religious Houses in this Nation: many being added (as more might have been, in almost every County) to the Schedule by them transmitted into the Exchequer. And yet the old Register-Books, that are cited in the Monasticon, have a deal more in them than is there made use of. Sir William Dugdale, (on second Thoughts) transcribed many Things into the Additamenta of the latter Tome; which both he and Mr. Dodsworth had overlooked or did not (at first) think Material enough. The Third Volume was published under the sole Name of Sir. William: though Mr. Wood does not question (he 
a Ath. Oxon. vol. 2. p. 700.  says) but, in this also, he was very much indebted to Dodsworth's Collections. He seems the rather to suspect such a thing, because many Records were communicated by himself, which are not duly acknowledged as they ought to have been; and he verily believes the like good Assistance was given him by Sir Tho. Herbert, tho' his Benefaction is also disregarded. These Three Tomes were lately 
b Fol. Lond. 1693. See Mr. Tanner's Praef. p. 7, 8.  Epitomised or Abridged by some modest Gentleman or other, that did not think fit to put his Name to his Work: which might have been of some good use, if a little more care had been taken of the Numerals; which direct to the Pages in the Monasticon itself, and (being frequently mistaken) do not only render the Book useless, but very dangerous. Besides, we are so far from wanting any Abridgement of these Tomes, that we rather complain of their too great Conciseness; and could wish there were some more added, out of such Leiger-Books and Records, as never came to the knowledge of either of the worthy Authors of these Three.  
Towards the furtherance of such an acceptable Service as this, 
T. Tanner.  we have had an excellent Manual, given us by Mr. Tanner; whose 
a 8vo Oxon. 1695.  Notitia Monastica does not only afford us a short History of the Foundation and chief Revolutions of all our Religious Houses, but presents us also with a Catalogue of such Writers (noting the Places where we may find them) as will abundantly furnish us with such further Particulars as we shall have occasion for. The forementioned Compilers of the Monasticon Anglicanum took care to make the like References; and to let the World know from whose Hands they had the perusal of the Records of this or the other Monastery. But, as many new Discoveries have been made since their Time, so several of the Books they met with have changed their owners; and therefore their Defects are not only here supplied, but the present Proprietors of what they mention much better ascertained. Some Volumes indeed, and several single Charters and other Instruments, are still appropriated to their old Masters; where 'tis not known how, or to whom, they have been lately transferred. And this may possibly prove an obliging piece of Service to the Executors, Administrators or Legatees, of the Persons so mentioned; who will be hereby directed and encouraged to make Enquiry after their unknown Chattels, and to claim them wherever they shall find them. This industrious Author has superseded some Pains I had long since taken to the like purpose; and whereof I should have given the Reader an Account in this Chapter. The Informations he has here, are beyond what I could have afforded him; and I hope (upon a second Edition of the Book, which I much long for) will be yet a great deal fuller. Till that can be had, give me leave to offer a slender Taste of the large Editions we may look for from the Author himself. In the Cottonian Library alone there are Histories and Register-Books of the following Monasteries; which (for want of such a Catalogue as we now have) had not come to his Knowledge.  

