A ROMAN A BRITAIN A SAXON A DANE A NORMAN frontispiece THE HISTORY OF ENGLAND. GIVING A True and Impartial Account of the most Considerable Transactions in CHURCH and STATE, in PEACE and WAR, during the Reigns of all the KINGS and QVEENS, from the coming of Julius Caesar into Britain. WITH An Account of all the Plots, Conspiracies, Insurrections, and Rebellions. LIKEWISE A Relation of the Wonderful Prodigies, Monstrous Births, Terrible Earthquakes, Dreadful Sights in the Air, Lamentable Famines, Plagues, Thunders, Lightnings, and Fires, etc. to the Year 1696. Being the Eighth Year of the Reign of his present Majesty King WILLIAM the III. TOGETHER With a particular Description of the Rarities In the several Counties of England and Wales: With Exact MAPS of each County, By JOHN SELLER, Hydrographer to His Majesty. LONDON, Printed by Job and John How, for John Gwillim, against Crossby-Square, in Bishopsgate-street, 1696. MUNIFICENTIA REGIA. 1715. GEORGIUS D.G. MAG. B●. ●● ET HER ●●● FD. J. Pu●● sculp bookplate TO THE KING. Great Sir! MY Presumption in this Dedication would be Unpardonable, were it not that the Subject Matter of this Book is such, as does particularly Entitle Your Majesty thereunto, and makes it fit for a Prince to Patroni●e: For it is not only the History of the Lives and Reigns of Your Majesty's Royal Predecessors, but also a Description of Your Majesty's Kingdom of England, and principality of Wales: A Country that has been Rescued by Your Majesty out of the Jaws of those Devouring Monsters, Popery and Slavery, which were ready to swallow it up: 'Twas when the Nation lay Exposed to the Will and Lust of her Insulting Ravishers, that Your Majesty, as the Guardian Angel of Great Britain, came to her Timely Rescue; Exposing Your Royal Person to the Danger of the Sea in the worst Season of the Year, that You might Save It from impending Ruin. And to whom could the History of England be better Dedicated, than to a Prince who has done such Great Things for it? Who has Raised it from that Oblivion to which the Supineness of the late Reigns had Reduced it, to make the most considerable Figure of any Kingdom in Europe, of which Your Majesty has also again made it the Arbiter: Having Raised the Genius of the Nation, by Your Own Heroic Example, above what it was in our Third Edward, or Fifth Henry's Days. 'Tis true indeed, both those Princes obtained Great Victories over France; but it was then Weak and Divided; Void of all those Acquisitions that Lewis the 14th has Unjustly Ravished from his Neighbours: Whereas Your Majesty has Humbled France in the very Zenith of her Glory, when she was Laying the Foundation of an Universal Monarchy. But it would be too great a Boldness in so Weak a Pen to attempt any thing in Your Majesty's Just Praise, when even the most Celebrated Writers must fall far short of Performing it as they ought. That Your Majesty may long Live and Reign, the Terror of Your Enemies, the Joy of Your Subjests, and the Delight of all Mankind, shall be the daily Prayer of Your Majesty's most Humble Subject and Servant, John Seller. A New Map of ENGLAND and WALES By john Seller. map of England and Wales THE HISTORY OF ENGLAND. CHAP. I. Of its Situation and Fruitfulness. The Manners, Customs, and Religion of the Ancient Britain's. How it was first Inhabited. Why called Britain; and the Name of ENGLAND given to the Part we Inhabit. Julius Caesar Invited over, etc. THIS Island of Great Britain (containing at present Three Nations or People, of different Languages) is the largest in Europe; and inferior to none in the other parts of the World, for Fertility, Power, good Government, and Glory of its Great Actions. It is Situated in a healthful Climate, between 51 and 58 Degrees of North Latitude. Bounded on the East with Germany and Denmark; on the West with Ireland and the Atlantic Ocean; on the North with the Ducalidonian Seas; and on the South with France and Normandy. ENGLAND (the noblest and largest part of it, and a distinct Kingdom of itself, though at present all under One happy Monarch) formerly sustained many Kings at once, all of them commanding great Powers, as will appear in the Series of History. For in spaciousness it extends itself from North to South, in the broadest place, 386 Miles; and from the Lands End in Cornwall, to the Isle of Thanet in the East of Kent, it stretches 340 Miles; besides the spaciousness of the many Islands, as Wight, Man, Anglesey, and others of note, which I shall have occasion to mention, with every thing else that may give satisfaction to the Reader. It is, for Longitude, placed between the Parallels of 14 and 16, Containing 25 Cities, in which are Bishops Seas. 'Tis full of Parks, Rivers, and Forests; and abounding in plenty of Arable Ground, Pleasant Pastures and , throughout its 40 Counties; and the like in the 13 Counties of Wales, once a distinct Kingdom, but now annexed to the English Diadem. As to the time of the first Peopling this fruitful Land, some will have it soon after the Flood, by Sememoth●us, Sixth Son of Japhet; others that it was Peopled by King Brutus, in the 2887th Year of the World's Creation; and that we are of Trojan Original: So that this must be about 1231 Years after the Deluge, when Elie was Highpriest. But it is rather generally accepted (though many other Stories, without any good ground, or much credit, are mentioned) That a Colony of some neighbouring Nation (viz) from Germany, wafted over, and finding it so pleasant a Soil, gladly planted themselves in it. But since this is doubtful, and all we can gather concerning the Natives, before the Landing of Julius Caesar, is from Foreign Authors, we must be content to pass these over. As for the Name of this Island, being called Britain, it is held to come from the word Birth, which signifies Painting, or Staining their Skins; and also going Naked, (which was the Custom of the Ancient Britain's.) They Razed their Skins, drawing on them the Figures of Birds, Beasts, Flowers, Suns, Stars, etc. to distinguish their Dignity; which, like the sliced Bark of a Tree, growing wider as they grew up, made them appear Terrible to their Enemies; and indeed they were, for the most part, Fierce and Cruel, (especially those in the Northern parts, who Traded not with the Civilised gaul's) insomuch that they Sacrificed every Tenth Captive (taken in the Wars among themselves) to their Idols, of which they had a great number, called by the Names of Planets, and in the form of divers living Creatures. And to these senseless Stocks their Druids, or Magis (whom they accounted their Wise Men, and served in stead of Flamens and Priests) compelled them to pay their Adoration; Worshipping in Groves, accounting Fortified Woods their Towns and Cities. They wore about their Middles Iron Chains, and to them, both Men and Women had short Swords girded; bearing in their Hands a Spear with a Brass Knob or Bell at the end of it, to make a great noise of Terror in Combats; the Women usually going to War with them, and not only Fight Courageously by their Husband's sides, Animating them by their Courage, but often Commanding Battalions and Arms, as the Romans too fatally found, when they struggled, with much Slaughter, 123 Years for this Island. The Britain's appear by all Authors to have been very sparing in their Diet; and not much given to Venery: Though they had many Wives in Common, amongst Brothers and Kindred, yet the Children redounded to his credit who first Cropped the Mother's Virgin Rose. And by this means, as Plutarch (a very judicious Author) affirms, they were of so Healthful and Lively a Constitution, That many, if not most, in the warm Southern parts, according to the Term of a Natural Life, exceeded 130 Years. Yet they much delighted in Ornaments, as Bracelets, Beads, Iron Rings, etc. And preferred their Painted and Carved Skins before the most gaudy Clothing. Their Agriculture was but little, though the Earth much invited them to it, by its promising Fruitfulness. They had not the use of Ploughs, and only Sowed their Grain on the Mellowest Land after Rain; then laying great weights on bundles of Bushes drag it over, in the nature of Harrowing. Yet they had found out the way of making their Drink with sodden Barley, which (though perhaps in a higher Improvement) continues to this day, to the great Advantage and Health of the Moderate People of the Nation. As for the flesh of Fowl and Wild Creatures, they declined it; as they did likewise Fish and Milk. Then Hares were found in such abundance, That they Flocked together like Sheep, fearless of the Hunter or his Hounds. Their Opinions in Theology were, That the Souls of Men Died not, but (according to Pythagoras) had a Transmigration from one Body to another. And on their Solemn Days their Druids and Bards Sung the Praises of Renowned Heroes, such as had Dyed in War, or been Famous for any Rare Invention; and this they did to Encourage and stir up others to Imitation. INSULAE ALBION et HIBERNIA cum minoribus adjacentibus map of Albion and Hibernia Nor did they carry any Provisions with them when they set out, only creeping along the Shoar, or, in Calm Wether, Wafting over to the or Belgian Shoar: And most of their Business was to carry Grain and Metals, with the latter of which the Island did then, and still abounds: And some are apt to think, for that cause, the Greeks Coasting in these Seas, and finding the Island abounding with Metals, Named it Britania, from Prutania, Metal, or the Metal-Island. Asdruball for ENGLAND (that now so called, Exempt from Wales and Scotland) it had its Denomination from the East Angloens, who seated themselves in the East Angle Kingdom, to the Eastern Sea, in the time of the Saxon Heptarchy, or Seven Kingdoms; and that Name (through all Revolutions and Changes) it has retained for above 900 Years. This Land has been taken for the Fortunate Island, set forth with many Praises and Encomiums by the Greek Poets; and Charles the Great (rightly) termed it, The Grainary and Store-House of the Western World. Thus having given you a Brief Account of the Ancient Inhabitants of this Country, I proceed to show how it was divided amongst their several Tribes; and so come closer to the more solid Body of History. ENGLAND and WALES was possessed by 17 Tribes of Native Britain's, under these distinctions, viz. 1. The Canti, possessed Kent. 2. Regni, Sussex and Surry. 3. Durotriges, Dorsetshire. 4. Damnonijs, Cornwall and Devonshire. 5. Belgae, Somersetshire, Wilts●●re and Southamptonshire. 6. Artabatij, Berkshire. 7. Dobuni, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. 8. Catieuclani, Warwickshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire. 9 Trinobants, Hartfordshire, Middlesex and Essex. 10. Iceni, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge and Huntingtonshires'. 11. Coritani, Rutland Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Notinghamshire. 12. Cornabijs, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, and Cheshire. 13. Ordovices, Flintshire, Denbighshire, Carnarvonshire, Montgomeryshire, and Merionethshire. 14. brigants Parisi, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Richmondshire, Durham, Westmoreland, and Cumberland. 15. Silulers, Herefordshire, Radnorshire, Monmouthshire, and Glamorganshire. 16. Dimetae, Caermarthenshire, Pembrookshire, and Cardiganshire. 17. Ottodoni, Northumberland, Tweedale, Tiffedale, March, and Louthain. Whilst these Tribes were scattered up and down in the several Counties, then full of Woods, which they Inhabited, Lud, King of the Trinobants, Dyed: He was wonderfully beloved, not only of his own Subjects, but of all the Britain's, for the good offices he had done them, in reconciling their Differences, putting an End to many Bloody Wars that fell out amongst them; and civilising their Manners, constituting sundry wholesome Laws, thereby making them lay aside many of their Barbarous Customs. He held a free correspondence with the Gauls, and was much Honoured by them; their Kings sending him divers Rich Presents, as also Artificers to assist him in Building or Enlarging Troy Novant, or New Troy, which he afterward called by his own Name, Care Lud, or Lud Town, now the famous City of London, which then reached no further than Dowgate Eastward; the Houses standing up and down Angular, and not Regular in Streets: Yet he Enclosed it with a good Wall, defended by Bulwarks, and on it many Watch-Towers, calling its Western Gate Lud's Gate, which Name it retains to this day, placing his own Effigies, in Marble, on the Inside of it. At his Death he Recommended his two Sons, Andragius and Temantius (being very Young) to the care of Cassibelan his Brother, who held his Regal Seat at Verulam, now called St. Albans, in Hartford-shire. Upon the Death of King Lud the People came and offered the Principality to him, and the Heirs of his Body, by consent of the Three Estates of the Trinobants, viz. those of Essex, Middlesex, and Hartford-shire. But in consideration of his Trust, and his Nephew's Rights, he contented himself with only a Part, for when they came to Age, he placed Andrageus in Troynovant, or London, joining to it all Middlesex, and the Dukedom of Kent, which in that time he had Conquered, bringing the Canti under his Subjection. And to Temantius he gave the Dukedom of Cornwall, his Right by Marriage, Reserving to himself Hartfordshire and Essex only. Thus, for the space of Seven Years, the Nation continued in a happy state, after the Death of King Lud, before whose Departure a Terrible Blazing-star, with a Bloody Tail, appeared at South West, for the space of Fifteen Nights; being likewise seen in many other Lands: Forerunning the Miseries that afterward befell this Kingdom. For now Andrageus, a Prince of a haughty Spirit, considering his Uncle detained from him part of his Inheritance, raised a mighty power and Invaded Hartfordshire: But three Miles beyond Barnet, being Fought with by Cassibelan, he was there overthrown, with a fearful Slaughter, & soon after driven out of most of his Possessions; which so possessed him with Anger and desire of Revenge, That hearing Julius Caesar, who was then but a Roman Consul, had subdued all Gallia, now called France, and a great part of Germany, and given Refuge to divers distressed Princes, restoring them to their Principalities upon their submiting to become Tributaries to Rome; and that he rather sought Fame and Glory, than to Enslave the People he subdued, being the greatest Captain that, or any former, Ages had produced, he resolved to cast himself upon him for Protection; preferring his Revenge before the Safety of his Country; and great was the Destruction, and many the Miseries the War brought upon it. The Young Prince, Armed with this Resolution, (notwithstanding the Grave Counsels of his Father's Courtiers to dissuade him from it, laying before him, That he ought to submit his Private Injuries to the Public Peace of all the People of the Nation) he took with him his Treasure, and some of his trusty Confidents, and Sailed in a small Vessel to that part of Gallia now called Normandy, where he found Caesar retired from the Toils of War, and settling the affairs of the Country, with a design to return to Rome, and obtain of the Senate a renewal of his Consulship, or longer continuation of his Government: When being Introduced by Caesar's Lictor's, he bending one Knee to the Ground, and Rising again, Spoke, in the Language, to this effect. Most Mighty Caesar, Great Captain of Rome, and of the World; behold a Distressed Prince of the Britain's before you, craving your Protection; and Imploring a Redress of my Wrongs, from you who are the Scourge of Tyrants, and ever compassionate to the Injured. Caesar wondering at first (by the strangeness of his Garb) who he should be, or to what this Discourse might tend, till having heard at large (as has been related) the cause of his coming, and the Fruitfulness of the Country; and Thirsting after more Honour to raise his Fame to what it at last aspired to, viz. The Empire of the World, he not only comforted him, and ●eated him in his own Pavilion, but promised him ●●stance, as Rome's Confederate, to make War on his ●●kle so soon as the season would permit, and his ●●●ires were settled with the Gauls and Germans. CHAP. II. 〈◊〉 Account of Julius Caesar's Landing in this Island. The Battles Fought between Him and the Britain's, with various Success. The British Princes that for the Liberty of their Country withstood him and the succeeding Emperors: With Strange Wonders and Prodigies, etc. WHilst Caesar sent for fresh Legions of Roman Soldiers, to reinforce his Army, and all Warlike provisions to Invade the Britain's, they had notice of it ●●●m the Friendly Gauls, which much startled them in 〈◊〉 parts of the Island. Yet, preferring their Liberty be●●●e their Lives; and finding their Embassy's rejected, ●●less they would become Tributary to Rome) they, 〈◊〉 General Council of all the Estates, Resolved on a ●●ve Defence: And among other Warlike Furniture, ●●ey brought into the Field Five Hundred Wagons, ●●●led, by some Authors, British War Chariots. These 〈◊〉 fastened to the Sides of them long Sythe-Blades, and ●●●rp hooked Sickles, so ranked and ordered, That if ●●ey were Worsted, they might retire amongst them 〈◊〉 shelter, or else, drawn with strong Horses, break 〈◊〉 among the Enemy's Foot, and violently hurrying 〈◊〉, cut and tear them in pieces. And so Dexterous ●●ey were in this manner of War, That he who managed, or drove it, would Run swiftly on the Coppis, 〈◊〉 Rail, smite his Enemy, and return to the Body of 〈◊〉 Wagon, or Chariot, before he could be Charged 〈◊〉 Annoyed. Cassibelan having gotten a numerous Army, Fortified, as well as he could, the Shores towards France; feting a great number of Men on the Chalky Cliffs, to watch, and give notice of the Enemy's approach. So that when Caesar, with twelve choice Legions, which he brought in 300 Vessels, thought to have Landed by Surprise, he found himself deceived, being beaten off three times by the Britain's, leaving many Hundreds of his Legionary Soldiers Dead on the Sands; and the last time had his own Sword wrested from him by one Scaeva, a Britain, whom he afterwards Knighted, and for his Valour made him a Centurion, who did wonders for him in his Wars against Pompey, stopping, at a Breach, a whole Army, with his mighty Sword, till his Body being stuck with Darts like a Wood, after he had Slain a Hundred of his Enemies, he fell Dead on the heap of Carcases, and gained a lasting Memory in History. Caesar finding the Britain's so desperately bend, to Sacrifice their Lives for the Liberty of their Country, Manned out Open Vessels with Arohers, and such as were dexterous at Sling-Stones and Casting-Piles, or Roman Darts; and lying out of the reach of the Britain's Weapons, (who were not acquainted with that manner of War) found themselves obliged to retire from the Shoar: Whereupon the Roman Footmen thrust on Land, and made good their Station till the Cohorts of Horse came to assist them. Their place of Landing being where the Town of Brighthemsted now stands, in the County of Sussex. Cassibelan perceiving himself at this time overmatched, made an orderly Retreat to the Fortified Woods, of which they had then great numbers; sending to the Princes in Confederacy with him for Assistance: But more Romans coming from Belgia to Caesar's Aid, in a Bloody Battle Fought on Barham Downs, Anno. Mundi 3873. he overthrew Cassibelan, wherein 40000 of his People were Slain, and almost as many Romans. Among the Slain Britain's were found many Women, whom the Victor caused to be honourably Interred; and then pursued the flying Prince, who got into Troynovant, now called London, and Fortified himself; causing Stakes to be driven down, with Lead about the Heads of them, at the places where the Ferrys usually passed, to hinder the Enemy's Boats: For the Thames (running out of its Banks broad, and scattering in the Fields) was full of Ouse, and not passable but at certain places. However Caesar (who was Fortune's Darling) with mighty labour laid over Bridges of Boats, and Planks of Timber, etc. and took the City by Storm, yet spared the Lives of the Inhabitants. Cassibelan fled to Verulam, but Cingitorix, King of Kent, was made Prisoner. And Caravill, Taximagul, and Segonax, (Princes of the Southern parts of the Island) for siding with Cassibelian, had their Countries taken from them. Which so startled the Senimagues, Cegontians, Ancalits', Bribrosses, and Caffians, (the States of the Icenians) Seeing Caesar's swift progress, they sent Ambassadors to Treat of Peace; and submitted themselves Tributaries to Rome. And then he fixed Andrageus in his Principality; but he afterwards left it, to go with Caesar to Rome; and attended him in his Wars abroad. Yet Caesar (who had seen but a little part of the Country, and took it for a Main Continent, or, as his Soldiers complained, when he Encouraged them to Invade the Britain's, another World, different from what they had been in before) was no sooner called to repass the Seas, upon his other affairs, but the British Princes joining together, made a great Slaughter of the Roman Soldiers, which compelled him to come over again to quiet them. The like, upon the same Occasion, he did a Third Time: Laying a Tax of 300 l. per Annum Tribute. But having cast in his Mind the gaining the Supreme Dominion over Rome, he left Comius his Deputy; and carrying away great numbers of the British Youth to serve him in his Wars, he departed. And by Pompey's Overthrow in Pharsalia, and two other Bloody Battles, made himself Emperor: But soon after was Stabbed by the Senators, with 23 Wounds, in the Senate-House. Augustus Caesar, Nephew to Julius Caesar, Succeeding him in his Empire, more Forces were sent into Britain; who still Encroached upon the Natives, and put them to divers servile Labours, as Building Forts, Digging Trenches, and Hewing Timber. So that finding themselves uneasy, betook them again to their Arms: Which made this Emperor three times prepare to come in Person, but was as often hindered by other Business. Till at last the Prince of Peace, in the 24th Year of his Reign, being Born, for the Salvation of Mankind, Anno. Mundi, 3870. A Universal Peace spread itself into all Nations: So the Gates of Janus Temple at Rome was shut, which had not happened for 300 Year● before. And in this Emperor's time Cunobeline, a British Prince, who held his Royal Seat at Malden in Essex, and was Knighted, had leave to Stamp his Image on his Coin, after the Roman manner; and was made Deputy of Britain by Augustus, and Succeeded by Guiderius, his Son, in his Principality, who denied the Romans Tribute; but was thereupon Overthrown by Claudius Drusius, in which Battle himself was Slain, as some Historians have it, by one Hamo, a Britain, who privately sided with the Romans, & got near him under pretence of receiving Orders from him, so Treacherously thrust him through and Fled: But being furiously pursued by Anviragus, the King's Brother, he Slew him at the Sea side: From whose Death the Place was called Hamo's Haven; and is that where the Commodious Town of Southampton, in the County of Southampton, now stands. Tiberius Caesar Succeeded Augustus in the Empire. The Romans finding how advantageous this Island was to them (by reason of the large quantities of Metal and Corn they every Year Received by the Barks they sent; Loading Annually about 800) Increased their Colonies, as not being willing to have so valuable a Prize wrested out of their Hands. Yet the British Princes Laboured earnestly to be rid of so uneasy an Encumbrance; but their designs did not end with Success: Wherefore they applied themselves to the Neighbouring gauls for succour, but they were in as bad, or worse condition themselves; being every where bridled with Roman Forts and Garrisons. So that Cogidunus, a Prince of great esteem among the Britain's, Submiting, The Emperor bestowed several Cities on him to Hold and Govern them, paying a small Tribute; and by that means he brought over the rest. So that a settled Peace ensued; and Arts began to Flourish, the Romans Teaching them to the Natives: And so each Nation grew more familiar and friendly. In the 18th Year of this Emperor's Reign, the Sun Rising Fair and Bright in the Morning, immediately drew in its Light; so that a palpable Darkness was over the Earth, which Frighted and Astonished the People; and made them think that the Light of that Glorious Planet was quite Extinguished; Yet, in some Hours, it recovered its Luster: The Cause not proceeding from any Eclipse of the Sun, by the Interposing Moon, but from the Wickedness of Man, who were at that time Crucifying The Son of Righteousness. Which made Dyonisius Areopagita, a Learned Philosopher, who wondered at the Cause of it, truly say, That either the God of Nature Suffered, or the frame of the World was about to be Dissolved. Caius Caligula Succeeding Tiberius, his Debaucheries and Gluttony gave him leave to look but little after his Affairs in Britain. Yet he Banished Pontius Pilate, who Adjudged Christ to Death, whereupon, in Despair, he Slew himself, Anno. Dom. 41. He, more for humour and extravagancy, than advantage, plained Mountains, caused Fishponds to be filled with Rose-Water, and Built Towers in the Sea. But hearing that the Britain's had Raised a Formidable War, and overthrown his Legions, he came with a powerful Army to the Belgian Shoar; but being Frighted at the Noise of such a War, he caused a Charge to be Sounded, and his Soldiers immediately to March to the Seaside; where they were Commanded to fill their Helmets with Cockle-shells; and so Returned, bragging them to be the spoils of the Ocean. He Reigned but Three Years and Ten Months; in which time the Britain's had Recovered a great part of what they had Lost. Yet many of them Died of a lamentable Famine, which happened in the Last Year of this Emperor, by Reason most of their Corn was spoiled with mighty Rains, Hail, and a strange Lightning, accompanied with Prodigious Thunder, that not only Burnt and Destroyed the Corn, but many Houses; and Killed Numbers of People and Cattle. There also Gushed a great Stream of Blood out of a Rock near Flint in Wales, for Three Days; Foreshowing that the Poor Britain's must again Bleed: As in the following part of this History will appear. CHAP. III. A Continuation of the Succession of Roman Emperors Commanding in Britain: The British Princes that Opposed their Conquest. Christian Religion first Planted here by the Apostles St. Paul and St. Peter; their Martyrdoms, and the Ten Heathen Persecutions; with the Dreadful Signs and Wonders forerunning them. By what means the Gospel was Established in a National Church. The Romans leaving the Kingdom, etc. THE Britain's, in the Reign of Caius Caligula, finding by the neglect of his Government, they had a fair prospect of regaining their Ancient Liberty (which they prized above all Earthly things, and of the like Value it continues to this day among the Natives of the Kingdom) flew again to Arms, (denying the Taxes that were laid upon them, and Exacted by the Roman Lieutenants with Rigour) making a great Slaughter of the Roman Soldiers at York and divers other places; which compelled them to send for Aid, when as Claudius Drusius, who Succeeded Caligula in the Roman Empire, sent Aulius Plautus with a mighty power, constituting him Lieutenant; against whom Charactacus, a British Prince of the Silureses, raised great Forces, and many Bloody Battles were Fought, Victory giving the Laurels sometimes to one side, and sometimes to the other: But in the many conflicts the Roman Host was so much wasted and Intimidated, that Plautus found himself constrained to Write to the Emperor speedily to come over with Succour, and restore the face of War by his Authority and Conduct, or in neglecting it expect one of the most fruitful Provinces to be rend from the Empire: Upon this notice, he delayed not to waft over with 500 Armed Vessels, Fought divers Battles, and took Caractacus Prisoner; and so settling affairs returned to Rome in Triumph; and the Britain's finding themselves much weakened (the Plains being almost every where strewed with their Dead Bodies) were constrained to live Peaceably during the remaining part of his Reign, which Began Anno. Dom. 43, and Ended Anno. 57 In his Reign the Virgin Mary Dyed, in the 72 Year of her Age, and was Honourably Buried at Jerusalem: Not Translated, or taken up Alive, and made Queen of Heaven, as the Papists foolishly imagine, to colour their Idolatry, in paying Divine Adoration to He● St. Peter in this Emperor's Reign is held by Authentic Authors to have come into Britain, at the time that the Jews by several Edicts were Banished Rome; and successfully Preached the Gospel, turning many to the Christian Faith; and having Ordained Bishops, Priests and Deacons, he returned to Rome; where, soon after, he was Crucified by Nero, the succeeding Emperor, with his Head downward; at the same time St. Paul (of whose being in this Island, and dispencing the Gospel, there are many pregnant Testimonies, was Beheaded with a Sword. In this Emperor's Reign there was so hard a Frost, that all the Lakes and Rivers were Passable from the mindle of November to the beginning of April. A Co● at Glasenbury broughtforth a Lamb. And a Star appeared Triangular, darting its Fiery Beams, like Swords and Javelins, towards the Earth for Three Weeks. Nero getting himself chosen Emperor after the Death of Claudius Drusius (by the assistance of his Mother) sent Suetonius his Lieutenant into Britain, where he found Patrusagus, a British Prince of great Fame, Dead, who, by his Last Will, had Bequeathed Boduo, his Queen, (by some called Bonduca) and his two Daughters to the Protection of the Emperor, together with his Principality: But the Young Ladies (being very Beautiful) contrary to the Trust reposed, were Ravished by a Roman Tribune, after he had laboured in vain to tempt their Chastity with Gifts and Flatteries. The Queen (upon knowledge of this great Injury done to her Children) exceedingly Grieved; and perceiving she was like to have no Redress, though she had complained of the Injury and violation of Trust: Moved by her Daughter's Tears and her own Courage, she resolved to Revenge the Treachery. Whereupon, calling together the chief of her People, and some of the Neighbouring Princes, she presented the Young Ladies before them, with dishelved Hair, Raining a shower of Tears from their Sorrow-clouded Eyes; and rising from her Seat in a Majestic manner, declared her Misfortunes, inciting them to Revenge, and the regaining their Liberties, in these Words: Let us Remember, worthy Princes (and others that are Assembled on this occasion) That we are Britain's, the rightful Owners of this Country, by so long a possession that none knows any other than the Race we are descended of: You see (through Covetousness of our Wealth, and Thirst of Glory to Tyrannize over us, and Enslave our Liberties) these Romans having enough of their own, notwithstanding, first without a cause Invaded, and then Encroached on our Country, to bring us into Slavery: Behold what breach of Trust they have made, what Insolence they have offered; for which, and many other Injuries, there is no Redress but by the Sword: Let us take Courage then, and to regain our Liberties, and free our Country from such a Yoke of Bondage, freely expose our Live●, and so Armed with that resolution, we shall find them fly before us like a timorous Hare. Hereupon opening the Lappets of her Robe, there started out a Hare that she had purposely concealed, which flying upon the shouts that arose, animated the Assembly, and made them resolve on War. And so secretly was the business managed, that the Britain's Assembling by many small Troops in Woods, all on a sudden, at the time prefixed, joined their Forces and fell upon the Enemy, little suspecting it, with such fury, that before they could gather their scattered Forces, Forty Thousand were Slain, and Suetonius compelled to immure himself in Troynovant, or London, and send speedily for succours; so that most of the Midland Counties were recovered, and the Roman Fortresses, built to bridle the Britain's with Garrisons, Demolished: But the Carcases lying un-buryed corrupted the Air, and brought on a Plague which made great desolation. Yet the Queen pursuing this good success, in divers Skirmishes destroyed 40000 more; however, at last being betrayed for a sum of Gold, she Poisoned herself to prevent her Captivity, or being carried to Rome to grace the Victor's Triumph. In this Emperor's Reign began the First Persecution of the Christians, he causing the City of Rome to be Fired, and laying the Gild to their charge: St. Peter and St. Paul fell Sacrifices to his Revenge, and he Tortured Christians by Day for his Pastime, and Burnt their Bodies by Night to light him to his Drunken Revels. His Mother Agrippina, he caused to be riped open, on no other account than to see the place where he had lain; his Wife Popaea being great with Child, he Kicked on the Belly that she Died; and so far his Cruelty Extended to all Degrees of People, that the Senate Proclaimed him an Enemy to the Roman State, and Proscribed and Condemned him to be Whipped to Death; whereupon he Fled, and in Dispair Slew himself, when he had Reigned about 14 Years Anno Dom. 70. Sergius Galba Succeeding Nero, recalled Suetonius and appointed Maximinus his Lieutenant in Britain; yet scarce had he Reigned Seven Months, his Soldier's Mutinied against him for his wicked course of Life; and as he endeavoured to secure himself from their Rage, by getting into a strong hold, one Locrian, a Legionary Soldier, pursued him, and struck off his Head. In his time Britain had Peace, yet a pressing Famine began, which lasted two Years, through exceeding Rains in Winter, and Droughts in Summer, so that many Thousands perished for want of Bread. And to him, Succeeded Marcus Selvius Otho who Reigned only three Months and five Days, and then was Deposed and Murdered by the unruly Soldiers. Aulus Vitellius, for large Sums of Money procuring the Soldiers and others to Proclaim him Emperor, enjoyed it but a short time; for Flavius Vespasian waring with a Consulary Army against the Jews that had Rebelled, being chosen Emperor by the Asian Army, he sent 20000 of them to Depose Vitellius, and Proclaim him in Rome; which they performed, throwing the Murdered Body of Vitellius into the River Tiber which runs by that City, when he had Reigned in Drunkenness and Luxury about Eight Months. Flavius Vespasian having thus gained the Empire, left his Son Titus to manage his Wars in Asia and came to Rome. This Titus after Three Years hard Siege, took the famous City of Jerusalem and utterly Destroyed it, as had been foretell by our Saviour. So that from that time the Jews were scattered into all Nations of the Earth. Upon this change of Affairs in the Roman Empire, the Britain's were not slow to take the advantage for the regaining the Liberty of their Country; the Brigants and Silureses, gathering great Forces, Fought with Julius Frontius the Roman Lieutenant, and put his Legions to the Rout with so great a Slaughter, that the Fields and Ditches in the place of Battle were filled with the Bodies and Blood of the Slain; but fresh Forces arriving, they found themselves constrained to submit; and had (to augment their Miseries) great Tribute laid on them, so that they groaned under the burden of their Opression. This Emperor began his Reign Anno Dom. 72, and Reigned Nine Years. Titus Vespasian his Son succeeded him in the Empire, and sent Offers of Peace to the Britain's who accepted them. He, for his good Nature and Humanity, was styled Delicii Humani Generis, The Delight of Mankind: He took off part of the Taxes, and permitted the Exercise of the Christian Religion, which began to flourish in this Island; making it his business every Evening to Examine his Actions of the past Day; and if he had done no Good Deeds, he accounted that Day lost; yet his Reign was short, viz. Two Years and Three Months, Dying greatly Lamented throughout the Empire. Domitian his Brother Succeeded him, a Person of a cruel Nature, who had sought his Death but was prevented: This Man began his Reign Anno Dom. 83, he turned his rage and fury against the Christians, causing multitudes of them to be Tortured to Death, not only in this Land, but throughout his Empire, inventing New Torments, which he first tried in his Solitudes, on Flies and other Infects; so that when any one asked Who was with the Emperor? It was the usual answer Non Musca; not so much as a Fly. He appointed Julius Agricola his Lieutenant, whom the British Princes of the North opposed, making a great Slaughter of his Soldiers; but after many Skirmishes, in a set Battle were overthrown on the borders of the Tweed: Whereupon he Marched his Army through that Country now called Scotland, with little opposition; and was the first Roman that found this Country to be an Island, 136 Years after the Landing of Julius Caesar. This Emperor began his Reign Anno Dom. 83, and Reigned 15 Years, having caused to be destroyed by several sorts of Death's 10000 Christians: At his Death, a terrible Tempest and Earthquake happened, Flames ascended out of the Ground in Cornwall, and the Sea broke in on the Essex-Shoar, destroying many Villages, Towns, People and ; and Ebbing again, left many Monstrous Fishes on the Plains. Coceeius Nerva Succeeding this cruel Emperor, recalled his Edicts against the Christians, gave Peace to the Britain's, and had done many good things, had he not been too hastily disappointed by Death: He was called the Patron of the Poor, being very Charitable. His Reign began Anno 99 and continued only Ten Months. Trajan Succeeded Nerva; and at his first entrance began the Third Persecutian against the Christians; he appointed Spartianus his Lieutenant in Britain, with whom the British Princes Fought divers Battles with various success, but were at last compelled to submit, being wasted with Slaughter and a grievous Famine that happened amongst them. This Emperor's Reign began Anno 100, and continued 21 Years and six Months; before his Death a terrible Blazing-Star appeared, and the Sea in many places seemed all on Fire in the Nighttime; Strange and Amazing Voices were heard in the Air, and the Water of the Humber seemed for two Days of the colour of BLOOD. Adrian continued the Persecution of the Christians with great earnestness, making the Streets of the Principal Towns stream with their Blood. He appointed Trebellus his Lieutenant in Britain, and though he had no open War with the Britain's, he wasted great numbers of them, in digging Mines, draining Marshes, and making Bridges over Rivers; to which servile Labours they were compelled with rigour. He began his Reign Anno Dom. 121, and continued it 22 Years. Antonius Pius Succeeding Adrian stayed the Persecution of the Christians, restoring them to their Goods and Lands that had been taken from them. He constituted Lollius Vrbicus his Lieutenant in Britain, against whom the brigants made head, surprised him in his security, and cut off a great number of his Soldiers: But afterward, in a bloody Battle, they were overthrown, compelled to submit, and pay large Taxes to be restored to their possessions. This Emperor was called the Patron of Virtue, from the gifts and rewards he distributed among pious and learned Men. In his time the Christian Religion flourished, and many places of Public Worship were errected in Britain. He began his Reign Anno 139, and Reigned 23 Years. Marcus Aurelius Succeeding Antonius, Abrogated his Edicts in favour of the Christians, and Persecuted them with great fury. Agricola was his Lieutenant in Britain, and kept the Country in Peace all his time. He began his Reign Anno 162, and continued it 19 Years. Commodus, though of a very wicked Life, was, however, moved at the Sufferings of the Christians, and restrained the Persecution. In his time flourished King Lucius, a Britain, Son to King Coillus, who Built Colchester, and great Grandson to King Arviragus, who Married the Emperor Drusius' Daughter. He (to the honour of this Nation) was the first King in the World that embraced Christianity; and by it set a good Example to others; and to be the better informed in so Sacred a matter, he sent Elvanus and Medvinus, two of his Learned Counsellors, to Elutherius Bishop of Rome, to commune with him, and receive Instructions from him for the good Government of his Kingdom: The good Bishop at this greatly rejoiced, and not only Instructed them in the Holy Faith, but sent Faganus and Damianus to the King with the following Letter. Good King, you have received (as I understand by your Messengers, to my great Rejoicing) in the Kingdom of Britain, by God's Mercy, both the Law and the Faith of Christ Jesus our ever Blessed Lord; you have both the Old and New Testament; out of the same, through God's Grace, by the Advice of your Realm, take a Law; and by the same, through God's sufferance, Rule you your Kigndom of Britain; for in that Kingdom you are God's Vicar. By this we see what different Spirits the Bishops of Rome were of in the time of Primitive Christianity, to what they have since been; they were then too Modest to Usurp Authority out of their own Jurisdiction, and claim Supremacy over Kings; yet Luxury, Pride and Riches has since brought them not only to such a prodigious height of Arrogancy to set the World in a Flame with Wars and Mischiefs, but even to dare to Corrupt the Holy Scriptures, and by bringing in Traditions of their own, jostle out the Doctrine of our Saviour and his Apostles, filling the Nations with Blood, and laying them Desolate, where they have been opposed, or their Revenge could take place. The King, upon this Advice, called a Council, and changed the Seats of the three Arch Flammins, or Heathen Priests, into Arch Bishoprics, Viz. at London, Gloucester, and York; and the 24 Subordinate Flammins into so many Bishops Sees. The Idol Gods of the Britain's were laid in the Dust, who were many, viz. Taramis, or Jupiter; Tutates, or Mercury; Helus, or Mars; Hues, or Bacchus; Belenus, or Apollo; Belisama, or the Moon; Owvana, or Minerva; Adreste, or Venus, Victrix of the Romans, Ceres, Proserpina, and other Infernal Deities, to whom they made Nightly Sacrifice, so that now Christian Churches and Temples were Built in most Cities, Religion and Arts flourished, and the Nation had a prospect of Peace and Happiness, after many Miseries and Toils of War. This Commodus began his Reign 182, and Reigned 13 Years; the Britain's living peaceably under him. To him Succeeded Didus Julianus. In this Emperor's Reign little can be expected; he began it Anno. 194, and Reigned only two Months. Julius Severius his Lieutenant in Britain, keeping things quiet in his time. Yet a terrible Blazing-Star appeared, forerunning Miseries at hand. Septimus Severus Reigned next. This Man raised The fifth Persecutian; and Heraclianus his Lieutenant being worsted by the Calledonians, a People Inhabiting the South of Scotland, he found himself constrained to come hither with a great power; and in cutting down Woods, building Bridges, and draining Fens, Bogs, and Moors, to follow those retiring Britain's, and their Confederates, he lost above 50000 of his Men; yet at last he brought them under subjection: But upon his departure, they again betook them to Arms; which caused him to make a second Expedition, resolving utterly to destroy them from Sea to Sea; but Death prevented him, he Dying at York, when he had Reigned 18 Years, beginning it Anno Dom. 195. After his Death, Bassianus Caracalla was Proclaimed Co-Emperour with his Brother Geta, but he quickly Slew him, and took the Government upon himself: He had no War with Britain, but lived a Lewd Life, lying with his Mother-in-Law, being very Proud and Cruel to his Subjects during his Reign, which began Anno Dom. 218; and lasted six Years. Opilius Macrinus began his Reign Anno 218, he Continued it but one Year and two Months; in whose time Britain was at Peace, and Trade Flourished. Heliogabilus, or The Priest of the Sun, being taken from his Priestly Office, and Crowned Emperor, became so Debauched, and great a Glutton, that he was abhorred of all Men; his wishes were, That his Neck might be as long as a Crane's, that he might the longer taste the sweetness of Food in its passage to his Stomach; and That the whole People of Rome had but one Neck, so that he might gain him a lasting Memory by striking it off: He lay with his own Mother, and divers of his near Kinswomen; so that his not minding Public Affairs, gave the Britain's Peace, and Religion time to Increase and flourish. He began his Reign Anno 219, and Continued it about Four Years. The next was Alexander Severus. This Man proved a good friend to the Christians; suffered the Britain's to live in Peace, and caused Arts and Sciences to be Taught them. In his time Armies of Footmen and Horsemen were seen in the Air over London and divers other places, Fight; together with great Blasts, Thunders and Lightning, followed by mighty Storms of Hail and Tempests, that did much Damage. He had no Wars with the Britain's. The Almain Soldiers Mutinied against him when he had Reigned 14 Years and six Months; and having first put his Eyes out, Slew him. Maximinus, a Person of a Cruel Nature, raised The Sixth Persecution against the Christians, more violent (for the time) than any before: He designed to War on the Britain's, but Death prevented him. He began his Reign 237, and Reigned only Three Years. Gordianus Reigned but Forty Days, and had no War with Britain. Yet in his time the Iceni and Coritani Warred on each other about settling the Boundaries of their Provinces, and made great Slaughter of their People, till the Roman Lieutenant decided the matter and set them at Peace. Claudius' Puppienus and Celinus Balbinus were Co-Emperours, but little in Britain was done in their time, they beginning their Reign 239, and continued it only Two Years; nor in the time of Antonius Gordianus who Reigned Four Years. Also Julius Phillipus who succeeded him had no War with Britain. He was a great favourer of the Christians, and some Historians allow he was Baptised into the Christian Faith; so that the Natives of this Kingdom finding Advantages from the Arts they Learned of the Romans, and considering how long they had struggled in vain, to the vast effusion of Blood, quietly submitted, and became Companions with them as one Incorporated People. Decius sent out his cruel Edicts for The Seventh Persecution against the Church of Christ, wherein many fell here for their Religion; but no open War happened. At his coming to the Throne, it Reigned Blood in divers parts of this Kingdom, and a Terrible Bloody Sword was seen in the Air for Three Nights, a little after Sunset. He began his Reign Anno Dom. 250, and continued it Two Years. Trebonianus and Volusianus Succeeded him, as joint Emperors, Anno Dom. 252, they had no War with Britain, their Reign continuing but Two Years and odd Days. Emelianus, who Succeeded them, Reigned only Two Months; for indeed the Praetorian Soldiers having taken upon them to make and unmake Emperors, set the Empire to Sale as often as they pleased, displacing one and placing another for Gain; some of which they Murdered, and others they Banished, as the humour served them. Valerianus, an Enemy to the Christians, being placed on the Throne, notwithstanding their supplications, and protesting to do any thing for him, so they might enjoy their Religion, he sent out his Bloody Edicts to Persecute them in all the Roman Provinces, spilling their Blood like Water: He caused St. Laurence to be Broiled Alive on a Gridiron, which the Martyr endured with Invincible Patience, only saying, Turn the other Side, O Tyrant; for this is broiled enough; and so by his constancy in Suffering, Converted even some of his Tormentors, who afterward, for public owning the Faith, were put to Death. St. Cyprian likewise suffered Martyrdom under him. But God stayed this issue of precious Blood, by cutting off the Tyrant, when he had Reigned about two Years; in which time Britain had no Wars, nor in the time of Galienus who Succeeded him, tho' he Reigned Fifteen Years. Flavius Claudius began his Reign Anno▪ Dom. 269; he Invented divers new Torments to be put in practice against the Christians, but God cut him off before he could put them in practice, when he had Reigned two Years. During his time the Britain's were in Peace; but a Terrible Earthquake happened, that overthrew many Buildings. quintilius, soon after he had taken the Empire, finding a Conspiracy of the Great Ones against his Life, retired to a Summer-House in his Garden, and there opening his Veins, prevented their Malice by voluntarily Bleeding to Death. In his time peace was continued in Britain. Aurelianus began his Reign Anno Dom. 271, he raised The Ninth Persecution against the Christians; and in his five Years Reign, by casting them to wild Beasts in the Amphitheatres, Burning them at Stakes, and divers other Torments, destroyed the Lives of 300000 of them. Tacitus, who Succeeded him, recalled his Bloody Edicts, and sent Letters of Comfort to the Afflicted Britain's, who Suffered Grievously in the General Persecution. But his good intentions were cut off by Death, he Reigning only Six Months. Florianus, Succeeding him, had a shorter Reign, viz. Two Months: These had no War with Britain, nor Probus his Successor; so that they having a long Peace, built large Ships, and Traded Abroad in divers Countries before unknown to them, bringing home store of Riches from other Countries, for the native product of their own; Establishing many wholesome Laws; some of which were, 1. That Religious Worship should be Observed under great Penalties; for the Despisers or Contemners of it were to suffer Death. 2. That a certain number of Ploughs should be used in every County, to prevent Scarcity of Bread, with Penalties to be Inflicted on those that lessened the Number. 3. That no Oxen, or Labouring Beast, should be Seized for Debt. 4. That Buying and Selling should be by certain set Weights and Measures. 