ABINGDON. Julius, A. 9 Claudius, C. 9  
St. ALBAN. Otho, D. 3. Nero, D. 1. 7. Julius, D. 3. Claudius, D. 1.  
BARDNEY. Vespasian, E. 20.  
BINHAM. Claudius, D. 13.  
CANTERBURY, Christ's Galba, E. 4.  
— St. Augustine's. Tiberius, A. 9 Otho, B. 15.  
DAVENTRY. Claudius, D. 12.  
DELACRES. Nero, C. 3.  
DERBY. Titus, C. 9  
DUNSTABLE. Tiberius, A. 10.  
St. EDMUNDSBURY. Tiberius, B. 9 Claudius, A. 12.  
ELY. Tiberius, A. 6. Vespasianus, A. 6.  
GLASTONBURY. Vespas. D. 22.  
HULM, Nero, D. 2.  
HUNTINGDON. Faustina, C. 1.  
KIRKSTEDE. Tiberius, C. 8.  
〈◊〉. E. 18.  
LEICESTER. Vitellius, F. 17.  
LENTON. Otho, B. 14.  
MALMESBURY. Faustina, B. 8.  
PARCO-STANLEY. Julius, C. 11. Vespas. E. 26.  
PIPEWELL. Caligula, A. 13, 14.  
RAMSEY. Vespasian, E. 2.  
READING. Vespasian, E. 5. 25. Domit. A. 3.  
ROCHESTER. Domitian, A. 9 Vespasian, A. 22. Faustina, C. 5.  
SELBY. Vitellius, E. 16.  
SMITHFIELD. Vespasianus, B. 9  
SOUTHWARK. Faustina, A. 8.  
STONE. Vespasianus, E. 24.  
WALSINGHAM. Nero, E. 7.  
WESTWOOD in Com. WIGORN. Vespasian, E. 9   
These are the most Eminent of those Writers that instruct us in the general History of our Monasteries; tho' (as a very 
a D. Smith, in Hist. & Synops. Bibl. Cott. p. 38.  learned Person has observed) we still want a more copious Notitia than any of them have hitherto seemed to have thought on: such an one as should give us a just account of the Foundation of those Houses; the Men of Learning that flourished in them; their Rules, Interests, Contests, etc.  
There are others that have taken great Pains in writing Histories of some particular Orders of Monks, 
Benedictines.  to which themselves have had some special Relation; and these, moving in a lesser Circle, had leisure to make more nice Inquiries, and more ample Discoveries. Amongst them the Benedictines may justly claim the Precedence; as being so much the Darlings of Saint Dunstan, and St. Oswald, that perhaps 'tis true (what one 
b Reyner● Apostolat. Bened. p. 11.  of them asserts) that, from King Edgar's Reign to the Conquest, there was not a Monastery in England, but what was Modelled according to this Rule. Will. Gillingham 
a J. Pits, p. 552.  of Canterbury (about the Year 1390.) is said to have written De Illustribus Ordinis sui Scriptoribus; and, if we could meet with this Treatise, we should not much lament the loss of his other De Rebus Cantuariensibus. Edward Maihew (sometime Scholar to John Pits) published a little Book under the 
b 8vo. Rem. 1619.  Title of Congregationis Anglicanae Ordinis St. Benedicti Trophaea; wherein he takes frequent occasion to quote his Master's Manuscript Treatise of the Apostolical Men of England, now kept as a precious Rarity in the Archives of the Church of Liverdune. He is commended for his Modesty in the Account he gives of their Writers; honestly quitting his Inclinations to serve a 
c Vid. Vss. rij Hist. Eccles. Brit. p. 216.  Party, where he observes Truth to be on the other side. The Obits and Characters of the English Benedictines, of greatest note since the Reformation, were penned by Tho. White alias Woodhop, a Monk of Douai; where he died of the Plague in 1654. A Manuscript Copy of this was in 
a Ath. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 415.  Mr. Wood's possession; and I suppose, is now (among those Books that he Bequeathed to the University) in the Musaeum at Oxford.  
But the chief of our Historians of this Order, 
C. Reyner.  was Clement Reyner; whose elaborate Book is Entitled, 
b Fol. Duac. 1626.  Apostolatus Benedictinorum in Anglia, sive Decerptatio Historica de Antiquitate Ordinis Congregationisque Monachorum Nigrorum in Anglia. His Business is to prove that the Order was brought hither by Augustine, Archbishop of Canterbury; and he is thought by some of our 
c W. Semner, Antiq. Canterb. p. 153.  best Antiquaries to have effectually proved his Point, and to have fairly Answered all the Objections against it. He is said to have had great helps from the Collections made by John Jones (or Leander de Sancto Martino, as he named himself) Prior of St. Gregory's, and Public Professor of Divinity, at Douai; who sojourning sometime in England with his heretofore Chamber-fellow Archbishop Laud, had frequent access to the 
d Hist. & Spnops. Synops. Bibl. Cott p. 38.  Cotton-Library: where he transcribed whatever he could find that related to the History a●d Antiquities of his own Order. Others say that the most of the Collections out of this Library, which were used by our Author Reyner, were made by 
a Ath. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 515. & vol. 2. p. 388.  Augustine Baker, another Monk of Douai; who left several Volumes (in Folio) of Select Matters, very serviceable towards the Illustrating of this and other parts of our English History. However it was, Sir Thomas Bodley's Library was thought the most proper Magazine to furnish out Artillery against the Man that had already seized on that of Sir Robert Cotton; and to this purpose Father 
b Ibid. vol. 1. p. 473.  John Barnes (a Brother Benedictine, but of different Sentiments with Reyner) betakes himself to Oxford, and there Composes a sharp Refutation of the Apostolatus. This was very ill resented by those of the Fraternity, and other Members of the Roman Church: And they had some reason to be Angry at one of their own Body's using the Book more Scurvily than any of the Protestant Writers had done. There are several Learned Foreigners, in France and Flanders, that have lately made very Voluminous Collections of the Acta Benedictinorum in General; wherein are some Tracts written by English-Men, and such as wholly treat on our own Historical Matters. These have been occasionally mentioned in other parts of this Work: And my Design will not allow me to consider them any further.  
The Cistercians 
Cistercians.  may be reckoned one of our own Orders: For, tho' they came not into this Kingdom till almost a Hundred Years after their first Formation, they were founded by Robert Harding an English-Man. Hugh Kirkstede (or rather Kirkstall) was a Monk of this Order, about the Year 1220. and collected the Memoirs of all the English that had been of it; which he Dedicated to John Abbot of Fountains. This is attested by 
a V. J. Pits, p. 297.  Leland; who acquaints us further, (that in the Library at Rippon) he saw his Book entitled Historia rerum a Monachis Cisterciensibus gestarum. 
a Cent. 3. cap. 81.  Bale tells us that he was greatly assisted in this Work by Serlo, Abbot of Fountains, about the Year 1160. And, because there appears to be a good distance betwixt the reputed Times of these two Writers, he assures us that Hugh lived very near a hundred Year. I am apt to believe that Serlo was the 
b Vid. Monast. Angl. Tom. 1. p. 854. b.  sole Author of another Treatise (ascribed to this Monk) De Origine Fontani Coenobij; and that this is the true bottom of Bale's fine Contrivance.  
The Canons Regular of St. Augustine pretend to be Founded by that famous Father (and Bishop of Hippo) whose Name they bear: 
Canons of S. Augustine.  But they are of no great Antiquity Here, all our Historians agreeing in this (tho' they disagree about the precise time) that they came into England since the Conquest. The first of their Historiographers was Jeoffrey Hardib, Canon of Leicester, and Privy Counsellor to King Edward the Third, in the Year 1360. who was an eminent Preacher, a great Divine, and (amongst many other things) wrote 
a J. Pits, p. 492.  De rebus gestis Ordinis sui. The next, and the last that I know of, was John Capgrave, who was sometime Provincial of the Order; and he allotted one his many Volumes the Subject 
b Id. p. 672.  De Illustribus Viris Ordinis S. Augustini.  
The Dominicans, 
Mendicants.  Franciscans and other Mendicant Friars, having had no Lands, had no occasion for Leiger-Books: But I know not why we should not have better Remains of their History, Penned by themselves; since 'twas no part of their Vow, that they should so far renounce the World, as not to have their good Works had in remembrance. The Story of the settlement of the Order of St. Francis in England (being confirmed by Henry the Third in the Year 1224) is written by Tho. Ecleston; whose Book, De adventu Minorum in Angliam, is in 
c MS. in Bibl. Dec. & Capit. Ebor. & alibi.  several of our Libraries. Mr. Pits 
d pag. 442.  says he wrote also another Book De Ordinis impugnatione per Dominicanos: Which, I am afraid, is only a part of the former; for they had Battle given soon after their first Landing. Their History afterwards is pretty well accounted for, by 
a Inter Opera ejus, Tom. 1. Duac. 1665.  Fran. a Sancta Clara; and we have a formal 
b Vid. Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. lib. 1. p. 68 71, etc.  Register of that Colony of them that was seated in London, with some Fragments of those of other Places. The Records of the University of Oxford, with those in the Neighbourhood, have afforded us a diverting View of their frequent Bicker with the Dominicans in our public Schools; which for an Age or two make up a good share of the Annals of that Place.  
The Carmelites 
Carmelites.  have likewise had some few of their Fraternity who have taken the pains to inquire into the History of that Order: of whom William of Coventry (about the Year 1360.) wrote 
c J. Pits, p. 493.  the Adventu Carmelitarum in Angliam. Bale quotes some of his Words; and Writes as if he had seen his Book. About a Hundred Years after this, Will. Green (a Cambridg-Man) collected out of the most of the Libraries in England the noted Exploits of the great Men of this Order; which he afterwards published under the Title of 
a Id. p. 662.  Hagiologium Carmelitarum. And lastly, Robert Bale (a Carmelite Friar at Norwich, and afterwards Prior of Burnham, where he died, A. D. 1503.) wrote 
b Id. p. 686.  annal Breves Ordinis sui. 'Tis much that this Gentleman's namesake, the famous Mr. John Bale, never penned any thing of this kind: For he was also a Carmelite of Norwich, and assures us (in the Account he gives of his own dear Self, in the Tail of his Writers) that the Libraries of that Order were the chief Treasury out of which he had his Riches. Perhaps he 
c Mr. Tanner says he has seen his Collections for such a purpose.  did Write some such Thing: but did not afterwards think fit to own the Respects he once had for those Antichristian Locusts, as he there most greatefully calls them.   