5. That Thiefs, Robers, and Idle Persons, should be severely Punished. Marcus Aurelius Carus began his Reign Anno Dom. 282. In his time the Britain's Levied War against Carancius his Lieutenant, and he being displeased that Alectus was sent to take his Command, after divers Battles, reconciled himself to them, and became of their party; but was Slain by Alectus in a Bloody Battle, wherein near 40000 on both sides fell. This Emperor's Reign lasted not above a Year; and was Succeeded by Dioclesian, Anno Dom. 284. This Emperor found the Britain's in War against him, after they had Enjoyed Eighty Years Peace, which had much Enriched the Country: Alectus was his Lieutenant, who Slew Carancius; but pursuing the flying Britain's into Luds- Town, or London, he was Slain by Asclepiodotus, Duke of Cornwall, with many Thousands of his Romans; and among them one Gallus a great Commander, flying to a Brook on the East-side of the City, was Slain; from whose Death it took the Name of Gallus-Brook; afterwards called Gallbrook, now corruptly Walbrook. But in the next Battle the Duke of Cornwall was Slain by Coilus, Duke of Colchester. This Dioclesian began The Tenth and Last Heathen Persecution against the Christians, which was continued so Sharp and Bloody by new invented Torments, that Cities were left desolate, many Thousands flying into Dens and Caves, where in Wildernesses and Mountains, among Wild Beasts, they led (though poor, yet) contented Lives, in the enjoyment of their Religion. With him Maximinianus was Co-Emperour. Dioclesian's Reign continued but Three Years, and the other Four Years, in which time a Sea of Christian Blood (as I may term it) was shed. Constantinus Clorus came into Britain to quiet the Calledonians and Picts, who took Arms in the Northern parts; which done, he cast his Eyes on the admirable Beauties of Helena, Daughter to King Coilus of Colchester, and finding her Chastity proof against Gold, Threats or Persuasions, he Married her; and for her sake was a great favourer of the Christians; who, like another Hester, stood between them and the Grave: For Alban, stilled The First, or Proto-Martyr of this Island, had lost his Head, and gave the Name of St. Alban to Verulam, the place where he Suffered: Aron and Julius were Martyred at Leicester, and about 1000 Christians (in Dioclesian's time) at Litchfield. On this Christian Princess he Begat Constantine the Great, the First Christian Emperor: He began his Reign Anno Dom. 291, and Reigned Thirteen Years, Dying at York, than the chief Seat of the Romans. Constantinus, Galerius, Maximianus, Severus, Maxentinus, Licinius and Martinianus, after the Death of Constantinus Grasped the Empire; sometimes Reigning Single, and at other times Jointly; Oppressing the People with great Cruelties, giving up whom they pleased to each others Revenge, Destroying many Christians, and tying the Living to the Dead, Mouth to Mouth, till they were Poisoned with the Stench of the Carcases: At last, in the height of their Tyranny, they were Overthrown by Constantine the Great, who, before the joining of the Battle, saw a Bright Cross in the Air with these Words, In hoc Vincis; In this thou shalt overcome; so gaining the Victory, and being established on the Throne, he became a Christian. Constantinus Magnus, or Canstantine the Great, was Born in Britain, and by the Mother's side of this Nation, as has been said. He associated with him in the Empire his Sons Crispus, Constantinus, Constantius, and Constance; each Ruling large Provinces. He Built Constantinople, and removed the Imperial Seat thither; he Commanded the Christians every where to Build Churches and Temples, threw down the Idols of the Heathen Gods, Endowed the Churches and Bishops with large Possessions; he appointed Silvester, than Bishop of Rome, by whom he had been Baptised, to wear a Crown of Gold; but he, in Humility, refused it, for a Phrygian Mitre; though a Triple-Crown of Gold adorned with Precious Stones has not been held Ornamental enough for some of his Successors, the Bishops of Rome. The Government continued under these Co-Emperours from the Year 312, to the Year 350. Constantine built St. Paul's and St. Peter's Churches at Rome, himself Digging in the Foundations, and carrying away Twelve Baskets of Earth, in honour of the Twelve Apostles. Some say his Conversion was wrought by a Vision, which told him his Leprosy (a Disease with which he was troubled) should be Cured, if he recalled Sylvester, and the rest of the Clergy, from Banishment; others, that being in distress for Water, he commanded the Legion of Christians in his Army to Implore their God to send Rain on the Earth; at whose Prayers the clear Sky was Mantled in Blackness, and the Clouds being rend with Thunder and Lightning, such abundance of Water poured down, that the Army was supplied, and from that time that Legion was called The Thundering Legion. In his time was the first General Council at Nice against the Arians. Julius Apostata, or Julian the Apostate, began his Reign after an Interregnum of Six Years, Anno Dom. 256. He was (before his coming to the Empire) a Christian, but then changed to be their mortal Enemy, Writing a Blasphemous Book against Christianity, denying Christ to be the Son of God, calling him galilean, and the Carpenter's Son, in derision. But going to War against the Persians, he was stricken by an Arrow, from what Hand was never known; when pulling it from his Side, he threw Handfuls of his Blood into the Air, saying Vicisti Galilaea, Thou hast overcome me, O Galilean! and thereupon breathed out his wicked Soul. He had no Wars with the Britain's, though he Reigned Seven Years. Jovinianus began his Reign 363. He was Baptised into the Christian Faith, confirmed the Peace with the Britain's, lead a good Life, and was used to say, O that I might Govern Wise Men, and Wise Men Govern me! He gave large Gifts to the Church, etc. Valentinianus defended the Britain's, by Theodosius his Lieutenant, against the Picts, who began to Invade them; he promoted Christianity, and caused Idolatrous Sacrifices to be laid aside throughout his Empire. Gratian and Valens were Co-Emperours; the latter Ruling with the former Four Years, beginning his Reign Anno 365. He at first recalled Nazianzen and Basil from Banishment, and was Baptised by Eudoxius; but after turned Arian and Persceuted the Orthodox Clergy; and when they sent Petitions to him, he caused Eighty of them to be carried to Sea in a Ship, and the Ship set on Fire. But Gratian was more Merciful, and did many good Acts; Building the ruined Churches, and calling home the Banished Clergy: He Reigned Six Years; but neither of them had any Wars with Britain. Maximinus and Valentinas began to Reign Anno Dom. 373, and are held to reign about Six Years; though History seems to take but little notice of the former. The Brita● in their time were free from Wars. Theodosius began his Reign, and continued it about Four Years. Flavius Stillico was his Deputy in Britain; but I read of no Wars with this Nation, his Hands being otherwise filled in opposing the Goths, and other Barbarous Nations, who broke like a Torrent into the Roman Provinces. In his time was held The Second General Council, and the First at Constantinople. Great Damages by Sea and Land were sustained by an Earthquake, which lasted Six Months. ENGLAND As it was divided in the time of the English Saxons especially during their Heptarchy map of England Theodosius the Younger, and Valentinianus, began their Reign 402. In their time The Third General Council was held at Ephesus, the first held there. And now the Red Horse with his Rider mentioned in the Revelation seemed to be sent forth to take Peace from the Earth: The Roman Empire was Invaded in all parts, so that they were forced to their Soldiers from Britain and other remote Provinces, to aid them nearer home; leaving this Island after they had possessed it 597 Years. And then the Saxons (being called in as Friends to assist them against the Picts) proved greater Enemies; as will appear in the following Chapter. CHAP. IU. How, on the Departure of the Romans, the Picts and Scots Invaded the Britain's. The Succours the Romans sent them; and the Wall built from Sea to Sea, to prevent Incursions. By what means the Saxons were called In, in the Reign of King Vortigern, and how they got Footing so Strongly, as to settle their Heptarchy, or Seven Kingdoms. Their Original, Manners, Laws, Customs and Religion. THE Romans (as is said) being embroiled in dangerous Wars in Italy, (and other Provinces in their vast Empire) having left this Kingdom naked and defenceless, by draining the Youths of Britain to serve them in Transmarine parts, of whom afterwards they settled a Colony in France, or ancient Gallia, which is now called Britain: The Picts, a People of Germany, who had Established a Kingdom in the Marches of England and Scotland, took this opportunity to encroach on the Britain's, in the South and West Counties; but finding themselves too weak to make any considerable advances, they Leagued with the Scots, who possessed the Northern parts of the Island, and divers small Islands scattered in the Ocean towards the Coast of Denmark and Norway. These jointly raising great Forces broke in violently, making great Slaughter and Ravages in Cumberland, Northumberland, Durham, Yorkshire, and other Northern Counties; laying all Religious Places waste with Sword and Fire, so that the distressed People fled before them: Yet the Britain's took Courage, and gave them Battle; but after this, and several other overthrows, they found themselves so weakened, that they were constrained to send Ambassadors to Honorius the Roman Emperor, Imploring his Protection, to save their sinking Country out of the Hands of their Merciless Enemies. This good Emperor, compassionating their Sufferings, sent a choice Legion by whose assistance (and instructing them in the Military Art) they with great Slaughter drove the far-advanced Picts and Scots beyond the Marches; and to exclude them the British Provinces, a mighty Wall, with vast Labour and Expense, was erected from the Frith of Edinburgh, to the City Alcluith on Dumbriton, with Bulwarks and Watch-Towers, in which Guards were placed, to give notice of the Enemy's approach, and to defend the Stupendious Work: But it little availed, for no sooner was the Roman Legion recalled, but the Picts and Scots assembled in great Numbers, and with their long Hooks and Bills pulled the half-Starved Britain's from their Battlements, and with an Engine called a Werewolf broke a passage through, and then with all their power rushed in like a Torrent, laying every thing waste before them, whilst others from Scotland came in their Carroghs or small Barks, and Landed on the Banks of the Humber, in swarms. The poor Britain's finding themselves so hardly distressed between two insolent Enemies, sent their Ambassadors a second time to Valentinian the Third, than Emperor of Rome, with Rend Garments, and Dust on their Heads, in a mournful manner, to implore him That he would not suffer a Province which had been so serviceable to the Roman State, to fall under the Scorn and Insolence of Merciless Pagans; setting forth at large the Miseries their Country laboured under, with such moving Oratory, that the Emperor compassionating their Sufferings, sent two Legions of Foot, and three Cohorts of Horse, who coming unexpectedly on the Ravenous Spoilers, overthrew them with a terrible Slaughter, covering the Fields and Lanes with their Dead Bodies, beating and pursuing them beyond the Wall, taking Camelon the chief City of the Picts, building a stronger Wall than the former, of Stone, and mighty Piles of Timber, the Ruins of which are visible at this Day; it being then Twelve Foot high, and Eight broad; traversing the Island from Sea to Sea; and for the goodwill the Romans bore the Britain's, they taught them the Art of Arms, and manner of Entrenching, furnishing them with Weapons and other Necessaries; and having settled affairs, they took their leave, telling the Natives, who Mourned their Departure, That they must take Courage and Defend themselves, for as much as the Romans could not any more undertake such chargeable and hazardous Voyages, for their sake, seeing they had powerful Enemies to contend with nearer home. However, the Romans departing, and they being Oppressed again by their old Enemies, sent thhs Deplorable Letter to Aetius Precedent of Galia, for Assistance; Superscribed To Aetius the third time Consul, the Groans of the BRITAIN'S, Viz. The Barbarians drive us to the Sea, and the Sea beats us back upon them; between these Extremes we are exposed either to be slain with the Sword, or drowned in the Waves; and to avoid either, we find no Remedy, unless, most Excellent Roman, you will compassionate our extreme Misery, and send us speedy Aid, to repel our cruel Enemies. This, however, prevailed not; for the Romans unable to defend themselves against the Huns and Vandals, renounced their claim to this Island, refusing to send any more Forces: Whereupon, after divers unsuccessful, Battles, some of the Britain's, through Famine, were forced to yield themselves Slaves to their Enemies; but others (preferring Liberty before Life) betook them to the Fastnesses in Mountains and Caves, where many Perished through Cold and Hunger; and soon after a dreadful Blazing Comet appearing, such a Pestilence ensued, that the Living were not able to bury the Dead; which obliged the Picts and Scots (as if driven out by the hand of Heaven) to relinquish their Conquests, and retire to their own Country's, which gave the Britain's leave to come out of their Woods, Caves, etc. and Till the Land, which brought forth such Plenty, that the Famine was soon forgot. And now they thought of choosing from among themselves, (according to the manner of the Romans) a chief Captain or Governor, to Led their Armies; when calling a Council, Vortigern was Elected King; who being too weak to oppose the returning Picts and Scots, (in a fatal time) he sent Ambassadors to a prevailing People in Germany called Saxons, imploring their Aid, with a description of the pleasant Situation and Fruitfulness of the Island; which so inflamed them with a desire of possessing it, that they made no difficulty to consent to what was required by the King; so that in the Year of Christ 449. Hengist and Horsas two Brethren of chief Command among them, Landed at Ebsfleet in the Isle of Thanet, with about 15000 Men, who joining with the Britain's marched against the Picts and Scots who had ravaged the Country as far as Stamford in Lincolnshire and in a great and memorable Battle overthrew them, killing divers of their principal Leaders, pursuing and forcing them within their own Borders. For this good Service, the Saxons had the Isle of Thanet appointed them to reside in, with a considerable Pension; but their two Generals, having before cast in their minds no less than the possession of the Kingdom, Hengist prevailed with Vortigern to put away his Virtuous Queen, by whom he had Three Sons, Viz. Vortimer, Catigern, and Pascentius, to make way for Rowena his Daughter, with whom the King was Enamoured upon her Drinking to him, and seeing her naked Breasts at a public Feast; and no sooner had he Married her, but the Saxons were put in possession of Kent; which spacious County, abundantly fruitful in all things, did not satisfy his Ambition; but taking advantage of the Discontent the Britain's showed for the Divorce of their Queen, and advancing a Pagan in her stead, he Quarrelled for enlargement of Pay; which not being speedily complied with, he made a League with the Picts; so that one Army advancing from the South, and the other from the North, laid the Country waste in a miserable manner; especially upon the coming over of fresh Forces from Germany, as Jutes, Angles and Saxons; whereupon the British Nobles assembled, and represented the danger to the King, who (ruled by his new Wife) took little notice of it; which made them, after he had Reigned Sixteen Years, desert him, and Swear Allegiance to Vortimer his Eldest Son; who being a courageous young Prince, assembled to his Standard the whole power of the Britain's, and in several Battles overthrew the Saxons, and Picts, forcing the former to retire to their Ships and leave the Kingdom; but in the midst of the British hopes from these flourishing successes and Victories, Cartigern his Brother being Slain in Kent, and Buried at Alestrew, now Alesford where a Monument erected for him is at this day, called Keith Coty House: Rowena, Vortimers' Stepmother, finding by this means a way opened to her own Issue, caused him to be Poisoned at a Banquet of Fruits; whereupon Pascentius fearing his Life, fled into the Mountains, where he lay obscure for a time, so that the Britain's were compelled to send their Ambassadors to Ambrose a British Prince, Governing in Armorica, or Britain in Gallia, to take the Government upon him, as being near Allied to the Crown. When he had heard their supplications, and what distress the Country was in, he called a Council, in which it was Resolved he should pass over with an Army to assist the Britain's; which accordingly he brought, in 56 Ships, accompanied by his Brother Uter-pendragon, and in conjunction with the Britain's, Fought with Hengist the Saxon General, who was returned with great Forces, desiring only upon his Landing to have his Daughter delivered to him; but at a Treaty of the British Nobles on Salisbury-Plain, with the like number of his, for Adjusting Affairs, upon giving the Watchword, Viz. Nem Cour Saxes; that is Take (or handle) your Swords, in the Saxon Language, he caused them Treacherously to be Slain with those Weapons which his Men that Treated with them had privately concealed under their Cassocks; except one Nobleman, then Earl of Warwick, who leaping aside when he saw what was intended, and getting a Hedgestake, beat out several of their Brains, making his Escape through the rest. Ambrose (though his Successes answered not his expectation, yet having pretty well allayed the fury of the Saxons, by the Slaughter he made of them, in divers Battles which he Fought against them) retired for the recruit of his Army into Walish-Land (so Named by the Invaders, now called Wales) where being informed that Vortigern had been the chief cause of the Miseries his Country suffered, by the calling in of the Pagan Saxons, and too long indulging their rapines and Encroachments, as being Married to the Daughter of the common Enemy, he Besieged him and his Queen in the Castle of Genura, which he consumed with Wildfire cast upon it by the force of certain Engines, in whose Flames they Perished. Vortigern being thus Dead, Ambrose was by the consent of the British Nobles Crowned King, Anno Dom. 481, and Fought many successful Battles against the Saxons, wresting out of their hands many of the Western Counties, as Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, and divers others; so that his Name grew Terrible to the Enemy. This however raised the Envy of Pascentius, (the only surviving Son of Vortigern) against him, who secretly withdrawing into Germany raised an Army to restore him to the possession of his Father; but was overthrown in a Battle Fought near Exeter in Devonshire, and thereupon fled into Scotland, Anno 496; but Five Years after returning privately, and hearing that Ambrose lay Sick, he hired one Cop● to attend him in the nature of a Physician, by feigning himself to be a British Monk, though indeed he was a Saxon, and so to take the advantage of Poisoning him; which he Effected: Whereupon Pascentius raised an Army, and laid claim again to the Crown: But being Fought with by Uter-pendragon, the King's Brother, he and most of his chief Commanders were Slain; so that the Line of Vortigern was extinguished in his Death. Yet this ended not the Wars, for swarms of Pagans continually coming over from Germany, they grew too Numerous and Strong for the Britain's; though all the time of Uter-pendragon and King Arthur, who Succeeded him, they maintained fierce Wars with them, tho' with various success; sometimes one, and sometimes the other prevailing. But the Britain's at length weakened, and having no recruits, were in a manner shut up, or straightened in the Mountains or Fastnesses of Wales, and Cornwall; which gave the Saxons by degrees an opportunity to form the several Counties their Chiefs had possessed, into Kingdoms. 1. Hengist, the first Invader, made himself King of Kent, in the time of Vortigern, Anno Dom. 455, erecting there the Kentish Kingdom. 2. Ella a Duke of the Germans who brought fresh Supplies, and Landed at Shoram in Sussex, his Dominions extending through the Counties of Sussex and Surry; he began his Reign Anno Dom. 488. 3. Childrick, a Captain of the Low-Country Germans, erected the West-Saxon Kingdom, containing Cornwall; Devonshire, Dorcetshire, Somersetshire, Hampshire, and Berkshire; Anno Dom. 501. 4. The East Saxons Kingdom was erected by Erchenwin. Anno Dom. 527, containing Essex and Middlesex. 5. The Kingdom of Northumberland, containing Yorkshire, the Bishopric of Durham, Lancashire, Westmoreland, Cumberland, and Nortbumberland, was erected by two Saxon Chiefs, viz. Ida and Ella, who, as Copartners, began their Reign Anno Dom. 547. 6. The Kingdom of Mercia, containing Huntingtonshire, Rutlandshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Shropshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Notinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Cheshire, Glocestershire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hartfordshire, being the largest of all, was erected by Crida one of their great Captains Anno Dom. 582. 7. The Kingdom of the East-Angles, containing Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgshire, and the Isle of Ely, was erected by Vffa, who brought fresh Aids against the Britain's, when the Saxons were in many parts distressed, Anno Dom. 575. Thus you see how this Island was coveted and struggled for by strange Nations as soon as they had tasted of its Sweetness, and saw its Fertility: Its fruitfulness and abundant plenty of all things necessary for the subsistence of Mankind, being a great Motive to encourage them in its Conquest; and in that sense, a great cause of its own Misery. But ere I come to give a direct Account of the Kings that Governed these Kingdoms, before they were United under a Sole Monarch, and the British Princes that Opposed them in their Settling, I think it necessary to say something as to what these Saxons were in their Original, with a Brief Discourse of their Laws, Manners, Habits, Customs, Idolatrous Worship, and other things that shall Occur, suitable to History. As for their Original, Historians report them to have sprung from the Sacae, a People in the Lesser Asia, who being distressed with great Droughts and Famine, sent Colonies abroad to seek more agreeable Habitations, who coming into the North-East part of Europe, and finding Plentiful Countries, they sent for greater Forces to Enable them to settle therein; and so after a long and doubtful War with the Strong Nations that bordered on Germany, viz. Prusia, Poland, and Hungary, they got possession; planting their Families in the most Fruitful part of that large Region, calling it Sacaesons Land, or Saxony. And in a short time by Warring on their Neighbours, stretched their Dominions from the River Albis to the Rhine, in Length; and in Breadth from the Germane Ocean, and River Oder, to the Borders of Hessia and Turingia: But the Country held at present by the Dukes of Saxony, is crowded into a narrower compass, having lost by its Neighbour's encroachments much of its former Extension. Their Leader in this Expedition was one Tuysco, whom (for his Valiant Exploits, and giving them Laws to Govern by) they styled a God, setting his Image on a Pillar, in the Figure of an Aged Man, in flowing Robes of Purple, holding a Sceptre in his Hand; signifying he was the first Establisher and Governor of their European Dominions; and ascribed to him a Day in the Week, by the Name of Tuysco's Day; and now by us called Tuesday. The Idols of the Ancient Saxons Sun Moon Tuysco Woden The Idol of the Sun was made as here Appeareth, lile half a naked man set upon a Pillar, his face like the Image of the Sun. The Idol of the Moon made for a Woman, but had a short coat like a man, with a cap with a large ears the holding the Moon before her breast. The Idol Tuysco the first and Chiefest man of name among the Germans. The Idol Woden after the name of a most valiant and Victorious Prince & Captain & his Idol was worshipped like God depictions of idols As for their Laws or Customs; They Punished Robbers and Adulterers with Death: Their Virgins were permitted to be Married but Once, and their Men restrained from Plurality of Wives, unless the Chief of their Tribes, for the sake of Children, to keep up their Names and Families; though Barrenness was accounted among them an immediate Curse from their Gods: If any great Difference arose among them, it was usually decided by Champions in single Combat. As for their Worship or Religion, upon their first coming over, and a long time after, it was paid to Idols, of which they had many, and with their Abominations and Heathenish Sacrifices they polluted the Christian Churches, and Temples, grievously Afflicting and Persecuting the Mournful Christians, making them to Wander in Desolate Places. 1. They set up the Image or Idol of the Sun, in the form of half a naked Man, on a Pillar, with Rays or Sunbeams, about his Face, holding in his two Hands, before his Breast, a Wheel of Circling Flame, representing the Element of Fire; and this Image was Worshipped on the day attributed to it, viz. Sunday: And Offerings made of Wheat, and other products of the Earth, in its Temple. 2. They had another Idol to represent the Moon having the Face of a Woman, a short Coat to the middle of the Thighs, and a Hood with long Ears, holding the Figure of the Moon in its Increase with both her Hands before her Breast; and to it they did Nightly Sacrifice in Groves and Mountains: This Idol claimed peculiar Devotions on her day called Moonday. 3. Tuysco who claimed Veneration on Tuesday, which I have already described; his Feast was kept every third Moon with Songs declaring his Actions, with Dancing and much Jollitry. 4. Woden; this Idol was set up in Memory of one of their Victorious Princes, who had Fought successfully against the Huns and Lumbards', who entered Germany in the wain of the Roman Empire: They placed him in Kinglike State, on a Pillar, a Crown on his Head, and a Shield on his Left Arm, holding up a Sword in his Right Hand. To him they Offered Humane Sacrifice of the Tenth Captives taken in War; and forbidden any to Name him, unless with Reverence and profound Respect, ascribing to him a day, viz. Wodensday now Wednesday; and Lamps were always Burning before his Shrine. The Idols of the Ancient Saxons Thor Friga Seater Flint This Idol was Majestically placed upon a Covered bed, on his head a Crown of Gold. This Idol Represents both sexes as Hermaphrodite, in her Right hand she held a drawn sword, & in her left a Bow. This Idol was placed on a Perch with a sharp prickled back, bore headed, and bore footed. This Idol was set on a great Stone made like the Image of Death, with a sheet about him depictions of idols 6. Friga, or Frea, was Wodens' Queen; upon the account of Chastity and other Virtues, after her Death they set up an Idol in her Likeness, on a Pillar, resembling Diana, completely Armed to the Waste, with a Bow and a Sword; and to her were often Sacrificed those Females that had Violated their Virgin-Chastity: Some Authors allow her to have been Expert in Arms, by whose Prowess the Ancient Saxons extended their Germane Territories: and to her was Dedicated the Sixth Day, called then Frea's-Day, now Friday. 7. Seater: This Idol was placed in the shape of an Old Man, on a Pillar, treading with his bare Feet on a Perch with sharp pricks on its Back, holding in his Right Hand a Basket of Fruits, signifying Plenty, and in his Left a Wheel, signifying Time, when we ought to be careful in laying up our Stores to prevent Scarcity: He was held in his Life time to be a great Prophet and ginger, telling things to come, and Teaching the Saxons the Course of the Sun, Moon, and Stars; and to him they Prayed for Knowledge, Wisdom, and hopeful Children. Spring and Fall, they Offered Fruits to him, and strewed the way to his Temple with Flowers. For his Worship they appointed the Seventh Day of the Week, calling it Sater's Day, now Saturday. They had another Idol resembling the Image of Death, with Flowing Crimson Robes, holding a Lighted Torch in his Right Hand, and a Lion Rampant on his Head, by the Left Foot, with his Left Hand. He was placed on a Tomb or Grave-stone, to put them in mind of Mortality, and to show Death's Obduracy and Inexorableness, they called him Flint. Before his Shrine, which was set in a large place, Walled about, without any Covering, they Executed or Sacrificed Offenders for Extraordinary Crimes, by Fire, Racks, and other Exquisite Tortures. Having thus given you a Brief Description of the Original and Manners of the Ancient Saxons, before their coming into this Island; I should now proceed to give you an Account of the Succession of their several Kings here, during the time of their Heptarchy, or Seven Kingdoms, until King Edgar overcoming and subduing all the rest, reduced it again to a Monarchy. But that shall be the business of the next Chapter. CHAP. V The Succession of the Petty Monarches of the Kentish, South-Saxon, and East-Saxon Kingdoms; with what Remarkably Happened, during their respective Reigns, in Peace and War: The Time when they Began and Ended them; with the Limits of their Dominions. 1. Of the Kingdom of Kent, and the Succession of its seventeen Kings. HEngist, the first Saxon Invader, as is formerly noted, settled Himself and his People in the County of Kent, a Fertile part of England, large in Extent, bounded on the North with the River Thames, by which it is divided from Essex; on the East, with the Channel; on the West, with Surry; and on the South, with Sussex: He began to Erect a Saxon Kingdom there, Anno Dom. 455; and had, during his Thirty Four years Reign, continual War with the Britain's; his Brother Horsa Dying of the Wounds he received in Battle, gave Name to a place called Horsa's Tomb, now corruptly called Horsted, where he was Buried, and had a famous Monument erected over his Grave, the Ruins of which, some Hundred Years since were visible. It is held by Authors of great repute those Stones of a prodigious bigness on Salisbury Plain, which have created Admiration in the Beholders, were erected as a Monument where he caused the British Nobles to be Treacherously Slain, by which means he gained his design on this Kingdom, making way to its Subjection; for indeed they are commonly to this day called Stone Hang, or Hengist Stones. They appear to have been a Triple Row of Stones, circularly placed one within another, Twenty Eight Foot long for the most part, and Seven Foot broad, viz. those that are reared upright; besides others of prodigious bigness that lie overthwart from one to another, and are fastened with Tenants and Mortises; but at this day, the Form of this Wonderful Structure is very much defaced, some of the greater Stones being either fallen, or reclining towards the Earth. Eske, by some called Osea, succeeded Hengist in the Kingdom of Kent; a Man much inferior to him in Valour and Conduct, therefore to make the People (if possible) to forget what they were, that he might live the more at Ease, he Tolerated such of the C●nti as would, to live among his Saxons, on condition they would take upon them the Name or Epithet of Eskins; and though he Reigned Twenty Four Years, nothing very Memorable is Recorded of him in History; for the other Saxon Princes, in settling their Kingdoms, Screening him from the Incursions of the Britain's, and making the seat of War in the Northern and Western Counties, he had for the most part a Peaceable Reign. Octa, the Third King of Kent, began his Reign Anno Dom. 513; he provided prudent and wholesome Laws for the Government of his People, Built several Castles on the Sea-Coast, and the Inland Frontiers, commanded the Pagan Idolatries to be strictly Observed, and Christianity to be Extirpated, shedding much Innocent Blood on that occasion. In his time strange sights were seen of Dragons, Lions, and other furious wild Beasts, Fight in the Air. In the West of Kent it Reigned Wheat, and soon after great Drops of Blood; upon which ensued extreme Dearth, succeeded by much Bloodshed between his People and the South Saxon borders about settling their Territories, at the latter end of his Reign, which continued Twenty Years. Imerick began his Reign Anno Dom. 533: He made an Edict, That Strangrs should be Courteously Entertained, and caused Houses of Public Resort to be built on the Roads, and the Highways to be Mended, and made Passable, at the Public Charge; building Watch-Towers on the Seacoasts, and setting Lights in them for the guidance of Saylors: He restrained the severity against the Christians, and is numbered among the good Saxon Kings; in his time was the Second General Council held at Constantinople, for all Christendom, Anno Dom. 553. He Reigned Twenty Nine Years, during which space nothing Memorable of any Warlike Actions are Recorded of him. Ethelbert, The Fifth King of Kent, began his Reign 562: He had not long Reigned, before Cheuline, King of the West Saxons, raised an Army against him; to Oppose whom, he Mustered great Forces, and at Wimbleton both Hosts joined Battle, where Ethelbert lost the day; Two of his Dukes, and Five Thousand of his People, being Slain; and this is Recorded to be the first Open War among the Saxon Kings; However, a Peace was soon after concluded, and Gregory, Archdeacon of Rome, seeing some fair Youths of this Island standing in the Market of that City to be Sold, he demanded from whence they were, and being told from Britain, out of a Province called Deira, he sighing said, (when he understood Paganism predominated) Ah it is great pity but their Country should be Delivered Ira Dei, from the Wrath of God: And coming soon after to be Pope, he Remembering what he had said, sent Augusting the Monk, accompanied with Forty Men of several Religious Orders, into Britain, Anno Dom. 596; who making their Address to King Ethelbert, were by him kindly received, and had Canterbury (then but a poor Village) allowed them for their Residence, with Liberty to Convert his Subjects to the Christian Faith; so that by their painful industry in Preaching, and exemplary Lives, they made a considerable progress in the Glorious work of Salvation to poor Souls, leading them out of the Darkness of Paganism, into the Marvellous Light of the Gospel; so that again the Candle was Lighted, (which God, for the Pride and Lukewarmness of the Christians, had suffered in a great measure to be Extinguished in this Island; and the King falling in Love with their Inoffensive Lives, and conceiving a good Opinion of their Doctrine, was Baptised, with many Thousands of his Subjects, in the Thirty Sixth Year of his Age, and Fourteenth of his Reign, Anno Dom. 596 for which God Blessed him with a long and prosperous Reign, viz. Fifty Six Years. Edelbard the Sixth King of Kent, soon after his coming to the Crown was Converted by Laurence Archbishop of Canterbury, (whom Augustine on his Deathbed had appointed his Successor in that See) whereupon he Divorced himself from his Mother-in-Law, whom he had Married after his Father's Death, and recalled Militus and Jus●us whom he had caused to fly beyond the Seas for fear of Persecution, restoring them to their Bishoprics. In his time Two mighty Whales were taken on the Coast of Kent, and a Fight of Birds of various kinds, were seen in the Air near Rochester, about Noon, whose numbers in that place in some measure Darkened the Sun for the space of an Hour. He began his Reign Anno Dom. 618, and Reigned Twenty Four Years. Ercombert, the Seventh King of Kent, began his Reign Anno Dom. 642. This Man was a great Lover of the Christians, everywhere in his Dominions suppressing the Idol Temples, causing the Christian Worship strictly to be Observed throughout his Dominions, Building divers Churches, commanding the Fast of Lent to be kept. He Reigned Twenty Four Years. Egbert, the Eighth King of Kent, began his Reign Anno Dom. 666. He was of a cruel Nature, Murdering his two Nephews Ethelred and Ethelbert, to secure the Kingdom to his Posterity, casting their Dead Bodies into the Medway, a River running by Rochester and Chattam, whose Water thereupon for a time seemed of the colour of Blood, and was so corrupted that a number of Fish died in it; which was held as a Divine Judgement to upbraid the Murderer; after which he had a troublesome Reign, his own People murmuring against him, and being often ready to Rebel: A little before his Death, a terrible Blazing-Star appeared for six Nights, at South East, soon after the setting of the Sun. He Reigned Nine Years and odd Days. Lothaire, the Ninth King of Kent, began his Reign Anno Dom. 675. In his time there was held the Third General Council at Constantinople, where 600 Bishops were present, Three of which went from England and had the Precedency given them before divers other Nations; Agatho being then Bishop of Rome. Afterward engaging in a War against Ethelred King of Mercia, and Edrick King of the South Saxons, he charging in the thickest of the Battle, and endeavouring to break in upon the Mercian Standard, where that King stood Environed with his Nobles, a Dart being thrown overthwart with a strong hand, struck him on the Left Side, and pierced through the Right, so that he instantly fell Dead on the place, when he had Reigned Eleven Years; and his death so discouraged his Soldiers, who had before near-gained the Victory, that they quitted the Field and fled. Ederick, the Tenth King of Kent, was a Man of great Courage; but using some Cruelty towards his Nobility, they grew displeased with him, and laboured to stir up the common People to a dislike of his Government, and at last raised a Rebellion against him; and in a great Battle near Maidstone, he was Slain, and his Body very despitefully used. The Night before this Battle, there were Groans and Cries heard, as proceeding out of the Air, and most of the Laurels throughout the Country Withered; after which, great Mischief happened; for the Victors not agreeing about dividing the spoil, fell into parties, and in clandestine Broils shed much Blood; so that there was no King in Kent for six years. This Ederick Reigned only two Years, and ten Days, beginning it Anno Dom. 682. Withered, the Eleventh King of Kent, upon his Brother's Overthrow, fled from the Popular Fury to Ine King of the West Saxons, with whom he remained till the expiration of the six Years; when agreeing with him for a considerable sum of Money, he Restored him to the Kingdom; which sum, not exceeding 6000 l. being raised on the Subject, caused great Murmur; but he quieted them by promising to Live Frugally, Proclaiming a general Pardon, and granting them many Privileges which in former Reigns they enjoyed not; so that he lived rather like a Private Man, than a Sovereign Prince: Yet he had great Wars with Ethelred, King of Mercia. He Reigned 33 Years, beginning it Anno Dom. 694. Edbert, the Twelfth King of Kent, Succeeded Withered: He at the beginning of his Reign laboured for Peace, and settled the Kingdom that had been harrassed, and in a manner destroyed, by the Mercians in the former Reign; Rebuilding the Churches and Monastries they had Ruinated. But in the Fourth Year of his Reign the Beacons of Heaven foreshowed more Misery to the already suffering Kingdom, two Blazing-Stars appearing successively, the one in the South West and the other at South East; after which, great Dissensions arose among the Saxon Kings, and much Blood was spilt in divers places; the Britain's were likewise extremely distressed by the Invading Norhumbers' and West Saxons, who penned them within the straits and Mountains of Wales, till Famine coming on, numbers were Starved in the Rocks and Caves whither they had retired for shelter. He began his Reign Anno Dom. 727, and Reigned 23 Years. Ethelbert, the Thirteenth King of Kent, began his Reign Anno Dom. 750. At his coming to the Crown he laboured to promote Christianity, gave large Gifts to the Cathedral Church of Canterbury, and to St. Andrews in Rochester, Built by Ethelbert the Second, King of Kent: He laboured also to keep Peace with his Neighbours, yet such was the greedy desire of the Saxons to encroach on each other, having beaten the poor Britain's out of all the Counties that were worth Possessing, that Wars ensued, and much Blood was shed: Yet he Died in Peace, when he had Reigned Eleven Years. Alrick, the Fourteenth King of Kent, began his Reign Anno Dom. 761; but after he had Reigned 34 Years, Offa the great King of the Mercians Quarrelled with him, for Entertaining Duke Edesin who Fled from his Fury; yet this seemed only a pretence, his Ambition aiming to Annex Kent to his own large Dominions; whereupon both Armies approaching near Ottford, joined in a Bloody Battle which lasted Twelve Hours, when Alrick being beaten down and slain with a Battle-ax, his Men fled the Field, and were so hotly pursued that many of them were put to the Sword, and great spoil made through all the Country; which was continued from the South to the North, as far as the River Humber. In his time The second General Council was held at Nice, being the seventh General Council for all Christendom. Ethelbert the Third, and Fifteenth King of Kent, Usurped the Kingdom after the Death of Alrick, whereupon Kenwolfe the Mercian (upon his denying to pay him Tribute and Homage) came against him with a powerful Army, and in a fatal Battle he was overthrown and taken Prisoner, and carried into Mercia, where he continued some Years: But Kenwolfe having erected a stately Church at Winchcomb in Glocestershire, at the Dedication of it, where were present Ten Dukes and Thirteen Bishops, he sent for him, and at the High Altar freely Released him without any Ransom, so he returned again to his People. He began his Reign Anno Dom. 795, and Reigned Three Years. Cuthred the Sixteenth King of Kent, was (contrary to the mind of the People) placed in the Throne by Kenwolfe King of Mercia: but nothing Memorable is Recorded of him. He began his Reign 798 and Reigned Three Years. In his time a terrible Earthquake happened in this Island, which overthrew many stately Buildings. Baldred the Seventeenth and last King of Kent, began his Reign 806 but displeasing Kenwolfe King of Mercia, he drove him out of the Kingdom, when he had Reigned Eighteen Years; for the Conqueror annexed it to his own Dominions, when it had continued a distinct Kingdom 372 Years. 2. Of the South Saxon Kingdom, in the Succession of Four Kings. Ella, a Captain of the Low Germans, was the first Founder of this Kingdom, as in the foregoing Chapter is mentioned: At his Landing at Shor●ham in Sussex, he divided his Forces under his three Sons, viz. Cymen, Plettinger, and Cissa; but finding he was too weak for the Britain's that Inhabited Sussex and Surry, he was constrained to go over-Sea, to fetch greater Strength: Then in a set Battle he gave them a fatal Overthrow, forcing them into a vast Wood on the South of Kent called Andersleger, where many of them perished for want, others stole away by Night, and some submitted to the Victor; whereupon he settled his Borders, Bounded on the North with the Thames, dividing it from Middlesex and part of Buckinghamshire; on the South, with the Ocean; on the West, with Hampshire; and on the East, with Kent; being Counties exceeding fertile in Corn and Rich Pastures stored with excellent Fruits, and great numbers of Cattle. He began his Reign Anno Dom. 488, and continued it 32 Years. Cissa, Son to Ella, Second King of the South Saxons, began his Reign 520; and confederating with Cherdick King of the West Saxons, allowing him a small Tribute for some part of his Country which that King laid claim to by Priority, he Built Chichester in Sussex, and Chisbury, Fortifying the Sea-Coast, opposing France; after that, he laid heavy Taxes on his Subjects; which Money, when raised, he sent to Cherdick, to maintain his War against the Britain's. So that being sheltered on all sides from their Invasions, he had a long and peaceable Reign, some Historians allow him 76 Years; but this must needs be a mistake, considering he was at Man's Estate when he came into this Land, and that his Father Reigned 32 Years; so that the more moderate allow him to have Reigned only 36 Years. Ethelwolfe, the Third King of the South Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 596; at which time divers terrible and amazing Sights appeared in the Air, of Armies in Rout, with great noises of Thunder, and flashes of Lightning, many drops of the colour of Blood falling at the same time in divers parts of Surry, which seemed to Prognosticate the great Bloodshed that afterwards happened, when this Kingdom was Invaded by Ceadwald, than a Banished Prince of the West Saxons, who gathering to him Outlaws and other Resolute Persons, in a Mortal Battle slew Ethelwolfe, and divers of his Nobles; and pursuing his Victory, entered the Kingdom of Kent, where he put the Monks to the Sword, levelling with the Ground all the Religious Houses that he found in his Progress, and then made himself King of the South Saxons; after which he greatly lamented the desolation he had made. This Ethelwolfe, a considerable time before his Death, as Bede, a very Venerable Clergyman Reports, was Converted to the Christian Religion, by Bishop Wilfrid, though some affirm it to be done by Berinus Bishop of Dorchester. He Reigned Twenty Five Years. Barthun, the Fourth King of the South Saxons, and Duke Autban his assistant, soon after Ethelwolfes' Death, prevailed with the People to Banish their Intruding King Ceadwell, and within a short time Barthun getting the sole Power into his hands, Ceadwell returned with a great Army, and after a Fight of Eight Hours, on the Plain now called Banstead-Downs, Barthun was Slain and his Subjects submitted to the Conqueror, who made himself by this Victory a second time King of the South Saxons, annexing it by right of Conquest to the West Saxon Kinghom, after the Succession of Four Kings, who upheld it One Hundred and Thirty Three Years; It Beginning Anno Dom. 488, and Ending 621. So that by this Addition the West Saxons became very formidable, not only to the Britain's, but their own Countrymen who bordered on them. 3. The Kingdom of the East Saxons, in the Succession of Fourteen Kings. This Kingdom Commenced Anno Dom. 522, containing Middlesex and Essex, Counties abounding in Cattle, Corn, Warrens, store of Deer, Fowl, Fish, and other advantageous Commodities: Bounded on the North, with Suffolk, Cambridgshire, and Hartfordshire; on the South, with the River Thames, dividing it from Kent and Surry; on the West, with Buckinghamshire, and on the East, with the Sea. Erchenwin was the First Saxon that framed it into a Kingdom, after he had assisted the other Saxons with the Forces he brought over to drive the Britain's out of their possessions in the Fertile parts of England, and then giving himself much to Peace, and framing such Laws from those in Germany as best suited to the welfare of his People in this Country, he continued his Reign Sixty Years, Dying in Peace Anno Dom. 582. Sleadda, the Second King of the East Saxons, Succeeding Erchenwin, Encouraged the Idol Temples, and much Oppressed the Christians at the beginning of his Reign; but upon seeing a threatening Vision of Angels with drawn Swords opposing his Progress, he grew much milder at the Latter-end of his Reign, which began Anno Dom. 582, and ended 591. Sebert the Third King of the East Saxons (though at first a Persecutor of the Christians) was at last so far overc●me by their harmless and inoffensive Lives, that he applying himself to Miletus, the first Bishop of St. Paul's in London, by his grave Advice was induced to embrace the Christian Religion. This famous Church was Founded by him and Ethelbert, King of Kent, in the place where before stood a Temple Dedicated to Diana, wherein many Bloody Sacrifices had been offered to the supposed Goddess, and so becoming the first Christian King of the East Saxons, he was a great Encourager of Religious Men and Women, building at their request divers other Churches in London and elsewhere. He began his Reign Anno Dom. 591, and Reigned 21 Years. sere, the Fourth King of the East Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 611; He revoked the Indulgences of his Predecessors to the Christians, and in attempting to Profane The Lords Table, being withstood by Miletus, the Bishop of St. Paul's, he Banished him his Dominions; but afterward entering on a War with Kingills, King of the West Saxons, which continued for some time, he was in the conclusion of it Slain, when he had Reigned Six Years: A little before his Death he had a Dream like to that of Smyrdis Son to Cyrus the Great, and Brother to King Cambysis of Persia, viz. That he sat on the West Saxon Throne, and his Head reached the Skies; which being falsely Interpreted by his flatterers, who pushed him on in his Ambitiaus designs, whilst like the other he lost his Life, though by different means; the first Murdered by his Brother's command, on a Jealousy he designed to Usurp the Persian Monarchy; and the latter Fight to enlarge his Dominions. Sigesbert, the Fifth King of the East Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 620. He made several Laws against Murderers and Thiefs, that then much abounded in the Country: In his time a dreadful Fire happened in London, consuming most of the Eastern part of it; but it was soon Rebuilt, and much enlarged by this King's Encouragement; and the Michaelmas following a number of Porpoises came up the River; whereupon preat Storms followed, and the Thames overflowing laid many Hundreds of Acres under Water in Kent and Surry. He Reigned Twenty Three Years. Sigebert, the Sixth King of the East Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 643. He Restored again the True Worship in that Kingdom, being persuaded by Oswy King of the Northumber's to be Baptised by Bishop Finnan, giving Large Gifts to the Churches and Monasteries, earnestly labouring to settle Peace among his Neighbours; but being of a very wild temper, and soft by Nature, his two Brothers took the advantage of his weakness, Conspired against him, and Murdered him, when he had Reigned Fifteen Years. Swithelm, the Seventh King of the East Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 658; upon the entrance on it he became a Christian, and was Baptised by Bishop Cedda, Ethelwald King of the East Angles being his Godfather. In his time London began to flourish very much in Trade, the Merchants and Traders having large Privileges granted them. A little before his Death, A Globe of Fire fell on St. Paul 's Church, and Burnt the Roof of it. His Reign continued only Three Years and odd Days. Sighere, the Eighth King of the East Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 661. He had embraced the Christian Faith, but Apostatised on a slight Occasion; and of a Father of the Church, became a Persecutor; but being afflicted with a grievous Disease, he was smitten with Remorse of Conscience, and (many Thousands of his Subjects being Destroyed by a raging Pestilence) he Remembered frem whence he was Fallen, and Returned to the Christian Communion, into which he was gladly received by an Assembly of the Clergy, who prevailed with him to destroy the Idols and demolish their Altars. He Reigned Five Years. Sebba, the Ninth King of the East Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 666, being given much to a Religious Life, and much Repenting the Blood he had shed when he was General in the Wars; whereupon, when he had Reigned Thirty Years, he laid down his Sceptre, and took on him a Religious Habit, in the Monastery of St. Paul's at London, bequeathing his Kingdom to Sigherd his Kinsman. Sigherd, the Tenth King of the East Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 696. He sent Forces to assist the West Saxons against the Britain's, who made strong Incursions into their Territories, and carried away great Booties; in the mean time divers Pirates from Denmark and Norway Invaded his Seacoasts, Burning and Plundering many Villages, but a mighty Tempest arising, they suffered Shipwreck, and so many of them as Escaped to Shoar, were destroyed by the Country Peasants: He Built many Religious Houses, and Reigned Seven Years. Seofrid, the Eleventh King of the East Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 703. He Built Forts on the advantageous Havens to the Sea-Coast, to prevent the Landing of Foreign Enemies by surprise, encouraging his People to Trade with the Neighbour Nations; so that many of the North East Countries were discovered, and great Riches brought home; which caused others, who had advantageous Havens, to take the like Measures; whereupon the Shipping increased. He Reigned Seven Years. Offa, the Twelfth King of the East Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 711. He was a great Encourager of the Christians, and in his time the Christian Religion spread into all parts of his Dominions: He Invited over Religious Men out of other Countries, and ordered Public Schools to be Erected; and being desirous to see Rome, which he had heard so much of by Fame, when he had Reigned Eight Years he went thither; and being much taken with the Devotion of the Religious there, he became a Monk, and Died in that station; leaving large Legacies to the Church. Selred, the Second, and Thirteenth King of the East Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 719. In his time a grievous Famine was in this Kingdom for the space of three Years, so that People in many places were compelled to Eat Grass, Roots, Leaves, and Barks of Trees; and yet many Thousands were Famished: Great flashes of Fire likewise Issued out of the Earth, which Burnt up the Trees and Grass, and Destroyed some People and much ; but soon after a great Plenty ensued. He Reigned Thirty Eight Years. Suthred, the Fourteenth and Last King of the East Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 757. He had great Wars with Egbert King of the West Saxons, so that in various Battles Fifty Thousand of his People being Slain, he was so weakened, that not being able to make head any longer, he withdrew himself, and left his Dominions to the prevailing Enemy, when in much Trouble he had upheld them Eight Years: So that Egbert annexing it as a Province to his own Kingdom, Extinguished the Name of the East-Saxon-Kingdom about the Year of Christ 827. CHAP. VI A Description of the Kingdoms of Northumberland and Mercia; with the Succession of their Kings; and the most Memorable Transactions, Portents and Prodigies, both in Peace and War, that happened during their Reigns. 4. The Kingdom of Northumberland as it Began and continued in the Reigns of Twenty Five Kings. THE Kingdom of Northumberland Extended very largely in the North of England, containing Yorkshire, Durham, Lancashire, Westmoreland, Cumberland and Northumberland: Bounded on the North, with the Germane Ocean; on the West, with the Irish Sea, and part of Scotland; on the South, with Cheshire, Derbyshire, Notinghamshire, and Lincolnshire; abounding with Sea-coal, Minerals, Quarries of Stone, Cattle; Rivers stored with Salmon, Trout, and other Fish; Fat Pastures, Fowl, and abundance of Corn. Ida and Ella, two Saxon Dukes, first Modelled it into a Kingdom, Anno Dom. 597, causing divers Towns to be Built that had been ruined in the Wars, keeping strong Guards on their Borders, to defend them against Encroachments; yet after they had Reigned Fifteen Years, finding themselves too weak to bandy against the Britain's, Picts, and East Angles, who greatly disturbed them in their Settlement, to render them able to keep what they had Seized, they sent for five Germane Captains, who came with more Forces; by which additional Strength, the Kingdom was Established: But about that time Ida Dying, they Quarrelled with Ella for their Parts or Shares; whereupon (to prevent the effusion of Blood, and rending it in pieces by Civil Dissension) it was agreed they should Reign with him as Coparteners Anno Dom. 562. The Continuance of their Reigns were as followeth, 2. Theadwold, 1 Year. 3. Elappea, 5 Years. 4. Adda, 7 Years. 5. Ferthuf, 7 Years. 6. Theodorick, 7 Years. But Ella Out-living some, and Banishing others, when he found he was powerful in the Love of his People, and they hated for their Tyranny, Reigned singly many Years after, and in all Forty Two, Viz. till 589. Elthelrick, Accounted (by the foregoing means) the Seventh King of Northumberland, Succeeding Ella, Anno Dom. 589. His Accession to the Throne was ushered in by a fearful Blazing Star, and the Sea breaking in near Hortle Pool in the Bishopric of Durham, swept away divers Villages, Drowning many People and Cattle. He had Wars with the Picts, who bordered on the North of his Kingdom, and in a set Battle, near Wark in Northumberland, gave them a great overthrow, as also the Scots their Confederates; entering their Kingdom, and bringing away large Booties, so that they were constrained to sue for Peace, which was granted: But intending to War on the Britain's, Death put a period to that Enterprise, when he had Reigned four Years Anno 593. Ethelfrid, the Eighth King of Northumberland, began his Reign Anno Dom. 593, being a mortal Enemy to the poor Britain's, making Inroads into their Territories, and destroying all before him; when coming to the Monastery of Bangor in Carnarvonshire, the Monks came out with Presents to meet him, Singing a Hymn, as a demonstration of his Welcome; but this, and their Innocence (which they too much trusted in) little availed to Screen them from his Fury, for being of a Bloody temper, Eleven Hundred of them in that Monastery, and others Adjacient, were miserably Massacred at his Command, a little while after the meeting of Augustin Bishop of Canterbury, with the British Bishops, at Austin's- Oak in Worcestershire, to settle matters of Religion according as it was practised at Rome; but those Bishops in many Points Dissenting from him, the Assembly abruptly broke up; and for this he is hardly censured (and not without ground) to be the Instigater of Ethelfrids' Cruelty. This Ethelfrid Fought with Cadwan King of the Britain's near West-Chester, and overthrew him with great slaughter; and after a Peace concluded, which lasted during their Lives, he Warred on the Scots, and defeated Edanaden their King, at Degsaxton on the Marches of Scotland, and Banished Edwin his Kinsman, and Heir Apparent to the Crown; who flying for protection to Redwald King of the East Angles, they raised an Army; and joining Battle, many of Ethelfrids' Soldiers, who bore goodwill to Edwin, seeing his Standard in the Field, Revolted; whereupon Ethelfrid labouring to restore the declining Battle, threw himself like a desperate Man among the thickest of the Enemies, and was slain when he had Reigned Thirty Two Years. Edwin, after the Death of Ethelfrid, was placed by Redwald in the Throne of the Northumbrian Kingdom, and is accounted the Ninth King. He began his Reign Anno Dom. 626. It is reported by the Monks of those times (who were mightily addicted to such Foolish and Superstitious Fables) That in his Banishment the Apostle St. Paul Appeared to him in a Vision, Preaching to him the Gospel, and telling him if he would cause it to be freely Preached in the Northumbrian Kingdom, he should be shortly placed in the Throne; which he then promised to do; whereupon the Vision laying one Hand on his Head, and Commanding him to remember that Sign, Vanished: But after he gained his desires, forgetting his promise, the same Apostle appeared to Paulinus the Bishop of York, and commanded him to lay his Hand on the King's Head, and demand if he remembered that Sign; which he had no sooner done, but Edwin fell at his Feet, begging Pardon for his neglect, and was thereupon, with many of his Nobles, Baptised at York; after which he Built many Religious Houses, and was himself a great promoter of Christianity, sheltering and relieving such as fled the Persecution of Pagan Kings; which Charitable succour of the distressed, was the main ground on which Penda, King of the Mercians, founded his Quarrel; so that a Bloody War ensuing, Edwin and Offrid his Son were slain in Battle; the Mercians at that time being assisted by Cadwallo King of the Britain's, when he had Reigned Seven Years. In his time he much enlarged the Northumbrian Kingdom, subduing the Coasts of Britain and the Islands of the Hebrides. To prevent whose progress, one Eumerius was sent by the West Saxon King to Murder him, but was prevented by Lillia the King's Chamberlain, steping between on the push, and receiving the Mortal Wound in his own Body. He Built the Cathedral at York of Stone, which before was only of Wood Offride, or Osrick, the Tenth King of Northumberland, began his Reign Anno Dom. 633. By Edwin's Example encouraging and promoting the Christian Religion. In his time a Little Stream of the Colour of Blood burst from a Rock near York, and soon after entering on a War against Cadwallo King of the Britain's he was Slain, when he had Reigned about a Year. Oswald, the Eleventh King of Northumberland, began his Reign Anno Dom. 634, he followed the steps of his Two Predecessors, in promoting the Christian Religion sending for Adian, a Scotch Bishop of great note, to assist him in so good a Work; who Preaching in Landesfeorn, or Holy Island, in Scotland, and the King Interpreting it to the People, many of them were Converted and Baptised. He had great Wars with the Britain's, and in a set Battle slew Cadwallo, the last but one of the race of the British Kings, and the greatest part of his Army, at Deniseburn, so that he had Peace on that side; but thinking to gain the like advantage over Penda the Mercian King, instead of revenging the Death of Edwin, he underwent the same fate, being slain in Battle after he had Fought courageously six Hours, and hemmed himself in with Dead Bodies. This great Battle was Fought at Oswaltree in Shropshire. Nor did the Mercians Cruelty cease after he was slain, for he Inhumanly caused his Body to be torn in pieces, when he had Reigned Nine Years. Oswye, the Twelfth King of Northumberland, began his Reign Anno Dom. 643. And though he laboured for Peace, yet the greatness of his encroaching Neighbours suffered him to enjoy little quiet; however, he Encouraged Religion and Trade, and made many wholesome Laws, and one in particular for the Relief of the Poor, and to prevent Robberies and Murders on the Northern borders; and continued his Reign 28 Years. Egfride, the Thirteenth King of Northumberland, began his Reign Anno Dom. 671; but long he had not enjoyed the Throne, before a fierce War broke out between him and Ethelred King of Mercia, he first drawing it on his Kingdom, whereby his People greatly suffered; yet not content with several Defeats, or seeing the weakness his Subjects were reduced to, he made War on the Irish, because some of that Nation had Pirated on his Coast; but pursuing them too far among the Mountains and Fastnesses of craggy Rocks, he was there slain, and most of his Soldiers that escaped the overthrow, perished for want of Provision, when he had Reigned Fifteen Years. Alfrid, the Fourteenth King of Northumberland, began his Reign Anno Dom. 686, finding the Kingdom much Impaired in its People and Treasure, so that he made it his first endeavour to restore the face of Trade, appointing Fairs and Marts, allowing them great Privileges to Invite the Borderers to Trade with him; and gave Liberty for as many as would, with their Families, to settle in his Dominions; which caused him to be Envied by the Saxon Kings his Neighbours; yet he pacified them with fair Words and Friendly Offices, making a Law, That distressed Strangers, Travelling about their Lawful Occasions, should be Maintained at the Public Charge: So that his Reign continued for the most part Peaceable, Religion flourishing under it Twenty Years. Osred, the Fifteenth King of Northumberland, began his Reign Anno Dom. 706 but led a Life very contrary to his Predecessor, giving himself up to all manner of Debauchery, making it his Business to visit the Nunneries, that he might single out the fairest for his Lust, which he Commanded to his Bed with great rigour; insomuch that some of those Virgins preferring their Chastity before Life, suffered Martyrdom rather than they would yield to his desires; so that whilst he held on this course, the Kingdom was much distracted with Intestine Broils, his Nobles grew unruly, and the poorer sort were Oppressed; so that to free the Kingdom from impending Ruin, Kenred and Oswick, two of his near Kinsmen, Conspired against him, and Slew him, when he had Reigned Nine Years, and then Successively Governed the Relm. Kenred, the Sixteenth King of Northumberland, having Conspired with Oswick, and Slain Osred, caused the Crown to be placed on his Head Anno Dom. 716; yet found a very troublesome Reign, his Copartner in the Conspiracy labouring to supplant him; and indeed his Reign was very short, continuing only two Years. Oswick having made his way to the Throne, Anno Dom. 718, laboured to settle himself in the Affections and good liking of the People, by giving large Gifts to the Nobles, and in distributing Corn to the Poor out of his Granaries, in his Second Year when a great Scarcity happened; so that in his Eleven Years Reign, he kept his People quiet at home, and for the most part free from Wars abroad. Cealnulf, the Eighteenth King of the Northumberian Kingdom, began his Reign Anno Dom. 722, devoting himself soon after his coming to the Crown to a Religious Life, causing many Abbeys and Monasteries to be builded, Endowing them with competent Annuities, for the Maintenance of Men and Women qualified to enter into Religious Orders; so that a great many resorted to him from beyond the Seas, whom he kindly entertained; and being much taken with their manner of Living, when he had Reigned Eight Years, growing weary of an Earthly Diadem, he laid the weight of Government aside, and withdrawing himself to Holy Island, took on him the Habit of a Monk; where in a little Monastery he had caused to be Built, he spent the remainder of his Days. In the last Year of his Reign, Two Blazing Stars Appeared; the one after Sunset, and the other a little before its Rising, continuing so to do for the space of a Fortnight, Terrifying the People by seeming often to dart Firey Lances from their Blazing Tails. Egbert, the Nineteenth Monarch of Northumberland, began his Reign Anno Dom. 738, in the beginning of which, Fleeces like Wool seemed to drop out of the Clouds, covering many large Fields and Plains, as if it had been Snow; and soon after a terrible Rot happened among Sheep all over England, etc. He appointed his Nobles to here the Complaints of the Poor, and to redress their Wrongs and Grievances; studying to keep his Subjects Quiet at Home, by securing Peace Abroad; and when he had Reigned Twenty Years, following the Example of his Predecessor, he was shorn a Monk, and Died in that state. Oswulph, the Twentith King of Northumberland, began his Reign Anno Dom. 758, and continued it but one Year; for growing Proud and Cruel, putting divers undeservedly to Death, his own Servants grew into such a hatred of him, that attending him in his Progress, they found an Opportunity to Murder him at Mickewoughton; of which Conspiracy though he was Informed the day before, yet Fate consented not to its Prevention. Edilwald, the One and Twentieth King of Northumberland, began his Reign Anno Dom. 759; but being of an easy Temper, and somewhat Supine in the Management of his Affairs, which (after many Troubles that thereupon arose, through the Male Administration of the Government, by such as he placed under him, in Trust and Great Offices) gave Alured, a Duke, and high in Favour with him, an opportunity to Conspire against him, and Murder him in his Palace, in the Sixth Year of his Reign. Alured, having Treacherously Slain Edilwald, compelled some through fear, and won others by large Gifts, to Proclaim him King, Anno Dom. 765. But using much Cruelty, and giving himself up to Riot and Luxury, his Subjects grew weary of his Government, and by General Consent, Expelled him the Kingdom, when he had Reigned Nine Years. Ethelred, upon the Expulsion of Alured, was admitted to the Throne, Anno Dom. 774. But his Government being distasted by the Nobles, because he advanced mean Persons to great Dignities, and made them his Favourites, two of them, Viz. Edibald and Herbert, made a Faction, and Banished him the Kingdom, in the Fifth Year of his Reign; but he was afterwards Re-called, upon promise of Amendment; yet not keeping of his Word, in many nice particulars, his Subjects risen up in Arms, and Slew him, after his Seven Years Second Reign; whereupon much Misery ensued to the Kingdom by Usurpers, who Tyrannised over the People, and Slew whom they pleased at their pleasure: Till Alfwald, a Prince of the Royal Blood, took the Government upon him, putting some of the Usurpers to Death, and Banished others; but he was Murdered by the Conspiracy of one Siga, when he had Reigned Eleven Years. During these Disturbances and Murders of Kings, many terrible Sights appeared in the Air, hollow Groan, and, as it were, Laments, were heard in the Earth, in divers places; and affrighting Apparitions of Ghosts and Spectrums Haunted the Palaces and Houses of Noblemen and others. Osred, the Twenty Fifth King of the Northumbrians, Entered upon the Government much distracted and disordered by Intestine Troubles, so that wanting Power to keep a steady rain, to bridle the unruly People, they Justled him from the Throne, and Expelled him the Kingdom, when he had Reigned about a Year. And though this Kingdom is held by some to last much longer, Viz. to Anno Dom. 926, yet no Historian, I can find, making mention of any other Kings, I rather choose to End here, than wade into uncertainties, which would not only break the Thread of History, but leave the Reader to wander in Dark and Doubtful Notions: Therefore concluding that some Authors, who have allotted so long a time, were Mistaken, for want of comparing the Continuance of this, with the rest of the Petty Kingdoms of the Saxon Heptarchy, from the times they Began till they were reduced under a Sole Monarch; I shall proceed to the next, which is the Kingdom of Mercia, etc. 5. The Kingdom of Mercia, in the Succession of its Twenty Kings, or Petty Monarches, etc. The Kingdom of Mercia, seized and settled by the most powerful of the Saxon Invaders, is accounted the Largest of the Seven. It Contained Hartfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, Cheshire, Oxfordshire, Notinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Huntingtonshire, and the County of Rutland; so that it was Enclosed by the other six Kingdoms, and consequently (when the Britain's were brought Low, and the Saxons Elbowed each other, to Enlarge their Territories) most exposed to War, as will appear in the ensuing Account of the Actions of its Kings, in the Succession of Twenty of them; for so many Reigned, before it ceased to be a distinct Kingdom. It was Bounded on the East, with the Kingdoms of the East Angles, East Saxons, and Germane Ocean; on the South, with the East Saxon and West Saxon Kingdoms; on the West, with Wales; and on the North, with the Kingdom of Northumberland: Abounding with Cities, Towns, Cattle, Corn, Led, Fruit, Pastures, Rivers, Parks, Chases, Woods, and Pleasant Rising Hills, and Flowery Meadows; which soon made them grow Rich and Powerful. Crida was the First Saxon who made himself King of so spacious a Country; Beginning his Reign Anno Dom. 582. Against him the Britain's Warred, but with various success; sometimes the one, and sometimes the other, prevailing; so that much Blood was spilt: But at last, the Britain's being mightily weakened in a Bloody Battle, Carecticus their King immured himself within the walls of Chester. But being Besieged by Grummond, an Arch Pirate, who commanded part of Cridas Forces; and the Saxons not being able to force the Walls, which were stoutly defended by the broken Army of the Britain's, retired thither with their King: Grummond Invented a Stratagem to Fire the City, and drive them out like Bees Smoked from their Hive, or Perish in the Flames; which was effected by tying Wildfire to the Feet of Sparrows and Swallows, who lighting on the Thatched Houses set them on Fire, and laid the whole City in a heap of Ruins; but the British King with a few Followers Escaped by Night to the Mountains of Wales, and there soon after Died of Grief, for the loss of his People, and desolation of his Country. This Crida Reigned Twelve Years. Wibba, the Second King of Mercia, began his Reign Anno Dom. 594. This Man Warred with the Britain's, and took from them almost all the pleasant Countries they held on his Borders, considerably Enlarging what he at first Possessed, though not without great effusion of Blood on both sides; so that the Dead Bodies lying unburied, corrupted the Air, and caused a Pestilence that destroyed many Thousands. He Reigned Twenty Years. Ceorle, the Third King of Mercia, began his Reign Anno Dom. 614; He finding his Kingdom Large, sent over for more Colonies to People it, and repair the loss of those that fell in the Wars; and then having settled his Borders, and placed Garrisons on the Frontiers, his next business was, to provide such Laws as might the better Establish him in his Kingdom; especially for The preventing Treason, and apprehending Outlaws, or those desperate Persons that lurked in Woods, Robbing and Murdering such as passed by them; Commanding a certain quantity of Land to be Sowed every Year, on great Penalties to the Counties where the Land enjoined lay, if neglected. He had some Wars with the Britain's, but nothing considerable to those of his Predecessors. He Reigned Ten Years. Penda, the Fourth King of Mercia, began his Reign Anno Dom. 624, and made great War upon his Neighbours. He joined with Cadwallo the Twelfth King of the Britain's, against Edwin King of Northumberland, and in a Memorable Battle Slew him, with Prince Offrid his Son; and afterward Oswald, who succeeded Edwin: And Warring on the East Angles, he made great waste of their Country, Slaying successively three of their Kings, Viz. Sigesbert, Eyrick, and Anna; and being a Pagan, he pursued with Cruel Hatred those who Professed the Christian Religion, so that The Church mourned his Anger in Tears of Blood, he turning the places of Religious Worship into heaps of Rubbish, and Slaying as many as fell into his hands, that were the Heads or Chief of the Religious Orders. Then making War on the West Saxons, he defeated Redwald their King, in a bloody Battle, and Slew him with many Thousands of his Subjects, much Enlarging his own Kingdom; so that aspiring to the sole Monarchy, and having strongly Pushed and Elbowed his Neighbours in the East and West, enterprizing the like in the North, he was Slain by Oswy King of Northumberland, in a pitched Battle, with Ten Thousand of his Subjects, when he had Reigned 32 Years. Peada, alias Wedda, the Fifth King of Mercia, began his Reign Anno Dom. 665. He was the first Christian King of the Mercians, causing the Idols every where to be destroyed throughout his Kingdom, Banishing their Priests that refused to be Baptised, building Churches and Monasteries; but before he had fully brought to pass what he intended in this Matter, the Pagan Priests incited his Wife (some Authors say his Mother) secretly to Murder him, when he had Reigned Three Years. Wolfer, the Sixth King of Mercia, began his Reign Anno Dom. 659; He Warred on the West Saxons, and won the Isle of Wight from Remald, than King of that Island, and gave it to Edilwach King of the South Saxons, to whom he stood Godfather, upon condition of his being Baptised into the Christian Faith; though so great an Enemy he was to the Christians, before his Conversion, That he Caused his two Sons to be put to Death for being Baptised; but as a Penance for that Sin, and to Atone for Innocent Blood, he Founded the Abbey Church at Peterbourough in Northamptonshire, and Endowed it with large Gifts. He Reigned Sixteen Years, and odd Months. Ethelred, the Seventh King of Mercia, began his Reign Anno Dom. 675. He made Wars on the Kentish Kingdom, laying it desolate in a manner with Fire and Sword; not sparing Churches, or any Religious Houses. This Desolation was forewarned by the appearance of two dreadful Blazing Stars, which were Vissible for the space of three Months; at the Instance of his Wife, he turned Willfridus out of his Bishopric; but at last being stricken with Remorse of Conscience, for the Slaughters and other Wastes he had made, he resigned his Crown and Government to Kenred his Nephew, whose Right it was before; and turning Monk, made a Religious End, though he had Lived Wickedly the greatest part of his days. He Reigned Twenty Nine Years. Kenred began his Reign Anno Dom. 704; but seemed little to affect an Earthly Diadem, labouring to be at Peace with his Neighbours, by restoring as much as lay in his power what his Predecessor had Violently taken from them; and when he had Reigned Five Years, he resigned his Kingdom to his Cousin Chelred, and took his Journey to Rome, with Offa King of the East Saxons, and Edwin Bishop of Winchester; where he became a Monk, and Died in that station. He was the Eighth King of Mercia. Chelred, the Ninth King of the Mercians, began his Reign Anno Dom. 709, but had not long been in the Throne, e'er Ine, or Inas King of the West Saxons, emulating his spreading greatness, Quarrelled with him about the Boundaries of their Kingdoms; so that a fatal War ensued, and much Blood was shed, they being now the Two most Powerful Kings of the Heptarchy; so that others siding with them, the whole Nation was Embroiled in their Quarrel; nor ended it with his Reign, which lasted Seven Years. Ethelbald, the Tenth King of Mercia, began his Reign Anno Dom. 716. He raised great Forces, and laying Siege to Summerton, had it Surrendered; Then he turned his whole Power on the Northumbrians, Ravaged the Country, and took great Spoil; but in his return, Cuthred, King of the West Saxons, gave him Battle, for lucre of the spoil, and routed him at Burford in Oxfordshire; and after that, another great Overthrow near Tamworth in Warwickshire, where by the procurement of one Bernzed, a principal Captain in his Host, he was Slain in a Mutiny of his People, when he had Reigned Twenty Four Years. He is said to have builded the Monastery of Crowland, and divers other Religious Houses. Offa, the Eleventh King of Mercia, began his Reign Anno Dom. 758. He Warred upon Alrick King of Kent, Slaying him in Battle near Otteford, and made great Spoil and Destruction in his Kingdom, as also that of the South Saxons; and puffed up with Victory, not so contented, he Marched through the Countries of the East Saxons, as far as the Mouth of the River Humber, bringing great Terror on the Northumbrian Kingdom; and at his Return Kenwolf King of the West Saxons, endeavouring to Intercept him with great Power, in hopes to be Master of the Rich Booty he had gathered in divers Counties, he was by him Overthrown, with much Slaughter, near Merton. This Offa caused a Ditch of Forty Eight Foot Wide, and Fifteen Deep, to be Cut or Thrown up, running a Line between England and Wales; (the tract of which is yet visible, and retains the Name of Offa's Ditch) commanding the Britain's under the Penalty of being pursued with Fire and Sword, not to pass this Bound. But they little regarding his Threats, threw it down in divers places, and came Armed into Mercia, making great Spoil, though it proved to their disadvantage; for Offa entering Wales with a Potent Army, Overthrew Marmodius their Prince, and most of his Followers, wasting the Towns and Villages with Fire, for near Fifty Miles. This Offa Reigned Thirty Nine Years. In his time a terrible Earthquake overthrew many Churches and stately Buildings. Egfrid, the Twelfth King of Mercia, began his Reign Anno Dom. 797. This Man was well affected to the Christian Religion; Restoring the Church to all her Ancient Privileges, which his Father had deprived her of, contributing to the Rebuilding those that had been laid in Ruins by Offa in Kent, and other Counties. He was a great lover of Peace, and laboured to reconcile those that were at difference; yet his Reign was very short, continuing only Four Months and odd Days. Kenwolf, the Thirteenth King of Mercia, began his Reign Anno Dom. 797. He Warred on the Kingdom of Kent and made great Spoil, Overthrowing Ethelbert the Third, and taking him Prisoner, but Released him at the Dedication of a new Church he had builded at Winchcomb, and afterward much Enlarged his Borders, during his Twenty Two Years Reign. Kenelm coming Young to the Crown, Anno Dom. 819, was much given to Pleasure and Recreations, leaving the chief Management of his weighty Affairs to Askbert his Tutor, who greatly Enriched himself by Oppressing the People; and fearing to be called to a strict Account, upon the many Complaints made against him, he Conspired with Quendride, the King's Sister, whose Favourite he was, to cover the Gild of his crimes with a greater; so that taking an opportunity, when the King was in his Retirement, he Murdered him, when he had Reigned about Five Months. He was the Fourteenth King of Mercia. Ceolwolfe Succeeding Kenelm, laboured to settle Affairs, which were much out of order; but the Methods of his proceed being disliked, one Bernulfe, (a Duke, very Powerful at that time, among the common People) stirred them up to Rebellion; so that rising Tumultuously, they forced him to Abdicate the Throne by a secret withdrawing, to prevent the dire effects of Popular-Fury, when he had Reigned One Year. So that for a time, great Distractions were amongst them; but Anno Dom. 821 Bernulfe got possession of the vacant Throne. This Ceolwolfe was the Fifteenth King of Mercia. Bernulfe by Flattery, distribution of Money, and fair Promises, getting possession of the Kingdom, found great Troubles from his Powerful Neighbours the West Saxons and East Angles; Egbert, King of the former, making fierce Wars upon him, wasting his Borders, and destroying multitudes of his People; and after, Bernulfe Warring on the East Angles, who had entered Lincolnshire, and made great Spoil, was Slain in a bloody Battle with many Thousands of his Subjects, in the Third Year of his Reign, Anno Dom. 824. He was the Sixteenth King of Mercia. Ludecan, the Seventeenth King of the Mercians, began his Reign Anno Dom. 824; but being embroiled in the dangerous War his Predecessor had set on foot, engaging in a Battle against Egbert King of the West Saxons, who joined with the East Angles against him, he was Slain in the Second Year of his Reign; after which, most of the Towns on the East and Western Borders were Sacked, and some reduced to Ashes: Which Desolation was forerun by a Comet with a Tail pointing downward, like a flaming Sword. Watlaf, the Eighteenth King of Mercia, began his Reign Anno Dom. 826; and with the Kingdom, was constrained to espouse the Wars his Predecessors had left, as it were, Entailed on it; so that raising the Strength of his much harassed and weakened Dominions, he drove the West Saxons out of Worcestershire, and other Western Encroachments; yet not without considerable loss, in the several Bicker between them: But in the Thirteenth Year of this King, Egbert the West Saxon, came upon him with a potent Army, and in a set Battle overthrew him, putting a Period to his Life and Reign. Berthulf, the Nineteenth King of Mercia, came to the Kingdom in a troublesome time, viz. Anno Dom. 839; for he not only found his People in War with his Countrymen, but a more cruel Enemy had Invaded the Country, viz. The Pagan Danes, who being Enemies to all alike, as desirous of grasping the sole Monarchy of this Island, they made such Havoc and Desolation in all places where they prevailed, That the People of whole Counties, in the Northern parts, flying their fury, left the Towns Naked and Defenceless; for the Saxons in Civil War having much impaired their strength, found that they at this time were too weak to oppose the Torrent of those Multitudes that were poured in upon them from Denmark and Gothland, and also from Shetland, the Orcadeses, and other Northern Islands, which the Danes possessed beyond Scotland; from one of which they brought a Cruel People called Redshanks, from the Redness of their long Legs, occasioned by the coldness of that Climate, they going for the most part Naked, except a Mantle thrown over their Shoulders; and are supposed, by some Authors, for their mighty stature, to be of the Race of the Titans or Giants, held once to Inhabit part of Britain: However, they brought such a Terror on the Mercian Kingdom, etc. That Berthulf was forced to quit it in the Thirteenth Year of his Reign; after which, in compassion to the oppressed People, who were Slain and Spoilt at the pleasure of the Danes, Burdred took upon him the Government; and being a Prince of great Courage, he fought divers Battles with the Danes, and at last gained a great Victory; insomuch that the Fields and Lanes were strewed with the Dead Bodies. But greater Forces arriving to recruite their broken Army, he was forced, after some struggling, to quit his Kingdom, when he had Reigned Twenty Two Years, viz. Anno Dom. 872. And with him Ended the Succession of Saxon Kings, as petty Monarches of the Mercian Kingdom. CHAP. VII. The Kingdoms of the East Angles and West Saxons, with their respective Succession of Kings; and what Happened of Note during their Reigns, in Peace and War; Particularly the Danish Invasion; and by what means England was reduced under a Sole Monarchy. 6. The East Angle Kingdom Described, with the Succession of its Fifteen Kings. THE Kingdom of the East Angles contained Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and the Isle of Ely; Bounded on the East, with the Germane Ocean; on the South, with Essex and Hartfordshire; on the West, with Notinghamshire, Huntingtonshire, and part of Bedfordshire; on the North, partly by the Germane Ocean, and partly by the River Trent, and Northumbrian Kingdom; Commodiously Situate for Navigation, as being accommodated with divers good Havens, famous for Butter, , Corn, Wool, Cloth, Stuffs, etc. The First Saxon Founder of this Kingdom was Offa, a High Germane Nobleman, who brought over considerable Forces, upon notice his Countrymen were parcelling out the Southern parts of this Island; and Landing at Yarmouth, he prevailed, with some difficulty, to settle himself and his People, in the Counties ; beginning his Reign Anno Dom. 575, and Reigned Seven Years, being for the most part at peace. In his time, a great Eclipse of the Sun happened about Noon, almost total, so that it continued in a great degree Dark, for the space of an Hour. Titulus Succeeding Vffa, Anno Dom. 583, laboured to settle his Borders, and keep a good understanding with his Neighbours; and perceiving the British Forces were rather Retired than Subdued, he made many wholesome Laws to keep his People in order, repaired the Ruined Towns, built Forts on the Sea-Coast, and Reigned about 32 Years, keeping his Country for the greater part of that time in Quiet, he was the Second King of the East Angle Kingdom. Redwald, the Third King of the East Angles, began his Reign Anno Dom. 616. Soon after his coming to the Throne, he was Baptised into the Christian Faith; but upon some distaste, renounced his Baptismal Vows, and became a great Persecutor of the Christians; amongst others, he intended the Death of Edwin afterward King of Northumherland, who fled to his Court for Refuge, because he interceded for them. But he being a Favourite of the Queens, and the King imparting his design to her, she pitying the young Prince, so laboured to dissuade him from it, that he not only laid aside his wicked purpose, but entered into a strict League with him, and an Army was raised to place him in the Kingdom of Northumberland; when in a great Battle they Slew Ethelfrid, who had got possession of the Throne, and had Banished Edwin. This Redwald Reigned Eight Years. Erpenwald, the Fourth King of the East Angles, began his Reign Anno Dom. 624. He, by the persuasion of Edwin King of Northumberland, became a Favourer of the Christians, and was Baptised; he built divers Churches, and Monasteries; but when he had Reigned about Twelve Years, Richebert a Pagan Saxon, (out of a Zeal to their False Gods, whose Idol Temples this King had caused to be converted into places of Christian Worship) Assnssinated him, and fled; but being taken, endeavouring to pass the Seas, he was put to death by exquisite Torments. Sigebert, the Fifth King of the East Angles, began his Reign Anno Dom. 636. He was Son to Redwald, and having received a good opinion of the Christian Religion, (when he was very Young) he upon his Father's Apostatising fled into that Country now called France, anciently Gallia; where he improved in the Study of Divine things, so that being a great lover of Learned Men, at his coming to the Crown he Founded a College, Endowing it with a plentiful Maintenance, viz. Anno Dom. 637; and so passionately he was in love with a Religious manner of Living, that laying aside his Crown, when he had Reigoed Two Years, he took on him the Habit of a Monk; yet out of compassion to his suffering People, Invaded and driven to great distress, by Penda King of the Mercians, he laid aside his Cowl, and re-assumed his Crown; when in Battle against him, he was Slain, in the Third Year after his coming to the Crown. Egrick, or Edrick (for by both Namers Authos make mention of this King) began his Reign Anno Dom. 638. He continued the War against the Mercians, and gave them divers Foils; but coming to a pitched Battle, endeavouring to break in upon Penda's Standard, he was Slain; upon which his Army was so disheartened, that many of them throwing down their Weapons, a general Rout and Flight ensued; whereupon the Mercians following with great fury, about Seven Thousand were Slain, and not less than Three Thousand of the Mercians. He began his Reign Anno Dom. 638, and Reigned Four Years. Anna, the Seventh King of the East Angles, began his Reign Anno Dom. 642, and although he Reigned Twelve Years, yet few of his Actions are Recorded, more than that he endeavoured to settle his Kingdom, and laboured for Peace with his Neighbours, which at last was accorded, though on very hard conditions. Ethelbert, the Eighth King of the East Angles, finding he was too weak to oppose the Northumbrians, who had got strong footing in the Northern Frontier Towns, he made a League with Penda King of Mercia, at which Oswye King of Northumberland, being much disgusted, raised a great Army; and War being denounced, the East Angles and Mercians thinking it not convenient to stay his coming, resolved to place the seat of War in his Country; but in their March, a fatal Omen seemed to forbid it, viz. Two Flights of Birds, (one from the North, and the other from the South) met, and Encountered over their Host with such Fury, that many drops of Blood, as it had been small sprinklings of Rain, fell from the Wounds made on each other with their Bills and Talons, till at last the Southern Flight turned Taile, with a strange Noise, or Cries, and were Pursued till out of sight. Soon after this, Penda, Ethelbert, and their Confederates, joined Battle with Oswye near Leeds in Yorkshire; and in a great Overthrow of their Arms, the two Kings were Slain with 18000 of their Men, and among them 30 Dukes and chief Leaders. This Ethelbert Reigned two Years. Edelwald, the Ninth King of the East Angles, began his Reign Anno Dom. 656. He purchased his Peace with a great Sum, when he found he was too feeble to oppose his Enemies; and gave up Cantionary Towns to the Northumber's, for the security of payment: This caused a Murmuring among his Subjects, which broke into Tumults; so that much grieved at his misfortunes Abroad and at Home, he Died, when he had Reigned Eight Years. Aldulfe, the Tenth King of the East Angles, was advanced to the Crown Anno Dom. 664, in a very troublesome time; however with some difficulties, he brought the Kingdom to a settlement, and continued his Reign Ninteen Years. In his time a terrible Earthquake happened, giving three violent shocks, which shattered and overturned divers massy Buildings; but the greatest damage fell upon the City of London, many People being destroyed by the fall of Chimneys, Houses, etc. And soon after so great a Frost happened, That loaded Carts went over the principal Rivers, as securely as if it had been on dry Land. Elfwold, the Eleventh King of the East Angles, began to Reign Anno Dom. 683. The Danes in his time began to be troublesome, and Invaded the Scots and Callidonians, commiting terrible Outrages in Argyle-shire, and other parts, subduing all the Islands belonging to Scotland, advancing after many Battles, upon the Picts, and as far as the Tweed; whereupon those Nations craved Aid of this, and other Saxon Kings, to Expel them; urging, as a main reason, the Mutual Danger they were in, by the Invasion of so powerful an Enemy; which (though it proved fatally true) was at that time little minded. This King Reigned Seven Years. Beorne, the Twelfth King of the East Angles, began his Reign Anno Dom. 690: And though he continued it Twenty Four Years, yet there is nothing Memorable Recorded of him, as to certainty of History, but his Building some Monasteries, and making divers good Laws for the well Governing of his Subjects. Ethelred, the Thirteenth King of the East Angles, began his Reign Anno Dom. 714. In his Second Year, on Midsummer-Day at Sunseting, dark Clouds overspread the Skies, and then withdrawing, the Element seemed on Fire; after that, many fearful sights appeared in the Air, of Armies and Monstrous Creatures; upon which followed so great a Storm, that many Ships were broken to pieces in the Havens, mighty Oaks rend up, and Houses overturned. He Reigned, sometimes in War and at others in Peace, Thirty Five Years. Ethelbert, the Second of that Name, and the Fourteenth King of the East Angles, began his Reign Anno Dom. 749. He, in the last Year of his Reign, sent Ambassadors to Offa King of Mercia, to treat of Peace, and the restoring some Towns taken from him and his Predecessors, which Offa seemed enclinable to hearken to, sending them back with Presents and Rewards, as also a dissembling Letter to Invite Ethelbert to his Court, under pretence of giving him his Beauteous Daughter Alfrida in Marriage, that the League between them might be the stronger; but indeed aiming to add the East Angle Kingdom to his own Dominions; and having gotten the too credulous Prince in his power, he consulted with Quindride how he should dispose of him, to accomplish his designs; who being a Woman Enured to Blood and Mischief, Counselled his Death, which was performed in the height of Jollitry, by disguised Ruffians; so that instead of a Bridal Bed, he had an untimely Grave, when he had Reigned Forty Five Years. Edmund, the Fifteenth and last King of the East Angles, began his Reign Anno Dom. 794. He was a great encourager of Religious Persons, allowing large Sums to Churches and Churchmen; but one of his Nobles whom he had constituted as Vice Roy, Ravishing the Beauteous Wife of Beorn, a Nobleman, who in his Progress had sumptuously Feasted him; This Beorn preferring his private Revenge to the good of his Country, called in the Danes, (who before were much discouraged) and charge the Gild on Innocent King Edmund, because he had not put the Offender to Death, as the Law then directed; which indeed, he durst not do, the other being grown too powerful for him. And now the King being Overthrown in divers Battles, his Country scattered over with his Slain Subjects, and most of the principal Towns laid in Ruins, he was constrained to fly for shelter to Framingham Castle, where the Danes Besieged him, and through Famine and loss of Men constraining the Garrison to Surrender, they stripped the King of his Royal Robes, beat his Naked Body with Cudgels, scourging him till the Bones of his Ribs appeared bare, he bearing it patiently all the while, calling on the Name of Jesus; which so enraged the Pagans, That Tying him to a Post, they Shot him to Death with Arrows, then cut off his Head, and threw it into a Wood, which being found by a Shepherd, was Buried, together with his Body, at a place in Suffolk, bearing from thence the Name of St. Edmunds-Bury; he being soon after Cannonized a Saint and Martyr; And with him ceased the East Angle Government; there being no mention made of any more Kings that Governed it, as a distinct Kingdom. About the number of Years he Reigned, Authors disagree; and therefore I pass them over as uncertain, and proceed to the last of the Seven Kingdoms, viz. That of the West Saxons. 7. The West Saxon Kingdom described, with the Succession of its Kings; and what things worthy of History happened during their respective Reigns. Also by what means they at last Obtained the Sole Monarchy of England, etc. The Kingdom of the West Saxons contained the spacious and fertile Counties of Cornwall, Devonshire, Dorcetshire, Somersetshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, and Berkshire: Bounded on the North, with Monmouthshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Bristol-Channel; on the East, with Sussex, Surry, and part of Buckinghamshire; on the South, with the British-Ocean, and part of the Channel; on the West, with the Ocean. These Counties abound in plenty of Corn, Wool, Tinn, Fruits, Cattle, and profitable Manufactures; having many Excellent Harbours, opening advantageously to the Sea; so that growing by such means Rich and Powerful, they failed not at length to bring under the other Kingdoms, Uniting them in a Sole Monarchy under Egbert their Seventeenth King, as in the Series of this History will appear. Cherdick, a Valiant Captain of the Low Country Germans, first laboured to form these Counties into a Kingdom; but before he could do it, he had Six Years Wars with the Britain's; in which he Fought a great Battle with Aurelius Ambrose their King, and was put to the Rout; but upon his Death, which happened Two Years after by Poison, as has been related, Uter-pendragon, Brother to Aurelius, being Crowned King of the Britain's, he borrowed Forces of Hengist, who were sent under the Leading of Ebusa and Octa his two Sons; but these Forces were, as the former, overthrown by Uter-pendragon, and Hengists' Sons were taken Prisoness; but whilst the Victor neglected the Tents of Mars for the softer Alcove of Venus, viz. To sport with the fair Igren, Wife to the Duke of Cornwall, on whom he got the Renowned Prince Arthur, who Succeeded him as King over the Britain's, the Noble Captives Escaped; and again advancing their Standard in the Field; were Slain with most of their followers. These bad beginnings so startled Cherdrick, that he found little hopes to keep the footing he had gained; but more Forces coming unexpectedly to his Aid, he resolved to try another Battle with the Britain's, which was Fought near Salisbury, wherein Fortune turning her Wheel about, he put the British Army to the Foil, killing Natauleon, one of their great Captains; and made so great a slaughter of his Enemies, that for a time he had no Interruption in settling his Affairs; but after the Death of Uter-pendragon, (who Died of Poison put into a Well, whereof he used to Drink every Morning) King Arthur gave great disturbances to him in the settlement of his new acquired Kingdom, much Blood being shed between them in divers Battles; yet beginning his Reign Anno Dom. 501, he continued it Thirty Three Years. Kenrick, the Second King of the West Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 534. He was Son to Cherdick, and a Mortal Enemy to the Britain's. In his Father's time he Commanded a part of the Army, and Fought several Battles, and now coming to the Crown he raised all his Forces, and gave the Britain's two great Overthrows, viz. One at Shrewsbury, and the other at Banbury in Oxfordshire. He Reigned Twenty Six Years. Chewlin, the Third King of the West Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 560. He Warred upon Ethelbert King of Kent, and defeated his Army at Wimbledon, slaying two of his chief Commanders; and this is held to be the first Battle, fought between Saxons and Saxons, in England; a little before which, it remarkably happened at Feversham in Kent, That a Tame Wolf having brought forth Seven Male Young-ones, they lived Quietly together, till grown up, and then never left Fight till all but one were Destroyed; as it afterward befell the Saxon Heptarchy. This King gave a great Overthrow to the Britain's at Bedford, and Surprised Four of their Towns, viz. Liganbury, Ailsbury, Bensington, and Evisham: He Fought another Battle with them at Deorham, and Slew three of their Dukes, viz. Farmnagill, Coinmagill, and Candigan, Taking the Cities of Gloucester, Bath, and Cirencester. But not long after, Encountering them at Wodensbridge, his Army was defeated, and Cuth (his Eldest Son) Slain; for here a party of Saxons assisted the Britain's under the Command of Cearlick, his Nephew, who had fled to them upon hard usage, and fear of being made away by his unnatural Uncle. He Reigned Thirty Three Years. Cearlick, the Fourth King of the West Savons, gained the Kingdom by the Overthrow of his Uncle Chewlin, which he gave him at Waines-Ditch in Wiltshire, Anno Dom. 593; after which, he found much trouble ere he could be settled in the Government; but the Britain's standing his Friends, he continued his Reign Six Years. Chelwolf began his Reign Anno Dom. 598; but scarce was he settled in the Throne ere the Britain's Invaded his Territories, making great Spoil; but finding they were too weak to withstand him alone, in process of time they drew the Scots and Picts to their assistance; so that many bloody Battles were fought with various success. In which Wars he Died, in the 14th Year of his Reign, leaving his Kingdom in much distress and perplexity. He was the 5th King of the West Saxons. Kingills, the Sixth King of the West Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 612. He had great Wars with the Britain's, and in a pitched Battle at Beandune, he put Cudwan their King to the Rout, Slaying above a Thousand of his Subjects; and having concluded a Peace with Penda King of the Mercians, he grievously Oppressed them, so that for a long time they were confined to the Mountains and Fastnesses in the Country now called Wales: However, after he was Converted to the Christian Faith by Berinus, he abated much of his Severity, making Dorchester a Bishops See, and placing that Religious Man in it. He was the First Christian King of the West Saxons, and Reigned Thirty One Years. Kenwald, the Seventh King of the West Saxons, made great Wars upon the Britain's, Overthrowing King Cadwallo, at a place called Pennum, with incredible slaughter; but growing Proud on the success, and Quarrelling with Penda King of Mercia, whose Sister he had Married, and in Contempt of him turned her away, he was by him driven out of his Kingdom. But upon Submitting, and being Baptised by Bishop Felix, he was restored to his Kingdom, and thereby obliged by Penda to receive his Wife into Favour. He began his Reign Anno Dom. 643, and Reigned Thirty One Years; Eskwin, the Eighth King of the West Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 674. He had Wars with Wolfere King of Mercia, and a great Battle was Fought between them at Bidamheaford which continued so Obstinate, from Morning till Evening, that both the Kings perceiving the great Loss they had sustained, in the Night time they raised their Camps, and secretly Retreated; as being mutually possessed with a fear of the direful consequences they apprehended would attend the next days Encounter. He afterward Warred on the Britain's, but his short Reign affords us no Memorable Achievement in that Enterprise, it continuing only Two Years. Kentwin, the Ninth King of the West Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 677, continuing the War on the Britain's, sorely Oppressing them in all the Neighbouring Counties, in the latter end of the Reign of Cadwallo their King, which he continued after the Death of that British Prince; so that Cadwallader, his Son, coming to the Crown, found himself constrained to draw his People into a lesser compass, having at last little more at liberty than the Mountains and some Valleys, being perpetually Alarmed on the Frontiers, so that Blood was daily spilt like Water. This Kentwin Reigned Nine Years. A Blazing Sar of a Whitish or Flame-Colour, appeared in his time for three Months, with a Tail of exceeding length, far longer than before had been Recorded in any Age. Ceadwald, the Tenth King of the West Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 686. He made War on the South Saxons, and in a set Battle slew Ethelwolf their King; and continuing to prosecute his Ravages in that Country and Kent, he spilt much Christian Blood; Encountering Barthun, Successor to Ethelwolf, he likewise slew him in Battle; after which, repenting what he had done, he went to Rome, and was there Baptised by Pope Sergius, and Named Peter. His Reign continued Two Years and odd Days. Ine, or Ineas, the Eleventh King of the West Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 688. In his time the poor Britain's were sorely Oppressed with War, Famine, and Pestilence; so that the Living were scarce able to Bury the Dead; which great Calamity, Cadwallader not able to bear, left the Land, and went to Armorica or Britain, to his Cousin Allan, and from thence in Pilgrimage to Rome, and received a Religious Habit at the Hands of Pope Sergius; in which Retirement he Died, and with him all the hopes of the Britain's, he being accounted the Last of their Kings; the rest being styled by Authentic Historians only Princes of Wales. This Ine made the South Saxons to Submit, and annexed that Kingdom to his own. He likewise Warred with various success on Chelred King of Mercia; and made many wholesome Laws for the good of his People, Translated by Mr. Lambert out of the Saxon Language: He Founded the Abbey of Glassenbury, over the Tomb, or Buryingplace, of Joseph of Arimathea, who begged our Saviour's Body from the Cross, and afterwards (as several Author's report) came over into this Kingdom, Preaching the Gospel to the Britain's, and Dying, was Buried at Glassenbury. This King afterward went a Pilgrimage to Rome; and for the good reception he found there, he made a Law, That every Housholder who had Goods to the Value of Twenty Pence of One Sort, should pay a Penny by way of Gratuity to the Pope, every Lammas Day; which afterward was Claimed by succeeding Popes by way of Tribute, and called Peter Pence. He Reigned Thirty Seven Years. Ethellard, the Twelfth King of the West Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 726, being in a manner ushered in by two Blazing Stars, both within a quarter of a Year; one at North-West, and the other at Southeast; after which a Famine and Pestilence grievously Afflicted all parts of this Island, so that Shipping was sent abroad to fetch in Food in Exchange for Metals and other valuable Goods. He streightened the Britain's in their Mountainous Country, and caused many to be slain who passed the appointed Boundaries. He Reigned Fourteen Years. Cuthred, the Thirteenth King of the West Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 740; when finding the Britain's had gathered Courage by the coming over of Recruits from Armorica, or Britain, with which Country, as an ancient Colony of this, they kept a strict Alliance; after several Battles fought with them in Worcestershire, Monmouthshire, and other bordering Counties, which they laboured to recover, he at last in many Encounters proving too weak, Leagued with Ethelbald King of Mercia, and by that means the Britain's were beaten out of most of the places they had gained; and being Overthrown in Battle near