CHAP. VIII.  
Of the Histories of our Universities and Writers.  
WHAT Sir John Marsham 
a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. ad. Monast. Angl. in fine.  says of the old Monks of this Isle, may be well applied to the Zealous Antiquaries of our two Universities, Illos in illustrandis suorum Natalibus Antiquitati plus quam Veritati incubuisse. In the days of Henry the Eighth, during the Storm against Abbeys and Colleges, the Controversy was seemly enough. For, whilst nothing but Ruin was within their view, such a concern was as natural as 'tis for decaying Families to value themselves on their Pedigrees: But, in their flourishing condition under Queen Elizabeth, it might have been hoped that the Members of both would have found themselves better Employment. This the contending Parties in that Reign seem to have been somewhat sensible of; and therefore the most violent and fierce of 'em declined the owning of their several Brats, the affixing their Names to Plead and Apologies. The Truth is, the greatest part of what was offered on either side was so airy and vapid, that 'twas fit only for young Sophisters, or Men that had left the School for thirty 
a Vid. J. Caii, de Antiq. Cantab. lib. 1. in princip.  Years, to argue at such a rate: whereas the grave and residing Doctors were justly ashamed of such Practices, and (for some time) modestly played their Puppets from behind the Curtain. What was done for either of these Noble Seminaries by King Sigebert or King Aelfred may possibly endure the Canvasing: But when the contesting Antiquaries begin to be so hardy as to launch farther (into the vast and dark Ocean of the Times of Iren or Rydychen and Caer-grant,) I think the wisest Course is to divide the Laurel, and to call in King 
b Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. lib. 1. p. 3.  Bladud to be Founder of our first University at Stanford. Thus the pitching of our Tents in a third place ends the Controversy; and we may quietly, and at leisure, draw off our Colonies, to Oxford or Cambridge, as we have occasion.  
Some Writers we have that have behaved themselves with tolerable indifferency in treating of these Matters, 
Both the Universities.  and have honestly enquired into the true History of the gradual Advancement of Learning in this Kingdom; recounting whatever remained of the ancient State and Condition of it in either of our Universities: But the most of those that pretend to write of both without prejudice, are too manifestly biased in their Affections, and seldom fail of giving the Precedence to the place of their own respective Education. John Ross (the Warwick Antiquary) has been already observed to mix a deal of this kind of History in that which he wrote of the Kings of England: And 'tis certain he also designed a particular Treatise of the Antiquities of our Universities. This very Treatise (tho' he acknowledges 'twas an imperfect Copy that came to his hands) is frequently quoted by John Leland; and yet Mr. Wood 
a Id. ibid. lib. 2. pag. 77.  believes 'tis now lost, as confidently as his Predecessor (Brian Twine) thought it never had a being. I presume his other Tract, Contra Historiolam Cantabrigiensem, was only a Fragment of this Fragment; and therefore, if the one be irrecoverably gone, there's little encouragement to look after the other. Amongst Master Leland's own Works we have also one that bears the Title, 
b J. Pits, pag. 743, 744.  De Academiis Britannicis; which was once in such forwardness as that himself spoke of it as of a piece that would suddenly appear abroad: 
c Comment. in Cyg. Cant. voce Granta. Vid. & ibid. voc. Isidis vadum.  Quin Grantae gloriam accuratius in Opusculo, quod de Academiis Britannicis sum propediem editurus, collaudabo. I cannot see how this Expression could give any Foundation to 
d Tho Key, Assert. Antiq. Oxon. p. m. 5.  one of our Queen Elizabeth's Antiquaries to assert that if this Book were published in that entire Condition in which its Author left it, it would infallibly stop the Mouths of those that contend for the Antiquity of Cambridge: But I think 'twas a sufficient Reply to such a Supposition, that, 
a John Caii, De Antiq. Cantab. lib. 1.  If the Sky should fall we should as infallibly catch Lar●s. John Pits prefaced his Account of our Writers, with a small History of our Universities; which he desired might be taken notice of in the Title of that Work, inscribed by himself, 
b Pits, p. 817.  De Academiis & Illustribus Scriptoribus Angliae There's nothing in him, on the former head, but what he has Epitomised out of some of those that wrote on the same Subject a little before his Time: from whom he borrows all the new Light he pretends to give, De Academiis, tam Antiquis Britonum, quam recentioribus Anglorum. About the same time (as I guess) lived Robert Hare; 
c Fuller's Hist. of Cambr. p. 15.  who was an Esquire of good Worship and Wealth, and a great lover and preserver of Antiquities. He carefully Collected the precious Monuments of both Universities; caused them fairly to be transcribed, and freely bestowed a Duplicate (or double Copy) on each of them. This industrious Gentleman was sometimes a Member of Gonvil and Caius College in Cambridge; and therefore, tho' he pretends to give a fair History of the Privileges of Oxford; yet he 
a Vid. Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. Lib. 2. p. 386, 390. & Lib. 1. p. 83.  inclines too much (upon occasion) the other way. In Howes' Edition of 
b Fol. Lond. 1632.  Stow's Chronicle we have an Appendix or Corollary of the Foundations and Descriptions of the three most famous Universities of England, viz. Cambridge, Oxford and London. The Story of the two first of these, we are told, was compiled by John Stow, and continued by his Publisher: and 'tis not much that we owe to the pains of either of 'em, since the whole is only a lean Tract of half a dozen Pages. There's, in the 
c Hist. Ox. lib. 1. p. 42.  Archives of Bodley's Library, a Poetical Piece, entitled, Britannia Scholastica; which was written by one Robert Burhil, about the beginning of King James the First's Reign, and Treats of the prime Antiquities of our two Universities.  
The zealous stickling for Seniority in the last Age did this Service to both our famous Nurseries of good Learning, that many of their most ancient Records were hereupon enquired out and carefully preserved; which may be as beneficial to our English History, as some officious Forgeries (on the same occasion) are injurious to it. We have no less than 
a Bibl. Cott. Faustina, C. 7.  one and twenty several Volumes relating to the Antiquities of the University of Oxford; as Charters, Orders, Statutes, Decrees, Letters, etc. the last whereof bears this Title. About the Burghesses for the University; and what may be answered in case their Right of sitting in Parliament should be impugned. These are all in Manuscript; and are the 
b Vid. Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. lib. 1. p. 203, & alibi.  Fountain whence some of our best Printed Accounts have been derived. Amongst the latter kind the Historiola Oxoniensis is looked upon the most Authentic; and (as such) has had 
c In princip. Assert. Antiq. Oxon. Thomas Key, Hist. Oxon. lib. 1. p. 4. etc.  several Impressions. 'Tis only a short Fragment of a single Page in Octavo; wherein we are told that the Britain's began an University at Grekelade, which the Saxons removed to Oxford. This is the Sum of that little Narrative; which (tho' 'tis found in some of their Manuscript Statute-Books, as old as the Reigns of Edward the Third and Henry the Fourth, yet) is not much insisted on by Mr. Wood, who was sensible that it was Penned too carelessly to be of any great use in the grand Controversy. John Ross seems (soon after this) to have written particularly of the Antiquities of Oxford; besides the Treatise he left upon the two Universities in common: for such a Book of his Leland refers to, tho' he gives the Author of it the tart Character of 
a Comment. in Cygn. Cant. voc. Isidis vadum.  Vir majoris longe Diligentiae quam Judicii. 'Tis perhaps the same which we elsewhere meet with under the Title of 
b J. Pits, p. 683.  Contra Historiolam Cantabrigiensem. About the same time (or, it may be, a little sooner) William Wircester, Worcester or Buttoner, wrote his Polyandrum Oxoniensium, etc. wherein he gave a List of all the eminent Persons that had been educated in this University; which might possibly be had amongst 
a See his Apolog. lib. 2. §. 144.  Brian Twines Collections. The first Champion that appeared in the Cause against Cambridge, was Tho. Key, Master of University College; who, having for some time been employed in the Registrary's Office, was the best acquainted with the public Instruments and Records. His 
b 8vo. Lond. 1568. & 4to. Ibid. 1574.  Assertio Antiquitatis Oxoniensis Academiae was written in Defence of this University, in opposition to what had been advanced (two years before) by the public Orator of Cambridge; who, in an Harangue to Queen Elizabeth, had affirmed his own Mother to be the Elder Sister of the two. That Princess coming afterwards to Oxford, the foresaid Treatise was hastily drawn up and presented to Her in Manuscript: And, a Copy of it falling afterwards into the hands of Dr. Caius, it was published with his Answer; which will be further mentioned anon. This usuage provoked the Author to take more leisure in Composing a Reply, which he communicated to several of his Friends under the Title of, Examen Judicii Cantrabrigiensis cujusdam, qui se Londinensem dicit, nuper de Origine utriusque Academiae lati. Mr. Wood 
a Ath. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 137.  says he once met with a Transcript of this Book, and found some things in it worth his observation: but he could not direct his Reader where it was afterwards to be had; and speaks so coldly of it, that the obscure owner (in whose hands he saw it) does not appear to be worth the enquiring after. He rather offers to our perusal the Mystical Oxon. of Oxonford, etc. by Henry Light; which (he 
b Ibid. p. 293.  says) is amongst Twine's Manuscripts at Oxford, and has several Crotchets in it which may be serviceable to the Man that shall hereafter engage in these weighty Disputes. To these fanciful pieces may be added the 
c 8vo. Hanou. 1605.  Laudes Academiae Parisinoe & Oxoniensis, by the eminently learned Dr. Alberic Gentilis; whose Panegyric on this University is penned with the like accuracy as the other Works of that noted Author. After him follows Isaac Wake's 
a 4to. Oxon. 1607. & 8vo. Ibid. Saepius.  Rex Platonicus; wherein the Author (who was then public Orator, afterwards a Knight and Ambassador) elegantly describes the Entertainment given by the University to King James the First, and occasionally intermixes the History and Antiquities of the whole and all its parts. Brian Twine (Fellow of Corpus Christi, and sometime Custos Archivorum to the University) made a more diligent search into the History and Records of this place than any of the former; and obliged the Lovers of these Studies with his 