Carnarvan they found themselves unable to make head against the Victors, by reason half their Army, most of their Nobles, and chief Commanders were slain; so that they sued for Peace, which after much havoc and desolation in their Mountainous Country, by the pursuing Saxons, was granted, in consideration of an Annual Tribute of Three Thousand Marks to be paid to Cuthred; but it was not long punctually observed, before new Tumults and Disturbances happened; for Adelm, an Earl of the West Saxons, Rebelling against his King, and drawing a multitude of the Plebeians to his Party, the Britain's took that opportunity to cast off their Yoke. This Cuthred Reigned Fourteen Years. Sigesburt, the Fourteenth King of the West Saxons, assumed the Throne Anno Dom. 754; and being brought up tenderly in his Infancy, and in his Grown Years addicting himself to the conversation of Parasites, Flatterers, and other Vicious Persons; it so corrupted his Manners, that by the Advice of such his wicked Counselors, who chief Swayed him, he caused Earl Cumbria to be put to Death with great Torture, For Daring (as he himself Expressed it) to tell him of his Failings and Defects in his Kingly Office. But this Earl being a grave Patriot, and a Man of Unblameable Life, was so generally beloved by the People, that his Death cost Sigesbert his Crown and Life; for hereupon they risen up in Arms against him, defeated those that stood by him, and drove him into a Wood in Dorcetshire, where he absconded till he supposed the heat of the Pursuit and Popular Fury was abated; but being found by the Earls Swineherd, Breakfasting on Acorns, under a spreading Oak, he with a Battoon beat out his Brains, in revenge of his Master's Death, no entreaties or promises of reward being able to deter him from this bloody Execution. His Reign continued about a Year. Kenwolf, the Fifteenth King of the West Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 755, and had no sooner settled the Government, (which by reason of Intestine Broils, and the untimely Death of a King, was much disordered) than he prepared to Invade the Britain's, but upon their sending to excuse the non Payment of the Tribute, on the account of their extreme Poverty, caused by a Famine that had held two Years in their Country; so that the Poorer sort left no Unclean thing un-eaten: His preparations were for a time laid aside, but some straggling Parties of Britain's, constrained by Necessity, making Incursions into the Saxon Counties, War was Proclaimed, and the Britain's being Overthrown in divers Battles, were forced to fly to the Rocks and the broken craggy Cliffs on the Sea-shoare and the Mountainnous parts for shelter; from thence with aching Hearts, beholding the blazing Fires that consumed their Habitations, and the miserable Desolation made in their (almost before) ruined Country. But as if such Cruelty (as no doubt it did) seemed displeasing in the sight of God, The angry Heavens Warred against him, and did what the feeble Britain's were unable 〈◊〉 do, viz, he was driven out of the Country by vio●●nt Rains, which Deluging the Valleys and Plains, ●arryed away Men, Horse, and Baggage; so that by ●his means he lost a good part of his Army. When ●o put so great a misfortune out of his mind, going to Merton to solace with his Paramour, a worse misfortune befell him; for having Quarrelled with Offa King of Mercia; Clyto, a Mercian Captain, upon private notice of his Journey, attended but with a few Servants, laid an Ambush and slew him; which was the next day Revenged by Osricus one of Kenwolfs' Captains, who upon news of what had happened, by a Shepherd (who from a Hill had beheld the slaughter of the King and his Followers) crossing the Country by the nearest ways, intercepted Clyto in his return; and after a sharp dispute slew him, and Eighty Soldiers his attendants; and caused the King's Body to be Interred with much State at Winchester. This King Reigned Twenty Nine Years. Brithrick, the Sixteenth King of the West Saxans, began bis Reign Anno Dom. 784. He was given up very much to the Love of Women; and though he was Married to a very Beautiful Queen, yet he kept divers Concubines; so that his Recreations of that kind taking up much of his time, gave his Neighbours for the most part rest, especially to the satisfaction of the Britain's, who were in a low condition, and unable to undergo the Charge and Fatigue of a dangerous War, as they had lately experienced to their smart and impoverishment; yet in his time several strange Prodigies appeared, viz. The similitudes of seven Moons in the Firmament, which by degrees uniting into one, it Shined exceeding Bright for a time, above what that pale Planet had usually done, and then became dim and cloudy. A great Glob of Fire appeared over Winchester, and coming near the earth parted or broke into divers lesser Globes or Balls, which Fired some Houses, and killed many People; also a little Blazing-Star appeared three Nights successively; and a Month before his Death, strange Shrieks and affrighting Voices were heard in his Palace. The manner of his Death was thus: The Queen impatient of the Wrongs he did her in keeping Strumpets in his Palace, and causing her sometimes to wait on them, was at length prompted to revenge the Affronts put upon her by one of them he best loved, and therefore having mixed Poison with some rich Wine, she intended to send it to her in the King's Name as a Present, but being unluckily called away to see some sights that were prepared for the diversion of the Court, she left it in her Closet, and for haste the Door open; when as the King coming thither before her return, and taking it for a Cordial, Drank largely of it; and so by the strength of the Poison, he Died in three Hours; and the Queen fearing to suffer a cruel Death, though this had unwitingly happened by her means, hereupon flying into France, through Grief and Want, she died in a miserable condition. This King Reigned Sixteen Years. Egbert, the Seventeenth and Last Petty King of the West Saxons, began his Reign Anno Dom. 800; and whilst he continued in this Station, before he came to be Crowned Sole Monarch, of the Saxons, Uniting the Heptarchy or Seven Kingdoms, he had great Wars with the Britain's, who were assisted by the Cornish-men; which from the beginning of his Wars with them, to the time he brought them to acknowledge him their Superior, lasted about Fourteen Years; in which time he took Westchester, and made a strict Law, That no Britain or Welshman should pass Offa 's Ditch, without leave. Then Warring on the Mercians, he slew Bernulf their King; subdued Kent, and compelled the East Angles, the South and East Saxons, to submit to him; and in a great measure having brought the Mercians and Northumbrians under, grasping at the Sole Monarchy, which he concluded Fortune had, or soon would, chain to his Sword; he caused himself with great Pomp solemnly to be Crowned sole Monarch of the Saxons; that had been, for the most part, till now, distinctly Governed by their respective Kings; as appears in the foregoing account of the Succession of them. This was performed at Winchester, (with many of the Ceremonies used at present in the Coronation of our Kings) when he had Reigned over the West Saxons Nineteen Years. But because I am obliged to Trace the remainder of his Reign, viz. Seventeen Years, as Sole Monarch, in the next Chapter; I here omit to mention any more of his Actions. And now to clear some difficulties that may arise as far as History gives light into the Truth, Note, That although Egbert caused himself to be Crowned Sole Monarch, and absolutely possessed himself of those Kingdoms whose Succession of Kings ceased before, or when he Reigned, as that of Kent, the East Saxons and South Saxon Kingdoms, etc. yet others were of a longer continuance, and can be supposed only as Tributary to him; for we find Burdred the last of the Mercian Kings, ended his Reign Anno Dom. 874. viz. Thirty Eight Years after Egberts' Death. And to the same purpose, it is to be considered further, viz. where Authors make mention of a longer continuance of the Petty Kingdoms than there is any Succession of Kings Recorded, the Judicious Observers and Comparers of History, have looked on it as a Mistake in them, by taking the Lieutenants, or Vice-Roys, placed by the Sole Monarches, to Govern under them, for petty Kings; which Error the Ancient Writers of the Affairs of this Kingdom having been too liable to, their Incoherence, in respect of Time, has not a little puzzled those that came after them; which I have, as well as the matter will conveniently bear, without breaking the thread of History, laboured to Reform. CHAP. VIII. The Succession of the Fifteen Saxon Kings that were Sole Monarches of England; with what Memorable Things happened in Peace and War during their Reigns; as Wonderful Sights, Prodigies, and Remarkable Accidents, etc. Till the time the Danes wrested the Kingdom (with much struggling) from them Anno Dom. 1017, about 230 Years after they made their first Invasion. Together with a Description of the Counties of England, one by one, after every King's Reign; which will be continued throughout the Work, giving an Account of what is or has been Rare or Remarkable in each of them, etc. The Reign of King Egbert, the First Sole Saxon Monarch of England. WHEN the contending Petty Kings of the Saxons had for many Years Elbowed each other, and (discontented with a Part) struggled who should become Masters of the Whole, and Amass the Light Crowns into one more Ponderous, we find Fortune (or rather Providence) gave this advantage to Egbert, the Seventeenth King of the West Saxons; though to attain it, he waded (as I may term it) through a Sea of Blood in his Wars with the Welsh (for so I must henceforth style the poor remainders of the Ancient British Race, as taking upon them that Epithet, and calling their Principality Wales, after the Name the Saxons had many Years before given it) also with the Cornishmen who Rebelled against him, and were assisted with Supplies from Armorica, or Britain in France; in his Wars against Bernulf King of Mercia, and his subduing the Kingdom of Kent, and compelling the East, South, and Angle Saxons to submit to him. In these Erterprises, which took him up for the most part the Nineteen Years he Reigned as Petty Monarch over the West Saxons, about one Hundred Thousand are held to be Slain on all sides; so that the Crown, purchased at so large an expense of Lives, being set on his Head (as has been said) at Winchester, he commanded the Name of Saxons to be changed into that of Englishmen; corresponding with the Name given to the Country they Inhabited, That by this change they by degrees might forget the Distinctions they before were under, and so firmly Unite as one Kingdom and People, not tending to different, but one and the same Interest. This Egbert, gaining, through many difficulties, what he long before aspired to, made divers good Laws for the better Establishment of his new acquired Sovereignty; so that the Welsh (though they put not themselves under his Protection, yet desirous to be at Peace) sent him many Presents out of their divided Dominions, of North and South Wales, which Provincees (for no more must I call them Kingdoms) were Governed by Petty Princes. After this, Egbert made a Progress through the greatest part of England, appointing Judges and other Magistrates, to see the Laws put in Execution against Offenders, and to redress the Wrongs and Grievances of such as were Oppressed, being received every where with great respect; and then thinking to lead a quiet Life, he found by sad experience the Inconstancy of Fortune. BERKSHIRE map of Barkshire Having promised to give a (Brief) Description of England and its Rarities, etc. To make good my Word I conceive no better Method to do it in, than placing the Counties, and what I find in them worthy of Remark, after the respective Reign of each Sole Monarch, taking them Alphabetically, and first of Berkshire Described, etc. THis County is bounded on the North, with part of Oxfordshire, and part of Buckinghamshire; on the East, with part of Middlesex, and part of Surry; on the South, with Hampshire; and partly on the West, with Wiltshire. It is Rich in Clothworking, Fat Pasture, abundance of Cattle, rare Artificers, Rivers stored with Fish of divers sorts, particularly the River Kennet abounds with Trout. It Contains 140 Parishes, 20 Hundreds, 12 Market Towns, and 3 Rivers of note; and to the Parliament, Abingdon sends one Member, New Windsor two, Reading two, and Wallingford two, besides two Knights of the Shire. The Towns Memorable for things of Note are these viz. At Reading was Interred the Body of King Henry the First, in a Collegiate Church of an Abbey, Founded by himself, as also his Queen, and Daughter, Maud the Empress. This place is also Memorable for the Birth of William Laud Arch Bishop of Canterbury, the Son of a Poor Clothier. At Englesfield the Danes were defeated. Wallingford is the Gallena of Ptolemy, it was the Ancient station of the Romans, and chief City of the Atrebants. Windsor was builded by King Edward the Third, who Instituted the most Noble Order of the Garter. The Burying Place of Henry the Sixth, Edward the Fourth, Henry the Eighth, and King Charles the First; Eton was Founded by King Henry the Sixth, and Renowned as a Nursery for bringing up of Youth, being one of the chiefest Free-Schools in England. Sunning was an Episcopal See during the Residence of Eight Bishops, which afterward was translated to Sherbourn, and so to Salisbury, where it now is fixed. At Wantage King Alfred (Sir Named the Scourge of the Danes) was Born. Waltham in the East of this County, was an Ancient station of the Romans, as also was Sinodum in the North, as appears by many Roman Coins and Medals of their Emperors Digged up there. Newbury is Renowned for the Birth of Thomas Hid, a famous Historian; and Memorable for the Two great Battles between the King and Parliament in the late Civil War. As for Castles that of Windsor in this County is accounted the most Exalted of all others, having not only been the Burying Place, but Palace of divers Kings; and much delighted in by King Charles the Second, who made it his chosen place of Pleasure and Retirement; being, besides its delightful situation, advanced on a high Hill, arising with a gradual ascent, which affords the pleasantest Prospect imaginable. On the North side of this County the River Thames glides, washing its verdant Banks in many Meandering with its Silver Streams; and out of it goes many Creeks, which much advantages those parts of the County by cheap Water-Carriage from London, and other places. It is likewise Beautified with some Seats of the Nobility, which give a good Prospect to Travellers, viz. A Noble Seat of the Earl of Craven near Newberry, the Earl of Clarendon's at Swallowfield, Hurly belonging to John Late Lord Lovelace Baron of Hurley; with a great many stately Houses belonging to the Gentry of the County; so that it claims an Equality with most of the English Counties. The Reign of Ethelwolf, the Second Sole Monarch of England, etc. EThelwolf, the Eldest Son of Egbert, upon his Father's decease declined the Crown, as being then Bishop of Winchester; rather affecting a Religious Peaceable Life, than to Encumber himself with the weighty Affairs of Government. But the Nobles perceiving Troubles would arise, if they altered the Succession, used many cogent Arguments to persuade him to lay aside his Pall for a Crown, but their Reasons prevailed not, till they had dealt with his Clergy in a manner to constrain him to a compliance; whereupon bestowing his Bishopric on Swithin his Tutor, he was solemnly Crowned at Winchester, and settling the Civil Affairs as the times allowed, finding part of his Dominions Oppressed by the Danes, he raised great Forces and Encountered them in divers Battles, and in a Bloody one at Ockly in Surry destroyed the greater part of their Army, killing and taking Prisoners their chief Captains or Leaders, which made the routed Danes, that survived the Fatal day, retired to the extremities of Kent; where straightened for Food, and roving to get it, many of them were slain by the Country People. This King Married Osburga a fair Lady, Daughter to his Butler, by whom he had Ethelbald, Ethelbert, Ethelbred, and Elfride; who Succeeded in the Kingdom successively; but she Dying, he took Judith, Daughter to the King of France, in a second Marriage; by whom I do not find he had any Children. In this Kings Reign the Picts were destroyed by Kenneth King of Scotland; their chiefest City Camelon Stormed, and as well Women and Children as Men, who retired thither for safety, put to the Sword, in revenge of the Death of Alpine the King of Scots Father, who being Overthrown by Burdus King of the Picts, was taken Prisoner, and had his Head struck off on a public Scaffold, and fixed on the Wall of Camelon, but soon taken thence by some Scots who came thither in Pictish Habit; and so implacable were the Scots, in the utter extirpating this Nation (which had long stood a boundary between them and the Southern parts of the Island, being in a manner placed in the middle of it) that having destroyed all the People that fell into their hands, they slew their , and suffered them to Rot on the Ground; rooted up their Corn, and laid their Towns and Villages levelly with the Ground; not sparing Churches, nor any Religious Houses, pursuing the Flyers to their last Refuge, viz. The strong Castle of Maidens, now called Edenbourough Castle, straightly Besieging them; so that the Besieged having endured extreme Famine, and despairing of relief, desperately Sallying, broke (in the Night time) through the Leaguer; and as many as escaped, fled into England, craving Aid of Ethelwolfs' Lieutenants, or Tributary Regent's, in Northumberland, and other Northern Counties; but little was done at this time, by reason the King expected an Invasion by the Danes, who were preparing in Denmark, to secure their distressed Forces that kept but slender footing in England; and others of the Picts, who before had escaped the miserable desolation of their Country, fled to Norway, and Denmark; and there, in consideration of Refuge and present Support, resigned their Interest in Pictland, in their own, and the Names of the rest of their Nation, that survived the slaughter: Which giving the Danes a colourable Title to make their Claim, occasioned great calamities to England and Scotland, to the subduing the former, after a long continued War, as in the sequel will appear. Thus fell the Pictish Kingdom, and was Annexed to Scotland, Anno Dom. 839. After, as some Historians Record, they had continued under a Succession of Kings 1173 Years. But its setting in Blood happened not without dreadful Omens and Prodigies; at Camelon, their chief City, the Bishop's Crosier Staff, he Officiating at the Altar, was reduced to Ashes by Lightning: A dreadful Comet appeared, and two Firey Armies were seen in the Air, running at each other with Burning Spears; a noise of Clashing of Arms, and Neighing of Horses, was affirmed to be heard in England and Pictland, without any visibility of either; which then were little minded, but afterward looked on as the Forerunners of the dire calamities that ensued. Upon this destruction of his Neighbour's Kingdom, Kenwolf was much perplexed, because till now they stood as a Barricado to hinder the Incursion of the Scots; whereupon he sent Ambassadors to Kenneth, peaceably to suffer those of that Nation that were scattered in his and other Countries, to return and Rebuild their Ruinated Towns; but he would by no means hearken to it, which constrained him to Fortify the Towns in the Northern Marches, and put strong Garrisons into them. And having a great love for the Clergy, of whose number he had been, he freed all Church-Lands from Tribute and Regal Services; and being desirous to see Rome, of whose Magnificence he had heard many wonderful Relations, settling his Affairs in the best manner he could, with divers of his Clergy and Nobility, he Sailed thither, and was Entertained with such Magnificence, that in recompense of his Reception, he confirmed Peter Pence to that See; and after his Return gave Annually, during his Life, Three Hundred Marks to the Bishop of Rome. This Ethelwolf, Eldest Son to Egbert, Began his Reign Anno Dom. 837, and Continued it Twenty Years. Buckinghamshire Described, etc. BUckinghamshire is bounded with Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Hartfordshire, Middlesex, and Berkshire. It abounds in Corn, Pastures, large Cattle, and numerous Flocks of Sheep feeding on its gradual rising Hills, and has in it divers stately Forests and Chases. BUCKINGHAM SHIRE By J. Seller map of Buckingamshire Chilton was the Birthplace of the Learned Sr. George Crook, a Famous Lawyer. Amersham, or Agmondisham, took its Name from the Great Agmond, and gave Birth to John Surnamed Amersham, and divers other Learned Men. Windover gave Birth to Roger Surnamed Windover, Historian to King Henry the Third. Houton did the like to Roger Goad, a very Learned Man of great Repute. This Shire is divided into Eight Hundreds, viz. those of Newport, Buckingham, Cotslow, Ashendon, Ailesbury, Burnham, Disborough, and Stock. It sends Members to Parliament for Alesbury two, Amersham or Agmondisham two, Buckingham two, Chipen-Wiccomb two, Marlo two, Wendover two, and two Knights of the Shire. It Contains One Hundred Eighty Five Parishes, Eleven Market Towns, and is Watered with Two considerable Rivers, viz. The Thames on its South side, and the River Ouse, on which the Town of Buckingham is seated, and in a manner is surrounded with it, unless a little on the North side it lies open; and over this River are three fair Stone Bridges. Ailesbury is likewise very pleasantly situated in the midst of most delightful Meadows, and Pastures, and the Vale bearing its Name, is accounted the most Fertile in Europe. As for the Churches in the Principal Towns of this County, they give a goodly Prospect to Travellers, and are not only well Adorned and Fair without, but very Beautiful within. The Nobleman's Seats of Note, are Buckingham-House, and Whadon, lately belonging to George Duke of Buckingham; Chains one of the Seats of William Duke of Bedford; latimer's, one of the Seats of William Duke of Devonshire; Ashbridge, part in Bucks, and part in Hartfordshire, one of the Seats of John Earl of Bridgwater; Wing and Ethrop, the Seats of the Earl of Carnarvan; Laurendon, one of the Seats of the Earl of Lichfield; Overwinchendon-House, one of the Seats of the Lord Wharton, with divers stately Houses, many Newly Erected, belonging to the Gentry; and that which makes it so well Inhabited is the Wholsomness of the Air, which contributes to, and continues a Healthful Constitution. The Reign of Ethelbald the Third Sole Manarch of England. EThelbald was Eldest Son to Ethelwolf by Osburga his first Queen, and in his Father's Life-time held the Kingdom in a great measure, as if he had been his Copartner. His Valour the Danes experienced in divers Bloody Battles, in many of which he Prevailed, killing numbers with a mighty Falchion he used in Fight, which few but himself could wield; yet after the toils of War giving a little respite to his wearied Body, Judith his Stepmother came attended with divers Lady's to Congratulate his Success, in a very splendid Dress, so that her Snow-white Breasts appearing half Naked, added to her Beauty, she being then but very Young, the King was so Charmed or Infatuated, that he became Enamoured of her; and though upon his Address she strongly urged, she was his Father's Widow, and the Daughter of a King, and that it was inconsistent with the Law of God, and her Reputation, to yield to his desires; her Repulses served but as Air to make the Fire of his Passion blaze to a greater degree, till at last, between willing and unwilling, tempted by Ambitious Inclinations of being a Queen Consort, rather than Dowager, she yielded to be his Wife: And though the Match was highly opposed by his Nobles, who laid before him the Scandal it would bring upon his Children, if he had any by her, and perhaps for his Sins a Punishment upon the Nation, he persisting in his Resolution, was Married; though with little Ceremony tending to Magnificence, as usual at the Weddings of the former Kings. And indeed this brought much trouble on the King and Nation; for whilst he Dallianced with his Incestuous Bride, and pursued his wanton Pleasures, the weighty Affairs of Government were laid aside, and as it were altogether neglected; which gave the Danes great advantage to recruit their Forces, that had been not only weakened by War in the former Reign, but with Famine, attended on by a grievous Pestilence; and when he had Reigned Two Years and Three Months, without doing any thing Memorable, he Died Suddenly, supposed by an Apoplexy, though some conclude he was Poisoned: After which, Queen Judith, fearing some Mischief might befall her, by reason she had upon this Marriage incurred the hatred of the People, procured leave from Ethelbert, Brother and Successor to Ethelbald, to be Transported to France; but a Storm arising, the Ship was driven on the Coast of Flanders, where undertaking to Travel by Land to her Father's Court, she was surprised on her Journey by Baldwin Forester of Ardenna, who compelled her to be his Wife, and by kind usage won so much upon her Affections, That Writing in her own and his behalf many moving and submissive Letters to the King her Father, he not only forgave what had happened, but created her Husband Earl of Flanders, to hold that Country as his Tributary; and from this Match Lineally descended Maud Wife to our William styled the Conquorer, also Baldwin Earl of Flanders, who was King of Jerusalem, and another of that Name who was by the Latins Invested with the Imperial Diadem of Greece, upon their taking the famous City of Constantinople Anno Dom: 1284. This Ethelbald was Third Sole Monarch of England, Ending his Reign with his Life, Anno Dom. 860. BEDFORD SHIRE By John Seller map of Bedfordshire Remarks on Bedfordshire, etc. BEdfordshire is a very Pleasant Inland County; it is Bounded with Northamptonshire, Huntingtonshire, Cambridgshire, Hartfordshire, Buckinghamshire, etc. It is plentiful in Cattle, Fowle, Corn, fat Pastures, Forests, Parks, replenished with store of Timber and Deer; consisting of Plains, pleasant Valleys, and gradual rising Hills, and is said to yield the best Barley in England, especially in the North parts. It contains One Hundred and Sixteen Parishes, Nine Hundreds, Ten Market Towns, and One considerable River. It sends Members to Parliament Four, viz. Bedford two, and two Knights for the County. Bedford, the Shire Town, has been to its cost the Scene of much Action; especially in the Wars between King Stephen and the Empress Maud, Mother to Henry the Second, and in the Wars of the Barons, against King John, and was razed to the ground by King Henry the Third, but soon Rebuilt, and ever since flourished in much tranquillity and splendour. In a Chapel not far from the Town, Offa the great King of the Mercians was Buried, which being demolished by the overflowing of the Ouse, his Spectrum is said often to have appeared on the Water of that River. There is a little Rivulet at Asply near Wobourn in this County, which is famous for its Petrifying Quality, being said to Turn Wood into Stone; and that a Wooden Ladder happening to fall into it, was some time after taken up again all Stone. And that not only the Pivolet or Brook, but the Earth in the Banks of it has the same Virtue. So that it is justly accounted one of the Wonders of our Isle. Dean is a pleasant Town, Eminent for the Birth of Francis Dillingham, a very Learned Man; as Layton Buzzard for the Birth of William Sclater; Dunstable called by the Romans Magiovinium, the latter Name being taken from a notable Thief called Dun, who with his Accomplices Inhabited it, and for that cause called Dunstable, or Duns Inning Place; it also gave Birth to that Leared Author, John Surnamed Dunstable. The River Ouse Waters this County with its pleasant Meanders, passing through Bedford, and hath over it a handsome Stone Bridge, with two Gates upon it. This County is likewise Beautified with some of the Seats of the Nobility, as those of Anthony Grey Earl of Kent, at Wrest-House and Harrold; the Earl of Bullinbrooks at Bletsho and Melchborn; the Earl of Allesbury's at Ampthil and Clophil; Its Hills produce the best Marl, with abundance of Blue Stone like Slate: And the whole County is plentiful in all sorts of Provision, and divers profitable Manufacturs. The Reign of Ethelbert, Fourth Sole Monarch of England. EThelbert, Second Son to Ethelwolf, (a Prince of an Active Spirit) immediately Succeeded his Brother Ethelbald, being Crowned ten days after his Death, the imergency of Affairs not allowing longer delay, or much Ceremony in the performance, by reason the Danes were again become powerful, so that as well as the time would permit, having settled the Western parts of his Kingdom, and that he might not leave an Enemy at his Back, made the Welsh his Friends; he commanded the Nobles and Gentry to Muster as many as could be spared from Tilling the Ground and Harvest, and were able to bear Arms; and with them so Accoutered for the War, to repair to his Standard; and being Obeyed in this, he Marched towards the Enemy, whom he found Ravaging with their usual cruelties the Inland Counties, as far as the Western Borders of Bedfordshire, sending Heralds before him to demand the reason, Why they Invaded his Country, and destroyed so many Innocent People, stripping the Towns and Villages of all that was valuable, and laying many of them in Ashes. But they with threats dismissing his Messengers, without any satisfactory answer, Ethelbert gave them Battle, which continued for a time Bloody and doubtful, as if Victory knew not to which side to incline; but when the Sun was descending in the West, a Band of Peasants came to the King's assistance, with Forks, Sythes, and other Harvest Instruments, and falling on the Danes with loud cries, they taking this to be a Reserve, and thinking there might be more sheltered behind the Woods and Hills, hereupon immediately gave back, and the King taking advantage of their fears, pressed on so furiously in the head of his Army, that from an orderly Retreat, they fell into Rout and Confusion in all parts of their Army, so that a miserable slaughter ensued, which had been much greater, but that Night put an end to the pursuit, and a mighty Storm of Hail falling compelled the English to shelter, as many as could, in the neighbouring Towns and Villages, and the Flyers to betake them to Woods and other places of Refuge; though on either side, before this could be done, many were grievously hurt by the falling of the Hail Stones, which were of a prodigious bigness, and did much mischief both to Cattle and People in divers other places. This Defeat (as considerable as it was) discouraged not the Danes; for being recruited, they sent their Ships about to the Southern part of the Island with some ●orces to amuse the English, by Landing at Southampton, Plymouth, and other Sea Ports, and with what Plunder they could get, immediately retired to their Ships, though many came short, as being slain by the Peasants; however this made them more revengful, for gathering strength from new comers of their Nation, who Landed from a Fleet on the Southern Coast, they wasted Hampshire, stormed Winchester, defended by a good Garrison, and laid it in Ashes; but the King coming suddenly with an Army, a great number of them were slain, and the rest compelled to retire to their Ships, several of which were Burnt by Wildfire thrown amongst them before they could get to Sea, and divers of the Danes perished in the Flames and involving Waves. In his time two Blazing Stars appeared, one in the North East and another in the South West, both within half a Year of each other; the first continued Fourteen Days, and the latter Seven. He began his Reign Anno Dom. 860, and Died Anno Dom. 865, having held a troublesome Reign for the space of Five Years. He was Buried at Sherburn. Remarks on Cambridgshire, etc. CAmbridgshire is for the most part exempted from Hills and Woods, being much applied to the breeding of Cattle, though it abounds in Cornfields, and is Watered with many pleasant Streams, and has belonging to it the fertile Isle of Ely: It is Bounded with Northfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hartfordshire, Bedfordshire, Huntingtonshire, and Lincolnshire: It Contains One Hundred and Sixty Three Parishes, Eight Market Towns, and One River; also the Bishopric of Ely. It sends Members to Parliament, viz. Six. Cambridge two for the Town, and two for the University; and two Knights of the Shire. As for the Places Noted in it, the first in rank is Cambridge, which CAMBRIDGE SHIRE map of Cambridgeshire tho' no City, is ennobled above many others, for its many famous Structures dedicated to Learning, as Caius College, Founded by John Caius Doctor in Physic, Anno 1557. Christ's College, Founded by Queen Margaret 1506, Clare Hall, Founded by Elizabeth Daughter to Gilbert Clare Earl of Leicester, Anno 1326; Corpus Christi College, by John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, 1344; Emanuel College, by Sir Walter Mildmay, 1588.; Jesus College, by Doctor John Alcock, Bishop of Ely; St. John's College, by the afore named Queen Margaret, 1506; Catharine Hall, by Doctor Woodlack, Provost of King's College, 1459; King's College, by King Henry the sixth, 1441; Magdalen College, by the Lord Audley 1509; Pembroke Hall, by Mary Countess of Pembroke, 1343; Peter House, by Hugh Balsam Bishop of Ely, 1280; Queen's College, by Margaret Queen to King Henry the Sixth, Anno Dom. 1448; Trinity College, by Henry the Eighth, Anno Dom. 1546; Trinity Hall, by William Bateman, Anno Dom. 1354. These famous Structures are Renowned for the many Learned Divines and Statesmen that have been brought up in them, to the Honour and Credit of the Kingdom, giving it considerable advantages of that kind over others; there is in this Renowned Town many stately Churches and Ancient Monuments of very curious Workmanship. Ely, the Bishops Seat, from whence the Diocese takes its Name, is held to be Built by Audery Wife to Tombart a Prince in those Parts, and afterward Married Egbert King of Northumberland, from whom departing, she here betook herself to a Devout Life, Building a Monastery, of which she became the first Abbess; and is famous for the Birth-place of divers Learned and Eminent Persons, as Andrew Millet, Sr. Thomas Ridley, Doctor of Laws; Richard Parker, etc. The next Places of Note are Everton, Triplow, Everden, Caxton, Wisbich, Linton, Milton, Mildred; from which places proceeded many Eminent Men, both in Church and State. At Caxton was Born William, thence surnamed Caxton, who first set up the Ingenious Art of Printing in England, It is likewise Beautified by divers Seats of the Nobility, viz. Thorney-Abby, the Seat of William Duke of Bedford, Newmarket, belonging to the Earl of Suffolk, Kertling, alias Catlidg, belonging to the Lord North and Grey of Rolston, Ely Place and Wisbich Castle, the Seats of the Lord Bishop of the Diocese. It is Watered with many small branching Rivers, but the chief of Note is Cam, on whose Banks Cambridge is advantageously seated, and gives the County its Name. The Reign of Ethelred, Fifth Sole Monarch of England. EThelred, the Third Son of Ethelwolf, upon his coming to the Crown, Anno Dom. 866, found himself engaged in a dangerous War against the Danes, who with their main Strength, almost in all parts, Invaded the Kingdom; so getting strong footing with several Arms in the North, East, and South, he was at a stand into which quarter he should advance, which gave them opportunity to overrun many fertile Counties; and being as yet Pagans, they used unheard-of Cruelties under the Leading of Hunger and Hubba, two of their Dukes, who by some are styled Kings. They took the City of York by Storm, and set it on Fire, upon which Walketulus, an Earl of the East Angles, gave them Battle, but was Overthrown, and most of those he commanded slain; and flushed with this Victory, they destroyed many famous Churches, also the Monasteries of Croyland, Berdoxey, Midlesham side, or Peterborough, and Ely; and the Abbess of Coldingham, to prevent Ravishment, cut off her Nose and upper Lip; and by her Example the Nuns did the like, to preserve their Chastity by their Deformity, but were nevertheless Deflowered, and afterward in despite Immured in their House, and Fire being put to it, they perished in the Flames. And so terrible they became in those Parts, That Burthred Vice Roy of Mercia, to save the ruin of the Country, made Peace with them, as likewise did Offride and Ella, styled Dukes of the Northumbrians, and were thereupon constrained to join their Forces with them against Ethelred, which some Authors call a Rebellion, and that with great reason; for it was taking part with Invaders against their Lawful Sovereign. These things happening whilst the King was busied in other Parts of the Land, he no sooner found a little leisure, but taking courage he Marched Northward, and in a great Battle Overthrew the Dainish Northern Army, in conjunction with many of his Subjects, whom they had compelled, as is said, to the Field under their East Angle and Mercian Leaders, slaying Agner, accounted one of their Kings, Nine Earls, and a great number of common Soldiers: Yet Fourteen Days after they put the King to Flight at Basin, after a Battle of Twelve Hours, and within Thirty Days did the like at Merton, the King receiving a Mortal Wound as he was in the Pursuit, at Whitingham, of which he Died, when he had Reigned Five Years, viz. Anno Dom. 872, and was Buried in the Monastery of Wimbourn. He was the Fifth Sole Monarch of England. Remarks on Cornwall, etc. COrnwal, the Ancient Cornubij, seems to take its Name from its pushing into the Sea in the form of a Horn. It abounds with Mines of Tin, which is the best and finest in all Europe; Stone Quarries, Corn, Fruits, Cattle; and, as some hold, there might be much Silver Digged in several places: It is the Extremity of England Westward. On the North, and partly the West, it has the Irish Sea; on the South, the Channel; and on the East, Devonshire: It is divided into Nine Hundreds, and contains 161 Parishes, 22 Market Towns, and seven Rivers. It sends Members to Parliament 44, viz. Bodmin two, Bassiney two, Camelford two, Dunhived two, Eastlow two, Fowey two, Grampound two, Helston two, St. Germain's two, St. Ives two, Kellington two, Leskerk two, Lostwithiall two, St. Maws two, St. Michael two, Newport two, Penryn two, Port-Pigham two, Saltash two, Tregonye two, Truro two, and two Knights of the Shire. Camelford, in this County, is very famous for the Battle where Mordred was Slain, and King Arthur received his Mortal Wound. There has lately been digged up pieces of Armour in that place. Tintagal Castle gave King Arthur (that Miracle of British Valour) Birth. At Castle-Dennis, the Ruins of the Deigns Trenches, upon their first Invasion, are to be seen. St. Germane is a very stately Place, and was Anciently an Episcopal See, but removed to Bodmin, and from thence by King Edward the Confessor to Exeter in Devonshire where it remains. Cradoc is likewise noted for the Birth of John Travisa, a Learned Writer. This County is famed for its exceeding high Mount overlooking the Sea, with a curious Bay on which stands Pensance, commanding the Harbour. CORNWALL map of Cornwall The Seats of the Nobility are Stow, Wolston, Stanbury, Clifton and Lanow, belonging to the Earl of Bath, Lubydrock and Truro, to the Earl of Radnor, Boconock to the Lord Mohun of Okehampton, Terrise, to the Lord Arundel Barron Trerise. The Cliffs to the Sea Coast produce Sampire, Sea Holley, and the Inland part abounds with Rosa Solis, wild Hyssop, Marjorum, Garlick, growing naturally, as also Chestnuts. The Reign of Alfrid, Sixth Sole Monarch of England. ALfrid, by some called Elfride, Fourth Son of Ethelwolf, being at Rome when his Brother Died, was fetched from thence to secure and support his Bleeding Country, at the point to be lost to a Merciless Enemy; he had the Crown placed on his Head Anno Dom. 872, and finding a greater necessity to be in the Field than the Palace, he caused Forces to be raised in all his Dominions free from the Danish Subjection; for in stead of befriending the Northumbrian and Mercian Dukes, that had joined with them against Ethelred, they sorely oppressed those Countries; making them as it were Slaves to perform all servile offices, not leaving them any thing they could properly call their own; Billeting Soldiers in their Houses, as Guards over them, rather than Guests, who constrained the poor Inhabitants to feed them with what should sustain the wants of themselves, and their necessitous Children; as also to supply them with Money, or else their Lives were liable at every distaste taken by their Lord Danes, to pay for the Defect. Such treatment as this being the usual Rewards of all those who by their own Treachery and perfidiousness endeavour to bring in Foreigners to Subdue and Enslave their Native Country: And yet this is the sole Aim of those Brutes among us, that glory in the Name of jacobites, who would bring in the late King James by the Arms of the French, and thereby subject the Nation to the will of that insulting Tyrant Lewis the Fourteenth, and so entail Slavery for ever on themselves, and their Posterity. And if they only were to feel it, might they have their wishes; But since others must suffer with them, should their Attempts succeed, I hope that God that has so lately brought to light their cursed Designs, will still continue to defeat all the erterprises of such Profligate Villains, and preserve the Sacred Life of His Majesty from all their Hellish Machinations, and thereby these Nations in that Peace and happiness which through God's goodness they now enjoy under His Majesty's Auspicious Reign. I hope the Reader will pardon this Digression, which only Zeal to my King and Country, and a just indignation against those Miscreants, who are continually labouring to embroil us in Blood and Confusion, has Extorted from me.— But to proceed. By these their Cruel and Arbitrary proceed, the King finding no Truce nor Oaths were binding on their part, resolved to gather his Forces into a Body, and give them Battle, causing Public Prayers to be put up for his success, but before it could be effectually done, upon notice of it, they Marched into Devonshire, taking Exeter, whilst they were parlying with the King for a Truce; after which he narrowly escaped the Ambush they laid to entrap him and take his Life; whereupon having gotten as many Forces as he could together, he pursued them in their March towards Bristol, which City they intended to Sack; but they facing about and a fierce Fight ensuing, the King was overthrown, his Army scattered, and he forced to fly into the Woods for shelter, where fitting his Bow and Arrows in a poor Shepherd's Cottage, he was sharply reproved by the Housewife (she not knowing him) for letting a Cake burn on the Hearth, for want of turning it, saying, How now, you Lubber, must I give you Houseroom for doing nothing? Why did not you turn the Bread? Yet I warrant you would be ready to Eat it ere it is half Baked. The King, finding he was in great straits, and much grieved at the misery his Subjects groaned under, at last bethought him of a Stratagem to Redress it; viz. He put himself into the Habit of a Bard or Harper, and went into the Danish Camp, playing on his Harp unsuspected, and by that means taking notice of their Luxurious manner of living, and sluggish security, he went thence and collected his scattered Forces, and falling upon them near Abingdon in the Night time, when they little expected the danger so near, he made an incredible slaughter of the un-prepared Danes, so that nothing but Cries and clashing of Swords were heard throughout the Valleys; and here Hubba, one of their great Captains, was Slain, and their Banner Rafan taken, being the Danes chief Standard, having on it the figure of a Raven done in Nedlework, Embroidered by the Daughters of Lodbroke, Sisters to Hunger and Hubba, which was in high Estimation, because they had Prophesied Victory should ever attend the Danes wherever it was Displayed in the Field. And soon after the Battle was over, Hubba was Buried, and a mighty Hill of Stones cast on him as a Monument, which gave Name to the place of his Burial, which is called Hubblestow, or Stone, to this day. The King pursuing this advantage, and for the Encouragement of his Soldiers having shared the Spoils taken from the Danes amongst them, followed the Retreating Enemy, and within a while gave them two other great Defeats, one at Ethan-Dun, the other at Rhoaf-ceaster, now Rochester, raising the Siege they had laid before it. After this, they Recruited and brought another Raven Standard, to the Field, in hopes of better success. But near Alesford in Kent, they received another great Overthrow, so that the Waters in the Ditches, Ponds, and Rivers adjacent, were coloured with Blood; and from thence he chased them into Essex, through the Thames, in passing which River, pursued by the Enemy, and their own fears, many (for haste) missing the Fords, were smothered in the Deeps. This however sufficed not the King, whose main Aime was to drive them out of the Kingdom, and so give Peace and Rest to his tired and distressed Subjects; wherefore he Marched to a place then called Beaufleet, where hastings a Dane, who newly arrived with Eighty Ships, had fortified and received his flying Countrymen; and here likewise Fortune was on his side, he giving them the Rout; and lastly they were quite discomfited at Boultington by Severn, and at the Isle of Mesig, or Mersey in Essex, at the River Ligea or Ley, which goeth to Ware, and carried up their Ships, but Alfred Trenching and Drying it, they could not bring them back; whereupon they fled into Northumberland, and then to Denmark. THE county PALATINE OF CHESTER map of Palatine Remarks on the County Palatine of Chester, etc. THis County is an Ancient Palatinate, and one of the Pleasantest Counties in that part of England; famous for producing Kine, of whose Milk is made the best Cheese in the Nation, from which the County seems to take its Name. Its Pastures are exceeding Rich, and Corn-Land produces extraordinary Crops; it abounds with Fish, Fowl, Sheep, and some Goats: It is Bounded with Lancashire, Yorkshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Darbyshire, Flintshire, Denbighshire, and the Ocean. It Contains Eighty Six Parishes, One City, Seven Hundreds, Thirteen Market Towns, and Nine Rivers; and gives denomination to a Bishop of its Diocese. It sends Members to Parliament Four, viz. The City of Chester two, and two Knights of the Shire. The City of Chester is famous in many respects, as for its Minster, Castle, and Stone Bridge; and has particular to it a Chief Justice, for the Entertainment it gave King Edgar, who was Rowed in a Barge on the River Dee, by Eight Kings, whilst himself held the Helm, as their Supreme Souraign. It was made a Principality upon Hugh Lupus, a Noble Norman, being Invested in it by William the Conqueror; To be holden as Freely by his Sword, as the King himself holds England by his Crown; which was the Tenure of all Counts Palatines; more like Princes than Subjects, as a modern Author has it. It's stately Minster was builded by Leofrick an Earl, to the Honour of St. Werburga; and in it was Buried the Body of Henry the Fourth Emperor of Germany; and it gave a Title to the Eldest Sons of our Kings who by Birthright are Earls of Chester. Calvely is a very Pleasant Town, giving Birth to Hugh Calvely a great General against the French, in the Reign of Edward the Third, Sr. Robert Knowles and divers others of Note. Eccleston is Memorable for the Birth of Thomas, thence called Eccleston. Banbury is a pleasant seated Town, as also Wrenbury. The large Rivers Dee and Mersey, Flow very spaciously on its Western part; Chester being advantageously situate on the former, and Fordestham on a branch of the latter; on the East side it has many pleasant Hills, with very fertile Valleys: Northwich is likewise pleasantly situate on a stream of Mersy, over which is a curious Bridge, as there is at Dutton, Coxton, etc. The Seats of the Nobility are Clifton, alias Rock, Savage and Fordsham belonging to the Earl of Rivers; Gawsworth and Alford belonging to the Earl of Maclesfield; Dutton belonging to the Lord Gerard Baron of Gerard's Bonley; Dunham Massey the Seat of the Late Lord Delamer, Earl of Warrington. Besides many stately Houses of the Gentry. The Reign of Edward the Elder, Seventh Sole Monarch of England, etc. EDward, Surnamed the Elder, Eldest Son to Alfred or Elfride, began his Reign Anno Dom. 901. But not long had he been in the Throne, ere his Brother Adelwold, envying his advancement to the Regal Dignity, conspired to supplant him; and in order to it, raised a Rebellion: But finding he was too weak to maintain his Pretensions, he fled with part of his Forces to the Danes, who were by this time returned, and had gotten some strong holds in the North; and they for to colour their design made him King in Title, tho' not in Effect; and with them joined the Welsh, Northumber's, and those Scots that bordered on the River Tweed: Against these joint Forces the King Marched, and at St. Edmund's Ditch, he gave them Battle, but lost the day, tho' the Danes gained a bloody Victory; for in the Fight two of their Kings were slain, viz. Chrochrichus and Ethelwald: However, to put a stop to their further advancing, he built the Castle of Hartford, and many other strong places, and then having recruited his broken Troops with the whole power of the Western and Southern Counties, that remained entirly under his obedience, he again advanced his Standard, and gave the Danes and their Confederates Battle at Wodens-field, near Wolverhampton in Staffordshire; where the chance of War turning on his side, brought him a great Victory: There his Rebellious Brother Adelwold, with two Kings or chief Leaders of the Danes, viz. Covilfus and Healden, were slain. This Battle was Fought Anno 910. Upon this Edward settled his Northern Territories, as far as Northumberland; and upon the Death of Eldred, who had Married Elfleada his Sister, he Establish her in those Counties that were formerly in the possession of the Mercian Kings before spoken of, and Anno Dom. 915, he gave the Danes and their Confederates another great Overthrow, killing Turktilus, a reputed King, with two Earls Virutes and Scurfa, the Dukes of Bedford, Buckingham, etc. also Duke Edrick, whom the Danes had made King of the East Angles, being Vanquished, was Slain by his Subjects. And then appointing his Sister, a true English Heroine, (who having endured the sharp pangs of Childbirth, had forsaken her Husband's Bed, saying The Pleasure was not worth the Pain she suffered, resolving never more to run the like hazard) as it were in some degree his Partner in the Kingdom, she soon made it known that her delight was more in the rough Fields of Battle, than in the downy Bed of Love; for attired like an Amazonian Queen, she accompanied her Brother in his Wars, and mainly assisted him by her Prowess and Counsels, being a Lady of great Politics in Martial Affairs. In a Battle against the Welsh, she took their Standard, slew their General, and took his Lady Prisoner, whom she used very courteously: She divers times chased the Danes, and in Person Stormed the Town of Derby, (Garrisoned strongly by the Enemy) she also beat them out of Tamworth, Litchfield, Watersbury, Elderbury, and Leicester, which she Repaired and Fortified; also the Town and Castle of Rincorne: She builded Brimsbury, and laid a Bridge over the Severn; and in a set Battle Overthrew the Yorkshire Forces that were in Rebellion against the King; and so having manifested herself to the World as the Wonder of her Sex for Heroic Virtues, and set an Illustrious Pattern for their Imitation, She Died, when she may be said to have Reigned Eight Years, as Copartner with the King her Brother, in the one and Fortieth Year of her Age, and was Buried at Gloucester, in a Church which she and her Husband had Founded; where a stately Monument was erected to her Memory. And Henry of Huntingdon in his Works makes the following Encomium upon her. Victorious Elfled, ever famous Maid, Whom weaker Men, and Nature's self obeyed: Nature your softer Limbs for Ease designed, But Heaven inspired you with a Manly Mind; You only, Madam, latest Times shall sing, A glorious Queen, and a triumphant King: Farewell, brave Soul! Let Caesar now look down, And yield thy Triumphs greater than his own. The King upon the Death of his Heroic Sister, greatly lamented her loss, and retired for a time from ●●l Business, but finding his Country yet Called for his ●id, he shook off his Melancholy, and took a Progress 〈◊〉 those parts of his Kingdom he had not as yet well quieted, appointing Governors, and making such ●aws as might restrain the Oppression of his People, ●nd settling his Dominions to the borders of Scotland, ●●e Welsh also submitted. In this King's Reign John Patrick Erigena, a Britain, ●rote a Book about the Lords Supper, showing therein ●●me Abuses the Roman Church had put upon that sacrament, and how it ought to be worthily Received, ●●cording to our Blessed Saviour's Institution, and sent ●●to Rome; which so offended the Pope, (whose Leaden ●ord by this time had so got the Ascendant over the ●eel Ones of Princes) that he wrote to the Clergy to ●evail with the King that the Author might be delivered into their hands, to be Censured as they should ●●e fit; which with some reluctancy being granted, ●●ough the Author proposed to prove it true by Scripture, and gave many reasons for what he had done, the Clergy in the Pope's Name Condemned both him and his Book; him as a Heretic, and his Book as Erroneous and Heretical; when being degraded and delivered over to the Secular Power, he suffered Death in the Flames, and is worthily accounted amongst the Martyrs. This Edward was the Seventh Sole Monarch of England. He Reigned Twenty Four Years, and was Buried at Winchester amongst his Royal Ancestors. Remarks on Cumberland, etc. CUmberland extends to the extremity of England Northward, as being Bounded that way by Scotland; on the East, with Northumberland and Westmoreland; on the West, by the Irish Sea, and part of Scotland; on the South, with Lancashire: It abounds in Hills, but of no extraordinary height; and produces great store of Cattle, and a good sprinkling of Corn, but not many Fruit Trees. At newland's are Coppermines, at Refwick Black-Lead and Lapis Calaminaris: It Contains one City, viz. Carlisle (which gives Title to a Bishop) Fifty Eight Parishes, Nine Market Towns, and two remarkable Rivers: It sends Members to Parliament six, viz. Carlisle two, Cockermouth two, and two Knights of the Shire. Carlisle, the Metropolis of the County, is very Ancient, held to be Built by Leil a British King, long before the coming of Caesar, and is by Ptolemy called Lugovallum, it was a flourishing City under the Romans, and upon their departure Demolished by the Picts, and utterly ruined by the Danes; but again Rebuilded by King William Rufus, who Built there a strong Castle to prevent the Scots Incursions; and by King Henry the first it was made a Bishops See; it has been often taken by the Scots, but wrested from them again: It was Besieged in the late Civil War, and made a CUMBERLAND map of Cumberland strenuous Defence. The other Places of Note are Cockermouth, Werkinton, Egremond, Penroth, Keswick, and Bampton, near which is to be seen part of the Ruins of the Picts Wall, which reached from Sea to Sea, at East and West: At Salkeld in this County, upon the River Eden, is a Monumental Trophy of Victory, consisting of 77 Stones, called by the Inhabitants Long Megg and her Daughters, one of which to wit, that called Long Megg, is 15 Foot high from the Ground, and the rest 10; supposed to be placed in Remembrance of some Roman Victory. The Nobilities Seats are Graystock Castle, Grumb Castle belonging to the Duke of Norfolk; Naywoth alias Noword Castle belonging to the Earl of Carlisle; Kirkosward and de Acre Castles belonging to the Earl of Sussex. Cockermouth Castle belonging to the Duke of Somerset; Rose Castle the Bishop's Seat. The Reign of Ethelstan, Eighth Sole Monarch of England. EThelstan, Eldest Son to Edward, and Eighth Sole Monarch of England, began his Reign Anno 925, and was Crowned at Kingston upon Thames, by Adelme Arch Bishop of Canterbury, and is held by some to be the first Anointed King of England; but I suppose they mean the first Saxon King, for it is held by Ancient Writers to be used in the Coronation Ceremonies of divers British Kings a great while before. Long he had not been Established in his Throne, ere Elfried a Norman and one he trusted in weighty Affairs, raised a Rebellion against him, causing great commotions in the Kingdom; but in the end he was taken, and his Party dispersed; upon which he utterly denied he was the occasion of it, and laboured to lay it on others; whereupon the King, unwilling to search deep into the matter, lest he should create himself powerful Enemies among the Nobility, was at that time contented that Elfred should go to Rome and purge himself of the fact, upon Oath before the Pope. But hereupon not freed from a Jealousy he conceived of Edwin his Brother, whom Elfred had accused as a Person aspiring to the Throne, he was made away privately with the King's consent; yet, tho' too late, being better informed he was so grieved, that to atone (as he conceived) for guiltless Blood, he caused the Assassins to be put to Death with exquisite Torments, and Founded divers places, dedicating them to Pious uses; as St. Germane in Cornwall, St. Petrocus at Bodmyn, Plympton Priory, Middleton and Michelney, etc. He Fortified Exeter, and quelled the Cornishmen that Rebelled against him; and upon Disorders committed by the Scots in the Northern Borders, he Marched into that Kingdom, gave them a great Overthrow, and made the whole Nation submit their Crown to him, which he placed on the Head of Constantine upon his Submission, saying, It was more Honour to make a King than to be a King. However, he imposed a Tribute on the Kingdom, and to show the mightiness of his Strength, made a vast dint in a Stone with his Sword at Dunbar, causing it to be Recorded as a Mark of his Title to the Kingdom of Scotland; but soon after, Constantine repenting his Submission, Leavyed Forces and Invaded England, joining with Anlafe the Dane; but at a place called Bromingfield he was Overthrown; for the English seeming to retire, (and the others supposing they had really done it) Rallyed on the lose Troops of their Enemies and beat them down in great numbers, obtaining a great Victory, and Killing 20000 of their Enemies, among which Willfert Prince of the Guentes, and Howel Prince of North Wales, and Seven Dukes who came to the assistance of the Scots, Malcolm Heir apparent to Scotland was much Wounded; whereupon King Ethelstan settled the English Borders beyond the Tweed, taking in the three Southern Counties, strongly Garrisoning Edenburg Castle and other Fortresses; so that Constantine finding that he was unable to make further opposition, betook himself to a Contemplative Life, in the Abbey of St. Andrews, where in a short time after, he Died: Hereupon Ethelstane caused the Scots Nobles to Swear Fealty to him, and enjoined them to pay him Yearly twenty Pounds in Gold, three Hundred Pounds in Silver, and 2500 Head of Cattle, Hounds, Hawks, etc. So that the Scots mourned many Years for their joining with the Danes to Invade England: And indeed a little before the fatal Battle, a Fountain of Blood-Coloured Water issued out of the side of a Mountain in Galloway, and Coloured divers Streams into which it run for many Miles; and a Monster was Born with the Members of both Sexes, and a Head like a Swine, the Back of it full of Bristles, and the Nails like Claws; another in Northumberland of the Male Sex, having one Belly and two Thighs and Legs, but divided upwards into two entire Bodies, with two Heads and four Arms; and when one Head Slept, the other Waked; when one Eat, the other refused sustenance, and always Quarrelled the one with the other; till one Dying, its Stench Killed the other. The County of DERBY By John Seller map of Darby This Ethelstane caused the Bible to be Translated into English; which is accounted the first time it ever was in our Language: And when he had Reigned Fifteen Years, he Died, and was Buried with much solemnity at Malmsbury, where his Tomb remained some Hundreds of Years with an Epitaph in his praise, as a good Prince, and a great lover of Justice. Remarks on Derbyshire, etc. THE County of Derby, tho' somewhat Hilly in divers parts, yet it is a very pleasant County, watered with the River Derwent, and other Rivers abounding with Fish: It has in it a great number of Forests and Parks stored with Deer; It breeds an excellent sort of Large Cattle and abundance of Sheep: It abounds also with various sorts of Stones, as Freestone, or durable Greet-Stone; and in some places Limestone, which is useful both in Building and Husbandry, for the Manuring of the Land. Here is also Alabaster, Crystal, Black and Grey Marble, which is not only very durable, but Polishes well. And for Millstones and Whetstones, here are several Quarries of them, in the working whereof many Persons are Employed. But the chiefest Commodity of this County is Lead; which for the Goodness and Plenty thereof, yields to no Place in the World: And famous for this, is the Peak of Derbyshire, commonly called the Devil's Arse; which is indeed the most remarkable thing in this County. This Peak or Cave called the Devil's Arse, is a great Rock or Castle upon an high Hill, under which there is a Cave in the ground of a vast bigness; the Name seems to be taken from its having two Buttocks sticking out in form like a Man's, bending to the Ground: The Arch of the Rock is extreme high, and through it Drops of Water are continually falling: Those that are minded to enter into it must have good store of Lights, for going between two Rocks near together, they lose the sight of Day; which makes the place look dreadful and affrighting; and perhaps gave rise to all those fabulous stories of Spirits and Phantoms, which are reported of it; the recital whereof, is neither worth my Pains, nor the Readers. Eldenhole is another remarkabls place, and one of the Wonders of the Peak; It is distant two miles from Castleton, a Town in the High-Peak. The hole of this Cave is about 30 Yards long, and 15 Yards broad on the Top; descending directly down into the Earth, which is much straitened when it cometh 40 Yards deep: The Waters which trickle down from the Top thereof do congeal into Stone, and hang like Icicles in the root of it: Some are hollow within, and grow Taper-wise, very white, and not unlike to Crystal. But the greatest Wonder of the Peak is that of Buxton-Wells, where nine Springs arise out of a Rock, within the compass of eight or nine Yards, eight of which are Warm, and the ninth very Cold: These Springs run from under a Square Building of Freestone; and about 60 paces off, receive another hot Spring, from a Well enclosed with four flat Stones, called St. Ann; near unto which another cold Spring bubbleth up. These Springs have been found by daily Experience very good for the Stomach and Sinews; and very pleasant to bathe the Body in. The wondrous Virtues whereof, are thus described, Unto St. Ann the Fountain sacred is, With Waters Hot and Cold its Springs do rise, And in its Sulphur Veins there's Medicine lies: Old men's numbed Joints new Vigour here acquire, In frozen Nerves this Water kindleth Fire; Hither the Cripples halt, some help to find, Run hence, and leave their Crutches here behind The Barren hither to be Fruitful come; And without help of Spouse go Mother's home. This County contains 106 Parishes, and is divided into six Hundreds. It has eight Market Towns, and 13 Rivers. It is Rich in Pasture, and Memorable for many great Actions that have happened in it. It sends Members to Parliament four, viz. Derby two, and two Knights of the Shire. It is Bounded with Yorkshire, Notinghamshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Leicestershire. Derby, the chief Town, is commodiously situate on the Western Bank of the River Derwent, and in the North-East end of it stands a Bridge of Freestone, and upon the Bridge a fair Chapel, called St. Mary's Chapel. But besides Derwent, which empties itself six Miles lower into the Trent, this Town has the conveniency of a Brook rising Westward, and running through it under nine several Bridges. The Town is large and populous, containing five Parish Churches, of which that of All Saints is the fairest, whose Tower-Steeple, (in which are eight Tuneable Bells) was built at the only charge of the Youngmen and Maids, about the Reign of Queen Mary the First; and is equalled for Height and Beauty, by few in the Nation. In short, 'tis a Town of good Trade; and very famous for its Ale, which is accounted the best and strongest in the Kingdom. Ripton (the Ancient Ripandunum) is a pleasant place; here Ethelbald, the ninth King of the Mercians, slain at Egelwald, was by his Subjects Interred; and from hence Burdred the last King of Mercia was expelled by the Danes, together with his Queen Ethelwith. At Melburn, John D' Bourbon, taken at the Battle of Agincourt in France by our Henry the 5th, was kept Prisoner: Little Derby was an Ancient Colony of the Romans, as appears by their Coins and Medals digged up there at sundry times. The Seats of the Noblemen are Palsover Castle, the Ancient seat of the Duke of Newcastle; Haddon, the seat of the Earl of Rutland; Hadwick and Chatsworth, the seats of the Duke of Devonshire; Berthy, the seat of the Earl of Chesterfield; Shirley, the seat of the Lord Ferrer Sutton, etc. The Reign of Edmund, Ninth Sole Monarch of England. EDmund, Brother to Ethelstan, began his Reign Anno. Dom. 940. He was Crowned at Kingston upon Thames, but scarce settled in the Throne before the Danes, persuading the People of Northumberland and other Northern Counties to join with them, advanced against him with a puissant Army; to whom he gave a great Overthrow near Northampton, and had various success against them in divers other Battles. He caused the Eyes of the two Sons of Dunmail to be put out, for theirs and their Father's Rebellion against him; and then to quiet his People, made many good Laws to restrain Rapine and other Injuries, that for want of such boundaries between Princes and Subjects they had sustained in many of the former Reigns; and upon these Laws, Magna Charta, or the Great Charter of England, seems very much to be grounded. Anlafe the Dane retaining some footing in the Northern parts of England, and Southern Sheirs of Scotland, Laboured to persuade Indulph King of Scots to break the League he had made with Ethelstan, urging that Edmund who now Reigned, was a supine Person, no ways fit to bear the weight of Government, and therefore they might easily gain their designs in subduing the Kingdom; but Indulph would by no means be tempted to break his Oath: Whereupon the Dane thinking to do it without his Aid, sent for more Forces, who Landing in the Humber, Elgarine, Governor of Northumberland, either through fear, or hopes of Advancement, declared he was descended of Danish Blood; and breaking the Trust King Edmund had reposed in him, he Joined such Forces as he could raise with Anlafe; whereupon the King sent to Indulph for Aid, according to the Articles of Treaty to assist each other in case of Invasion; and with all expedition he sent him 10000 well appointed Soldiers; with which, and his own Forces, he fell upon the Danes, and Routed them at the first onset, making a terrible slaughter in the pursuit. In this Battle, as the King had commanded, the Treacherous Earl Elgarine was taken alive, though he would willingly have died on the Swords of those that secured him; when being adjuged a Traitor to his Country, he was drawn in pieces by the strength of Horses: And after this great Victory, he settled the Northern Counties that had been much harrassed and weakened by the Enemy, and upon his return granted large Privileges to St. Edmunds-Bury in Suffolk, rebuilding many ruined places. And now the Irish Invading the Western Coasts with many small Vessels, were beaten off, divers of them slaughtered, and most of their Ships Burnt. Greater things were in projection to be done by this King, had not an untimely Death prevented him; for one day seeing a Gentleman that served him (and for whom, by reason of his Faithfulness, he had a singular esteem) hard pressed by a Ruffiain in single Combat, and at the point to be slain, he unadvisedly rushed in to his Rescue; and receiving the points of their Swords in his Body, whilst he thought to seize them with his Hands, he died of the Wounds, when he had Reigned Six Years, and was Interred at Glastenbury, being the Ninth sole Monarch of England, Anno Dom. 946. He was fifth son to King Edward: At his death he left his Brother Edred or Eldred, Protector of the Realm, commiting to his care Edwye and Edgar his two Sons, who were in their Minority. Remarks on Devonshire, etc. DEvonshire, by reason of the advantage of the Sea, and its many spacious Havens, is not only of great account in itself, but to its Neighbouring Counties. It produces many rich Manufactories, and contains divers stately Towns: It has in it rich veins of Tin, store of Cattle, Corn, fat Pastures: Containing the City of Exon, a Bishops See, 394 Parishes, 33 Hundreds, 37 Market Towns, and 23 Rivers, small and great. It sends Members to Parliament 26, viz. Exeter, Plymouth, Plimpton, Totness, Oakhampton, Honiton, Barnstaple, Tavistock, Ashburton, Tiverton, Beralston, 2 Each; and 2 more out of these three Towns, Clifton, Dartmouth, and Hardness, and 2 Knights of the Shire; in all 26. It is Bounded with Somersetshire, Cornwall, the Irish Sea, and Channel. Exeter, the only City of this County, is of great Antiquity, for the Castle called Rugemont was once the Palace of the West Saxon Kings, and afterward of the Earls of Cornwall, and the Walls and Cathedral were builded by King Ethelstane, and is situate on the River Ex. Torbay in this County, some few Miles from the North East of Dartmouth, is singularly remarkable for the Descent made here on the 5th of November 1688, by the then Prince of Orange, but his now present Majesty King William the Third (whom God long preserve) with his Forces from Holland, to save this Nation from Popery and Slavery, which had then bid fair for it; but upon his Landing vanished like Mists before the Morning Sun. Plymouth, seated on the River Plym, is renowned by being the birthplace of that great Sea Captain, Sr. Francis DEVON SHIRE map of Devonshire Drake; Tinmouth was the place where the Danes Landed when they first Invaded the Western Parts, and suffered much by the French in the Year 1690; Crediton was a Bishops See till it was removed to Exeter by Edward the Confessor; Hubblestone was the buryingplace of Hubba the Dane, Brother to Hunger, slain in Battle not far from thence. In the Parish of Comb-Martin it is Recorded, That William Wimondham Refined out of Oar digged there 270 Pound weight of Silver, afterward Coined for Elinor Duchess of Bar. The Seats of the Nobility are pleasantly situate in this County, viz. Potheridge and Wenbury, seats of the Late Duke of Albemarle; Chudleigh the seat of the Lord Clifford Baron of Chudleigh; and the Lord Bishop of the Diocese his Palace at Exeter. The Reign of Edred, etc. Tenth Sole Monarch of England. EDred or Eldred, as is said, being left Protector of the Realms and Persons of Edwye and Edgar, he continued for a time in that station; but using many Arts to win upon the Affections of the People, finding he should meet with no great opposition in making himself King, contrary to the Trust reposed in him, he got to be Crowned at Kingston upon Thames in Surry: But Wolstan, Arch Bishop of York, having laboured to oppose it, and not being able to do it, became his Enemy; practising many underhand Treacheries against him, siding with Anlafe the Dane, who lurked with a few Forces in the Northern parts, till Recruits came to him, and then by the Bishop's means, the People of Northumberland Received him as their King. A Map of DORSETSHIRE By john Seller Hydrog: reg: at the west end of the Exchang London This King made St. Germane in Cornwall a Bishop See, which was afterwards translated to Cridington by Canute King of the Danes, Reigning Sole Monarch in England; and at last it was settled at Exeter by Edward the Confessor, where it now remains. He began his Reign Anno Dom. 946, and continued it Nine Years, and was Buried at Winchester, and is accounted the Tenth Sole Monarch of England. In his time a violent Earthquake happened, throwing down many stately Buildings, especially in the Northern parts. Remarks on Dorsetshire, etc. DOrsetshire is very spacious and fertile, breeding great numbers of Cattle in its rich Pastures, and is much renowned for its Linen and Woollen Manufactures: It produces abundance of Corn, and the Isle of Portland joining (as it were) to it, furnishes us with plenty of Freestone, used in building Churches and other stately Fabrics in London, etc. It is Bounded with Wiltshire, Somersetshire, Hampshire, Devonshire, and the Channel. It Contains 248 Parishes, divided into 29 Hundreds, 19 Market Towns, and four Rivers. It sends Members to Parliament 20, viz. Bridport 2, Croft-Castle 2, Dorchester 2, Lyme Regis 2, Melcom Regis 2, Pool 2, Shaston 2, Weymouth 2, Wareham 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. It has in it a great many Parks stored with Venison. Dorchester, the chief Town in this Shire, is of great Antiquity, and was called by the Romans Durnovaria, being of pleasant situation, and its Buildings Rich and Populous. Banbury was Anciently the Court of many West Saxon Kings; at Cern, Austin the Monk Preached up Christianity on his first Arrival in this shire; and by the consent of the People destroyed their Idols, and among the rest one called Hell. Shaftsbury is famed for the History of the Prophesying Eagle (probably a Man whose Name was Aquila) in this place was Buried the Body of Edward the Son of Edgar, Murdered at the command of his Stepmother, in Corfe-Castle. At Winbourn Minster, builded by Cuthburga Queen of Northumberland, was Intered the Body of Ethelred. Nor must we forget Lime in this County, which is Memorable for the Landing of James late Duke of Monmouth there, with about fourscore Gentlemen from Holland; in the Year 1685, being the first Year of the late King James' Reign. And tho' he brought so few along with him, yet in a few Days after his Landing, he was several Thousands strong; and gave the King's Forces a considerable Repulse at Philips-Norton; and had he gained the Day at Sedgemore (which in all probability he had done, had he not been betrayed) It is verily believed the greatest part of England had Declared for him; so great an Aversion, even at that time, the Nation had against King James and Popery; and I am sure they have no reason to be fonder of him since. But Heaven had decreed our Deliverance to be the Work of another hand: And therefore the unhappy Duke after his Defeat at Sedgmore, was taken at Ringwood in Hampshire, and from thence brought up to London, and two days after Beheaded upon Tower-Hill; whose Death was followed by abundance of barbarous Executions in this County; so that there is hardly a Town in it, but what can show some Bloody Tokens of King James his Cruelty; The Quarters of the poor Macerated Wretches having been placed upon Poles set up in the Highways, for many Miles together: As we shall show more at large, when we come to King James' Reign. Sherburn was Anciently an Episcopal See, and so continued a long time, in whose Cathedral were Interred the Body of the Kings Ethelbert and Ethelbald. Maiden Castle, about a Mile West of Dorchester and Badbury Castle, appear by Coin, and other Marks digged up and found about them, to have been Garrisons of the Romans, if not builded by them. The River Stowr in this County abounds with Tench of an extraordinary bigness: In the Isle of Purbeck are veins of Marble, tho' not continued, but scattering here and there, as Cambden observes, yet run a great way under Ground: Great store of the best Hemp growing in England, is found between Bemister and Bridport; and near Sturpain, on the side of the River, there is a plentiful production of Madder. The Hills in Dorsetshire are few, and those for the most part gradually rising, some Crowned with pleasant Woods, and others with Corn in its season, and flocks of Sheep: It is Beautified with several Seats of the Nobility, viz. Hook Castle, the Duke of bolton's; Cranbourn-House, the Earl of Salisburys; Wimbourn St. Giles, the Earl of Shaftsburys. The Houses of the Gentry are likewise very stately, as well in the Towns, as separate; so that it may be ranked among the most delightful Counties of England. The Reign of Edwye, the Eleventh Sole Monarch of England. EDwye, Eldest Son to Edmund, and Nephew to Edrid, began his Reign Anno Dom. 955, finding Affairs in a forward settlement (the Danes being for the most part expelled the Land, or had turned their Forces on the Scots, as knowing they had been foiled on this side, and had but little hopes of fixing in the Southern parts of the Island) He was Crowned at Kingston upon Thames, and there is reported to have drawn a Lady (near a kin to him, and Married to a Nobleman) aside, after a Ball or Dancing bout, as if he had some matter of importance to relate to her, and behind the Cloth of Arras forced her to his Lust, which being much complained of by the Nobility, he proposed for the reparation of her Honour to take her to be his Wife, but her Husband opposing it, and willing to pass over the high Injury his Prince had done him, rather than his Country should suffer by any public Mischief that might ensue thereon from Popular Fury or Factions at Court, the matter seemed hushed for a time; but whether the King feared the private Revenge of an abused Husband, or having an inclination to a free Enjoyment of the Lady, I determine not, but so it was ordered, that he in conclusion caused the Husband to be Murdered, and took his Lady, now free from the bonds of Marriage by the untimely Death of her Husband, not for a Wife, (as he had before proposed) but for his Concubine; which makes some Authors believe her Ambition, to glitter so near a Throne, tho' in a Tinsel splendour of ignominy, made her consenting to the latter crime, however she inclined to the former; yet this unprincely action created him such a hatred in the minds of his Subjects, That all, except his Flatterers, extremely murmured against him; and Bishop Dunstan sharply reproving him for his Vices, he Proscribed him as an Enemy or Traitor; so that, to save his Life, he absconded in England a while, and then fled into Flanders. Of these disorders in Government, and Disaffections of the People, the Danes taking advantage, joined with the Welsh, and Invaded the Northern Borders, having many Irish, and some Scots, as Auxiliaries joined with them; so that most of those Counties being violently Oppressed, and finding the King slow to relieve them, THE BISHOPRIC of DURHAM By john Seller. map of Durham having united their Forces and expelled the Enemy, renounced their Allegiance to him, and chose his Brother Edgar King, a young Prince of an active Spirit, who had assisted them in the War; to which with little opposition the whole Nation consented, and hereupon Edwye being Deposed, Dyed of Grief, and was Buried at Winchester. In his time there was a great contention between the Monks and Married Priests; the former opposing the latter, as not capable of Officiating in holy Orders, according to the Cannons of the Church of Rome; and they again alleging those Cannons were contradictory to the Holy Scriptures; so the Controversy was put to the King to determine, and in this indeed he gave a right Judgement, declaring for the Married Priests; which is the only commendable thing noted in his Reign. He Reigned four Years, and was the Eleventh Sole Monarch of England. Remarks on the Bishopric of Durham, etc. THE Bishopric of Durham, tho' small in circumference, abounds in plenty of all things, as , Corn, Pastures, Fruit-Trees, Woods, Forests and Parks; and is Watered with divers pleastant Streams stored with Fish. It has to the North and West many pleasant Hills, and is Bounded with Northumberland, Westmorland, Yorkshire, and the Germane Ocean. It has in it the City of Durham, which is a Bishops See, and is a Palatine, having divers Privileges above many Counties. It Contains 118 Parishes, 6 Market Towns, and 11 Rivers: It sends Members to Parliament 4, viz. Durham 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. It gained the Title and Privilege by the great Fame and Renown of St. Cuthberd, for the Interment of whom, the Cathedral was first Bulded by Bishop Aldwin, and much enlarged by Bishop Careleph: His Tomb was with much Devotion Visited by Edward, Ethelstane, and divers other Saxon Kings; and by William the Conqueror this Bishopric was made a County Palatine: There is a place called Gallile in the West End of the Church, where is to be seen the Tomb of venerable Beda. Binchester (the Benovium of the Romans) was famed for their chief station in the North, and many of their Coins have been found in Earthen Urns, upon Digging up old foundations. Chester in the Street (the Condercum of the Romans) is a Place of great Antiquity, pleasantly situate, and well Inhabited. At Nevil's Cross near Durham, the Scots were defeated, and David their King made Prisoner by one Copeland, and carried Prisoner to the Tower; for which service Copeland received of the King five Hundred Pounds per Annum. In this Bishopric, near Darlington, are three wonderful deep Pits, called Hell Kettles, supposed to be sunk by an Earthquake. In this Palatine also stands Bernard Castle, famous for the many Sieges it has held out against the Scots: Over the River Weer, with which the City of Durham is almost encompassed, are two well built Stone Bridges, one from the South, the other from the North Road, leading into the Town. This Palatine has a Jurisdiction within itself to Try Criminals, and other Matters, from which in many cases there lies no Appeal. The Seats tho' few, are very Ancient, and yet Magnificent Structures, viz. Durham Place and Aukland Castle, the Bishop Seats being the principal. The Reign of King Edgar, Twelfth Sole Monarch of England. EDgar, the Second Son of Edmund, began his Reign Anno Dom. 959, at which time the Danes (weary●d out with War) began to think of settling a Peace ●ith the English, upon consideration they might rest at quiet in some Northern Counties, and have other Advantages which (considering the uncertainty of the ●en state of Affairs) was not thought amiss to be ●lowed them, they owning the King their Superior, ●nd to continue as it were his Subjects: And so King ●dgar having received the Crown at Bath, from the ●ands of Odo Arch Bishop of Canterbury, applied himself to the Government of his Kingdom, and recalled Dunstan from Banishment; yet by this means some Divines of Oxford University were Branded in the Cheek, and Banished; for Affirming The Church of Rome ●o be the Whore of Babylon, Monkery an Offensive Contagion; Their Vows of Celibacy an encouragement to Sodomy, and other Vncleaneness. He made very strict Laws against Drunkenness, which was very rife in his time, causing Cups to be made with certain Pins or Marks, and a penalty to such as should exceed the allowed Draught: And England being then pestered with Wolves, who destroyed much small Cattle, and some People, he made a Law, That those who held Lands of the Crown should Yearly bring in a cerrain number of Wolves Heads, under a Penalty of forfeiting their Tenors; And Ludwal, the Prince of Wales, was allotted to bring in three Hundred Wolves Heads Yearly in consideration of the Lands he held in subjection to the Crown of England: Whereupon upon such diligent search was every where made, that ●n a few years there was not one to be found in England, except such as were kept tame, nor ever since has there been otherways any of the breed in this Country, tho' Neighbouring Ireland not long since abounded with them. This Edgar Yearly rid the Circuit, to take notice of the abuses and corruptions of his Judges, and severely Punished their remissness in the Administration of the Laws: But notwithstanding all these good Qualities, he was very much blemished with Incontinency, not sparing Wives or Daughters, where his desires lead him to pursue the enjoyment of his unlawful Pleasures: He begat a Daughter, whom he named Edith, on Wolfe-child a veiled Nun, who was afterward for a considerable sum of Money Cannonized by the Pope, and attempting to gain the possession of Odwina, a Western Duke's Daughter, her Mother whom he solicited to give her into his Arms, preferring the preservation of her Chastity to the King's Anger, and all his Golden Promises, contrived a Stratagem to defeat him, which she effected, by laying her waiting Maid in her Daughter's Bed, with whose wanton toying in the Dark he was so pleased, that tho' he discovered the Fraud the next Morning, he not only commended the Duchess, but gave his Bedfellow the Reward he had promised the Young Lady, and kept her as his Concubine. Soon after this, hearing by Fame of the great Beauty of Duke Orgarius' Daughter, that she was even a Phoenix in nature, for incomparable Features, being by this time a Widower, he resolved if what was reported proved true, to take her to Wife; and in order to be better certified, he sent Earl Ethelwold, one of his Courtiers, to view her, who falling in Love with the Lady, wooed her for himself, and Married her, excusing it to the King, by telling him, That she had Beauty enough for a Subject, but not for so great a Prince: However this did not so well satisfy him, but he resolved to see her, and so Invited himself to the Earls House. Ethelwold, mistrusting to what intent he had done it, being conscious his Wife's Beauty would inflame him, laboured to excuse his unpreparedness, but in vain; whereupon he acquainted his Wife with it, and entreated her to deform herself, by appearing in a homely Dress, and by discolouring her Face, if she had any regard to his Life, or her own Chastity; telling her how her prevailing Charms had made him betray his Trust. But this Ambitious Woman (proud of her Beauty) gathering from his discourse she might have been a Queen, and not now altogether out of hopes to be so, promised the Earl (for the better hiding her Anger) to obey him; but on the contrary, when the King was set at Dinner, she came before him Adorned with Jewels, and all her costly Ornaments, having much added by Art to her Natural Beauties, so that she appeared in his Eyes like a glittering Angel; yet he dissembled his Anger with Ethelwold for the present, till that Afternoon going a Hunting with the Earl in his Forest, he singled him out, and after many reproaches, struck him through with his Javelin, as he was about to fall on his Knees and beg Pardon; and in a little time after took the Lady to Wife, by whom he had Ethelred afterward King of England. For this and his other wicked practices, Dunstan whom he had made a Bishop, and his great Favourite, Enjoined him as a Penance, Not to wear his Crown for seven Years, which Injunction he submitted to, but left not his Lascivious courses. This Edgar brought the Kingdom to a Flourishing condition, and is accounted the greatest of the Saxon Monarches, being once at Westchester he had eight Kings and Princes to Row his Barge on the River Dee, as we have already noted, in our Remarks on Cheshire. He is said to compass the Island with almost an incredible Navy of Ships, viz. 3600, settling and strengthening the Seaports, leaving Guard-Ships to defend them against the Landing of Pirates or other Enemies; by which Undertaking he brought such a Terror on Scotland, that their King sued for Peace, and paid an Annual Tribute to have it confirmed. He Restored and Founded 47 Monasteries: And in the presence of his Nobility, on Christmas Day, Anno Dom. 974, he Confirmed the Abbey of Ramsey, which his Cousin Alwin had Founded, and made the Abbey which Bishop Oswald had builded, a Cathedral Church; He brought the Welsh under an entire Subjection to England, aloting their Prince's Pensions, as his Servants, clearing the Seas of Rovers, and intended to War on France, to compol that King to a reparation of the Damages his Merchants had sustained on the French Coasts, by Embargoes and Seizures of their Goods. But whilst great things were in his mind, his Debaucheries having much wasted his Natural Strength, he Died when he had Reigned Sixteen Years, and was honourably Entombed at Glastenbury; which as yet boasts some remains of his Monument. In the sixth Year of his Reign, the Heavens seemed as on Fire, the Stars to appearance darted Beams at each other, as if Creation had been about to dissolve. A Monstrous Fish was taken on the Coast of Sussex, with a Face and Hair like a Man, and a Scaly Circlet like a Coronet on its Head, and upon its being drawn up, sent forth a mighty noise like the roaring of a Lion. ESSEX By I: Seller. map of Essex Remarks on the County of Essex, etc. ESSEX is not only considerably Large, but is every where sprinkled with Towns and Villages of note, and is abundantly stored with Cattle, by reason its advantageous Meadows, Marshes, and other Pastures, which lying low produce store of Grass in the driest seasons; as for Cheese and Butter, it produces very great quantities, as also very good Corn, and store of Saffron, Hops, etc. It is Bounded on the South with the River Thames, and Kent, the River washing its verdant Banks as far as the Hope; on the West with Hartfordshire, and Middlesex; on the North with Cambridgshire and Suffolk, and on the East with the Ocean; It is divided into 20 Hundreds, which contain 415 Parishes; It has 27 Market Towns, and seven Rivers; It sends Members to Parliament eight, viz. Colchester 2, Harwich 2, Maldon 2, and two Knights of the Shire. Colchester in this County is of great Antiquity, held to be Built by the Ancient British King Coilus, from whom it seems to derive its Name; and in it was Born King Lucius the first known Christian King in the World: Constantine the first Christian Roman Emperor, as also Helena his Mother, Empress to Constantius and Daughter to King Coilus; It is also Memorable for its Long Siege in the late Civil War. Malden is very Ancient, having been the Royal Seat of the Trinobantes, of which Cunobeline was King, when our Saviour was Born. It was taken by the Emperor Claudius and Named Camalodunum, wherein he placed a Roman Garrison, but Razed to the Ground by Queen Bonduca or Boadicia, after a mighey Defeat given the Romans in Revenge of their breach of Trust, and the Rape of her Daughters; which we formerly mentioned. Walden famous for Saffron growing about it, from whic● it takes the Name of Saffron Walden, and for giving Birth to that Learned Statesman Sr. Thomas Smith, Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth: At Tilbury the said Queen rendezvouzed her Forces to oppose the Spanish Invasion 1588.; and there is now a strong Fort, commanding the Mouth of the Thames. Chelmsford, accounted the Shire Town, is of very commodious Building and situation, the Assizes being usually held there. Braintry, Cogshal, Harwich, and other Towns, adorn this County. There is a Proverb peculiar to this County, which is, He may fetch a Flitch of Bacon from Dunmow, This Proverb took its rise from a Custom formerly practised in the Priory of Dunmow, first founded by Juga, a Noble Lady, for Black Nuns, Anno 1111. but afterwards converted into a Priory for Friars, who ordained, That if any Person from any part of England would come thither, and humbly kneel on two stones, yet to be seen at the Church Door before the Convent, and solemnly take the following Oath, he might demand a Gammon or Flitch of Bacon, which should be freely given him: You shall Swear by the Custom of our Confession, That you never made any Nuptial Transgression, Since you were married Man and Wife, By Household Brawls, or contentious strife: Or otherwise in Bed, or at Board, Offended each other in Deed or Word: Or since the Parish Clark said Amen, Wished yourselves unmarried again; Or in a Twelvemonth and a Day, Repent not in thought any way; But continued true, and in Desire, As when you joined hands in holy Quire. If to these Conditions without all fear, Of your own accord you will freely Swear, A Gammon of Bacon you shall receive, And carry it hence with love and free leave. For this is our Custom at Dunmow well known; Tho' the sport be ours, the Bacon's your own. And pursuant hereunto, it appears upon Record, That ●ichard Wright, of Badsworth in Norfolk, in the 23d. ●f Hen. 6. and Stephen Samuel of Little Easton in Essex, ●n the 7th. of Edward the 4th, and Thomas Lee of Coxhall in Essex, in the 2d. of Hen. 8. Took the aforesaid ●ath, and demanded and received their Bacon. Amongst the many Noble Seats in this County, That ●oyal House called Audley-End, (not far from Saffron-Walden) justly claims the first place, Built by Thomas ●oward Earl of Suffolk, Treasurer to King James the first. ●hen there is New-Hall, a very Noble Seat of the late Duke of Albemarles, and Bently belonging to the Earl of Oxford; Copt-Hall a seat of the Earl of Dorcets; Leez priory, a seat of the Earl of Manchester; St. Osith, a ●at of the Earl Rivers; Havering, a seat of the Earl of ●indseys; Parkhall, a seat of the Earl of Angleseys; ●oulsham-Hall, Moulsham Friary, and Bishops-Hall, ●ats of the Lord Fitz Walter; Gosfield-Hall, and Spring-●lace, seats of the Lord Grey of Wark: Easton-Lodg ●nd Achdon-Place, seats of the Lord Maynard; Tols●ury, a seat of the Lord Howard of Escrick; Lawfield-Hall, the Lord carew's Seat: It contains likewise many ●urious Parks, Chases, Warrens, and is stored with Fish, ●owl, and all other Necessaries. The Reign of Edward, Thirteenth Sole Monarch of England, and by some Surnamed the Martyr. EDward, Eldest Son to Edgar, began his Reign upon the Death of his Father, Ann Dom. 975; he was Crowned at Kingston on Thames by Dunstan, who had been promoted to the Bishopric of Canterbury by his Father. At his Accession to the Throne, a terrible Blazing Star appeared, which rising East by South, continued visible twenty Nights; ushering in a grievous Famine; so that the poorer sort were compelled to Eat Grass, Leaves, and Bark of Trees, whereupon many Thousands died; yet it continued but a Year, and then another mischief succeeded, which had like to have put the Nation in confusion, viz. Several Years past, tho' the Pope's Cannons prohibited it, the Clergy had privilege to Marry, without any hindrance to them in performing their Functions, and keeping their Spiritualities: But Arch Bishop Dunstan, who aimed at the Popedom, or at least aspired to a Cardinals-Cap, finding it was displeasing to the Roman See, because the charge of Wives and Children must of necessity debar the Clergy from sending to Rome such liberal Contributions as otherways they might have done, and so hinder Grist from coming to the Pope's Mill, he to ingratiate himself with that See, stired up the Monks and Unmarried Priests, against those that had taken Wives, and they dealing underhand with divers unthinking People, Tumults arose thereon, and much mischief was done: For Duke Alfarus encouraging the Married Priests and their party, the King with all his Authority had much ado to prevent a General Insurrection. At last it was agreed, That an Assembly of both Parties should meet, and dispute the matter, according to Scripture and Cannons; and a place for that purpose was prepared in a large upper Room where Dunstan (as chief Orator for the Monks) had cunningly placed his Chair on a Post or Beam strongly fixed; and as some Authors believe had contrived a Device, by taking out some Pins, to let the Floor fall, upon a signal given; so the press being very great, after a hot Debate had been held for a while, and nothing Agreed on, Dunstan stamping, and saying, They shall fall before us, etc. The Floor first trembled, as with the motion of an Earthquake, and then fell down, leaving nothing but Dunstan's Chair that had been surely seated aloft, which being looked upon as, and cried up for a Miracle, in the behalf of the Monks, they thereupon carried the day: And the Married Priests were left at liberty to Enjoy their Wives, but outed of their Benefices. This is that Dustan of whom a story goes, That to prevent Idleness, he was working at the Goldsmith's Trade in a Cell near Glassenbury, and whilst he was framing a Chalice of Gold, the Devil in the shape of a Beautiful Woman appeared to him, endeavouring to Tempt him to Lewdness; but he by Inspiration knowing it to be a Fiend Transformed, on a sudden, as it was peeping over his Shoulder, he catched it by the Nose with red hot Tongues, and made the Devil roar so loud, that all the People in the Village were Affrighted at the horrid Noise, and thereupon the seeming Lady Vanished. GLOUCESTER SHIRE map of Glocestershire King Edward being thus made away, was in a manner privately Buried at Waltham, and afterward his Body removed into the Monastery at Shaftsbury. He Reigned 4 Years, and was the 13th Sole Monarch of England. Remarks on Gloucestershire, etc. GLoucestershire is made Fruitful by the River Severn, Branching almost unto all parts of it; it contains much Woodland and Gradual Hills, Feeding great store of Tame Cattle, and Venison. It abounds in Corn, Wool, Cheese, and Butter: On the North it is bounded with Worcestershire, and Warwickshire; on the East, with Oxfordshire, and Wiltshire; on the South, with Somersetshire, and part of the Severn; on the West, with Herefordshire, and Monmouthshire. It Contains one City, a Bishops See, viz Gloucester, 30 Hundreds, divided into 280 Parishes, 27 Market Towns and 12 Rivers. It sends members to Parliament 8, viz Cirencester 2, Gloucester 2, Teuksbury 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. Gloucester City is the ancient Gelenum of the Romans; In it Robert Brother to the Empress Maud, was kept Prisoner, being taken in the War against King Stephen; its Cathedral is of Excellent Architecture and much noted for its Whispering Place, wherein the least sound may be distinctly heard at a considerable distance: It was won from the Britain's by Chewlin King of the West Saxons Anno Dom. 570 and in this City a Monastery of Nuns was Founded by Osrick a Saxon, wherein 3 Queens of the Mercians were successively Prioresses. In Alny-Isle, a place near Gloucester, was fought the Combat between Edmund Ironside the Saxon King, and Canute the Dane, and the division of the Kingdom thereupon made, as in his Reign will further appear. Cirencester or Circester was an ancient Station of the Romans; in it was born the Learned Thomas Rutham, some time Bishop of Durham. The next places of note are Dursly, Cam, Todington, Yate, Westbury, Sudly Castle, Tewksbury, in whose field the Fatal Battle was fought which ruined at that time the House of Lancaster Anno 1471, in which Prince Edward was slain, Queen Margaret taken Prisoner, and the Duke of Somerset Earl of Devonshire etc. Were Beheaded. At Aderly on the top of certain Hills are found Stones in the form of Oyters, Cockles etc. and near Puckle Church is a Vein of blue Stone. At Lessington are Stones that represent Stars, of the circumferance of a single Penny, and the thickness of half a Crown, they grow together in Columns about 3 or 4 Inches long, and being singly put into Vinegar, they naturaly move, and tend towards union. The Seats of the Nobility are Badminton and Wallastons Grange, seats of the Duke of Beaufort; Stowel, a seat of the Earl of Strafford; Berkely-Castle, a seat of the Earl of Berkley's; Campden-House in Campden, a seat of the Earl of Gainsboroughs; Overnorton, a seat of the Lord Viscount Say and Seal's; Corfe-Court and Cockbury, seats of the Lord Coventry; Gloucester Palace, the Bishop's seat: It has in it also a great many Parks, Forests, and all accommodations for Recreation, etc. The Reign of Ethelred, Fourteenth Sole Monarch of England. EThelred began his Reign Anno Dom. 979; he was the third Son of Edgar, and came very Young to the Crown, for I find that being informed of the manner of his Brother Edward's Death to make way for him to the Crown, when he was but ten Years old, he not only detested the crime, and refused to be made King, but wept and complained so abundantly for the deceased, that the Queen in a great passion snatched a Wax Taper from the Altar (nothing else being at hand) and beat him so sorely with it, that it gave him an Antipathy against Wax Tapers all his life time, he never enduring any to be in his sight; so that he may be reputed to be between Ten and Eleven Years Old when he came to the Throne; so that the Danes promising themselves great advantages by reason of his Minority, Landed in great numbers. This King Ethelred, by some called Eldred, was Crowned at Kingston upon Thames by Arch Bishop Dunstan, not (as is said) by his good will, but he was compelled to perform that Office; yet instead of a Benediction, he Banned him as one that Swum to the Throne in the Stream of his Brother's Blood (as he Phrased it) speaking also as it were Prophetically, of the great losses England would sustain in this King's Reign; and indeed Queen Alfreda being soon sensible of the Bloodguiltiness that cried against her, and fearing the fury of the People, built two Monasteries of Nuns at Amesbury, where she lived a solitary Life till she Died. The King being but slow in his preparations, by which means he got himself the nickname of the Unready, Swain, King or chief Leader of the Danes, and Olaf King of Norway, who assisted him, got strong possession of divers of the most fertile Counties, (being secretly encouraged by Duke Edrick, a Treacherous Courtier, who discovered to them all the King's Counsels) and Fortified the Towns and Castles, casting up works to secure what they gained, as they made their Encroachments. However, at length the King gave them Battle, and tho' he cannot be said to lose it, the parting being somewhat doubtful on either side, yet he lost so many of his People that he could not get together a sufficient Army to oppose them; so that to save the rest of his Country from Spoil, he was constrained to comply with the Enemies exorbitant demands, compounding for his Quiet at 10000 l. Then they raised him to 16, 20, 30, and 40000 Pounds; compelling the People to find them Provisions in their Houses where they were Quartered, and to see in many places their Wives and Daughters Ravished before their Faces, not daring on pain of their Lives to gainsay it; The People calling them Lord Danes, corruptly now Lurdane, a byword for a Lazy Fellow. But Elfrick Earl of Mercia, and Algarius his Son, being found contributes and abettors to the Misery of their Country, the King caused their Eyes to be put out, and they confined to certain Limits during Life. And now the King plainly perceiving what a miserable condition the Kingdom was in, between private Traitors and professed Enemies, he resolved to take a violent and speedy course (as he thought, to end the War at once) and thereupon sent secret Messages throughout the Kingdom, That upon the Ringing the Allarm-Bell, on St. Brices' Day, the 13th of November, Anno Dom. 1002, the People in all Cities and Towns should fall on the Danes as they lay scattered, and had no time to get to their Arms, or in any great Body, and Massacre them; and accordingly it was put in execution; so that many places flowed with Danes Blood, the injured and imaged People not sparing either Sex of that Nation; so that Guni-Child, King Swane's Sister, was slain at Dorchester. This Honour (if I may rightly term it one) the Women, by I know not what Tradition, totally ascribe to their Sex, tho' no doubt both Sexes were Actors in the Danish Tragedy; which had been more Bloody, had not Duke Edrick given Swain notice, tho' somewhat too late in the main, of the Design; by which means he saved himself, and a great many of his followers: and storming at his Loss, Repaired it with all speed, sending for Recruits from Norway and Denmark: It was supposed in this Slaughter about 24000 fell; but to Revenge it, being Recruited, the Danes grievously oppressed the Country, Burning and Destroying in all places where they came; so that although the King to the Impoverishing himself, gave them 30000 Pounds for Peace, they observed it but a few Days; for having wrested a great Sum of Money from Alphegus, who Succeeded Dunstan in the Arch Bishopric of Canterbury, and slain 900 Monks and Men in Religious Orders, They Stoned the good Bishop to Death at Greenwich in Kent. The King seeing these proceed, sent Emma his Queen with his two Sons, to her Brother Richard Duke of Normandy, and shortly after, not able to endure the Destruction the Enemy made, followed them. But at length Swain was Murdered by his own Men, for denying them their share of Plunder, or restraining them from their Insolences over the English: However they chose Canute his Son King. Of which change, Ethelred thinking to make advantage, at the solicitation of his Friends returned; but perceiving several Treasons