b 4to Oxon. 1608.  Antiquitatis Academiae Oxoniensis Apologia, which (in three Books) very amply refutes all Dr. Caius' Arguments for the Seniority of his Cantabrigians. The industrious Author intended another Edition of this Book: and, to that purpose, had largely augmented an interleaved Copy; which ('tis supposed) was lost during those unhappy Confusions which at first retarded the publishing of it. What is printed has been censured as 
c T. Fuler's Hist of Cambr. p. 14.  an Heap, rather than a Pile; and the Writer himself declared to be no methodical Antiquary: And yet (how strangely different are the Judgements of Men of contrary Affections and Interests!) this is the Character we have of the Book from another hand, 
a Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. lib. 2. p. 241.  In eo libro praeter Subactissimum Judicium, etiam varia Lectionis indicia passim sparguntur. The same year, with this Apology, was published 
b 8vo. Oxon. 1608.  Ilium in Italiam, written by John Sansbury of St. John's College; wherein are the Arms of the several Colleges in this University, and Verses upon them. 'Tis not much more considerable than what (not long before) was written at Rome by Nich. Fitzherbert, a Reteiner to Cardinal Allen; and was there printed under the Title of, 
c 8vo. Rome 1602.  Oxoniensis in Anglia Academiae Descriptio. A 
d Vid. Ath. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 498.  slight Discourse on the Oxford-Antiquities, by way of Letter to a Friend, was penned by Dr. Leonard Hutton; who died Canon of Christ-Church, A. D. 1632. and left also behind him a Manuscript Treatise in Latin, entitled, Historia Fundationum Ecclesiae Christi Oxon. una cum Episcoporum Decanorum & Canonicorum Ejusdem Catalogo. Of the like Complexion with the latter of these (Meager in itself, and of a narrow Subject) is Dr. Savage's 
a 4to. Oxon, 1668.  Ballio-Fergus; which pretends to give a true History of all the great Men that have been Members of Balliol College, whereof the Author was Master. This Writer is observed to have had a Genius somewhat averse to the Business he was here engaged in, being too much a Courtier to turn Antiquary: so that (having also a very imperfect stock of Materials) 'twas no wonder that a great many Errors and Defects were discovered in his Book; that Duns Scotus (for example) was transplanted hither from Merton, and Bishop Tonstal wholly overlooked. The 
b 4to. Oxon. 1665. & Lond. 1675.  Notitia Academiae Oxoniensis was the Work of the late learned Mr. Fulman; who also began the History of (his own College) Corpus Christi, but did not live to finish it for the Press. Above all, this famous University is chiefly indebted to the indefatigable pains of honest Anthony Wood; whose Industry, joined with Camden's Learning and Judgement, would have made a complete English Antiquary. His 
a Fol. Oxon. 1674.  Historia & Antiquitates Vniversitatis Oxoniensis gives abundantly more than the whole Tribe of the foremention'd Authors could afford us; and, in two large Books, runs through every particular of her Story. In the former of these we have her Annals, from the eldest date of her Records, down to the Year 1648. wherein our ancient British Government, Religion, Liberties, Laws and Learning, were all sacrificed together. The Confusions that ensued, and continued for above eleven long Years after King Charles' Martyrdom, made a Scene too Tragical; and therefore our Historian wisely dropped the Curtain before Ignorance had entirely usurped the Schools, Blasphemy the Pulpits and Oliver the Throne. The latter Book presents us with an Account of the Foundations, Endowments, etc. of the Public Lectures, Library, Colleges and Halls; with a List of their Benefactors, Governors and eminent Writers: To which is added a Catalogue of the Chancellors, Vicechancellors, Proctors, Stewards and Representatives in Parliament. This Work was first penned in English; and translated into Latin by several Persons appointed by the Curators of the Press: So that the Style is not very uniform, and sometimes the original Sense a little mistaken and perverted. Some instances of these failures are given by a late 
a Bp. Barlow's Rem. p. 181, 183, 184.  Learned Prelate of our Church; who is a little too severe in his Reflections upon the chief Publisher of these Antiquities. The Author himself complained of several 
b Athen. Oxon. vol. 2. p. 605.  Additions and Alterations, made without his Privity and Consent; and seemed to hope that his own English Copy (the Language whereof, I dare say, was not over Charming) would sometime or other 
c Ibid. p. 28.  hereafter be Published.  
The Black Book at Cambridge makes as considerable a Figure there, 
Cambridge.  as any of our old Statute-Books can do at Oxford; and it has also its Historiola, which is equal (both for Matter and Authority) with ours. The whole Volume is a Collection of ancient Charters and Privileges; amongst which this short History was (in the last Age) inserted by 
a Vid. Joh. Caii Antiq. Cantab. lib. 1. p. 〈…〉  William Buckenham, Master of Caius College, and Vicechancellor of that University. In this we have the Story of King Gurguntius' bestowing the Eastern part of Great Britain upon Cantaber, a Spaniard; who (forsooth) had sometime studied at Athens, and (after Caer-Grant was built by his Son Grantanus) invited thence his old Friends Anaximander and Anaxagoras, to teach Philosophy in this City. Centum sunt ibi (says 
b Comment. ad Cygn. Cant. voce Granta.  John Leland) praeterea ejusdem farinae Fabulae. Profecto nihil unquam legi vanius, sed neque Stultius aut Stupidius. Missas igitur facio has Antiquitatis delicias. Out of the same Book 
c Hist. et Antiq. Oxon. lib. 2. p. 390.  Robert Hare borrowed his Catalogue of the Chancellors (or Rectors, if the other Word should prove too young for the purpose) of this University; which are most exactly continued from St. Amphibalus (who was Rector, A. D. 289.) down to the Conquest. 'Tis 
a J. Pits, p. 635.  reported, that a certain Historia Cantabrigiae was written by Nicholas Cantelupe, a Welsh Gentleman; who died Prior of a Monastery of Carmelites at Northampton, A. D. 1441. Archbishop Usher takes this to be the same with what we have already observed to be in the Black Book; and therefore he 
b Antiq Eccles. Brit. p. 69, 112, 268.  frequently quotes Cantelupe's Historiola for the Benefactions of King Lucius and King Arthur, to the University of Cambridge, Pelagius' studying there, etc. Our later Antiquaries agree with this learned Primate; and allow this Author, and that very Work, to be the first that appeared in defence of the British part of her Story: And they further tell us, that here 
c Hist. et Antiq. Oxon. lib. 1. p. 36.  began the Quarrel betwixt the two Sisters, and that John Ross professedly engaged on the behalf of Oxford. Indeed, Tho. Fuller 
a Hist. of Cambr. p. 65. 66.  speaks of a Treatise concerning the ancient Privileges of this University, which seems to carry a little more Age; being written by one Thomas Markant, Fellow of Peterhouse, and Junior-Proctor, A. D. 1417. This Book, he says, was bestowed on the University by the Author himself; and, at his request, carefully kept (for some time) in a locked Chest It was afterwards lost or stolen; but recovered and restored by R. Hare. It was again lost; and recovered by Matt. Wren, Bishop of Ely. A third time 'tis lost: And this Relapse (says he) I suspect to be mortal. The Life of King Sigebert was amongst 
b Comment. in Cygn. Cant. voce Gran●a.  John Leland's many Designs; and broad Hints he gave that in it he would discover the true Original of the University of Cambridge: But the bulkiest Promises of such noted Writers, commonly prove the most abortive; Despair of answering the World's raised Expectations, very much contributing to their Miscarriage. The most learned Cantabrigian Antiquary that has yet appeared was John Caius, Doctor of Physic, and Physician in Ordinary to Queen Mary; who 
a J. Pits, p. 756. & Fuller's Worthies, p. 275. 276. in Norwich.  was born at Norwich, and was the generous Founder of Caius College out of Gonvil-Hall. His two Books 
b 8vo. Lond. 1568. & 4to. Ibid. 1574.  De Antiquitate Cantabrigiensis Academiae were written, in defence of the Cambridge-Orator, against Tho. Key. The former Edition of them was under the feigned Name of Londinensis: But in the second the Author himself thought it no disparagement to own his Work. His first Attempt is to establish the lately advanced Doctrine of his Mother's great Age and Seniority; which he endeavours to do from the exemplifyed Charters of King Arthur and King Cadwallader, together with those of the Pope's Honorius and Sergius. This done, his next Business is to overthrow the pretended Antiquity of Oxford; which (in his second Book) he dispatches as effectually as he had done his former Argument. He seems to have intended a much larger History of this University, than is here given us: For (speaking 
c Edit. 1586.  of the frequent Depopulations and Miseries of the Town, during the Wars betwixt the Saxons and the Danes) he concludes, De quibus in libris nostris de Historia Cantabrigiensis Academiae explicatius egimus. I am very confident that a good part of the Collections which he made for this purpose, are still in 
a Bibl. Cott. F●ustina, C. 3.  Sir John Cotton's Library; where we are told of a Volume of Collectanea ex antiquis Rotulis & variis Auctoribus de Academia Cantabrigiensi, ejus Antiquitate & Privilegiis, cum multis Literis Originalibus ejusdem Academiae ad Regem Henricum VIII. Thomam Cromwellum, etc. The same Year with the first Edition of Dr. Caius' Book, was published 
b 8vo. Lond. 1568.  Regina Litera, sive, De Adventu Elizabethae Reginae Angliae ad Academiam Cantabrigiensem; a Treatise of the same Nature with that of Rex Platonicus (afterwards) at Oxford. In the same Queen's Reign, wherein the Civil Wars betwixt our two Universities were the most violent, was Printed a 
c Impress. Cantabr. per Th●m. Thomasium.  Catalogue of the Rectors and Chancellors of Cambridge, from Mauritius (in the Time of Constantine the Great) to the Year 1585. written by Matt. Stokys, Beadle and Registrary of that University. Since his Time the only Person (as far as I know) that has published any History of this place (for I do not think Sir Simonds D'ewes' 
a 4to. Lond. 1641. Vid. & Hist. Oxon. lib. 1. p. 30.  Speech deserves such a Name) is Tho. Fuller; who was pleased to annex his 
b Fol. Lond. 1655.  History of the University of Cambridge to that of the Churches of Great Britain; and most People think they ought not to be separated. He begins (modestly) at the Conquest; and ends at the Year 1643. for the like Reasons that prevailed with our Oxford-Antiquary to break off Five Years after. The Foundation of the University by King Sigebert, he had discussed before; in the Body of his 
c Cent. 7. lib. 2. ad An. 631.  Church-History: And the potent Arguments he there produces have been nicely examined and considered by 
d Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. lib. 1. p. 35, 36, etc.  Mr. Wood Parker's 
e Citat. a Tho. Fuller, in Hist. Cantab. p. 31, etc.  Sceleton Cantabrigiense does not promise any great Matters in its Title: and Mr. Hatcher's 
a Ibid. p. 139. And in his Worthies frequently.  Catalogue of the Fellows of King's College (though it may have some things of Note in it, yet) is of too confined a Subject to deserve any more than the bare nameing in this Place.  