hatching against him; That his Counsels were betrayed by some he confided in, and that he was too weak to withstand the Enemy's fury, he fell into a Melancholy and Dyed, as is supposed of Grief, and he was Buried in St. Paul's London. He Reigned 37 Years, unless we exclude the time he was absent in Normandy, which by some is accounted between two and three Years. He was the Fourteenth Sole Monarch of England. Remarks on Hampshire, or Hantshire. HAmpshire is not only considerable for its Fertility in Corn, Cattle, Fowle, Fish, and its producing store of singular good Honey, but for its commodious Seaports, opening to the South, for the conveniency of Shipping outward or inward bound, especially Southampton, Anciently Hamo's Haven; It is Bounded on the North with Berkshire, on the East with Surry and Sussex, on the South with the Channel, and on the West with Wiltshire and Dorsetshire; It Contains one City, viz. Winchester which is a Bishops See; and is divided into 39 Hundreds, 253 Parishes, 20 Market Towns, and 4 Rivers; It sends Members to Parliament 26, viz. Knights of the Shire two, Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, Yarmouth, Petersfield, Newport, Stockbridge, Newton, Christchurch, Whitchurch, HAUNT ●HIRE map of Hampshire Limington, and Andover two each: Note, That to this County belongs the Isle of Wight. As for Winchester, the only City, it was the Ancient Venta-Belgarum of the Romans, it is held to have been Founded by Rudhuidibras an Ancient British King, and was the Royal Seat and Place of Crowning the West Saxon Kings for many Reigns. The Cathedral was Built by King Kenwolfe, and made the Buryingplace of the Kings. Henry the Third was Born in this City, and many Men of great fame. Southampton was Built out of the Ruins of the Ancient Clausentium, and after many Devastations Re-Edified in King Richard the Seconds time. It's said to take this latter Name from Hamo a Roman slain there, viz. Hamo's Haven, or Southampton. At Basingstoke was Born John of Basingstoke, the first English Author of a Greek Grammar; and at Odiam, William Lily, first Master of St. Paul's School: Other Places in this County are Famous for the Birth of worthy Persons and memorable Transactions; as Andover, Warblington, Hid, Illchester, Wickham, Okely, etc. Besides the strength of Portsmouth and the Citadel to secure the Coast, here are Hurt-Castle and Calshot-Castle standing as it were in the Sea; and many other advantages for the protection of Shipping. The Rocks afford Sampire and the White Cliffs abundance of Wild Thyme, Marjorum, and Rosemary. The Seats of the Nobility are Basing-House, Abbstone and Hackwood, seats of the Duke of Boulton; Farnborough Place, a seat of the Earl of Anglesey; Rockborn, a seat of the Earl of Shaftsburys; Wharlwell, a seat of the Lord La Wars; Mottessant, a seat of the Lord Sandys; Breamore, a seat of the Lord Brooks; Wolvesey-House, the seat of the Lord Bishop of the Diocese. The Reign of Edmund, who from his Valour and Hardiness was Surnamed Ironside, Fifteenth Sole Monarch of England. EDmund Ironside began his Reign in a very troublesome time, Anno Dom. 1016, when the Danes had possessed the greater part of the Kingdom; taking on him the Crown rather out of pity to his bleeding Country, than desire of Sovereignty; and indeed did more than could be reasonably expected from him, with such slender Forces and little Treasure; for immediately setting up his Standard to recover a great part of the Kingdom at a point to be lost, he gave Canute Battle at Penham near Gillingham, where he Overthrew him with much slaughter on both sides; then he Fought him again with the like success at Sherestane in Worcestershire; and likewise in a third Battle near that place, notwithstanding Ederick the Traitorous Duke, though seemingly siding with the King, gave out in the midst of the Battle that the King was Slain; upon which Defeat, the Danes fled to London, and were pursued by Edmund who drove them thence. He discomfited them at Oteford in Kent, and had cleared the Kingdom of them but for Edrick's Treachery, who in a sixth Battle the King Fought at Assendune near Roachfor in Essex, commanding a part of the King's Army, he purposely fled, upon which the Soldiers fell into Rout and Disorder, so that the King was compelled for his safety to Retreat towards Gloucester, whither his scattered Forces resorted to him; and after a little Refreshment he caused other Troops to be raised, and again displayed his Standard in the Field, often Skirmishing with the Danes, and slaying great numbers of them, sending likewise a Challenge to Canute their King, to end the War by single Combat; who accepting it, the two Kings in the sight of both Armies prepared on the day appointed, viz. the 15th of July, in a little Island called Olway, made so by the winding of the Severn; and about ten in the Morning the Combat began, both of them having strong and large Swords: They had not long continued it, and given to each other mighty Blows, but the Blood flowed plentifully from their Wounds, and Edmund being a Prince of exceeding strength, pressed so hard upon Canute, that driving him to the Brink of the River, he cried out (though almost Breathless and Faint, by effusion of Blood) What need is there for us, Noble King, thus to endanger our Lives? The Kingdom is large enough for us both: If you will then consent to divide it between us, our hands will be strengthened against our Enemies, and we shall Live together in Peace and Unity, as Brothers. King Edmund pausing hereupon a while, considered That if he slew Canute, the Danes might not stand to the Award of leaving the Land, as having experienced their breach of Truce, and that being mostly Pagans', they held it but a small matter to break their Word or Oaths with Christians, and that other Commanders might come over with fresh Forces to work new Troubles, the Country being already very much wasted; he at last concluded (upon Canute's dropping his Sword, in token he Submitted) to shake Hands with him, and embrace the offer: Whereupon King Edmund having the first Lot, chose the Southern, Eastern, and Western Counties, as far as the Borders of Yorkshire; and Canute then seemed to be contented with the Northern Counties, as far as the Borders of Scotland; Mutually Swearing to assist each other against all Invaders; and for a time they lived Peaceably in Co-Partnership. But Ederick, the Traitorous Duke, perceiving the Danes by reason of the swarms that came frequently from Denmark to be the stronger, laboured to ingratiate himself with Canute, (tho' he held fair with Edmund, who would not be persuaded by his faithful Counsellors to take him out of the way, tho' his Treasons were apparent:) And thinking he should merit much of the Dane by destroying King Edmund; at least, That he should have some part of the Kingdom assigned him; he one day, as the King was disburdening Nature at the lower end of his Garden, conveyed himself by a back way under the Vault, and with Impious Hands Thrust a short Spear in at his Fundament and up his Body till it pierced his Heart; so that giving an extraordinary Groan, he instantly Dyed. The Traitor not satisfied with this, but desirous to carry some Testimonial of the Regicide with him, crept up at the hole, and with his Sword cut off the King's Head, and so privately made his Escape to Canute; and at his approaching him, cried out, Hail, Sole Monarch of England! Behold the Head of thy Go-Partner: Canute inwardly detesting so base a Treachery, yet outwardly dissembling his Resentment, received it as a Grateful Present, promising the Bringer to Advance him above all the Nobles of the English Nation; and indeed in one sense he did it, as he deserved; for whilst he was expecting high Promotion, he caused him to be Arrested, and his Head being stricken off, was placed on the highest part of the Tower; for by this time he was advanced with an Army to London, and the English (upon the consternation they were in at the surprising News of the King's Death) not opposing him, in a short time the whole Kingdom submitted to him; so that being Crowned Sole Monarch, he put a Period to the Saxon Reign, about 566 Years from the Establishment of the Heptarchy. HARTFORD SHIRE By John Seller map of Hartfordshire This Edmund was the Fifteenth Sole Monarch of England: He began his Reign Anno Dom. 1016, and continued it about one Year. He was a Prince abounding with Courage, Courtesy, and Strength; a lover of Humanity, and very Merciful to those that Submitted to him; and so Goodnatured, That he hardly could be induced to believe any Treachery against him. Remarks on Hartfordshire, etc. HArtfordshire is a very pleasant Inland County producing large crops of Corn, especially Barley, of which the best Malt is held to be made: It abounds with pleastant Orchards and Gardens, has in it divers Parks stored with Deer; It produces large and small Cattle in great abundance, and is sprinkled with Woods, and adorned with pleasant Hills, Meadows, and Inclosiures; and is particularly noted for the great quantities of Black Cherries, that are at the proper season sent from thence to London; many of the Trees that produce them growing in the Hedg-rows, in Fields, and along the Roads, casting a pleasant shade in Summer time, to refresh the weary Traveller. It is Bounded with Cambridgshire, Essex, Middlesex, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire; and divided into Eight Hundreds, viz. Odsey, Edwinstree, Hitching, Broadwater, Broughing, Hartford, Dacor, and Caisho Hundreds; and these again into 120 Parishes: It has 18 Market Towns and one River of note, viz. Ware River; though it is Watered with many small Streams. It sends Members to Parliament Six, viz. St Alban two, Hartford, the Shire Town, two; and two Knights of the Shire. In this County are divers Places worthy of note, as St. Alban, raised out of the Ruins of old Verulam, an Ancient Roman station: It is Memorable for the Death of St▪ Alban, the British Proto Martyr, who suffered there in the Tenth Persecution, raised by Dioclesian the Roman Emperor, who being Buried here, and a stately Monument raised on his Grave by Offa the great King of the Mercians, seems to have given it its Name. This Place is also famous for two Battles fought here; The first between Richard Duke of York and King Henry the sixth, the 23d of May Anno Don. 1455. In which the King was defeated with the slaughter of the Duke of Summerset, Earl of Northumberland, Lord Clifford, and 5000 of lesser note: The second on the 17th of February Anno Dom. 1460, where King Henry the sixth and his Queen Margaret gained the Victory over the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, and the Earls of Arundel and Warwick. Barnet is famed for its Market and Medicinal Waters, and for the great Victory gained by Edw. the 4th on the 14th of April Anno Dom. 1471 against the Earls of Warwick and Oxford, in whose Field that great Earl was slain, since called The Battle of Barnet-Field. Here was Born John Barnet Bishop of Worcester, then of Bath and Wells, lastly of Ely, Lord Treasurer in the Reign of Edward the Third. Ware, Hatfield, and Hodsdon, are all three seated on the River Lea; and near unto Ware is Amwel-Spring, famous for being the Head of the New-River, which so plentifully furnishes the City of London with Water. Langly, commonly called Kings Langly, gave Birth to Edmond of Langly, fifth Son to Edward the Third, and the first Burial-place of Richard the Second, afterward removed to Westminster. Abbots Langly was the Birth-place of Nicholas Breakspear, advanced to Pope of Rome, by the Name of Pope Adrian the Fourth; who made the Emperor Frederick of Germany hold his Stirrup. Oyster supposed by Cambden to have been the Camp of the Roman Lieutenant Ostorius, the next of note are Weathamsted, Baldock, Redburn, Helmsteadsbury, Gatesden, Hemsted, Cottered, Grohambury, which produced many famous Men. The Seats of the Nobility curiously adorn it, and are these: More Park, once the delightful seat of the Late Unfortunate Duke of Monmouth; Caishobury and Hadam-Hall, the seats of the Earl of Essex; Totteridg, the seat of the Earl of Angleseys; Hatfield, Hartford-Castle, Bigrave, Chesunt, and Quickwood, seats of the Earl of Salisburys: With divers seats of the Gentry rendering a pleasant Prospect in all Parts. CHAP. IX. The Reigns of the Three Danish Kings, who were Sole Monarches of England, viz. Canute, Harrold, and Hardicanute; with the Memorable Things that happened in their several Reigns. Some Observations on the Original of the Danes. A Brief Description of the Country from whence they came: Their manner of War, Religion, Customs, etc. BEing come to speak of a Succession of Kings different in Nation from the former, it will not be improper to give an account briefly of the Original of the Nation that gave birth to the first of them, etc. The Original of the Danes is concluded (by some Authors) to have been from Scythia; That a Famine extremely raging in that Country, divers Colonies had left it, and ranging to seek Food, found out an Island called Scandia situate Northward, not far from the continent of Denmark; and in time growing too numerous for that scanty place, they Warred on the Danij, and so long continued it, that they grasped the Kingdom with so hard a hand, as to this day it is not wrested from the Race of them; and from thence they called the Country Danes-Mark, or portion of Land, now corruptly Denmark. This Peninsule, so called by reason it is almost an Island, as it is now held by the Danish King, that is properly called Denmark, is in Length Eighty Miles, and Twenty in Breadth; having but little firm Land; being divided into many Islands; whereof Jutland, for its bigness, is the chief: It borders upon Germany and is a near Neighbour to the lower Frisia; it is difficult to determine whether it receives greater Benefit than Damage from the Sea; for often by the violent Tempests the Banks and Fences being forced by the Waves, the Water not only covers the Fields for a long time, but by the suddainness of the Deluge destroys many Cattle and People, and as well Stately Buildings as Lowly Cottages: And the Country is full of Woods containing store of Deer. The Island of Frunen is separated from the main Land by a narrow Arm of the Sea: To the Westward of it lieth Juta, to the East Slayland, which, for the Beauty and Fertility of it, is to be preferred before all the other Islands belonging to the Danish King. In it is situate Copenhagen the principal residence of the King, also Roschilt the place of their Burial; near unto which is the Island of Scandia, the first Habitation of the Danes in those parts, as most conclude. But now to the King of Denmark belongs Norway, formerly a distinct Kingdom, and some other Countries, which render his Territories much larger than when the Danes first possessed it. As for their Religion, when they first Invaded England, and long after, it was Paganism. Their Idols were many, outnumbering those of the Pagan Saxons; to some they Offered Horses, to others Humane Sacrifice, Fruits, Flowers, Water, Bread, Wine, Fish, etc. They were a People very Bloody and Cruel to those they prevailed over, and extremely Lustful and Treacherous. Their Habit was close girted Coats, their Arms Spears of a moderate length, Battleaxes, and Falchions, their Diet many times the Flesh of their slain Enemies, Roast or Sodden; it was about 230 years from their first Invading England, before Canute got the Sole Monarchy, of whose Reign I am next to treat. The Reign of Canute, Sixteenth Sole Monarch of England, and first of the Danes, that Reigned here. CAnute, Son to Swain (who as you have heard was Murdered by his Soldiers) began his Reign as Sole Monarch Anno Dom. 1017. He was Crowned at London by Livingus, Arch Bishop of Canterbury; and at his first coming to the Crown kept the English under with a very strict Hand, every where disarming them, and making it a capital Crime for above a certain number of them to meet together, unless called by his Authority; so that Fairs and Marts were in a manner laid aside: He Deposed and Banished the Popular Nobles, conferring their Titles of Honour and Estates on his Danes, and yet not thinking he was sufficiently secured whilst Edward and Edmund, the Sons of Edmund Ironside, remained in the Kingdom; and yet thought that if he should dip his Hands in their Innocent Blood, he must of necessity incur the perpetual hatred of the English, he concluded to take away their Lives privately, so that he might excuse it, and lay the blame on others; whereupon he sent the Young Princes to his Brother, King of Sweden, with private Instructions to make them away; but he detesting so base a crime, Transferred them to the King of Hungary, where Edmond Died; but Edward getting favour at Court and being a Prince endowed with much manly Beauty, and excellent Parts, Agatha Sister to the Empress of Germany fell in Love with him, to whom he was Married, and by her had Edgar Surnamed Etheling, who Died without Issue; Margaret, who Married Malcolm King of Scots; she had Issue Christian a Veiled Nun, Edgar, David, and Alexander, all three Kings of Scotland proceeded from this Line, as also Maud wife to King Henry the first King of England, who had Issue Maud the Empress, Mother to King Henry the Second; so that the design of making away these Princes abroad, by a wonderful Providence turned in the end to the Advantage of both Kingdoms, in restoring the Saxon Line after the Norman Conquest to England, in the person of Henry the Second, and producing many worthy Kings in Scotland Canute, to strengthen his Interest, Married Emma Sister to Richard Duke of Normandy, and widow to King Ethelred, and soon got possession of the Kingdom of Norway, which has ever since been annexed to the Crown of Denmark; then Warring on the Scots, he made them Tributaries, so that some reckon him to be the possessor of Four Kingdoms; he made a strict League with the Normans, and set out a huge Navy to Sea, bringing thereby a Terror on all the Neighbouring Sea Coasts, laying a Tax of 82000 Pounds on his English Subjects; with which Money, at the persuasion of Queen Emma, he paid off and sent away the greater part of the Lazy Danes to their Native Country, which won him much favour with the English; Then he set himself to the contriving and establishing wholesome Laws for the better settlement of his Kingdom; and for the more firmly founding them, he called a Parliament at Oxford. He is commended for his aversion to Dissemblers, Traitors, and Flatterers, for one of the latter having told him He was Sovereign King not only of the Land but the Sea, and not only his People but the Winds and Waves were subject to his Command; to disprove and upbraid the Parasite, being at Southampton he caused his Chair to be placed on the Sand, and Commanded the Sea that it should not swell to wet his Royal Robes; but the Waves Rolling towards the Shoar, in their wont Flow, Dashed him up to the Thighs, whereupon rising hastily, he said to his Attendants, Now you see all the Might and Power of Kings is but Vanity, for none is worthy to have the Name of King, but he that hath all things subject to his Laws; and from that time, as several Authors affirm, he not only Banished all Flatterers from the Court, but refused to wear his Crown. In the Third Year of his Reign with a great Navy he Sailed to Denmark, that Country being then Invaded by the Vandals, who had overrun the larger part of Germany, and overthrowing them in a bloody Battle, Slaying their chief Leaders, he chased the rest out of his Kingdom, and causes Castles and Forts to be builded on the Frontiers, to secure it against their Incursions. And so returning with Victory, he was received at London in Triumph, and having settled his Affairs in a flourishing condition, the Kingdom thereby much recovered its Ancient Renown, and he having received the Christian Faith, a considerable time before, hearing of the Magnificence of Rome, and desirous to see its stately Structures, the manner of their Living, etc. went thither, not Royally Attended, but as a Pilgrim; where nevertheless being known, he was received with great respect, and having given liberally to that See, after he had visited all the places of note in that Superb City, once Mistress of the World, he returned highly satisfied with the Undertaking; causing the Ruined Churches to be Repaired, and Founded divers Religious Houses, giving great Privileges to the Monastery of St. Edmunds-Bury in Suffolk, which he had re-Edified, and then taking a Progress to restore the Face of Justice in the several Counties, punishing the corrupt Ministers and Oppressors, worn out with the Toils of War and Indefatigable Study, in settling his new acquired Kingdom, he fell Sick on the Road some Miles from Shaftsbury, and being conveyed to that Town, in a short time he paid the debt by Nature due from all that are clothed with Mortality, Dying Anno Dom. 1036, when he had Reigned 18 Years; and tho' the First of the Danish, yet is accounted the 16th Sole Monarch of England. Remarks on Huntingtonshire, etc. HUntingtonshire, is as the former, an Inland County, Bounded by Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, and Cambridgshire; It produces store of Wool, Cattle, Corn, and many fertile Pastures; it is somewhat Woody, tho' encumbered with few Hills of any considerable height, it has many small Streams abounding with Roach, Dace, Chubb, Trout, Carp and Pike, and abundance of Wild Fowl resorts to its Meers and Marshy Places; it contains divers Parks of Deer, and some Warrens, also Quarries of Stone. It is divided into 4 Hundreds, containing 79 Parishes, 6 Market Towns, and 2 Rivers. It sends Members to Parliament 4, viz. Huntingdon 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. HUNTINGTON SHIRE map of Huntingtonshire St. Ives is situate on the same stream, with many other pleasant Towns, and Villages. Here was Born Roger, thence Surnamed St. Ives; at Cunington the learned Antiquary Sr. Robert Cotton was Born. And indeed this Shire has produced divers famous Men, as Gregory of Huntingdon, who Died 1610; Henry of Huntingdon, Renowned for his History of England; William Whittleseay, Arch Deacon of Huntingdon; William Ramsey, a famous Poet, and others. In this County a Lake called Wittlesmeer, in the Fairest Wether grows Tempestuous, and Rages with Surges like the Sea; but in a Storm is much Calmer. The whole County is well Watered, and boasts of many pleasant Villages. The Seats of the Nobility are Kimbolton-Castle, a seat of the Earl of Manchester; Hinchingbrook, now a seat of the Earl of Sandwich, but formerly the seat of Sir Oliver Cromwell, Uncle to the late Oliver Cromwell, called Protector of England, who was a Native of this County- Great Gidding, a seat of the Lord Rockingham; Leyghton, a seat of the Earl of Arran. There are likewise to be seen the Ruins of many stately Buildings, as Castles, Monasteries, and the like. It produces a sort of soft Stone, much used in Building in those Parts, and in diging for it, rusty Armour, Arms, and Coin, have been found, denoting some great Battle Fought there in former times. The Reign of Harrold, Seventeenth Sole Monarch of England, etc. HArrold, Surnamed Harefoot, (from his Swiftness in Running, Leaping and Vaulting) Succeeded his Father, Crowned Anno Dom. 1036; He was Second Son to Canute, and upon his coming to the Crown was much opposed by Goodwin Earl of Kent a Person very Powerful, and a Politic Intreaguer of those times, to make Factions, etc. But by his liberal Promises, and present Renuntiation of Taxes, he won the Londoners, and Lords on the North side the Thames to his Party; and having thus far prevailed, he strengthened his Hand by liberally disposing of Gratuities to such as had done him any good offices; he promoted the English to Places of Trust and Honour, sending away more of the Danes; than in doing which, he could lay no greater obligation upon them: For Time, as yet, had not worn out the Mortal Hatred between the two Nations. He took off likewise a good part of the oppressing Tax called Dane-Gelt, which the People not without much discontent had laboured under, especially in the Northern Counties, many Years. And now Goodwin Earl of Kent, perceiving his Clandestine Practices too weak to enfeeble the King's Interest in his Subjects affections, like cunning Statesman resolves to struggle no longer against this Tide of Fortune and Success; and thereupon, to make fair with him, entered upon an Inhuman Project, viz. To betray into his Hands Edward and Alfride, Sons to Ethelred and Emma, Born at Islip by Oxford, but brought up the greater part of their time in Normandy; and so cunningly this Traitor to his Country worked the design, as knowing Harrold by any means was desirous to destroy them, as being the rightful Heirs of the Saxon Line, that by specious pretences of Advancement and Honour, and how also herself might much profit by it, and always stand high in the King's favour, he so dealt with Queen Emma, that won by guilded Flatteries, and not perceiving the Mortal Hook covered with the Tempting Bait, she was easily persuaded to Write to them on this occasion; which being seconded by Goodwin and the King, the Innocent Princes were decoyed over, and brought as Lambs to the Slaughter; for no sooner had the Dane got them in his power, but contrary to his Promise, he caused Alfride's Eyes to be put out, and yet not so contented, his Belly was opened with a Razor, and one end of his Bowels being fastened to a Post, he was forced about it by the pricking of sharp Poniards, till he had twisted them out, and so died a miserable death; which is held to have struck Goodwin, the Author of this Mischief, with so great a Remorse, that he could neither Rest in the Day, nor Sleep in the Night, without hideous and fearful Dreams, till he contributed to the Escape of Edward the other Brother, who luckily got away a small time before he was to be Murdered by the like, or other as cruel Torments, by which his Brother fell a Sacrifice to Policy of State. Harrold supposing he had been defeated of the second Game by the contrivance of Queen Emma (for Goodwin Swore himself unknowing of any thing relating to it) determined to put her to death; but cooling a little on his rash Decree, and considering she was near Allied to a Powerful Prince, his Neighbour, and had been Wife to two Kings, the last of them being his Father, he changed the Sentence into one somewhat less severe: For first he seized on all her Treasure and Possessions, which were very considerable; and that not being thought a sufficient Punishment, he Banished her in a manner Naked; so that under such a disgrace, and in that poor condition, being ashamed to go into Normandy, her own Country, she got leave to pass the Seas for Flanders, where she was received Honourably by the Earl of that Province, and there she continued, for the most part, till the Danish Succession failed, and her Son Edward, afterward called the Confessor, was Invited over to take upon him the Crown. Soon after this Harrold fell Sick at Oxford, and there Dyed, when he had Reigned Four Years: He was the Seventeenth Sole Monarch of England, and Second of the Danish Line, and Reigned Four Years, being first Buried at Westminster, and after held to be removed to St. Clement's Danes, without Temple-Barr. Remarks on Herefordshire, etc. HErefordshire is famed for abundance of Fruit-Trees, producing great quantities of Cider, and other wholesome Liquors; Its Wool is held to be the finest in England, especially from those numerous flocks of Sheep that feed on the pleasant Hills about Lempster. It also yields abundance of Cheese, Butter, Swine, and all necessary Provisions for the support of Man's Life; and has some considerable Forests and Woods. It is Bounded with Shropshire, Worcestershire, Glocestershire, Monmouthshire, Radnorshire and Brecknockshire; It gives denomination to a Bishopric, the Diocese containing this County and part of Shropshire; It is divided into 11 Hundreds, containing 176 Parishes, 8 Market-Towns, and 13 Rivers; and sends 8 Members to Parliament, viz. Knights of the Shire 2, Hereford 2, Lempster 2, and Weobley 2. The City of Hereford is noted for its Cathedral, of Anti●● but Curious Building; it gave Birth to Ada●● D' HEREFORD SHIRE map of Herefordshire Orleton Bishop of Hereford, and Roger of Hereford, a learned Astrologian; Bradwarden-Castle gave Birth to Thomas D' Bradwardine Arch Bishop of Canterbury; also to John Guillim, a famous Herald, whose Systeme of Heraldry is accounted the best on that subject. This County gave Birth to the Renowned Robert Devereux Earl of Essex, who lost his Head in Queen Elizabeth's Reign. The next Towns of note are Stanton, Lempster, Weobly, Ludbury, Rosse, Orleton, Pembridg and Wormbridg. Marsley-Hill in this County is Celebrated by all Writers for its wonderful Travel, on Saturday the 7th of February, 1571. which was indeed exceeding strange and surprising, and must not be here omitted: It happened thus, About six of the Clock in the Evening the Earth began to move, with a mighty rooring and bellowing Noise, which was heard several Miles off, and then it lifted itself up a great height, and began to Travel; carrying along with it the Trees that grew upon it, the Sheepfolds and Flocks of Sheep continuing still thereon, and from the place whereon it first stood, by seven a Clock the next Morning, had gone about 200 Foot, and so continued its Travel three Days together, and then stood still; in its passage it overthrew Kinnaston-Chappel. and removed an Yew-Tree growing in the Churchyard from West to East; throwing down also several Houses, Trees and Hedges: But that which adds more to the wonder is, That two Highways were turned about 300 Foot from their former Paths, the East part to the West, and the West to the East, Pasturage being left in the place of Tillage, and likewise Tillage in the place of Pasturage. As for the Seats of the Nobility, tho' not many, they are mostly of curious Ancient Building, viz. Goodrick-Castle, Penyard-Castle, and Eccleswald-Castle, belonging to the Earl of Kent; Wilton, Aconsbury, and Dewswell, belonging to the Lord Chandois; and Hereford Palace, belonging to the Bishop of the Diocese. There are divers Quarries of Stone found in this County, which stand the People in great stead; also some Minerals; much Fuel is likewise got out of the Ground. The Reign of Hardicanute, the Third Danish King, and Eighteenth Sole Monarch of England. HArdicanute, the Third Son of Canute, by a different Mother, viz. Emma, Succeeded Harrold, Anno Dom. 1040: He was Crowned at London by Elnoch Arch Bishop of Canterbury; upon which he laboured to settle his Affairs at home and abroad, kept the Seas free from Pirates, that for some time before had infested the Coast, causing the Danes and Norwegians to build divers Ships for his Service; but being of a rough and uneasy temper, he was not very pleasing to his Subjects: He bore a Mortal Hatred to Harrold his Brother-in-Law, and not being capable of expressing it to any effect during his Life, he shown it openly after his Death; causing his dead Body to be taken out of the Sepulchre in which it had lain a considerable time, and the Head to be cut off, and then thrown into the Thames, sunk with a great weight of Lead; but some Fishermen draging it up with their Nets a while after, decently Buried it in St. Clement's Church in the Strand; for which reason some will have it to take the additinal word Danes, as it is now called. This Hardicanute is accounted among the Voluptuous Kings, taking great pleasure in Banqueting, and often gloried he could Eat more at a Meal, than any of his Subjects; his Table was four times a Day spread with all manner of Delicates that Sea or Land afforded; by which riotous manner of living he greatly wasted his Treasure, and set an example to his Nobles to do the like; so that the Court being Impoverished, consults were held to raise an exacting Tax on the Commons, which was chief counselled by Goodwin Earl of Kent, whereby he fell into the hatred of the People, and went Guarded a long time after, to prevent their fury: The Sum raised was 3●147 Pounds, a great Tax in those days, and grievously exasperated the People, because it was exacted with rigour; insomuch that at Worcester they made an Insurrection, and slew two of the Collectors; which so highly offended the King, that he not only caused divers of the Mutineers to be Executed, but laid the City in a heap of Rubbish by Fire, so that the Innocent suffered among the Guilty; which caused other Insurrections, but they were presently quieted, and many slain. With part of this Money the clamouring Seamen were paid off, and thereupon a great part of the Fleet laid up, and then the King pursued his former pleasures; whereupon the Scots much wasted the Northern Borders; but being overthrown in a great Battle on the bank of the Tweed, near to Barwick, they were compelled to sue for Peace; which they could not obtain, till they had made considerable restitution for the damage they had done in the English Counties. About the latter end of this Kings Reign a terrible Blazing Star appeared for Three Weeks; The Sun at noon day seemed of the colour of Blood, strange and amazing Voices were heard, supposed to proceed out of the Air, and many other Prodigies are said to have happened. When he had Reigned about two Years, being Invited to a Nobleman's Wedding, held at Lambeth in Surry, situate on the South side the Thames, he there Eat and Drank so unmeasurably, that he immediately Sickened, and being carried from the Table, fell into a grievous Surfeit, and not admiting his Physicians to Bleed him, which they advised as the only Remedy for his Recovery, he soon after Dyed; and leaving no Issue behind him, with him died the Danish Monarchy in England; and it devolved again on the Saxons: For Edward, the Seventh Son of Ethelred by Queen Emma, having escaped many dangers, was sent for upon the Death of Hardicanute from Normandy, (whither he had retired to save his Life upon the Death of his Brother Alfride) and Proclaimed King. Remarks on the County of Kent, etc. KEnt is a very large and spacious County, and advantageously seated, being almost wholly environed with the Sea, except its Western parts, which borders upon Surry and Sussex: Besides the Thames, which parts it Northward from Essex, its principal Rivers are Medway, the Rother, and the Stowr. It abounds in Fruits, Corn, fat Pastures, and exceeding profitable Marshes, for the feeding of Cattle, which are bought up Lean from other Counties, and sent thither to be made Fat: It produces particularly the greatest quantity of Cherries of any County in England, etc. It is divided into 67 Hundreds containing 408 Parishes, 2 Cities, viz. Canterbury and Rochester, the former being an Archiepiscopal See, having the Primacy of all England; the latter is likewise a Bishops See: It has likewise 31 Market Towns, and 4 Rivers more than before mentioned, among which Lewisham River is famous for the large store of Fish found in it, its Stream carrying about several Mills. It sends Members to Parliament 10, viz. Canterbury 2, Maidston 2, Queenbourough 2, Rochester 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. Besides which, 3 of the Cinque Ports being in this County, viz. Dover, Rumney and Sandwich, do each of them send two Barons up to the Parliament, called Barons of the Cinque Ports. KENT By J. Seller map of Kent Canterbury is by some Authors said to have been Built 900 Years before the birth of our Saviour; it was given by Ethelbert the Saxon King of Kent to Austin the Monk and his Companions, and in their time the Cathedral was Founded, in which Eight Kings of Kent lie Buried. It suffered greatly by the Fury of the Danes, especially in the Reign of Ethelred, when 4200 of its Inhabitants were slain. Here King John and his Queen Isabella were Crowned; King Henry the Third and King Edward the First Married: Edward the Black Prince, Henry the Fourth, and Queen Joan, were Interred here; and the Cathedral was long famous in Superstitious times for Pilgrimages made to visit the Shrine of St. Thomas of Becket (a Popish Saint and Martyr) slain at the Altar in the Reign of Henry the Second. Rochester, formerly called Roffchester, as builded by one Roff, Lord thereof, is a very pleasant City; it was destroyed by the Danes, and suffered much after Rebuilding by two dreadful Fires in the Reigns of King Henry the First and King Henry the Second; it has in it many fair Churches, and leading to it a curious Arched Bridge of Stone. Maidstone a flourishing Town, situate on the Medway, for a mere Town, is reputed the handsomest, and best of Trade, in all the County. Feversham is of great Antiquity, very pleasant and commodious in its situation; in it King Stephen and Queen Maud were Buried. Dover is renowned for its Castle, said to be Built by Julius Caesar at his second Landing: Queenborough Castle was Built by Edward the Third. At Wye J. Kemp the learned Arch Bishop of Canterbury was Born. Greenwich is famous for its Park, and stately Palace; and near it is the New Hospital founded for Decayed Merchants: Horstead took its Name from Horsus one of the first Saxon Invaders. Tunbridge is famous for its Medicinal Waters, and the great resort to its Wells. The Seats of the Nobility are Knobl, belonging to the Earl of Dorset; Penhurst, to the Earl of Leicester; Bocton-Malberb, to the Earl of Chesterfield; Hoathfield and Sylom, to the Earl of Thanet; Chenvening, to the Earl of Sussex; Lingstead Lodge, to the Lord Tenham; Leeds-Castle and Grenway-Court, to the Lord Culpeper; Alington-Castle and Maidstone Place, to the Lord Astly; Bromly-House, the Bishop of Rochester's seat. CHAP. X. The Saxons Reentry upon the failure of Succession in the Danes; and what happened during the Reign of those Kings, till the Conquest made of England by William the Norman Conqueror. The Reign of Edward, called the Confessor, Nineteenth Sole Monarch of England. EDward, commonly styled the Confessor, being arrived in England, was received by the People with great demonstrations of Joy; and that Flattering Earl of Kent possessed him that he was the chief Instrument of his Restauration; tho' indeed, like a staunch Courtier, he Sailed with all Winds, usually adhering to him who was most powerful; for certain it is that Leofrick the Earl of Chester moved the Estates on Edward's behalf, urging his Right to the Crown, as being the true Heir descended from the Ancient Saxon Kings, under whom the Nation had enjoyed its Rights and Privileges, without Infringements or Invasion: He urged his Father's Merits, and the Battles he had Fought against the Danes, in the defence of the English Nation; and many other things. So that they generally concuring with him, Edward was Accepted and Crowned at Winchestor, by Edsine Arch Bishop of Canterbury; yet Goodwin so far insinuated into his favour, that he took Edith his Daughter to Wife, a very virtuous Lady, much affecting a Religious Life, so that Ingultus' Abbot of Crowland, who flourished in her time, makes a large Encomium on her Learning, Wisdom, Humility, Modesty, and Behaviour. In the beginning of this King's Reign new Troubles arose, the Danes, Irish and Welsh, in a manner all at once, Invading the Kingdom, doing great Mischief, and destroying all before them with Fire and Sword; but being met by Alfred, the Martial Bishop of Worcester, he gave them a great Overthrow. In the fifth Year of his Reign there fell so great a Snow in January, that covering the Ground, and being of a prodigious deepness, and continuing so till the middle of March, much Cattle and Fowl perished for want of Food. And the January following, a terrible Earthquake happened, causing the Ground to Open in divers places, overthrowing many stately Buildings, destroying much People, and Cattle; also at the same time such fearful Lightnings happened, That the new sprung Corn was Burnt up, whereupon a Dearth ensued, and many died of Hunger. Malcolm, the true Heir to the Crown of Scotland, flying into England to avoid the Fury of Macbeth, (a Bloody Tyrant, who had slain the King, and Usurped the Kingdom) Edward aided him with 10000 Men under the Leading of Syward Earl of Northumberland, who by the Mother's side was Grandfather to the Young Prince, who Besieging Macbeth in his Castle of Dunsinane, and he attempting to Escape, was slain by Maskduff, Sheriff of Fife, whose Wife and Children Macbeth had cruelly Murdered; and soon after, by the Valour of the English, Malcolme (Surnamed Conmer) was placed in the Scots Throne, making a strict League with King Edward, and paying him 10000 Marks for the charge of the War. After this he Banished Goodwin and his five Sons, for being Turbulent in the Government, and endeavouring to raise Commotions; but about two Years after, they were Recalled, and received into Favour; and Goodwin being one day at Dinner with the King, the Cupbearer coming in, got a slip, and had like to have spilt the Wine; but as one Leg failed, he recovered with the other, and saved both the Wine and his Credit; whereupon the Earl of Kent Jestingly said, I see one Brother hath helped the other: This suddenly putting the King in mind how by his Treachery his Brother Alfride was slain by Harrold the Dane, In a heat replied, And so would my Brother Alfride have helped me, if Goodwin had not been: The Earl perceiving the King's anger, which he little expected at that time, thinking to excuse himself of so notorious a crime, took a piece of Bread, and wished it might Choke him, if he were any ways concerned in Betraying the Prince into the hands of Harrold; and accordingly his Wish was answered, for putting it into his Mouth it stuck in his Throat so that it could not be got upwards nor downwards, by which means he was Suffocated and Dyed before he could be well removed from the Table; which I the rather remark, That it may stand as a dreadful warning to all the Rash Imprecators or Evil Wishers of our Age, being a Sin too often practised on trivial occasions, and I am apt to fear frequently as false in many matters as this of the Earl of Kent's, which pulled down Gods immediate Judgement upon him, and hastily snatched him out of the World. The King soon after this falling into displeasure with Queen Emma his Mother, abridged her of her Dowry, and got her accused of Adultery; when by the Law then called Ordealium she was Tried in the following manner: Her Eyes were blinded with a thick Veil, and nine Plowshares newly taken out of the Fire, laid a Yard distance from each other, in an even row, over which she was to pass for her Purgation; and if she did it without touching any of them, she was to be adjudged Guiltless; so being led by a Priest, her Feet being bare, she passed over, missing every one of them; which being done, and she not knowing it, Cried out, O Lord when shall I come to the place of my Purgation? she having her Eyes uncovered, and perceiving she had passed the danger, she fell on her Knees, and gave thanks to God for her deliverance. This King is likewise accounted to be over severe to his Virtuous Wife Edith, who being wrongfully accused of Incontinency, was Imprisoned, and at last confined to a Religious Life, in the Monastery of Wilton. In this Kings Reign a Blazing Star appeared, and was seen for seven Nights all over Europe. The Abbey of St. Peter's Westminster, founded in a place formerly called the Isle of Thorns, was Beautified and much Enlarged by him; he removed the Bishops See from Credington in Devonshire to Exeter in the same County; and was the first of our English Kings that is said to have The Gift conferred upon him of Curing the Disease called Struma, now the Kings-Evil: And the first also that sealed his Patents with that stately Seal now called The King's Great Seal. He remitted the remainder of the Tax called Dane Gelt; moved to it, as some say, upon seeing a fearful Apparition dancing about a heap of Money in his Closet, that had been exacted from the People under that denomination; and towards the close of his Reign he collected all the useful Laws made by his Predecessors, into one Body, and out of them compiled a select Body of Law, held at this day to be the Ground of our Common Law. This Edward, Seventh Son to Ethelred by Emma his Second Wife, was Born at Islip in Oxfordshire, and brought up to a great degree of Learning, which he improved in his Banishment. He began his Reign Anno Dom. 1042, and Reigned Twenty Years, Six Months, and Twenty Seven Days, Dying the Fourth of January of a linger Fever, and was Buried in Westminster Abbey, where in the second Year of the Reign of the Late King James, one of the Choristers searching his Tomb, found a plain Golden Crucifix, Inscribed to be this Kings, and delivered it into the Hands of the said King James; who esteemed it as an extraordinary Relic, by reason this Edward (after his Death) was Canonised a Saint at Rome, tho' for what Extraordinary Virtues I know not. Remarks on the County Palatine of Lancaster, etc. LANCASHIRE by John Seller map of Lancashire Lancaster, the Shire Town, is Commodiously Situate on the South Banks of the River Lon, from whence it might probably take the Name of Loncaster, and now by corruption Lancaster: It has a Curious Bridge Leading to it, and in it a famous Church. It gave Title (from John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster) to four Henry's, Kings of England, viz 4th 5th 6th and 7th: It is a place of great Antiquity, Considerable Trade, Pleasant Building, and has a stately Castle. Manchester, the Ancient Mancunium of the Romans, was highly prized by them, where the Ruins of their Forts and Works are found in the digging of Foundations. Ribchester takes its Name from Rible a little Brook near Clithero; it is a Town of great Antiquity, and was a station of the Romans, as appears by their Coins and Statues that have been digged up there, and Tradition Reports it to have been once the Richest Town in Christendom: Near Douglas, a small Brook, not far from the Town of Wiggan, King Arthur put the Saxons to the Rout with great Slaughter; at Belango the Saxons Fought a mortal Battle with each other. Near Furness-Fells in this County, is a standing Water, accounted the greatest in England, called Minander-Meer; being 10 Miles in Length, and all along paved at the bottom with flat Stone; and it is said a Fish called a Chare is found here and in no other Waters. Also the the River Lune near Cockerfand-Abby, abounds with Trout, Pike, and some Salmon. In this County is the Anciently Famous Castle called Hornby Castle, Enduring many Sieges. There are scattered up and down in Lancashire divers Quarries of useful Stone for Building, and some Minerals; upon its Hills are many pleasant Springs and Rivers, and some places naturally abound with Wi●● Thime, Marjorum and Cardus, and many other Physical Herbs. The Seats of the Nobility give a gratful Prospect to the Travellers, and are Clithero Castle, belonging to the late Duke of Albemarle; Alburn Tower, to the Earl of Derby; Halfal to the Earl of Macclesfield; Hornby Castle, to the Lord Morley and Mount-Eagle; Wood-acre Hall, Ashton Hall, and Shorten Hall, to the Lord Gerard of Gerard's Bromley, Wigan the Bishop of Chester's Place; besides divers Seats of the Gentry, as famous in Prospect, for most part, as those mentioned; and to conclude, it has produced many famous Men, serviceable in Church and State. The Reign of Harrold, Twentieth Sole Monarch of England. KIng Edward Dying Issueless, tho' Edgar Etheling was the next Heir to the Crown, yet Harrold (Son to Goodwin Earl of Kent, by his Wife Sitha, Sister to Swain the Younger, King of Denmark) having Ingratiated himself into the Favour of the leading Nobility, and promised great advantages to the Commons, he so firmly bound them to him, that he procured himself to be Proclaimed King, beginning his Reign Anno Dom. 1065; and according to his promise he remitted to the People many grievous Taxes, making them everywhere ●asie in their stations, and then was Crowned by Aldred Arch Bishop of York, confirming the Laws of Edward the Confessor, and adding some of his own, and laboured to make his bad Title appear more fair in the Eyes of his Subjects by heaping on them what favours they desired, as fearing a storm from the Norman Coast, which soon after happened, to his destruction; the cause of it being reported by Historians three several ways, 1. That Edward had consigned his Crown to William the Seventh Duke of Normandy, to be holden by him after his Death. 2. That Young Edgar, the true Heir, to whom he was great Uncle, had resigned his Right to him, as being too weak to contend for the possession. 3. That Harrold in King Edward's life-time Hawking on the Coast of Sussex, the Hawk when he was cast off flew into the Sea; whereupon getting into a Skiff in hopes to recover him, a Storm arose, and he was driven on the Coast of Normandy; where Landing, and being taken Prisoner, he was known and presented to the Duke, who caused him to be kept with a strict Guard, till such time as he Swore, That if King Edward Died Issueless, he would do his utmost endeavour to secure the Kingdom to the use and behoof of him the before named Duke; and thereupon he procuring his Liberty, returned to England. However having got the Crown on his Head, he held it too precious a Jewel so lightly to part withal; so that when the Duke of Normandy sent to demand it, putting him in mind of his Oaths and Promises, he Replied, That what was extorted from him in his extremity was not Binding; besides, the Nobility and Commonalty of his Realm would not consent to his delivering it up to a Stranger, as having had sad Experience of the great Mischiefs that had and must consequently again ensue; and finally what he demanded of him was not in his power to grant, and therefore prayed him to rest satisfied with his own Territories, which were sufficiently large enough for any Prince. This Answer made the Duke storm, and resolve to hazard all, rather than miss of his aim; whereupon selling his Jewels and Plate, he Levied Men in France, Switzerland, Germany, etc. And tho' the Pope strictly forbid him to molest England, under pain of Excommunication, he took no regard of his Menaces, but increased his Shipping, and sent to Norway and those parts from whence the Normans originally descended, to stir them up by Landing in the North, in savour of his Invasion on the South parts of England; and so in order to it continued his Levys, making a League with the French King, That he should not Invade his Country in his Absence. However Harrold, having notice of his proceed, raises a great Army, which was not long Idle: For Tosto, Brother to Harrold, upon some displeasure flying to Denmark, forwarded the Norman Duke's Negotiation, so that with a considerable Army they Landed at Richall upon Ouse in Yorkshire, and fell to Burning and Plundering; whereupon the King Marched his Army towards them, who were Advanced to Stanford Bridge, built over the River D●rwent; upon which Bridge he was stopped with his whole Army by a Single Dane of Monstrous Size, who slew Forty of his Men who adventured to remove him, and had in all likelihood prevented his passing at that time over the Bridge, had not a Soldier Rowed with a Boat under it, and run up his Spear through a crevise into the Danes Body, whereupon he fell down Dead, and the King hasted with his Army over the Bodies of the slain and falling upon the Danes and Norwegians made of them an incredible slaughter, slaying Tosto his Brother, and Harfager King of Denmark and Norway; Olave the Son of Harfager, and Paul Earl of Orkney were taken Prisoners, who begging their Lives, were suffered to departed with the rest of the Prisoners, having only 20 of their 300 Ships left, to carry them (with the woeful News) into Denmark, the rest being broken on the Rocks by a mighty Storm the day before the Battle happened. These Troubles were no sooner over, and the Northern parts a little settled, but News came posting to the King that Duke William of Normandy was Landed at Pevensey in Sussex, on the Eighth of September, Anno Dom. 1066, who thereupon caused his Ships to be set on Fire, that his Soldiers might take Courage to Fight the more desperately, as having no hopes of returning home unless they Conquered; and when he first came on Shoar, his Foot stuck fast in the Sand, so that he fell on his Hands, and being perceived by a Knight to bring up a handful of Earth when he rise, he said Now Sir Duke, England sticks fast to you, and is your own, since you have taken Livery and Seizen, doubt not but presently to be King thereof. By this Time King Harrold was hastily returned to London, whither the Norman Duke sent a Message to him, to demand a peaceable surrender of the Kingdom, for sparing the lives of the People: But this Messenger was dismissed with Threats, and both Armies advanced towards each other; and on a fair Plain in Sussex, called (from the ensuing Fight) Battelfield, the Normans pitched their Tents, to expect the King, who was about seven Miles from them; and some of the Spies he sent, being taken, Duke William caused them to be carried from Tent to Tent, and plentifully Feasted; after which, he dismissed them: So the next Morning both Armies came in sight of each other, and drew up in Battle Array, where a second time the Duke sent a Monk to the King, to demand a peaceable surrender of the Kingdom, or otherwise (for avoiding the effusion of much Blood) to try it by single Combat; or else to hold the Kingdom as his Tributary. But Harrold would agree to neither of these; returning for Answer, That more Swords than one should decide the Controversy: So that the next day being the 14th of October Anno Dom. 1066, no agreement being in likelihood to be made between them, it was resolved it should be tried by the Sword, and so both Armies being Marshaled for the Battle, the Trumpet sounded the Bloody Blast, and the Kentish-men (who claimed it as their Right to Led the Vanguard) fell on furiously, beating down the Normans, and putting their Advanced Parties to the Rout, keeping close together in thick Ranks, and wedging into the Enemy's Squadrons and battalions, so that a miserable slaughter ensued; tho' on our part, The Normans slew many by shooting their Arrows at random in the Air, which violently falling on the Heads of such as were unarmed, entered their Sculls, so that many fell Dead, who never struck stroke in the Battle; however the Duke (who passed through every part of the Army to give necessary orders) knowing if he lost the day, his Life and Interest went with it, perceiving his Men could not break the thick Phalanxes of the English, he commanded they should seem to faint, and make an orderly Retreat, as if they Fled; which succeeded to his wish, for hereupon the English supposing it had been a real Flight, disranked in pursuit of them; whereupon the Normans speedily facing about, broke with great fury into their lose Array, beating down all before them with their mighty Swords and Battleaxes, pouring perpetual showers of Arrows on them; so that although the English kept together, and ●ought Valiantly about the King's Standard, yet he being Shot into the Brain with an Arrow, and falling dead, they were so disheartened, that the Standard was taken, the Kings two Brothers, Girth and Leofine, in defence of it slain, with most of the Nobles; and, as credible Authors affirm, 97974 of the Common sort. LEICESTER SHIRE map of Leicestershire The Duke in this Battle had three Horses slain under him, and yet escaped without any hurt; in the place where this Battle was Fought, he afterwards Founded an Abbey, which to this day is called Battel-Abby. After this the small remainder of the Nobles and Clergy consulted what was to be done, but finding their weakness, they concluded to submit to the Conqueror; having Buried the Body of Harrold at Wadham in Essex, when he had Reigned about Nine Months and Nine Days, and is accounted the Twentieth Sole Monarch of England; whereupon Duke William took possession of the Kingdom. Remarks on Leicestershire, etc. LEicestershire is a very fine Inland County, and produceth store of large Cattle much Corn plenty of Fowl, Fruits, Fish, wholesome Pastures, etc. It is Bounded by Darbyshire, Notinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Rutlandshire, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire: It is divided into 6 Hundreds, containing 192 Parishes, 11 Market Towns, and one noted River. It sends Members to Parliament 4, viz. Leicester 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. Leicester is pleasantly seated on the River Stower, and well compacted, being the County Town, and a place of considerable Trade; it is of great Antiquity, as held to have been builded by King Leir, a famous British King, for which cause it was anciently called Leir-Cester. Lutterworth gave Birth to the famous John Wickliff, who was Parson of it, and the first English Reformer, or Detector of the Errors in the Church of Rome, frequently Writing and Disputing against them, in the Reign of Edward the Third; for which many snares were laid to take his Life, by the Romish Clergy; but he escaped them and Died a natural Death, leaving the Candle of Truth Lighted, by which John Huss, Jerome of Prague, Luther, and others, took their prospect of a happy Reformation that soon after ensued. Bosworth is Memorable for the Battle fought near it on Redmore August 22, Anno Dom 1485, wherein Richard the Third was slain by the forces of Henry Earl of Richmond, and his Crown found in a Hawthorn Bush, which was placed on the Earl's Head, and he Proclaimed King; which put an End to the fatal Feuds between the Houses of York and Lancaster. In the West of this County once stood Clycester, a famous City in the time of the Romans, called by them Bennone, though now nothing but a few Ruins of it remain. The other Towns of note are Mountsorell, Loughborough, Waltham on the Woald, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Bildsdon, Lutterworth, Harborough etc. At Cole-Overton in the Hundred of West Goscot, and other parts of this County, great store of Pitcole is digged of a Bitumencus Nature, very hard and fast; about Luterworth are Allomey Veins and Wel●s, whose Waters strained through them are Medicinal and Petrefying, so that it is said they turn Straw and Sticks into Stone, by reason of their Exceeding Coldness; near Belvoir-Castle on a R ck are found Snake Stones, Cockle Stones, and Star Stones. The Seats of the Nobility are Pleasantly Situate, viz Garerton, one of the seats belonging to the Late Duke of Albemarle; Burbage, to the Earl of Kent; Belvoir-Castle, partly in Lincolnshire, to the Earl of Rutland; Ashby-de-in-Zouch, Donington-Park, to the Earl of Huntingdon, Broadgate and Grooby to the Earl of Stamford, Stanton-Bru●nell, to the Earl of Cardigan; Ashby-Folville, to the Lord Carrington. Besides these, there are i● great many fine Houses of the Gentry standing sightly to the Fields, and Roads; some Parks, and store of Ganie, at all proper Seasons. CHAP. XI. An Account of the Norman Original, How they came to be called Normans; With a Description of the Duchy of Normandy, etc. BEfore I enter upon the particulars of the Reign of William the First, styled the Conqueror; I shall take the Method observed upon other Turns and Changes of Government, viz. To give some Account of these New Invaders, who at last laid claim to England by Conquest. These Normans, so called from the Northern Climes which first produced them, were composed of Norwegians, Swedes, and Danes; who finding their Country too strait for them, betook them to the Seas to seek their Fortunes, and practised Piracies upon the Coasts of Belgia, Frizia, and England; on the latter of which they Landed under the Leading of Rollo their Duke, and became very troublesome to the English Saxons, between whom there was great Wars: Till at last Rollo Dreaming He sat on the highest Hill in France, and a pleasant Spring Issued out of a Rock on which he laid his Head, running down in many Streams, to which flocked a number of Birds with Red Breasts, to Drink the Water, and then flew to fragrant Groves, where they Sung so Melodiously that he was Ravished with their Notes, and beneath this Hill he fancied there lay so pleasant a Country, that the like he had never beheld in his Life. When Waking much pleased with his Dream, he sent for a Monk of Crowland, accounted a great Diviner, telling him his Dream, and demanding the Interpretation of it; who willing (for his Countries sake) to be rid of such troublesome Guests, told him at an adventure, as is supposed, That the Fates had Decreed him to settle his Dominions in one of the most pleasant Countries of France. Which he gave credit to, and perceiving England much wasted and impoverished by a tedious War and a Famine that then raged, having exacted some Aides and Supplies of Money, he Transported his Forces over the Narrow Sea, and Warred five Years with such Fury on the French, that fearing to lose all, Charles their King (Surnamed the Simple) gave him his Daughter Gilla in Marriage; and as her Dowry the Peaceable Possession of what they had already gained by the Sword, which being modelled into a Duchy, they called Normandy, which Name (through all the changes of that Kingdom) it bears to this day. This Rollo was great Grandfather to Richard the Fifth Duke of Normandy, Elder Brother to Robert, Father to William the Conqueror. As for a Brief Description of the Dukedom of Normandy, once a Patrimonial Inheritance of the Kings of England, and to which they now have a Right. It is Bounded on the East with the Isles of France, at the River Epta, which passes by the City of guysor's; on the West, with Britain, the Ancient Armorica, and a Colony of the Britain's, from which it is separated by the River Crenon; Northward by the Sea; on the South, with the Country of maine; and is divided by the River Seine: Abundantly Rich in Merchandise through the commodiousness of its Havens and Rivers. The People are the most Subtle, Apt, and Ingenious, of all the French Provinces; yet Affable, Courteous and greatly inclined to Learning: Their Manufacture consisting most in Wool and Linen Cloth, the Country producing no Vines capable of making good Wine, unless about Caen, a very pleasant City. The chief City is Rouen, very famous for many Sieges, as in the Series of History will appear; having an Arch Bishop, whose Jurisdiction extendeth to the River Oyse; and a Parliament (till of late, that the French King has assumed such a Despotic Power, and much lessened its Authority) was usually held here for the consulting the good of the Province. The other Cities of note are Auranche, Argences, Alancon, Falaise, Fecham, Newhaven, or Haverdegrace, St. Valery, Sileaux, Constance, Manta, St. Michale, and divers Walled Towns, to the number of Eighty. So that when the French (by reason of our Civil Dissensions) wrested it from us, they plucked one of the fairest Jewels out of the English Diadem; which in time we may yet hope to regain; especially under the Auspicious Reign of WILLIAM the Third, our present Heroick and Victorious King. The Reign of WILLIAM the First, Surnamed the Conqueror. AFter the Victory obtained at Battelfield by the Normans over the English, and King Harrold Slain, as has been mentioned in the former Chapter, Duke William designed for London, yet taking a great compass, wasting as he Marched the Counties of Sussex, Kent, Surry, Hampshire, and Berkshire; by whose Spoils he Enriched his Normans. Then crossing the Thames at Wallingford, and so in the like manner the Counties of Oxford, Buckingham, etc. At Burhamsted he made a stop; as being assured by this time, the English Forces were dispersed, and in no condition to oppose him; and hither repaired Aldred Arch Bishop of York, Wolstan Bishop of Winchester, Walter Bishop of Hereford, The Earls Edwin and Morcar, with Edgar Etheling the True Heir to the Crown, paying Homage and Allegiance to him, and entreating him (seeing it was not in their power to prevent it) That he would take upon him the Administration of the Government, and be Gracious in his Clemency to the People of England. And so passing to London, he was on Christmas-Day, Anno Dom. 1066 Crowned at Westminster by Aldred Archbishop of York. Being thus settled in the Throne by the Fortune of a Battle, he studied how to secure the Realm more firmly to him, as knowing the English submitted not out of any hearty good will; whereupon he Fortified the Cinque-Ports, laying his claim to the Kingdom by Right of Conquest, as having indeed no other reasonable one to Pretend to. And to secure it, he used the following Policy. 1. He seized the chief Offices both of Honour and Profit, and conferred them on his Normans; and as a Recompense to such others as had Aided him in the War. 2. He made the Natives give Hostages of the best and dearest esteem, to secure their Fidelities, especially such as were either Honourable or Potent. 3. To lessen the Authority of the Clergy among the People, he barred them of all Temporal Command or Jurisdiction. 4. He caused the Natives to be Disarmed to prevent Insurrections. 5. He debared them from frequent and common Meetings, especially in the Night, to prevent their confering and Conspiring against him for the Recovery of their common Liberty, causing a Bell to be Rung in every City, Town, and Village, at Eight in the Evening, whereupon all Englishmen were enjoined to put out their Fire and Candle, and keep within their Houses, under great Penalties; and this was and is yet called Cover le Feu, the raking up or out of the Fire. 6. To lessen the Nobility, he sent them to his Wars beyond the Seas, not to return without orders; and little or no Praise or Reward was given them, though they Valiantly behaved themselves. The like he did with the Meaner Sort whom he found any ways Active, compelling them from their Wives and Children to Fight Abroad, whilst they Languished at Home for Food, and found little support. 7. As a strong curb, he erected Forts and Castles in sundry places, putting Normans as Commanders into them; who grievously Oppressed the People; yet they durst not openly repine against it, because they found there was no Redress to be had from the King, but their Complaints were charged upon them as Mutinies, and many Punished who privately Murmured at their hard Usage; and finding the Clergy were the Richest, he fell upon them first, taking away the Plate and Ornaments that had been Consecrated to Holy Uses; Alleging That Thiefs, Traitors, and Rebels had Lodged them under their Protection, to defraud him of his Forfeitures, and secretly to support themselves, to raise a Rebellion when they saw fit opportunity. 8. He caused Laws to be made in the Norman Language, whereupon (though Ignorant of them) many Transgressed, who were for the smallest Offence Imprisoned, and forced to redeem themselves to their undoing; Disallowing the Patents and Grants of former Kings, and publishing them to be merely void; so that by this he raised great sums for Renewing them; and those that could not raise Money, the Normans and other Strangers had their Honours, Trusts, and Estates, (held in Fee of the Crown) bestowed on them. 9 He caused all the Lands to be viewed, Measured, and Taxed at an unusual value; by which means he got great Wealth; but Impoverished the People, as was chief intended by it. 10. He Erected many Courts of Judicature for putting in execution his New Laws, and ordered his Judges to follow his Court upon his Removes; by which means he tired out the English Nation with Extraordinary Troubles and Excessive Charges in the prosecution of their Suits. And to make an easy way for more French and Normans to come over, if the English should happen to Rebel, he laid the Churches, Towns, nnd Villages next to the Sea Coast in Hampshire waste, for Sixty Miles in circumferance, under pretence of making a New Forest for his Pleasure in Hunting, where (as a Judgement for those Dilapidations, and ruining so many Families) William Rufus, his Son and Successor, was slain, as in his Reign will more at large appear. He Seized likewise all the Forests and Chases of England into his hands, and made severe Laws against those that should kill or disturb his Game. Punishing them with the loss of Eyes, Limbs, and the like. 11. He gave Territories and spacious Field to his Favourites, who divided them into Farms, for their particular use, and the residue they Leased at Yearly Rents to their Servants, thereby creating Manors and entituling themselves the Lords of them. He divided the Lands into Hides, every Hyde containing 20 Acres, Eight of which was a Knight's Fee, the Tenors which he reserved were Knights Service in Capite; and those that so held, were enjoined to do him Service in his Wars; or to his Person, when required, for the performance of which, he took Oaths of them in Public Courts; and by reason hereof, he disposed of the Bodies of the Heirs in Marriage, as he listed, retained in his Custody and Wardship, and converted to his own use their whole Inheritance, till they accomplished the Age of 21 Years; and by his Example others of great Possessions did the like; which has in some cases given a bad Example to this day. Thus have I shown you (as in a Map) the Model or Description of a rigorous and sharp Government under a Conquering Power; to which low Ebb of Misfortunes, it ought to be every Good Man's Wish and Prayer, this flourishing Kingdom may never sink again.— But to proceed The Conqueror thinking now he had shackled all secure, undertook a Progress to view Dover, to give orders for Repairing the Castle, and Strengthen more than ever the Sea Coast, to prevent Invasions from the Low Countries, whither many of the English Nobility were fled; and having but a small number with him for his Guard, coming near Canterbury, he was all on a sudden Surprised by (as he thought) a Walking Wood: For the Kentishmen having notice of his coming, at the persuasion of Stigand Arch Bishop of Canterbury, (a second Judas Maccabeus for his Country's welfare) and Eglesine Abbot of St, Austin's, had as secretly as they could, made them Weapons, and lay in Ambush for him; which he no sooner entered, but every one cut down a Bough to shelter him from present discovery, burst out of the Woods on either side the strait he was passing, and surrounded his small Train; but whilst the King was in suspense what this unusual thing might signify, they all at once threw down their Boughs and stood ready prepared with their Bows, Arrows, and such other Weapons as they had for the Encounter; whereupon the Arch Bishop advancing towards the Conqueror said, Behold, most noble King, the Commons of Kent Assembled to demand a Confirmation of their Ancient Rights, Laws, and Liberties; the which if you will Grant them, they are willing to Submit, and become your Obedient Subjects; otherwise, in defence of them, they are resolved to venture their dearest Blood, and presently to give you Battle. This unexpected Adventure startled the King, that notwithstanding his great Courage, a surprising fear seemed visible in his Countenance; so that pausing a while, he thought it more prudent to yield to Necessity than hazard (after so much expense of Blood and Treasure) his Life and Kingdom on an uncertain Chance and Nicety: Whereupon he signed their demands presented in Writing, and gave them a Solemn Promise to Confirm it to them in a Legal manner; whereupon they threw down their Arms, and Shouted for Joy; so that from his Reign to this day, that County Enjoys the Privileges they held in Edward the Confessors time, exempted from other Counties, as also those in preceding Reigns. After this, perceiving the Spirits of the English were not so easily brought under as he supposed, and hearing that Swain King of Denmark was preparing for an Invasion at the Instigation of Goodwin and Edmund, two of King Harrolds Sons, he began to relax in his severity; and to make fair with the City of London, Granted them this short Charter, viz. I William King, Greet William Bishop, and Godfrey Porters and all the Burgesses within London, French and English, and I Grant you that I Will that you Maintain and Enjoy all your Laws as you did in the days of King Edward (meaning the Confessor) and I will that each Child be his Father's Heir; and further I will that no Man Wrong you, and so God keep you. However the Danes Landed a strong Army in the North, where they were Joined by many English, in hopes thereby to regain their Liberties; but the King hasting thither, drove them to their Ships with great slaughter; and to revenge him on those that had joined with them, he wasted the Country from York to Durham; so that for Nine Years the Ground lay waste, which occasioning a Famine, numbers of People Dyed. After this he Summoned a Convocation of the Clergy, charging them with many faults and failures in their Functions, and Duty towards him, for which he Deposed and Deprived divers Learned and Godly Men of their Dignities, Living and Substance: The two former he bestowed on such as bid most for them, and the latter he kept to Maintain his Wars in Normandy, where Troubles were arisen in his Absence; the French labouring to recover it, as part of their Ancient Territories. But scarce had he Expelled them ere hasty News recalled him, viz. The Earls Edwin and Morcar had set up Edgar Etheling, and raised great Forces; which were so Formidable to the Conqueror, by reason the English were generally inclined to favour the Young Prince, than he found himself constrained to end the Difference by fair means; and to make the common sort more ready to embrace it, he Swore to keep Inviolable the Ancient Laws of the Land, particularly those of Edward the Confessor; but not long after he took from the Abbey of St. Alban all the Lands between Barnet and London-Stone. And to Strengthen himself he made a League with Malcolm King of Scots, who had often publicly, or underhand, made Incursions, or raised Commotions in the Northern parts of the Kingdom. And the Bounds of the Country were ascertained by rearing a Stone Cross, called by the Scots Slain Moor, in Westmoreland; but by the English Roy Cross, or King's Cross, and soon after the King Sailed again for Normandy; and quelled the Rebellious Normans that were joined with the French against him, and so returned with Victory (but his Treasure being Exhausted) he to recruit it, Sold to Walcher Bishop of Durham the Earldom of Northumberland; but he Enjoyed it not long, for Oppressing the People to raise the Money he had disbursed, they risen in a Tumultuous manner and slew him, Anno 1075; and the ensuing Year a Frost continued without Intermission, from the 12th of November to the 15th of April, so that the Wild Fowl were most destroyed, and many Cattle perished for want of Food: A Blazing Star soon after appeared, whereupon great contentions ensued in Normandy; for Robert the King's Son, having Ingratiated himself into the Favour of the People, raised great Forces and in a set Battle Wounded his Father in the Arm, threw him from his Horse, and took it as his Prize, gaining an entire Victory, in which many of the English Nobles lost their Lives: Whereupon the King finding his Army much weakened, was constrained to return for England, and finding the City of London did not much favour him after this Defeat, to lay a curb and awe on them, he rebuilt the Tower of London, drawing a Ditch about it to the largeness as it continues to this day, it being before but of inconsiderable Strength, viz. Anno Dom. 1078; and so a Peace in a short time being concluded between him and his Son Robert, the latter being allowed the nominal Title of Duke of Normandy, and entirely to possess it as a Sovereign Prince after his Father's Death, he came into England, and was made General against the Scots, who breaking the League wasted the Northern Countries as far as the place then called Moonkchester to whom he gave an entire Defeat, and in memory of the Victory erected a strong Castle of Stone, Naming it Newcastle, from which the Town, so called, on Tine, took its Name. Not long after this such mighty Rains happened, and continued for so long a time, that divers Hills were so softened into a Quagmire, that they sunk down and overthrew many Cots and some Villages, making as it were a Level. St. Paul's Church was likewise set on Fire in June following; supposed to be done by Lightning, and a great part of it consumed, but soon Rebuilded by the Liberal Contributions of the Clergy and Laity. He held a Synod in London, where some Bishoprics were Translated from one place to another; as Selwy to Chichester, Credington to Exeter, Shirbourn to Salisbury, Dorchester unto Lincoln; and there being a Contention between the two Arch Bishops of Canterbury and York for Primacy, he undertook to determine the difference, appointing Lanfrank Arch Bishop of Canterbury, Primate of all England; and Thomas Arch Bishop of York, only Primate of England; so that he and his Successors became subordinate to the Archiepiscopal See of Canterbury. Philip King of France, taking advantage of the King's Absence from Normandy, encouraged Robert to make himself Absolute Duke, assisting him with Men and Money; whereupon the King was again constrained to pass the Seas with a puissant Army, being over-eager in laying waste the Country; and harassing himself in War, being overheated, he fell Sick, and hearing that the French King should say in a Scoffing manner, He lay a long time in Childbed; he Replied in a rage, That at his Uprising or Churching, he would Light so many Candles in France, as should Inflame the whole Country: And indeed he made his words good, for upon his recovery, enraged that his Enemies had in his Sickness taken the advantage to waste his Territories, he spoilt all the West parts of France, Firing the City of Nantz, Meux, and a great number of Towns and Villages, Enriching with part of the Spoil the Church of St. Stephen's in Normandy, which was of his own Founding; moreover bequeathing in his last Will his Crown and Regal Ornaments to it, appointing his Body (when he Died) to be Buried therein. And for the Service done in this War, he requited many of his Commanders, who had signalised their Valour, with possessions in England, to hold them of the Crown; one of which Grants for the Antiquity and plain manner of Conveyance, exempted from the tediousness now in use, I think not amiss to recite, viz. I William give to thee Norman Hunter here, Who art to me both Leef and Dear, The Hop and the Hoptown, And all the Bounds up and down Under the Earth to Hell, and even Above the Earth to Heaven; From me and mine, To thee and thine, As good and fair As ever they were, To Witness that this is Sooth I by't the White Wax with my Tooth. Before Jug, Maud, and Margery, And my Young Son Henry. For a Bow and a broad Arrow, When I come to Hunt upon Yarrow. In the last Year of this King's Reign, there was found in the Province called Rose in Wales, a Sepulchre of 14 Foot Long, in which was Buried, with much Treasure, as the Custom of the Times than were, Gawen one of King Arthur's Knights of his Round Table, and Bones therein of an exceeding bigness. And now, as all Kings must come at last to the Grave, the Life of this Restless Conqueror grew to a Period; for going over to Quiet new Troubles in Normandy, he had scarcely Accomplished it before he fell Sick of a Malignant Fever at Caen in Normandy, and after some Languish Died; and being a corpulent Man, his Belly in a little time Burst, and the Stench being great, none but a few poor Monks would come near him; nor was this all; one Ascalinus Fitz Arthur, a Norman Gentleman, denied him Burial in St. Stephen's Church, saying, He had Founded it on his Inheritance violently taken away, that it stood upon the Floor of his Father's House, and the Body of no Despoiler should be covered in his Earth; however Henry his Fourth Son, giving a Hundred Pound Weight in Silver as a recompense, he was there Interred, but with little or no Ceremony; so that he who in his Life time made Nations Tremble, being Dead, was little or nothing regarded. This William the First, was Son to Robert the Sixth Duke of Normandy, begotten as is said, on a Beautiful Damsel named Arlet, the Daughter of a Tanner, in Honour of whom a Town is called by her Name. He began his Reign over England Anno Dom. 1066, on Saturday the Fourteenth of October, and Reigned Twenty Years, Ten Months and Twenty Six Days, being the 21 Sole Monarch of England. Remarks on Lincolnshire, etc. LIncolnshire, by reason of its Fens, and other Advantageous Pastures, produces great numbers of small and large Cattle, a good sprinkling of Corn, abundance of Fish and Wildfowl, much Wool and Leather. It is commodiously on the East Bounded with the Germane Ocean and part of Norfolk, so that by reason of its Havens it has a great Trade, and very much helped on the North by being Bounded with the River Humber, and part of Yorkshire; on the West with Yorkshire, Notinghamshire, and Leicestershire; on the South, with Northamptonshire and Cambridgshire. It is divided into 30 Hundreds containing one City, a Bishops See, 630 Parishes, 33 Market Towns, and 9 Rivers: It sends Members to Parliament 12, viz. Boston 2, Grantham 2, Grimesby 2, Lincoln City 2, Stamford 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. Lincoln was Anciently held to be one of the finest Cities of England, being of great Antiquity, and made by King Edward the Third the chief Mart for Lead, Wool, and Leather; here was also a great Battle Fought between Randolph Earl of Chester, Robert Earl of Gloucester, and King Stephen; the latter being Overthrown and taken Prisoner. It was Besieged by King Henry the Third, and taken from the Barons. Wainfleet was the Birth Place of William Surnamed thence Wainfleet, who Flourished in the Reign of Henry the Sixth, being Bishop of Winchester; He Founded here a Free-School, and Magdalen College in Oxford. LINCOLN SHIRE. map of Lincolnshire In the Fens are found the Ategen or Godwitt, also a foolish Bird called a Dotterel, which Cambden says being Hunted thrusts its Head into a Bush, and then thinks all is secure, tho' the whole Body is seen, and so in Moulting time he is easily taken. The Reign of WILLIAM the Second, Surnamed Rufus. WHen William the First Died, his Eldest Son Robert was in Germany, Negotiating his Father's Affairs, to draw in those Princes to assist him in making a Vigorous War on the French, who were now become somewhat Formidable to their Neighbours; so that by the favour of his Absence, the Conquerors Last Will, the furtherance of Lanfrank and Wolstane, two Learned Prelates who had great Influence over the Commons, and divers of the Nobles, William Surnamed Rufus, from the Redness of his Hair or Face, was after many hot debates among the Nobles, Crowned King at Westminster, by Lanfrank Arch Bishop of Canterbury, on Sunday the 26th of September Anno Dom. 1087. This William was Younger Brother to Robert, but being of a milder Temper, and better affected to the English, by reason he had in a manner been bred up amongst them, and approved by them, Robert found himself greatly Aggrieved that he had been put beside his Right in England, tho' the Duchy of Normandy was left entirely to him; but the Title of Duke not agreeing with his great Spirit, when he perceived he might have been a King had not loss of opportunity barred it, he resolved nevertheless to tempt Fortune in a trial for the regaining what was overslipt; whereupon he raised a gallant Army, composed of his own Subjects and Strangers, Landing them in England, with little or no Resistance, not doing any damage to the English; but being Encamped Commissioners were sent by King William to treat with him about an Accommodation for the preventing the effusion of Blood, and the Miseries such a War was likely to bring on both Nations, for being thereby weakened, they might easily become a Prey to Foreign Enemies, who watched for such an opportunity to work their ends, both on Normandy and England, especially the Danes and French. To these and other Reasons for an amicable conclusion of the Difference, the Norman Duke hearkened with much mildness, so that in a short time it was agreed that Robert after William's Death should possess the Kingdom; and to the end his Heirs might not disturb it, he was debarred from Marriage, as I find it in some Historians; however, certain it is, he left no Legitimate Issue behind him: And in the mean time he was Yearly to pay the sum of 3000 Marks. And the Articles being Signed, the Brothers took a Friendly leave of each other, so that through Providence this threatening Storm which filled England with many doubts and fears at its approach, blew over without doing any harm. After the Duke of Normandy had repassed the Seas with his Army, the King fearing he might repent him of what he had Agreed to, strengthened the Sea Ports, and Built some Castles advantageously on the Havens to prevent Landing by surprise; but knowing his prime Strength and Assurance was in the Love of his Subjects, he began to caress the Nobles more than he had done, and remitted to the Commons several grievous Taxes; for upon his coming to the Crown, he thought treading in his Father's steps was the best Measures; but now he found that Mildness rather than Rigour was the surest Policy, to keep the Natives of this Island firm to his Interest; whereupon he restored much that had been Extorted by his Rigorous Ministers; and the better to curry favour with the People, caused some of them to be punished for the offences he had enjoined them to commit. About this time Odo Bishop of Bayon, the King's Uncle, who had been Banished by the Conqueror, came over and was kindly received by his Nephew, who Created him Earl of Kent, and conferred on him many other Honours and Trusts, which made the old Clergyman presume so much on the King's Favour, That he took upon him more Authority to Rule than came to his share by many degrees; whereupon the Nobles made grievous complaints, That a Stranger should presume to Domineer over them in their Native Country; so that the King being sensible of his Arogancy, changed his Smiles into Frowns, which caused him to make a party among the English Normans, and to fall into open Rebellion; Declaring for Duke Robert and his Right, who underhand had promised to Land some Forces, but did not. This Treachery of the Normans, made the King almost totally throw himself on the English for Safeguard and Protection. These Fractions and Disorders in the State, begat new conceits in Malcolm King of Scots, who resolving to take the advantage of them, hastily raised an Army and Invaded the Northern Marches, wasting all in his way with Fire and Sword: whereupon the King Summoning all his Courage, not to leave an Enemy at his Back, first fell upon the Bishop, and gave him and his Rebellious Associates a terrible Overthrow; and in the Battle the Bishop being taken Prisoner, he was compelled to Abjure the Land. This happening the latter-end of the Second Year of the King's Reign, the Third no sooner began but he resolved to be Revenged on the Scots, who had broke their League with him in order to lay hold on the Advantages Clandestine Commotions seemed to offer them, and finding them Plundering and Spoiling his Subjects, he scarce gave them time to Embattel, ere like a Tempest he broke in amongst them, destroying the greater part of their numerous Army, in which fell Twenty of their Nobles, and their King was constrained to Acknowledge Subjection to England, renew his League upon Oath, and in further confirmation of his Subjection he became a Pensioner to King William; and to make it more apparent he was Tributary to England, paid Twelve Mark Yearly for the Twelve Villages the King restored him (after he had taken them from him in this War) which he had held in the Reign of William the Conqueror; and to Fortify against the Scots Incursions he Rebuilded and Garisoned the City of Carlisle in Cumberland, it having been demolished by the Danes about 200 Years before; and Lanfrank Dying at a great Age, the King kept the profits of the Arch Bishopric in his hands Four Years, and then made Anselm, a Norman Abbot, Arch Bishop, which much displeased the English Clergy. Not long after this, Malcolm King of Scots coming to Gloucester where King William held his Court, being denied Access, and unhandsomely treated by some Carpet-Courtiers who had been raised from a low degree, he (without acquainting the King with it, or demanding satisfaction for the Indignity put upon him) fling away in a great rage; and arriving in Scotland, Assembled the Nobles, and incited them to bring all the Forces they could raise to his Standard, which they punctually obeyed, and entering England with a huge Army, he wasted all before him as far as Alnewick, which he Besieged, and Took it; but the strong Castle held out against him, which with his numbers he so straightly begirt, that Famine got in and much dismayed the Besieged; whereupon an adventurous Knight, with a Flag of Truce in his Hand, and the Keys of the Castle on his Spear, came out at the Gate Mounted on a swift Racer, and making low obeysence, as if he submitted them to the King of Scots, being come pretty near, setting Spurs to his Horse he run at the King with his Spear, and piercing him into the Eye and Brain, he fell Dead to the Ground, and the Knight by the swiftness of his Horse escaped through the Scotish Camp; at which the Scots were so dismayed, That they raised the Siege, and departed with the Body of their King Mournfully into Scotland. For this daring piece of Service, which turned so much to the advantage of William, The Knight had his Name by him changed from Mabrey to Piercey, and was created Earl of Northumberland, whose Race as Earls continued till of very late days, as will appear in the succeeding Reigns. But this Success prevented not a Conspiracy against the King, for Robert Mowbrey and William of Ancho Plotted to take away his Life by Treachery, and Crown Stephen D' Albemarle his Second Sister's Son; but the Design being Discovered a little before it was to be put in practice by one of the Accomplices in the Conspiracy, some were taken and Executed, others Fled. And now the Welsh Rebelling under the Leading of Rees their Prince, the King with a gallant Army entered Wales, but the Rebels shifting from one steep Mountain to another, as well knowing the ways in those Fastnesses, and climbing the craggy Cliffs, like Goats, many of the English were wasted in pursuing them; but at length Starving them out, they were constrained to come to a Battle, wherein Rees was Slain with most of his Army; whereupon Wales entirely submitted to the English Obedience. These Troubles were scarce over, when another Storm threatened from Normandy: The Duke spurred on by Philip of France, who promised to Aid him, a second time prepared for England; but the King having an Army on foot, concluded it better to seat the War in another Country than in his own; and therefore to prevent the Duke's making his Voyage, Sailed to Normandy, whose surprising Landing, brought great fear on the Country; however, the King finding himself able with the Army he had to do no great matters, and being destitute of Money to raise Forces Abroad, bethought him of a Stratagem to do it, viz. He sent to England many chief Officers to Levy such for the Wars as were of Ability, and having Listed Citizens of London and others to the number of 30000, when they came to the Sea Shoar, and most of them shown an unwillingness to Embark, as looking back to their Wives and Children, from which many of them had been forced, upon a pretended pressing urgency, it was Proclaimed, That such as would lay down Ten Shillings should be Discharged from the Service, which most of them did with great Alacrity; so that very few of them went: With this Money King William underhand bought off Philip the French King from the Duke of Normandy's Interest; which he perceiving, agreed with his Brother by Ratifying again the former Conditions; and the Christian Armies being on foot in most parts of Europe to rescue the Christians in the Holy Land from the Tyranny of the Turks and Saracens, Duke Robert (to raise Forces and accompany them) Pawned his Duchy of Normandy to King William for 10000 Pounds; and there did many Valiant Exploits, insomuch that at the taking of Jerusalem he was first proffered to be made King of it, and all the Country lying about it, larger than what either David or Solomon possessed; but he refused it, in hopes of the Kingdom of England after his Brother's Death, tho' he was disappointed of it and Died a deplorable Death, which some have accounted as a Judgement for his having refused the proffered Sceptre of Jerusalem. However on his refusal, the Princes chose Godfrey of Bulloin, Earl of Flanders, with which Choice he Joyfully complied, but would not be Crowned, as he said, with a Crown of Gold, where our Blessed Saviour for the Sins of Man, and to procure his Redemption, had some time worn a Crown of Thorns. But nearer to My Purpose. The King was no sooner returned out of Normandy, but News was brought him the Welsh were again in Rebellion; whereupon he Marched to Subdue them, but returned without effecting it, by reason of the violent Torrents occasioned by the Rain, and their keeping among the Rocks and Fastnesses, till his Army was tired out with Famine and other inconveniencies; yet soon after they grew Quiet of themselves. But scarce had he time to take breath, ere a Rebellion broke out in the North, whither he hasted with his Army, gave the Rebels a great Overthrow, and takeing some of the Ringleaders caused them to be put to Death, but extended his Pardon to the common sort; and Mowbray, who encouraged them, was committed to Windsor Castle, where he continued a long while Prisoner. And the Welsh growing again troublesome, by wasting the English Borders, and carrying away great spoils, the King sent the Earls of Shrewsbury and Chester against them with a strong Power, where after some Search, and as secret Marching as they could, they found them making Merry in the Isle of Anglesey with the Plunder they had got from the English; and falling upon them when they expected nothing less, their Feasting was turned into Mourning; for the greater part of them was Slain, and those that were taken Prisoners mostly lost Feet, Hands, or Eyes, or were put to worse Torments, as a Terror to the rest, that they should keep Quiet within their appointed limits. The King thinking all would now be Quiet, resolved to take his Ease; and then forgetting how the English had faithfully stood by him and assisted him in his most dangerous undertake, he cast many of them out of Favour, Office, and Trust; laying grievous Taxes on the Commonalty, Selling for ready Money the best Promotions in Ecclesiastical and Civil Affairs, Prohibiting Anselm Arch Bishop of Canterbury to Assemble any Convocations or Synods (for the well ordering the Clergy, or for the Correcting such as did Offend) without his Leave or Licence; by which means he secretly filled his Coffers with Treasure; and tho' the Good Arch Bishop laid before him the ill consequences and dangers of such Proceed, and not being minded, he resolved to go for Rome, and lay before Pope Vrban the Third the danger the Church was in, by Misgovernment, and to persuade him to Intercede with the King not to intermeddle with Church-Affaires, but leave them to his Clergy. The King hearing of his Intention, sent to command him not to go; but the Old Man and his Retinue were before on their Journey; however, the King sent after him, and Pillaged him near Dover of all his Wealth, in hopes that would stay him, but it did not: For he went to Rome, and made such Complaints, that the Pope in a chafe would have Excommunicated the King; But his Clergy Advised him that having already Excommunicated the Emperor Henry the Fourth, The first Christian Prince that ever was under Excommunication, therefore it would be convenient to see the Issue of that Sentence, ere he proceeded any further; For, says a blunt Abbot, your Holiness must have a care how you heat any more Irons before you see how those you have Heated already will be Quenched, lest they prove too Hot for your handling. However many Letters and Verbal Messages were sent to the King, Admonishing him not to meddle any more with the Investing of Bishops, by giving them the Cross, Ring, and Pastoral Staff, nor Prohibit the Assembling of the Convocations or Synods, touching the Affairs of the Church, nor the Execution of any Canons tho' they were by Regal Authority Confirmed. To this the King Answered That he would still do as he Pleased, and not lose so fair a Flower belonging to his Crown. And being Reproved in the absence of Anselm, by Ralph Bishop of Chichester, he cast him into disgrace, and Suspended many Churches in his Diocese, causing the Revenues to be brought into his Exchequer; so that the Clergy finding no Redress, greatly Murmured, but in vain, till his humour was over; and then he not only received the Bishop into his extraordinary Grace and Favour, but Granted many Honourable Privileges to his See, yet he stood not long on these terms, ere the King's humour changing again, he Banished him. By these ways the King had Amassed great Sums, part of which he laid out in Building, viz. He made outward Walls and Bulwarks about the Tower of London, on this side the Ditch, which Ruined by Time and other Accidents are now Demolished tho' some of the Ruins yet remain; also Westminster-Hall being 90 Yards Long and 24 Yards and 2 Foot Broad; yet when he saw it, he said, It was too Little by half, and therefore he would reserve it for a Bedchamber; though indeed it is accounted the Largest in Europe; and one thing is remarkable, tho' there are many Cobwebs in the Windows, and in the Glass Lantern above the, Roof, yet on the large and curious Wooden Frame, tho' never Swept, not any appear; which has given occasion to conclude it is made of Irish Oak, and that the virtue of the Wood is such, no Spider will come near it. The King being thus at Ease, the French were not wanting to take the Advantage of it, especially since Duke Robert was absent, Warring in the Holy Land, and had left his Dukedom in charge with the King of England, whereupon they laid Siege to the City of Constantia in Normandy, and pressed it very sorely; of which King William having news as he was in the height of Sport, Hunting in New Forest, he left all his Company on a sudden, and Posted towards the Sea Side, where finding a small Bark, he leapt into it, and commanded the Master to set Sail for any part in Normandy; but the Sea running high by reason of a Storm, he refused to weigh Anchor, laying before the King that the passing at that time was full of danger, and therefore entreated him to wait for more favourable Wether; whereupon much enraged, he commanded him to make no delay for any fear or danger of Tempests, For when (said he) have you ever heard a King was Drowned by a Storm? So that the Mariners plying the best of their skill to bear in the Wind, they got safely over. The French no sooner heard the King was Landed, but concluding he had a great Army with him, or soon to arrive, were so chilled with fear, that Courage failing them; in much disorder they raised the Siege, and the Besieged in Sallying cut off a great many in the Rear, took most of their Tents and Baggage, left behind for haste; and so the King with a small Train coming thither, was joyfully received, and having better Fortified and Stored it with Provisions, conferring some Honours and Gifts on those that behaved themselves well, he returned to England, met divers of the Nobility who had raised Forces and were coming to his Aid, who scarcely believed he could be there in so short a time, or what he related of the raising the Siege could be true, till they had it confirmed from many hands. In the second Year of this King's Reign, a terrible Earthquake happened; and in the fourth, such prodigious Lightning and Thunder as did great mischief in divers places, and particularly it Burnt the Steeple of the Abbey at Winchester, rend the Beams of the Roof, and cast down the Image of the Virgin Mary, breaking one of its Legs as also the Crucifix; and not long after, so great a Storm happened at London, that it blew down 60 (some say 606) Houses, and took off the Roof of Bow-Church, bearing it a great height in the Air, and six of the Beams, being 27 Foot Long, with the fall run a prodigious depth into the Ground, the Streets being then un-paved, so that with much labour they were digged out. In his sixth Year was so great a Scarcity of Provisions, and a Pestilence, that in Populous Places the Living were hardly sufficient to Bury the Dead. In his ninth Year two Blazing Stars with long Firey Trains appeared, one in the East, the other in the West, for twenty Nights, seeming to dart Fire one at the other. And in the last Year of his Reign the Sea overflowed its Banks in Kent, and laid under Water all the Lands that had been Earl Goodwin's, being about 4000 Acres, Drowning much People and , and Demolishing many Villages. And to this day has not been Regained. That Overflowing is called goodwin's Sands, very fatal to Mariners. There also risen up a Spring of Water of the Colour of Blood, gushing out for 15. days in great abundance at Finchamstead near Abingdon in Berkshire, which was held to Presage the King's untimely Death: For he Hunting in the New Forest, where his Father had made such desolation of Churches, Religious Houses, and Villages, upon pretence of Pleasure, as the Dogs were at Bay with a Stag, and he having spoiled many of them, Sr. Walter Terrill, one of the Squires of the King's Body, let fly an Arrow, which glancing on the side of an Oak, slaunted on the King who was pressing on to the Quarry, and entered so deep into his Breast, that he died of the Wound; and almost on that spot, not long before, his Nephew Richard Son to Robert of Normandy, was slain by a violent fall from his Horse, beaten off by a Bow, all which Accidents were looked on as Judgements for the Sacrilege and Waste committed on so trivial an occasion. MIDLESEX By John Seller map of Middlesex Remarks on the County of Middlesex, and the famous Cities of London and Westminster. MIddlesex gains the Pre-eminence of other Counties by reason in it stands the famous City of London, The Courts of Judicature, and Palaces of our Kings, and by reason of the great numbers of Handicrafts; for few Manufactures used by the English Nation, are here unpractised; being in all too many to inumerate. This County produces a good sprinkling of Cattle, Corn, Pastures, Parks, Chases, and store of Deer: It is Bounded on the North with Hartfordshire, on the West with Buckinghamshire, on the South with the River Thames and Surry, on the East with Essex: It is divided into seven Hundreds (viz. Edmonton Hundred, Elthorn Hundred, Finsbury and Wenslaxbarn one Hundred, Goare Hundred, Oswelston Hundred, Isleworth Hundred, Spelthorn Hundred) containing 73 Parishes, (besides those Parishes contained in the Cities of London and Westminster, which are 126, viz. 97 within the Walls of London, 16 without the Walls, but within the Liberties thereof; and 7 in the City of Westminster) 2 Cities, London and Westminster, the former being a Bishops See; 5 Market Towns, and 1 principal River, viz. the Thames, which washes its South side: It sends Members to Parliament 8, viz. London City 4, Westminster City 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. London, a City of the greatest Trade in Europe, is pleasantly seated on the Banks of the Thames, lifting up her lofty Head on gradually rising Hills, full of Riches, and Beautified with many stately Buildings; King Lud, who Reigned here a little before the arrival of Julius Caesar, much Beautified and Enlarged it, if he were not the first Founder, calling it after his Name, Caer Lud; and one of its Western Gates retains his Name to this day. It has a stately Stone Bridge, with 19 Arches, passing over to Southwark; upon which are vast piles of Houses. The Tower, said to be Built by Julius Caesar, and much Enlarged by William the Conqueror, is for Strength and Prospect very Famous, having a Moat and conveniency to let the Thames Water in and out again. It is famous for being the Prison of many Nobles as David King of Scots, John King of France, etc. In it were Murdered Henry the Sixth, the two Princes Edward the Fifth and his Brother Richard Duke of York, by Crookback Richard's Command; within its Walls on the Green divers Nobles have been Beheaded, as Robert Earl of Essex, the Lady Jane Grey a little before Proclaimed Queen, and the Lord Dudley her Husband, and many others, too numerous to mention. Here Sr. Tho. Overbury was Poisoned, and Arthur Capell the Noble Earl of Essex, in King Charles the Seconds Reign, was found Dead, his Throat being Cut from Ear to Ear. In London one Gallus a Roman Lieutenant being Slain at a Brook, it was called thence Galbrook now corruptly Wallbrook. The famous Cathedral of St. Paul's was Founded by Sigebert King of the East-Angles, and Ethelbert King of Kent, where before a Temple was erected to Diana. In the Reign of Edmund Ironside this City was closely Besieged by the Danes, but the Siege soon raised by that Valiant King; Anno 1133, the greater part of it was consumed by Fire. In King Richard the Second time, was the great Rencounter in Smithfield, with the Rebels Wat Tyler and Jack Straw, where the former was killed by Sr. William Walworth, the Valiant Lord Mayor, For which the Dagger is added to the City Arms. This City has had the Honour to Entertain several Kings and Princes; King Stephen kept his Court where Crosby Square stands in Bishopsgate-street; King Edward the Third in Cornhill, where the Popes-Head-Tavern stands; King John had his Chapel where the Stone-House on London-Bridge stands, and kept his Court in Holy-Well-Lane by Shoreditch. King Henry the Eighth held his Palace in Blackfriers, and some times in Bridwell, where he Lodged the Emperor Charles the Fifth. It's Monument on Fish-street-Hill is very famous, Erected in Memory of the dreadful Fire, Anno Dom. 1666, Sept. the 2. which consumed 13000 Dwelling-Houses, besides the Cathedral of St. Paul's, and almost all the Churches, Chapels, Halls, and other Public Buildings. To Islington near this City, comes a pleasant Stream from a small Spring in Hartfordshire called Amwell, and supplies it by Wooden Pipes with Water in abundance. Bow Church in this City has a Steeple accounted the finest in Europe. It's Exchange in Cornhill is Beautified with the Statues of the Kings and Queens, and is a very stately Structure, Its Conduits are curious Ornaments to the City, as also are the Halls of the Companies; and likewise St. Paul's Cathedral, the East End and about a Third Part of it being Finished, containing the most excellent Workmanship that ever was wrought in Stone. Christ's Hospital, St. Bartholomew's, the , Bethlehem, and Bridwell, are very famous for Charity: In Christ Church three Queens were Buried, viz. Margaret second Wife to Edward the First, Isabella Wife to Edward the Second, and Joan her Daughter, Married to David King of Scots. Westminster, the second City, standing in this County, has the River of Thames pleasantly on the South side of it, and has been the most constant Residence of the Kings and Queens of England, till White-Hall was builded by Cardinal Wolsey in the Reign of Henry the Eighth, and yet claims the Coronation and Burials of them, in its stately Abbey, Built in a place once called The Isle of Thorns, in Henry the Sevenths' Chapel; and has also given Birth to many great Princes. This City is very Ancient, viz. about 1660 Years. The Palaces of White-Hall and St. James are very Stately, but the more to be noted for being the ordinary Residence of our Kings and Queens. His Majesty's Palace at Kensington is accounted one of the Pleasantest Seats in the County, and extraordinary much delighted in by the late Queen. Isleworth or Thistleworth is a Village pleasantly situate on the River Thames, where Richard King of the Romans and Earl of Cornwall, had a stately Palace, which was Burnt to the Ground by a Tumultuous Sally made by the London Mob. Chealsea is pleasantly seated on the River, and above all Beautified with its stately College, dedicated to the Use and Relief of decayed or disabled Soldiers and Officers. Cambray-House beyond Islington is of very Ancient Building, first Founded by a Grocer, and takes a fair Prospect of London. Highgate, and Hampstead are situate on pleasant Hills, giving a large Prospect. The next of note are Edger, Acton, Wilsdon, Edmonton, Tatnam Highcross, Harow, Drayton, Hackney, Newington, Hampton, famous for its stately Court, which is one of the finest in England, Built by the great Cardinal Wolsey. The Seats of the Nobility in this City and County, are many, viz. Norfolk-House in Arundel Buildings, belonging to the Duke of Norfolk; Wallingford-House, one of the seats of the late Duke of Buckingham's; Albemarle-House, one of the seats of the late Duke of Albemarle; Soho-Square, a seat of the late Duke of Monmouths; Clarkenwell-House, belonging to the late Duke of Newcastle; Cleveland-House, to the Duchess of Cleveland; Worcester-House, to the Duke of Beaufort; Highgate-House, to the Duke of Northumberland; Winchester-House, to the Duke of Bolton; Halifax-House, to the Marquis of Halifax; Kent-House, to the Earl of Kent; Bedfordhouse, to the Duke of Bedford; Thannet-House, to the Earl of Thannet; Leicester-House, to the Earl of Leicester; Cambray-House, to the Earl of Northampton; Warwick and Holland Houses, to the Earl of Warwick and Holland; Clare-House, to the Earl of Clare; Mulgrave-House, to the Earl of Mulgrave; Chealsey-House, to the Earl of Lindsey; St. Albans-House, to the Earl of St. Alban; Essex-House, to the Earl of Essex; Cardigan-House, to the Earl of Cardigan; Anglesey-House, to the Earl of Anglesey; Cravan-House, to the Lord Cravan; Ailesbury-House, to the Earl of Ailesbury; Burlington-House, to the Earl of Burlington; Powis-House, to the Marquis of Powis; Macclesfield-House, to the Earl of Macclesfield; Conway-House, to the Earl of Conway; Campden-House, to the Earl of Gainsborough; Faulconberg-House, to the Lord Viscount Faulconberg; Mordant-House, to the Lord Viscount Mordant of Avelon; Sion-House, to the Duke of Somerset, also Northumberland-House in the Strand; Drayton, to the Lord Paget; Hackney-House, to the Lord Brook; Charterhouse-Close, to the Lord Grey of Wark; a House at Whitton to the Lord Culpeper; Lord Berkley Baron of Stratton his seat Stratton-House, alias Berkley-House in Pickadilly; and at Twickenham a seat of the Lord Bennets, Baron of Ossulston; The Bishop of London's seats London-house, and Fullham-house. As for Medicinal Wells in this County, there have been lately found out divers at Islington, Hoxdon, and other Places, by many highly approved for the Cure of divers Distempers. The Reign of HENRY the First, Surnamed, for his great Learning, Beau-Clark, or Fine Scholar. WHen King William the Second was unfortunately Slain, Robert his Eldest Brother, Fortunate in all his proceed, save only in his Succession to the Crown of England, was Victoriously Warring in the Holy Land against the Turks and Saracens; but hearing of his Brother's Death, he declined the Kingdom of Jerusalem, to which the Christian Princes had Elected him, and hasted home; yet left most of his Troops behind him. But by means of his Absence, Henry, his Youngest Brother, so cunningly dealt with the English and Normans, that he got much into their Favour; and the more, because he was Born in England after his Father was Crowned King, and for as much as he was of a mild disposition, many Princely Virtues making it apparent that his Government would be accompanied with many Honourable Achievements, Gratful, Safe and Profitable to the Church and Commonweal; so that all things working to his Advancement, He was Crowned at Westminster by Maurice Bishop of London (Anselm Arch Bishop of Canterbury being Absent) on Sunday the 5th of August, Anno Dom. 1100; but before his Coronation, the Nobles constrained him to Swear he would Ease the People of the oppressing Taxes and other Grievances, and Restore to the English the use of Lights and Fire in their Houses, which they had been denied, for the most part, after the Ringing the Evening Bell, for the space of 33 Years. After his Coronation, to make him more Easy in the Throne, he caused the Great Seal to pass on several wholesome Laws, Subscribing them with his Name, and commanded divers of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal to do the like; and caused Copies of them to be sent into every County, to be kept in the County Courts. The Heads of the Laws were in these Branches. 