It had been a happy thing if all those that, 
Writers.  with so much Industry and Application, have enquired into the first Originals of our two Universities, had bestowed as much of their learned Pains in following down the Histories of such eminent Writers as have flourished in either of them: For (as hereby they might severally have done as much Honour to their respective Mothers, so) this had been the most effectual Course to have endeared themselves to Posterity, and to have made their Labours for ever valuable. We are extremely indebted to those pious Princes and generous Heroes that (either in the East or Western Parts of the Kingdom) have afforded us such noble advantages of Education, in all sorts of Learning, as no other Nation can pretend to; and perhaps we cannot be more injurious to their Memories than by clogging their true Story with Fables, Fancies and Forgeries. Instead therefore of raking in their Ashes and rifling their Sepulchers to prove them Men of Gigantic Stature, instead of refining upon their History till we have turned it into Romance, we should pay them more grateful and real Honours if (being content with such Remains of them as we know are Genuine) we employed more of our Time in letting the World see what use has been made of their Benefits; how much the several Branches of the unforbidden Tree of Knowledge have thriven under the Influences of their Charity; what mighty Numbers of great Doctors and Masters (in all Faculties) have been fed at their Expense, and flourished by their Bounty. 'Tis true, our Universities were not always the sole Fountains of good Literature in this Island; many of our eminent Writers having had their Education in Monasteries: But (since St. John of Beverly has been made a Member of that at Oxford, and venerable Bede a Student at Cambridge) I wish they had ranked all our ancient Men of Knowledge on one Hand or the other, provided they had given us full Accounts of their Persons and Labours. I think we may (without Vanity) affirm that hardly any Kingdom in the World has outdone England, either in the Number or Goodness of her Authors; and that, even in the darkest Ages, our Lamps shone always as bright as any in our Neighbourhood. When School-Divinity was in Fashion, we had our Doctores Subtiles, Irrefragabiles, etc. and, as Learning grew to a better Ripeness and Stature, we had plenty of good Books in other (as useful) Sciences.  
The first that attempted the History of our Writers was John Boston, 
J. Boston.  a Monk of St. Edmundsbury, A. D. 1410. who, having 
a J. Pits, p. 593.  viewed most of the Libraries in England, drew a Catalogue of all the British Authors, and gave short censures upon them. He could hardly have flourished so early as Pits here speaks of, if his Progress was (as a later 
a T. Gale, in Praesat. ad 15. Script. p. 1.  Writer informs us) in the Reign of King Henry the Seventh: But we shall not quarrel with him for such small Mistakes as this. He ought indeed to have been a little better versed in the Story of his great Grandfather; for the three following john's (Leland, Bale and Pits) handed from one another what was first borrowed from him. Archbishop Usher 
b Th. Fuller's Worthies, p. 166. in Lanca●. Vide etiam ipsum Vsher. de Script. Vernac. p. 124.  had the most curious MS. Copy of his Book: And our Oxford Antiquary 
c Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 58.  citys another (smaller) Catalogue of the same Author's Composure. Whether Alanus de Linna (Prior of a Carmolite Monastery at Lyn in Norfolk, A. D. 1420.) did 
d Vid. J. Pits, p. 603.  enlarge this Catalogue or the other, I dare not determine: Possibly, he only made an Index to them; as he did to 
e Bale, Edit. Wesal. fol. 185.  forty other Volumes in the Library at Norwich.  
The next that thought this Matter worth his consideration was John Leland; 
J. Leland.  who was indeed an extraordinary Person, having (besides his being a great Master in Poetry) attained to a good share of Knowledge in the Greek, Latin, Welsh, Saxon, Italian, French and Spanish Languages. In the Year 1534. King Henry the Eighth gave him a Commission to Search all the Libraries of England, and to make what Collections he thought Good: in which Employment he Spent Six whole Years. He afterwards turned Protestant, and was seized with a Frenzy; losing (says my 
a J. Pits, p. 743.  Author, very uncharitably) his Understanding with his Faith. In this Condition he died at London, A. D. 1552. leaving a vast number of Historical Treatises behind him. Amongst these, the most valuable (at least, that which we are now chiefly concerned to inquire after) is said to have been entitled De Illustribus Britanniae Scriptoribus; containing the Lives and Characters of most of the eminent Writers of this Kingdom. This Work is now in the public 
b Vid. Ath. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 69.  Library at Oxford; where it makes the fourth Volume of his Collectanea (being 354 Pages in Folio) given by Will. Burton to that University.  
John Bale 
J. Bale.  was a Suffolkman, sometime Scholar in Jesus College in Cambridge; and afterwards a Carmelite Friar in Norwich. He was (as he 
a Cent 8. cap. 100  says) converted from Popery by the procurement of Thomas Lord Wentworth; tho' (in truth) his wife Dorothy seems to have had as great Hand in that happy Work. In the Year 1552. he was made 
b Puller's Worthies, p. 60. 61. in Suffolk.  Bishop of Ossory in Ireland: But, returning from Exile in Queen Elizabeth's Reign, he did not think it advisable to go any more into that Kingdom; contenting himself with a Prebend of Canterbury, where he died, A. D. 1563. His Summarium Illustrium Majoris Britanniae Scriptorum was first presented to King 
c 4 to. Ipsw. & Wesal. 1549.  Edward the Sixth; and contained only five Centuries of Writers. To these he afterwards added 
d Fol. Basil. 1559.  three more; and made several Corrections and Additions throughout the whole Book. The Ground-plot of this Work (as has been observed) was borrowed from Leland; and the chief of his own Superstructure is malicious and bitter Invectives against the Papists. The Character which a late learned Person gives of him and his Writings is too just 
a H. Wharton, in Praefat. ad. Angl. Sac. vol. 1. p. 31. & 47.  Veritas Balaeo Parum curae erat, dummodo Romanae Ecclesiae Inimicorum Numerum augere posset. And again, Clausis plerunque oculis Scriptorum Anglicorum aetates definivit. Some have thought his making 
b H. Spelm. Concil. Tom. 1. p. 210.  Books of some little Saxon Epistles excusable, and what would admit of an Apology: But, if we mark him well, he's continually multiplying the Writings of all his Authors at a very unsufferable and unjustifiable rate.  
In Opposition to Bale's hard Treatment of the Romanists came forth J. P's 
c 4 to. Paris 1619.  Relat. Histor de rebus Anglicis, 
J. Pits.  Tom. 1. etc. which is the same Book with that usually quoted by the Name of Pitseus de Scriptoribus. This Author Stuyed in New-College in Oxford; and was at last Dean of Liverdune in Lorain, where he died, A. D. 1616. Tho' he quotes Leland with great Familiarity and Assurance, 'tis very probable he never 
a Athen. Oxon. vol. 1. p. 345, 346, etc. & Hen. Wharton, Praefat, ad Angl. Sac. vol. 1. p. 15.  saw any such thing as his Collectanea de Scriptoribus; but that his only true Author, for all he pretends to bring out of that Storehouse, was John Bale himself. His Latin is clean enough; and his giving an Account of some eminent Popish Writers, that lived beyond Sea in the beginning of the Reformation, is an acceptable Piece of Service. Mr. Wood has taken the pains to Correct a great many of his Mistakes; and might have noted some hundreds more. He must needs have been too much in haste to write accurately, who, even in the Catalogue he gives of his own Uncle 
b Pag. 775.  Nich. Sanders's Writings, is guilty of so gross an Error as to reckon the Treatise entitled, 
c 4 to. Lond. 1573.  Fidelis Servi subdito infideli responsio among that infamous Writer's Works, when on the contrary, the Book was written against him, and he's the Subditus Infidelis mentioned in the Title-page.  
Our Writers of these two last Ages have been pretty well accounted for by 
A. Wood  the late industrious Anthony Wood; whose 
a Fol. Lond. 1691. & 1692.  Athenae Oxonienses give us a large Collection of Reports (good and bad) of the most minute Circumstances of almost all the Authors that have flourished in either of our Universities since the Year 1500. The Writer of these two Volumes (or his Friend, who penned the Prefaces for him) thought it convenient to excuse the extraordinary Respect he paid to the Members of the Roman Communion; telling us that he had found those the most communicative, as (on the contrary) the fanatics were generally the most reserved and morose. Some fancied there were other secret Reasons for these mutual Civilities betwixt the Gentlemen of that Persuasion and our Author; who, by his long conversation amongst them, was thought to be a little too deeply tinctured with their Principles. 'Twill be a difficult Task to prove him a Papist from any thing that he has here advanced; since in some places he falls as foul on those People, as his Praises of 'em are extravagant in others. The truth is, His Books are little more than a Medley of Notes and such Informations as were sent in from his several Correspondents; without being digested into any other method than the throwing them under that particular Author's Name, to whom they chiefly related. 'Tis no Blemish on his Memory to observe that he had his share of that Peevishness and Austerity (both in his Style and Manners) which is commonly incident to Antiquaries; and thus much we ought gratefully to acknowledge that he has furnished us with a larger Stock of useful Materials than perhaps any one Man of this Age has Collected. If he was too sullen among Courtiers, he paid sufficiently for all the Liberty he took; and 'tis illegal to object a Crime for which a suitable Penance has been already enjoined and performed.  
It were highly to be wished that we had a general Account of all our Writers done with the like accuracy and exactness as those of Oxford (for the last 200 Years) are in these two Volumes; 
T. Tanner.  but in somewhat better and more polite Air: And I think I may boldly promise the Reader that this will be abundantly performed by Mr. Tanner, who has diligently compared Leland's Original Manuscript with the scandalously false Copies that have been given of it by Bale and Pits. He has Corrected innumerable Errors in all the three; and has made those many and large Additions to all that they could tell us, that we shall have reason to look upon the Work as entirely new and his own. The obliging Pains that have been taken by this worthy Person on that Subject have rendered him better qualified to give an Account of our English Historians than I can pretend to be; and I wish I had early enough thought of recommending the Task to him: But his great Candour, in remarking the Omissions and Mistakes in my former Part, encourages me to hope that he will as kindly review this; and then I shall not question but they will both become more serviceable than (without such an Assistance) I could ever have made them.  
The End of the Second Part.   

AN INDEX OF THE Authors in the Second Part.  
The Capital Figures refer to the Preface.  

A.  
Abbo Floriacensis Pag. 52.  
Abingdon 151  
Adalard 51  
Adam 75  
Adeodatus 118  
Aelfric 45, 51, 54, 57  
Albanensis 24  
Albert, Pruss 74  
Alcuinus 152  
Alfred, Malmsburiensis 47  
— Beverlac xxvi, 55  
Alford 71  
Allen xxiv  
Andreas xlv  
Anglicus 22  
Aquaepontanus 85  
St. Asaph 27  
Ashmole 141  
Asketel 55  
Avesbury xxxviii  
Augustine 5, 33  
Ayscue xxxii   

B.  
Bacon xlvii, 74  
Baker 196  
Bale 160, 201  
Barden 169  
Barns xxxix, 21  
Basire 20  
Battely xuj  
Bede 34, 47, 48  
Benedict xxxvi, 26, 78  
Beulanius xvii, xx  
Biondi xliii  
Birchington 121, 132  
Blaneford xxxviii  
Blegorede xxi  
Blesensis xxxvi, 59  
Boseham 76  
Boston 182, 225  
Bracland 76  
Brady xxxii, xlii  
Bramhal 164  
Bravonius 57, 60  
Bridferth 50  
Bridgewater 85  
Britannus xvii, xx  
British Laws xxi  
Brome xxvii  
Broughton 11, 184  
Budden 163, 172  
Burhil 207  
Buriensis 108  
Burchardus 51  
Burnet 88, 98, 104  
Burton 184  
Burtonenses annal 63  
Buttoner 182, 209   

C.  
Caius xiii, 210, 212, 219  
Cambrensis 26, 28, 52, 75, 165, 168  
Cantabrigiensis Historiola 217  
Cantelupe 218  
Capgrave 31, 171, 175, 199  
Cardiff xxii  
Carlton 176  
Carnotensis 73, 77, 79  
Cavendish 166  
Caxton xxiii, 31  
Chancey 84  
Chatham 162  
Chandler 170  
du Chesne xxxv  
Chesterton 140  
Chettel 55  
Clapham xxxii  
Clara 200  
Clarentius 44  
Clerk xlviii  
Colman xi  
Corbet xiv  
Cousin 92  
Cotton xiv, 12, 144, 183  
Coventriensis 200  
Cressy 72  
Croylandensis, Will. 52  
— Faelix 54  
— Roger 78  
Crump 181   

D.  
Daniel 47  
Davies 130  
Dene 148  
Dent xiii  
Devisiensis xxxvii  
Deusdedit 118  
D'Ewes xv  
Diceto xxxvi, 107, 119  
Digges xlvii  
Dinoth 6, 126  
Dodsworth 154, 185  
Dorobernensis 119  
Drayton xi  
Duck 162  
Dugdale 66, 90, 143, 184, 185  
Dunelmensis, Laur. 49, 128  
— Simeon 128, 152  
— Reginald 49  
— Nicolas 74  
Dunstable 24   

E.  
Eadmerus 47, 57, 59  
Ecleston 199  
Eddius 58  
Edwards 164  
Egwine 44, 47  
Elerius 30  
Eliensis, Tho. 53  
Elmham xlv  
Elwamus 4  
Enderby xxiii  
Enquerrant xliv  
Ernulph 147  
Ethelwold 106  
Eversden 108  
d' Ewes 222  
Eveshamensis xli, 77  
Eulogium xxxi  
Exoniensis 77   

F.  
Felix 54  
Fenn 85  
Fitzherbert 213  
Fitzstephen 77  
Folcard 55, 57  
Fox 81  
Fridegod 59  
Froissard xxxix  
Fuller 91, 222  
Fulman 214   

G.  
Gardener xuj  
Gemeticensis xxxv  
Gentilis 211  
Gibbon 85  
Gibson 113  
Gillingham 193  
Godwine 109  
Good 23  
Gotseline 48, 118  
Gourmelene 25  
St. Graal 7  
le Grand 99  
Grandison 79, 133  
Green 200  
Greystanes 128  
Guntan 146   

H.  
Hadenham 148  
Hales 78  
Hall 172  
Hardib 198  
Hare 206, 217  
Harmer 101  
Harpesfield 67, 82  
Harrington 113  
Hatcher 223  
Hayward xxxiv, xlvii  
Hag 49  
Hemmingford xxxviii  
Hemming 60, 150  
Herbert 188  
Herd xlv  
Herman 52  
Heylin 53, 92, 94  
Heywood xlvi  
Hildyard xuj  
Holland 143  
Hooker 133  
Hopkins 151  
Hoscham 77, 79  
Humphrey 173  
Huntingdon 44, 107  
Hutten 213  
Hutton 154   

I.  
James 80  
Ingulfus 55  
Johnson 170  
Jones 195  
Josceline 27, 28, 106  
Joseph of Atimathea 2  
Josseline 111, 121, 171  
Iscanus 77  
Junius 43   

K.  
Key 212, 220  
Kirkstall 197  
Kirkstede 197  
Knighton xli  
Kynder xiv   

L.  
Laire xiv  
Landavensis 26, 28  
Langhorn xxiv  
Langtoft xxxvii  
Langton 78, 119  
Lantfred 58  
Lavingham 39  
Leland 109, 205, 219, 226  
Lichfedense Chron. 140  
Lily 173  
Linna 226  
Linwood 64  
Livius xliv  
Lloyd 15  
Londinensis xxx, 220  
Lowth 100  
Lucius 3  
Lydgate 25, 51  
Light 211   

M.  
Mackenzie 14, 16, 17, 20  
Maidstone xl, 166  
Maihew 194  
Malmsbury 46, 60, 107  
Marcellinus 56  
Markant 219  
Marsham xii, 17  
Martin 170  
Mason 111  
Maurice xxii  
May xxxv, xxxix  
Medvinus 4  
Mela x  
Merlin xviii  
Monmouth xxvi  
Montacute 108  
Moryson xlvii  
Mushens 86   

N.  
Nennius' xvii, xx  
Neve xv  
Noel 148  
Nothelmus 47   

O.  
Ocland xxxi, xlvi  
Odo 59  
Ogilby xi  
Osbern 51, 52, 118  
Osmund 47  
Oxenedes xxx  
Oxoniensis Historiola 208   

P.  
Paris 24, 55, 64, 74  
Parker 121, 222  
Parsons 69, 82, 134  
Paul 164  
Philip, Monachus 55  
Pits 109, 194, 206, 220  
Pliny x  
Pluto 63  
Pollini 88  
Porter 46  
Powel xxiv  
Proctor xlvi  
Prynne 112, 114   

Q.  
Quadrilogus 79   

R.  
Ramsey 54, 56, 57  
Ray xiii  
Regina Literata 221  
Reyner 195  
Ricemarchus 23, 26  
Rich 74  
Rievallensis 28  
Ripponensis 59  
Rishton 87  
Robinson xxiii  
Rocking 76  
Rosse 150, 204, 209  
Rudburn 128, 149   

S.  
Saints, British 21  
— Saxon 44  
— English 73  
Salisburiensis 73, 78  
Salopiensis 29  
Sancta Clara 200  
Sanders 86  
Sansbury 213  
Savage 214  
Savil 183  
Schelstract 20  
Schaffhausen 29  
Searl 144  
Selden xi  
Serlo 198  
Slatyer xxxii  
Smith 70, 131  
Solinus x  
Summoner 44, 67, 120  
Speed 183  
Spelman 15, 40, 66, 90  
Spott 120  
Stanyhurst 28  
Stapleton 38, 79  
Stephens 60, 77, 90  
Stillingfleet 17, 100  
Stokies 222  
Stonestreet xiii  
Storer 166  
Stow 207  
Strabo x  
Stripe 104  
Stubbes 152   

T.  
Tanner 50, 116, 189, 232  
Tailor 136  
Taxston xxx  
Teilo 138  
Teukesbury 78, 79  
Textus Roffensis 148  
Thorn 120  
Thynne 146  
Tinmuthensis 30, 31  
Tood 123  
Torr xvii, 154  
Trokelow xxxvii  
Trussel 149  
Tuke xxxi  
Turgot 127  
Turner xuj  
Twine 212  
Twisden 89   

V.  
Vade 79  
Varillas 99  
Virgil 109  
Vitalis 62  
Unwon 24  
Vowel 133  
Urmston 125  
Usher xxiii, 12   

W.  
Wade 79  
Wake 212  
Wall xlv  
Wallingford xxix  
Wantner xiv  
Warner xxxi  
Wendover xxix  
Wessington 128  
Wharton 111, 115, 116, 142, 178  
Wheloc 37, 38  
White 146, 194  
Whitlock 140  
Wilson 45, 163  
Wintoniensis 107  
Wood 111, 145, 128, 215, 231  
Woodhop 194  
Worcester 182, 209  
Worthington 85  
Wulstan 53, 58  
Wycumb 168    

Books Printed for Abel Swall, at the Unicorn in St. Paul's Chuch-Yard.  

CAmden's Britannia, newly Translated into English with large Additions and Improvements, and Maps of every County, engraved anew. Folio.  
Thesaurus Geographicus, a new Body of Geography, containing the General Doctrine of that Science, and a particular Description, Geographical, Topographical and Political of all the known Countries of the Earth, with Maps engraven in Copper. Folio.  
Monsieur L. E. Du Pin's History of Ecclesiastical Writers, containing an Account of the Lives and Writings, and an Abridgement of the Works of the Primitive Fathers, and all Ecclesiastical Writers from the time of our Saviour, to the end of the Ninth Century. Folio, seven Tomes.  
The Evangelical History, or the Life of our Saviour Jesus Christ, comprehensively and plainly related. Adorned with Copper Cuts. Octavo.  
The Evangelical History, Part II. being the Lives and Acts of the Holy Apostles. Illustrated with the Effigies of the Apostles, and a Map of their Travels, engraven in Copper. Octavo.  
The Essays or Councils, Civil and Moral, of Sir Francis Bacon, Lord Verulam, and Viscount of St. Alban; with a Character of Q. Eliz. now added in this Edition. Octavo.  
The History of the Revolutions in Sweden, occasioned by the Change of Religion, and Alteration of Government in that Kingdom. Translated from French, by J. M. Octavo.  
Travels through Germany, Bohemia, Switzerland, Holland and other parts of Europe, describing the most considerable Cities and Palaces of Princes. By C. Patin, M. D. of Paris. Englished and Illustrated with Cuts. Octavo.  
C. Jul. Caesaris Comment. cum Notis & Interpretat. Joan. Goduini in usum Delft. Octavo.  
P. Ovidij Metamorphosaeon. Interpret. & Notis illustravit D. Crispinus in usum Delft, recensuit J. Friend, Oxon. Octavo.  
P. Virgilij Opera, Notis & Interpret. illustravit Carol. Ruaeus in usum Delphinij. Octavo.  
Eutropij Historiae Romanae Breviar. cum Notis & Emendationibus Annae, Tannaq. Fabri Filia, in usum Delphini. Octavo.  
The English Historical Library, Part I. A short View and Character of most of the Writers now extant, either in Print or Manuscript, which may be serviceable to the Undertakers of a General History of this Kingdom. By W. Nicolson. Octavo.   

Now newly Published,  
Archaeologiae Greciae: Or, the Antiquities of Greece, containing an Account of the Civil Government of Athens. The Religion of the Greeks, etc. By John Potter. M. A. and Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxon. Illustrated with Sculptures. Octavo.   

To be Published by the end of this Month of June, 1697.  
The Lives and Characters of the Ancient Greek Poets. By Basil Kennet of C. C. C. Oxon. Adorned with their Heads in Sculpture. Octavo.  
C. Crispi Sallustij Opera quae Extant. D. Crispinus Notis & Interpretatione illustravit in usum Delft. Octavo.  
FINIS.