1. That the Church should be free from Oppressions, and Reservation of their Possessions upon vacancy. 2. That the Heirs of the Nobility should Possess the Lands of their Fathers without Redemption from the King; which Favour likewise should be Granted by the Nobles to their Tenants. 3. That the Gentry might give in Marriage their Daughters and Kinswomen, without the King's Licence, so it were not to the King's Enemies. 4. That the Widow should have the Jointure, and not against her Consent be compelled to a second Marriage. 5. That the Mother, or the next of Kin, should be Guardian of the Lands of their Children. 6. That Coiners of False and Counterfeit Money should be Capitally Punished, and a Measure, to the Length of the King's Arm, should be a Standard of Commerce among the People. And 7. That all Debts to the Crown, before his coming to it, should be forgiven, and all Murders before the day of his Coronation to be Pardoned. With other such like Indulgences: He also at this time Confirmed King Edward the Confessor's Laws. Now, tho' this went a great way with the People, who found themselves easy in these Concessions, he yet used other Policies, as expecting a storm from the Norman Coast, as soon as Duke Robert should Arrive, whom he had notice by his Espials, was on his way; for having Seized on the plentiful heaps of the last King's Treasure, he Liberally disposed of it among such of his Subjects as he knew would stand him in the greatest stead, if things should come to Extremity. Then he placed the more Popular Nobles in the chief Offices of State, and satisfied the Leading Gentry with Titles of Honour, and Places of a lower station, absolutely acquitting the People forever from the Tax of Dane Gelt (it having been much lessened in the former Reign) and from all other Demands and unjust Payments Imposed on them by the two former Kings, giving leave to the Nobles and Gentlemen, for their Recreation, to Inclose Parks for their Deer, and free Warrens for their Coneys, Hares, and such like Game. And, as Traitors to his Virtues, State, and Kingly Government, he Exiled from his Presence and Court Sycophants, Parasites, Flatterers, Niceness in Behaviour, Lascivious Conversation, Sumptuousness in Apparel, Superfluity in Diet, etc. He made it Death for any to Robb on the Highways, and with Indefatigable Endeavours he Corrected and Reform the Monstrous Pride, Intolerable Covetousness, Secure Negligence and Sloth of the Clergy. Yet the better to please them, he Recalled Ans●● from Banishment, and Restored him to his Arch Bishopric of Canterbury, giving him full Power to Assemble Convocations and Synods at his pleasure; and for the amendment of such Irregularities as were insufferable in the Church, he left it wholly to the Pope, as also to Invest Bishops, by giving them the Ring, Cross, and Pastoral Staff. All such Ecclesestical Promotions and Dignities as by the Lewd Advice and Council of Reynulph Bishop of Durham, his Predecessor had Seized in his hands, and converted to his use, he voluntarily restored and conferred on honest and grave learned Men, and Committed the Bishop of Durham a Prisoner to the Tower of London, from whence he Escaped; and going for Normandy, earnestly Incited Duke Robert by many moving Orations to Invade England; who prone enough of himself, so hearkened to him, and relying on the Aids he had promised him here on his Landing, raised a great Army; of which Henry having timely notice, thought fit yet to strengthen himself more by Marriage, and in order to it he took to Wife Maud, Sister to Edgar King of Scots, who was Daughter to Malcolm by Margaret Sister to Edgar Etheling, and Daughter to King Edward the Son of Edmund Ironside, the Victorious Saxon King. These Nuptials were no sooner consummated, and a firm League made with Scotland, but Duke Robert Landed his Army at Portsmouth, which put the English into apprehensions of being involved in a doubtful War; but this threatening storm was soon blown over, by the discreet mediation and counsel of Friends on both sides; so that a friendly Peace ensued between the two Brothers, upon such like Conditions as had been Agreed on in William Rufus' Days; whereat the Norman Lords were much displeased, and returned discontented with the Duke; so that the King fearing he would not long rest contented with the Agreement, resolved to be beforehand with him; and therefore raising a gallant Army he Sailed to Normandy, and was joined by many of the discontented Nobles, giving the Duke two great Overthrows: After which, he being in a manner forsaken, shifted from place to place; when in the mean while the King pressing his good Fortune, won the strong Cities of Rouen, Caen, Valois, and others; and putting them in trusty hands, returned for England; where he was received in Triumph. The Duke perceiving his Fortune grew worse and worse, those that he most Trusted growing Treacherous, and betraying his Councils to the King, as being Bribed so to do, by which means he was almost stripped of his Duchy of Normandy, he Resolved to make an adventurous Experiment, and in order to it came privately into England, and humbly submitted himself to his Brother, leaving it in his discretion to dispose of him and his Duchy as he pleased; but the King desirous to Annex Normandy to his own Dominions, turned from him in a slighting manner, and commanded him out of his presence; which great Indignity roused the Duke's Courage, so that in a great Rage he fling out of the Court, and returned to Normandy; resolving rather to die by the Sword, valiantly fight in the Field, than again to be guilty of such Meanness. The King, who was not unacquainted with his humour, rightly guessed at what was intended, and therefore followed him with an Army, and much Treasure; and after many Battles overpowering his small number, he was taken, brought Prisoner to England, and closely confined; when endeavouring to make his Escape, the King (to whom in William Rufus his Reign he had done many good offices) ungratfully caused his Eyes to be put out with Burning Glasses; yet in this Captivity he lived about the space of 20 Years; and then, as is said, the King sending him a Suit of his Old , he took the Indignity so impatiently, that resolving to live no longer in that Misery and Disgrace, some Historians have it that he voluntarily Starved himself; others, that he Beat out his Brains against the Stones of the Prison-Wall; however, certain it is that in his confinement Died the valiant, well Accomplished, and much Lamented Robert, Eighth Duke of Normandy, a Prince in whom all Heroic Virtues shined. The King seeming now to be rid of all his Fears, began to consider, the Clergy by his concessions were grown exceeding Rich, and Ingrossed many Temporalities; so that resolving to come in with them for a share of what they had Accumulated by his Bounty, he laid Taxes on some, and reassumed his power of Creating Bishops; which so highly disgusted Arch Bishop Anselm, That he not only bitterly inveighed against his Proceed, contrary to his former Promises, but absolutely refused to Consecrate such Bishops as the King Appointed. However, to curry favour with the King, Gerald Arch Bishop of York, performed that Ceremony; and Anselm, soon after being Banished, fled to Rome, and made grievous complaints to Pope Paschal the Second, of the wrongs, as he pretended, that had been done him; and upon the Pope's Intercession, about two Years after he had Licence to return; and at a Synod of the Clergy holden in London by the Pope's Authority, it was Enacted, That from thence forth no Temporal Person should give Investiture to any Bishop by the Cross and Ring; yet three Years after, Arch Bishop Anselm Dying, The Temporalities of the See of Canterbury were Seized into the King's hands, who converted them to his use for the space of five Years, the See being so long kept vacant; he aledging to the Bishops that sued to him, to Nominate an Arch Bishop; That he only kept it for a worthy Person that might justly deserve it. Anno Dom. 1108 The King erected the Bishopric of Ely, appointing the Diocese to extend through the County of Cambridge and Isle of Ely, and Endowed it with some of his own Lands in those parts; by which means he made fair weather with the Pope, because by this addition he had strengthened his Interest the more in England, and the Clergy seemed satisfied in part for their Damages sustained. But now a Storm threatened in Normandy, for the King having gotten quiet Possession after his Brother's Death, Lewis Le Gross, King of France, fearing a further Encroachment on his Territories, if the King of England (wanting Interruption) had liberty to grow Powerful, he procured Foulk Earl of Anjou, on a weak pretence, to seize on the Country of maine, and then animated Baldwin Earl of Flanders, to Proclaim War for the King of England's with-houlding a Yearly Pension of 300 Marks, which the Conqueror had settled on Baldwin fifth Earl of Flanders, and had been paid by William Rufus to his Son and Nephew, because the Earl had assisted the Conqueror with considerable Forces upon his Invading Elngand: All these made strong preparations to Invade Normandy; But the News soon roused the King from his Bed of Ease, and filled him with Princely Resolutions; whereupon he passed the Seas with an Army of Nobles, Gentry and common Soldiers; when losing no time, he set upon the Earl of Anjou and his Associates, giving him an entire Overthrow, so that he was enforced to save himself by shameful Flight, leaving the Prime Nobility and Gentry of his Army dead on the Plains, or Prisoners of War, with 4000 of lesser note: And near unto the Town of Nice, which was Surprised and holden by the King of France, he Encountered the other Confederates, so that a very cruel Fight beginning between them, it continued Nine Hours, and was on both sides fought with such Eagerness and Heroic Resolution, that tho' the King won the Victory, and kept the Field, whilst his Parties sent after them had a long chase of the flying Enemy; he truly confessed, He Fought not then for Victory, but for his Life. Not long after these Victories, Overtures of Peace were made, and the King fearing some practices against him in England might raise a Rebellion, if he should be long entangled in War Abroad, he th● more readily hearkened to them, and a Peace was concluded, upon a Marriage between William the King's Eldest Son, and the Daughter of the Duke of Anjou; but in their return for England staying somewhat behind the King, and to make Merry, and take leave of their Friends, in their Riotous Treatments, the Mariners got such plenty of Wine, that being for the most part made Drunk, coming with full Sail, in hopes to overtake the King, they run upon the Shallows, where the Ship beating along by the violence of the Wind and Waves, Foundered; yet the Prince with his fair Bride, and many others, got into the Longboat, and put off; but Marry Countess of Perch, his Sister, crying from the Sinking Deck piteous to him To take her in, and not let her Perish in the Waters, he Rowed back again, thinking to do it; but then many Lives being at the point to be lost, and in that great Extremity ●very one valuing his own Life equal with his Princes, neither Words nor Swords could keep so many from leaping in, as sunk the Boat, so that they, together with Richard the King's Younger Son, Lucia his Niece, and her Husband the Earl of Chester, were swallowed up by the merciless Waves; only three or four Sailors escaping on Planks to Shoar, as sad Relators of the Tragical News, which filled the Court with Mourning, and the whole Nation with an Universal heaviness. However, the King bore it with Prudence, and much Princely Fortitude, knowing his Grief could not Retrieve his great loss; nor had he any long time after his Landing to weigh the mishap, ere Wars loud Alarms summoned him to the Field; for in his absence, the Welsh, impatient of the English Yoke, had strengthened themselves in Confederacy with some Irish Adventurers, and now broke into open Rebellion; not as formerly abiding in the Mountains and Fastnesses, but relying on a foolish Prophecy, That in that Year they should recover their Ancient Territories, and have a King of their Nation Reign over the whole Island, they boldly advanced, and unadvisedly gave him Battle in the Plains, where they were Overthrown, and most of them Slain or taken Prisoners; the King inciting the Sword to rage's in their destruction, and consumed with Fire all the places in his March, making such a desolation as had not been known in that Country for many hundred Years; and by so mighty a Terror having Quieted these People, he returned with great Spoil, and was joyfully received at London: Where Assembling the Nobles, he desired a Supply to enable him to Marry his Daughter Maud, to the Emperor Henry, who had demanded her in Marriage; which they granted, and it was Levied in the nature of a Tax on Lands, being called Aid pur file Merrier; and the same custom for the Marriage of the Eldest Daughters of the Kings of this Realm, was a long time continued, and may yet be practised on the like Emergency. At the same time he devised and ordered the manner and fashion of a High Court of Parliament, appointing it to consist of the Three Estates, of which himself was the Head; so that the Laws being made by the consent of all, were highly pleasing to the People. This happy beginning of a Good Constitution of Government, was First Established at Salisbury, in April Anno Dom. 1114; some Authors have it 1116. However it has proved, by the continuance and great Improvement of Parliaments, happy for England to this day; seeing to those August Assemblies we own the well founding of the best constituted Government it the World. Soon after this, the King hoping in some measure to repair the loss of his Children Drowned, as has been recited, Married Adilicia Daughter to Godfrey, first Duke of Louvain: And Pope Calixtus the Second came to him in Normandy, in hopes to persuade him not to meddle in matters belonging to Ecclesiastical Affairs, but neither Flattery, Threats, or Persuasion, could work the King to a compliance with his desires; and at this meeting two Youths, Sons to the Earl of Mellent, and Servants to the King, Disputing with two of the Pope's Cardinals, with Logical syllogisms, so Nonplused them, that they were compelled to own their Ignorance. About Three Years after, Pope Honorius the Second sent Cardinal Cremensis to certify the abuses of the Married Clergy, and to that purpose he made a long Oration in a large Assembly of Priests and others; in praise of Chastity, and dispraise of Unlawful Lust; (for so he termed that of the Married Priests with their Wives) but being narrowly watched by some of them, he was by a Public Officer taken in Bed the same Night with a common Strumpet; and so loaden with Shame, compelled to return to his Master without Success. Yet the King preferring Thurston, one of his Chaplains, to the Arch Bishopric of York, the Proud Priest refused to Swear Obedience to the See of Canterbury, which his Predecessors had both Sworn and performed; and Appealing to Rome, the King permitted the Pope to dispense with his Obedience to that See; but he proceeding further, to give him the Investure of Arch Bishop, by delivering him the Pall, Ring, and Cross, the King was so much displeased that he prohibited his return; but in the end the Pope's Threaten, Menacing nothing but Curses, Excommunications, and Suspensions, he had leave to Enjoy the Dignity of the Archiepiscopal See; least evil affected Persons, taking advantage of the Difference, might raise Commotions to disturb the Quiet of the Kingdom. And soon after one Arnold, in a Divinity Lecture at Oxford, for Preaching against the Pride of the Prelates, and Dissolute and Wicked Lives of the Priests, was Assassinated, and found Dead, with near a Hundred Wounds in his Head, Face, and other Parts. In the 27th Year of this King's Reign, Died the Emperor Henry the Fifth of Germany, not leaving any Issue by Maud his Empress; whereupon the King, to strengthen his Interest against France, Married her to Geoffrey Plantagenet, Son and Heir Apparent to Foulk then Earl of Anjou, by whom she had Issue Henry, afterward King of England, Geoffery and William. This fair Offspring enriched the King with the truest endowment of Content, for that as he conceived he saw in them the long continuance of his Line, in possessing the Crown of this Realm; and to make it the more certain and sure to them, he took three solemn Oaths in the space of five Years of all the Nobility and chief Men of the Kingdom, That with their best Advice, and with the hazard of their Goods, Lands, Lives and Fortunes, they should Support and Maintain the Succession of his Daughter and her Heirs. And so growing in Years, he went over to Normandy to do the like there, and settle his Affairs; but Eating Lampries at the Town of St. Dennis he Surfeited on them, and after a short Sickness Dyed. This King was accounted Wise, Learned, Mild and Just, beyond most of his Predecessors; more inclined to Peace than War; extending his Bounty to such as merited it by Public Service, confining his Gifts within the limits of Thrift and Measure: He was a gentle Friend, but a stuborn Enemy. He had several Children by his Concubines, which he promoted to Honours and Places of Trust. He Erected the two Bishoprics Ely and Carlis●le, and Founded the Monastries of Shirbourn, Circester, the Priory at Dunstable, and the Abbey of Reading in Berkshire, where he was Intered in a stately Tomb. He began his Reign Wednesday the First of August, Anno Dom. 1100, and Reigned 35 Years, 4 Months, and 1 Day; and was the 33d Sole Monarch of England. In the 16th Year of his Reign great Thunders, Lightnings, and Hail happened in December, doing much harm; and the Moon for two Nights appeared of the Colour of Blood; in October, the same Year, the Thames was so Dry, that the People passed at the Tower, and almost as far as the Bridge, to the other side on Foot. In the 33d Year of his Reign happened so great an Eclipse of the Sun, that at Noonday the Stars plainly appeared, and about two days after there was a terrible Earthquake; and the same Year happened a dreadful Fire in London, which consumed it from the West End of Cheapside to Aldgate; and the nex Year Worcester and Rochester were Accidentally Burnt; and a little before his Death, a Blazing Star with a Bushy Tail of the colour of Blood, appeared at South West Twelve Nights successively. Remarks on Northamptonshire, etc. NOrthamptonshire is a pleasant Inland County, held to be Situate in the Middle of the Kingdom, being mostly Enclosure, affording store of Corn, Pease, Fruits, good Pasturs', and large Cattle, Sheep and Foul in abundance; divers Parks stored with Deer, and much Fish. It contains in it one City, viz. Peterborough; which is a Bishops See, tho' Northampton is the Shire Town: It is divided into 20 Hundreds, and in them 326 Parishes, 13 Market Towns and 5 Rivers. It is Bounded with Cambridgshire, Huntingtonshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire; sends Members to Parliament 9, viz. 2 Knights of the Shire, Peterborough 2, Northampton 2, Brackley 2, Higham Ferries 1. NORTHAMPTON SHIRE. map of Northamtonshire Oundle, or Houndhill, is famous for a Well, wherein at certain times the beating of a Drum is heard, and People say it is usually the Alarm or Forerunner of Wars, or Changes of Government, and indeed before the late Revolution it was for many days together heard very plain: It has a very fine Church, a Free-Sohool, and an Almshouse. Peterborough is famed for its Building, and the curious Work of its Cathedral; It is seated, as Northampton and Oundle are, on the River Nen. At Higham Ferries was Born Henry Chichely, Cardinal and Archbishop of Canterbury, in the Reign of Henry the Sixth, who Founded All Soul's College in Oxford. Edgcot on Danes Moor, near this place a Bloody Battle was Fought Anno 1469, between Robin of Risdale, and Sr. John Coniers, against William Herbert Earl of Pembroke, the Lord Rivers and others. At Fotheringay Castle Mary Queen of Scots was kept a long time Prisoner, and at last Beheaded in it. The other Towns of Note are Towcester, Daventree, Wellingborough, Kettering, Brabrook, situate mostly on pleasant Streams that branch in all parts of this County: At Wellingborough are Medicinal Waters, upon the account of which Queen Mary the First Lay there for several Weeks. In the midst of the River Nen South of Peterborough, is a deep Gulf, so Cold in the Summer, no Swimmer is able to endure it, yet never Frozen in the Winter. The whole County is pleasantly sprinkled with Woods, and Tufted Groves, wherein great store of Hare's shelter. The Seats of the Nobility are Grafton Regis, a seat of the late Duke of Grafton; Burghly, Worthorp and Wakerly, belonging to the Earl of Exeter; Apethorp and Sewlhay Lodge, to the Earl of Westmoreland; Brayton, Luswick, alias Lowick. Thrapston and Sudborow, to the Earl of Peterborough; Althorp to the Earl of Sunderland; Dean, to the Earl of Cardigan; Winwick, to the Earl of Craven; Holdenby, to the Earl of Feversham; Kerby, to the Lord Viscount Hatton, Baron of Kerby etc. Astwell, to the Lord Ferrer; Easton Mavit, to the Lord Grey; Boughton and Barnwell Castle, to the Lord Montague; Rockingham Castle, Warmington and Stoke Albony, to the Lord Watson; Stean, to the Lord Crew; Peterborough-Pallace and Castle to the Lord Bishop of the Diocese: Besides these, there are many stately Houses of the Gentry that give a curious Prospect to most Roads in the County. The Reign of King STEPHEN. THough King Henry thought he made the Crown of England and Duchy of Normandy sure to his Daughter Maud and her Issue, yet for a whole Reign it was debarred from them; for Stephen, Third Son to Stephen Earl of Bloyce, by his Wife Adilicia, or Alice, Third Daughter to William the Conqueror, having insinuated himself into the Favour of the leading Nobles, Sailed for England, and Landed at Whitsand Bay, with whom came a wonderful Tempest, attended with Thunder and Lightning. He was Crowned at Westminster on the 26th of December, Anno Dom. 1135, by William corbel Arch Bishop of Canterbury, and so well was he Instructed in the former Examples, That by Wisdom and Policy he laboured to lay a sure foundation for his Advancement; and because Riches are the Sinews and Strength of the Strongest Kings, he therefore, to Enrich himself, seized on the Treasure of the Deceased King, and Bountifully disposed of it to such as either by Arms or Council were most likely to stand him in stead; he also created sundry Noblemen, and Dignified many others with the Honour of Knighthood; which made him find many fast Friends; and because benefits received are more frequently pleasing to the Vulgar, than Right or Reason, to ingratiate with the Common Sort, he remitted several Taxes, of ●hose Grievance they had complained in the latter end of the last Reign, but could have no Redress; causing, the better to confirm this Concession, a Charter to be made to the People under the Great Seal, for an Assurance of his not Revoking what he had consented to; he also made a Mitigation of the Severeties and Penalties of divers Laws; and by Solemn Oath Bound himself to Observe and Keep the same; he likewise Renounced the future Seizures of all Ecclesiastical Dignities and Promotions, when they should become Vacant, the better to Endear the Clergy to him; giving to the Church and Churchmen such Graceful and Profitable Privileges and Immunities as they would demand, exempting them (among other things) from the Authority of the Temporal Magistrate, for all Offence whatsoever, unless the Ordinary consent to give them up to the Secular Power. And to prevent sudden Disturbances that might arise, he builded many Forts, Fortresses, Bulwarks and Castles, Licensing the Nobles, Gentry and Clergy to do the like, for their Security: And to keep fair with David King of Scots, who was Uncle to Maud the Empress, he gave him the County of Cumberland, to hold it in Fee of the Crown of England, and do Homage for it when he should be so required, and Created his Eldest Son Henry Earl of Huntingdon; yet this sufficed not that restless King, for soon after he entered England in the Empresses Quarrel, and laid many Towns and Villages Waste, but being Encountered by Thurston Arch Bishop of York, he was Overthrown; and flying into Scotland, left about 10000 of his Men Dead behind him. Nor were the Welsh less troublesome, tho' he had Banished Baldwin D' Redvers for Rebelling against him, but greatly infested the Western Parts; whereupon an Army was sent, and gave them Battle; but by the Negligence of the Commanders, for want of due order, the English were put to the Rout, and many Slain, tho' more taken Prisoners; many of which were lead away by the Welsh-women, and so great a number were Drowned by the fall of a Bridge over Tweed, That a Passage was made over the Water with their Dead Bodies. In the Sixth Year of this King's Reign, the Empress Maud, being accompanied by her Brother-in-Law, Robert Duke of Gloucester, Landed in England with an Army, which as it Marched was much increased by the coming in of many English; and soon after joined by Randulph Earl of Chester, with a Body of Welsh; hereupon the King, reposing no confidence in delay▪ but Experience advising him that time would be the chief enabler of his Adversaries Success, he Levied a strong Army, and Marched against them, so that a cruel Fight, with equal hopes, was Fought for many hours between them; but at length the common Soldiers on the King's part, striving faintly, rather endeavouring to save, themselves, than to defend their Prince, they at last betook them to Flight, and left him with a few Nobles and Gentry; yet with his Battle-ax in his Hand, like an enraged Lion, he stoutly maintained the Combat, Slaying many of the Enemy; till at last, being surrounded, and in vain demanded to yield, he made a War himself against whole Troops, till being beaten down with a weighty Stone cast on him at a distance, he was taken Prisoner, and carried to Bristol Castle; where remaining about three Months, he was exchanged for the Duke of Gloucester, who in the mean while was made a Prisoner to King Stephen's Queen. However after this Battle, Maud received the Allegiance of all the Counties of England, except Kent; and Marching to Winchester, received there the Crown and other Regalia's, and so passing to London, she was received in Triumph; and now the reports of King Stephen's Defeat and Imprisonment, flying into Normandy, caused his Subjects there to slight him, and incline to Geoffery, Husband to the Empress; but changed their Minds, when they heard the King was at Liberty, and had strongly Besieged the Empress in Oxford, whither she was Fled, upon notice the Londoners consulted to seize her, and deliver her Prisoner to the King, because she had refused to confirm to them King Edward's Laws, with all their Charters and Privileges. And withdrawing privately from London, for fear of a Surprise, she posted to Oxford, where she had not been scarce five Days, ere the King Beleagured the City, and pressed it with continual Assaults, tho' in the depth of Winter; so that the Empress fearing to be Taken, dressed herself in White, and passing the Thames on the Ice, went through the Snow, which lay then thick on the Ground, to Abingdon, where taking Horse, she passed to Wallingford-Castle, kept with a strong Garrison by her Friends; and by this time her Brother and Son Henry were Landed at Warram-Haven, and from thence came to her with some Forces; but she wearied with the various turns and chances of War, soon after left England, and returned to her Husband who was in Normandy, having sent Prince Henry before; and so Oxford being Surrendered to the King, he went to Lincoln, and Summoned the Barons, who there Swore Allegiance to Eustace his Son, whom he Created Duke of Normandy; and Theobald Arch Bishop of Canterbury, refusing to Consecrate him, was obliged, for his contempt of the King's commands, to leave the Land, and fly to Normandy; whereupon the King seized on his Temporalities, but did not dispose of the Arch Bishopric. It is Remarkable that the Kings of England, before Stephen, refrained going into Lincoln, upon the account of a fatal Prophecy pronounced by Merlin, viz. When a King enters within Lincoln's Walls, His Reign proves Stormy, and he Childless falls. The King's Treasure being much wasted in the Wars he Fought, he demanded a Subsidy of the Clergy; but they refusing it, he was extreme angry with the Prelates, demanding of the Bishops of Salisbury, Lincoln, and Ely the Keys of their Castles, and exacted great Sums of Money from them, pretending they were Indebted to the Crown for the Tenors of their Temporalities. And now Prince Henry, being grown up gathered an Army, and Invaded England; nor was the King slow to Oppose him, but was somewhat retarded by the Indisposition of his Son, who fell into a Frenzy, of which he shortly Dyed, greatly lamented of the King, who had no more Children; but Sorrow giving place to Anger, he caused the Trumpets to sound a Charge against the Enemy; but as the two Armies were about to join, such a Storm of Rain and Hail fell, and continued so long that they were forced out of the Field to seek shelter; which gave a time for Parley; and the King weary of the War, and pitying the Sufferings of his People, being Childless, and not expecting any more Children; after many Messages from one to the other, a meeting was appointed; in which it was firmly agreed, That the King should Adopt Prince Henry his Heir, to Succeed him in the Kingdom and other his Dominions; and in lieu thereof, he should quietly enjoy the Crown during the Term of his Natural Life; which being Signed and Sworn to, all Hostilities ceased, and Henry was sent to suppress the Rebellion in Normandy, and oppose the intruding French, where in his Young Years he shown himself an expert General and Soldier, in driving the Frenchmen out of the Garrisons, and Castles they had taken; but whilst he was busied in the Wars Abroad, King Stephen fell Sick of the Iliack Passion, and Died in the Monastery of Monks at Dover. This Stephen was King of England and Duke of Normandy, the third Son of Stephen Earl of Bloyce by Adilicia, or Alice. He began his Reign on Monday the Second of December, Anno Dom. 1135, and Reigned 18 Years, 10 Months, and 20 Days; being the 24th Sole Monarch of England. He was Buried at Feversham in Kent, in an Abbey of his own Founding. In his Reign, Anno 1136, a Fire began at London-Stone, and consumed all before it thence Eastward, as far as Aldgate, and Westward to St. Paul's Church; and the next Year Rochester was destroyed by Fire: And in the Third Year of his Reign St. Martin's Church without the Walls, and the Hospital, with Thirty Nine Houses, and much Riches, were Burnt. In the Last Year of his Reign, a little before his Death, appeared a plain sign of a Cross in the Moon. Remarks on the County of Norfolk, etc. THis County is pleasantly Situated, and receives many Advantages by lying so commodiously open to Sea, which Bounds it on the North-East, and part of the West; on the South, it is Bounded by Suffolk; and the remaining part of the West, by Cambridgshire. It produces plenty of Butter, Cheese, large Cattle, Corn, Wool, Deer, Coneys; Sheep, and store of Woollen Manufacture. It has in it one City, viz, Norwich, a Bishops See, it is divided into 31 Hundreds, containing 660 Parishes, 33 Market Towns, and 3 Rivers of note, the River you're (from which Yarmouth takes its Name) being the Principal. It sends Members to Parliament 12; Norwich 2, Thetford 2, Yarmouth 2, Lynn-Regis 2, Castle-Rising 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. Yarmouth lies advantageously on the North side the River you're, and has great Trade by Shipping; it was Founded by the Danes, the better to favour their Landing, when they Invaded this Island, and has been often Graced with the Presence of many Kings and Princes, as William the Conqueror, who fortified it, Henry the Second, and Queen Elizabeth. Norwich, the Ancient Venta of the Romans, is a City of great Antiquity, often Sacked and Burnt by the Danes, especially it was leveled to the Ground by them Anno 1004. It suffered much in the Conquerors time, for siding with Earl Randdulph. The Cathedral was Founded by one Herbert, who Translated the Bishopric from Thetford to Norwich, and was the first Bishop of Norwich. This City Employs Thousands of People in the Woollen Manufacture, in making Stuffs, Bays, Sesse, Serges, Stockings, etc. Thetford, the Ancient Stigomagus of the Romans, was the principal seat of the Saxon East-Angle Kings, where King Edmund the Martyr was Overthrown by the Danes. NORFOLK map of Norfolk Lynn is a pleasant Seaport Town, honoured with the Gift of a Rich Cup by King John; and their Charter was enlarged by Henry the Third, for their good service against the Outlawed Barons, and other Privileges were added in Henry the Eighth's time, the Name being changed from Lynn-Episcopi, to Lynn-Regis. Elmham was Anciently the Bishops See, but it was Translated thence to Thetford, and thence to Norwich, where it now remains. The Seats of the Nobility are Dukes-Place, belonging to the Duke of Norfolk; Oxnead-Hall and Paston-Hall, to the Earl of Yarmouth; Reynam-Hall and Stif-key-Hall, to the Lord Viscount Towusend; Castle-Rising, to the Duke of Norfolk; Norwich-Palace and Ludham-Hall, to the Bishop of the Diocese. Besides divers sightly Houses of the Gentry. The Reign of King HENRY the Second, commonly called Henry Fitz-Empress. AT the time when King Stephen Dyed, Henry was in Normandy, Besieging a strong Castle the French had a little before taken by Surprise; and being advised by some Nobles about him, to pass over for England, and leave the Siege, lest another in his Absence might step into the Throne, as before had happened; he made a Reply full of Discretion and true Valour, to this effect: The Kingdom of England shall henceforth be at my Command, in despite of those that dare to cross me most; and so shall these Intruding Frenchmen, ere I raise the Siege. This resolution redoubled his honour among his Friends, and brought fear on the Enemy; for when they knew it, they surrendered the Castle, and submitted themselves to his Mercy; and so having settled Affairs in that Dukedom, with a Noble Train of Lords and Gentlemen he came for England, where he was Crowned three times, viz. By Theobald, Arch Bishop of Canterbury, at Westminster; Then at Lincoln, and lastly at Worcester: He chose his Council of the Gravest, Wisest, and most Learned Peers, and made Thomas of Becket Chancellor, and appointed such Judges and Learned Men in the Laws, by Industry and Labour, to Refine them; That the Common Laws were greatly Mended and Improved, being rendered more tolerable and profitable to the People; and after this, he divided the Kingdom into six Circuits; and for the better administration of Justice, and Trying of Causes between Subject and Subject, he appointed his Judges to go those Circuits twice a Year; which Order yet continues. He Banished the greatest part of Strangers, who in those days by multitudes flocked hither; and by their extraordinary Sparing, and painful Industry, procured much Wealth, and Beggared the Natives. He Exiled many of the Nobles, who contrary to their Duties had adhered to King Stephen; and differing much from the Opinion of his Predecessor, he affirmed that strong Castles and Forts, maintained in the heart of the Kingdom, did rather Animate Great Men, upon any displeasure to Revolt, than Fear them into Obedience; whereupon he caused most of them to be Razed to the Ground, and Seized such Manors, Lordships, Possessions, as his Predecessors had either Sold or Given from the Crown, holding it to be the Duty of every Subject to refuse the Gift or Purchase of such things as do immediately concern the Honour and Maintenance of a King. And the like he did in the Northern Parts, where many Great Men Commanding as they list, had wrought themselves and their Posterity into many Honours, Castles, Manors, which properly appertained to the Crown. He likewise took into his hands the Provinces of Cumberland, Northumberland, and the Earldom of Huntingdon, which David King of Scots, and Henry his Son, had received as a Gift from King Stephen, to favour his Wars against the Empress. However the King entered into Amity with Malcolm King of Scots, upon the same Conditions as were Agreed on in Henry the Firsts time; and in Token of his Subjection, the Scot Offered his Bonnet and Saddle upon St. Peter's Altar at York: And about this time, Theobald Dying, Becket was made Arch Bishop of Canterbury. This King, even in time of Peace, had generally an Army on foot, and rarely kept them Idle; but would often Transport them to Normandy, and there having Exercised them, would bring them back again, so that on all occasions they were found ready and expert Soldiers. And now an advantage opened a way to the English for the Conquest of Ireland: For the Eastern part along the Sea being possessed by Dormat-Mac-Mahur King of Leinster, his Cruelties had highly incensed his Subjects against him, especially upon taking away the Queen of Morris, King of Meath; so that the Injured King Confederating with Roderick O Conor King of Connought, they beat him out of his Country; so that he fled for England, and craved Aid of King Henry to Restore him; which upon taking an Oath of Fidelity and Subjection, was hearkened to; when the better to encourage the design, the King for a Sum of Money obtained leave of Pope Adrian, an Englishman, then advanced to St. Peter's Chair, that he might Conquer Ireland; promising moreover throughly to Establish the Christian Religion therein, and bring it to an acknowledgement of the See of Rome; but whilst he was preparing for this Expedition; new Troubles arose in Normandy which required his Presence to pacify; but he granted his Letters Patents, by which he gave leave, with Encouragement, to his Nobles and such others as were willing, to go for Ireland. Dormat, impatient of Exile, laid hold of this first Advantage, and Solicited the Nobles, but above all, he promised Richard the King's Son, a Young Prince of a Warlike Spirit, his Daughter, a very Beautiful Young Lady, and all his Countries after his Decease to be made over to them; he likewise incited one Fitz Stephens, who with a Band of Valiant Welshmen was the first that Landed, and maintained his Ground with much Courage, till the Prince and divers Nobles came over; and with little trouble they seized the Town of Wexford, which was given to Fitz Stephens, for his part of the Charge of the War; and soon after many of the petty Irish Kings being Overthrown, Dormat was Restored, and Dublin the chief City, Submitting to him, he put to Death, by many Cruelties, such of his Capital Enemies as he found there. However the Prince went Conquering on, and Subdued all before him; of which King Henry had no sooner Notice, but fearing this might flush Ambition, and make him practice with his own Subjects for the Crown, he speedily returned to England, and sent Mandates Commanding all the English under great Penalties to return; rallying the Nobility, for suffering the Prince in his Absence to go over; he was in this so far Obeyed, that the Prince was left in Dublin with a small Train; the Irish was not slow in taking the advantage of this Retreat, and therefore Besieged him in that prime City with an Army of 30000 Men; upon which he Sallied with about 1500, and utterly Routed them, taking great Spoils; and so in obedience to the King's commands, returned for England, where he surrendered into his Father's hands all the Forts and Cities he had taken. Anno 1172 the King Landed in Ireland with a Royal Army, and found Dormar to be Dead; however he brought such a Terror on the Country, That Roderick, and most of the other Princes submitted to him, entreating him to take the Government on him, as their Supreme Lord; which he Accepted, with their Oaths of Fealty, and at Christmas he made a Royal Feast in the City of Dublin to the Petty Kings, and most of the Nobility of the Kingdom; and having settled the Civil and Ecclesiastical matters, reforming Barbarities and Abuses, he brought those that held out in Ulster, under Subjection; and so returned in Triumph to London. Thus was Ireland made subject to the Crown of England, and has so continued ever since, being a very spacious Country, viz. in Length 303 Miles, in Breadth 112, in Circumference 948. And such was the overfondness of this King to his Eldest Son, Henry, that he caused him and his Wife Margaret, Daughter to Lewis the French King, to be twice solemnly Crowned in the presence of his People, himself (the second time, for that day) leaving the Title of King, and serving as a Servitor at his Son's Table; whereat the Bishop of Winchester whispering the Young Henry in the Ear, said, Never any King of England had such a Sewer at his Table: Nay, replied the Upstart, my Father need not think it any dishonour to him, as being but Royal Born on one side, when I had both a King to my Father, and a Queen to my Mother; upon this the old King shook his Head, and whispered the Bishop, I find, my Lord, I have raised the Young Man too soon, and too late repent of it: And from that time he laboured to suppress the Pride of his Sons, which made them often Rebel and Conspire with his Enemies, drawing away the Hearts of many of his Subjects: And altho' at one time Lewis the French King, Henry, Geoffry and John, three of his Sons, joined with Robert Earl of Leicester, Hugh Earl of Chester, and William King of Scots, against him; yet by plain Valour he Routed them, and made his Sons, and others that were his Subjects, submit to his Pardon; and soon after his Son Henry Dyed, in the flower of his Age. But these were not all the King's Troubles, for he was grievously pestered with the stubbornness of Becket, Arch Bishop of Canterbury: For upon his first admittance to that See, he refused to take the Oath for observation of the Articles administered to the Clergy, which the rest of the Bishops had done, because it was clearly against the Pope's Authority; and perceiving the King much displeased at his refusal, he resolved to set the Pope on his Back; and therefore privately withdrawing himself, went to Rome, where he made grievous complaints against the King and Clergy of England, to Innocent the Second; upon which the Pope gave him the Pall, and appointed him Legate; so upon his return, he delivered up his Chancelorship and Great Seal, not giving the King, or any other, an account why he did so. These Jars between the King and the Arch Bishop, emboldened the Inferior Clergy to commit many Irregularities, for which they received but small punishment; for if they committed Murders, Manslaughters, Felonies or Robbery, being Censured by Men of their own Profession, they came off as they could wish; so that the Common Wealth being sorely oppressed, to Redress these Grievances, the King found himself constrained to call a Parliament: In which that Law made in King Stephen's Reign, which exempted the Authority of Temporal Judges from meddling with Ecclesiastical Affairs, was Repealed; and the Laws held in the Reign of Henry the First, and other the King's Predecessors, Established and Enforced, being commonly called Avitae Legis; but he was stoutly opposed in his Proceed by Becket and some other Bishops, who unadvisedly made themselves partakers of his Faction; but after many Conferences, Disputes and Consultations, all (except Becket) Ratified and Subscribed those newly revived Laws; but he by no means would do it, unless he might enter this Clause, [Salvo Ordine suo] which words clearly Annihilated the Life and Substance of those Laws; but the Bishops fearing the King's Anger might turn to their great disadvantage, at last prevailed with Becket to Swear to the said Laws; but upon another Pet taken, he recanted his Oath, and was Absolved by the Pope: Yet it nothing daunted the King, but rather Irritated him to Seize into his own hands all such Temporalities as he had formerly given to the Arch Bishop, requiring him to render an Account of 30000 Marks he had Imbezilled during his being Chancellor. But the Prelate in Answer to this, boldly affirmed the King had freely given it to him as a free Gift, and ought not in Honour or Conscience to demand it back. Whereupon all the Movables that appertained to him, were Seized by the Kings express command. At which Becket being disgusted, he went to Rome, without the King's Licence; and the King perceiving his drift was to incense the Pope against him, sent his Ambassadors to represent his perverseness, and evil carriage, and how reasonable things were, he had imposed on him; entreating the Pope to divest him of his Dignity, and he would provide for him and his in another station. But Becket had made such interest in the Court of Rome, That the Pope not only refused it, but with many Threaten sent two Legates To Curse the King and all his People, unless on their demands Becket were immediately restored to his Dignity, also to his Lands and Movables that were Confiscated; and in the mean while he commended him to the Abbot of Pontynack, where he was kindly received, and for a time entertained. But upon the King's Threats, that unless he was Expelled the House, that he would leave no Monk of that Order in France, he was dismissed; the King Commanding, That without his Licence no Cardinal nor Legate should presume to set Footing in England, and hereupon he Banished all Beckets Relations, which much grieved him, yet underhand he was encouraged, by Lewis the French King, resolutely to persist in his Obstinacy; whereupon King Henry, to put an end to this difference that much disturbed the Kingdom, Sailed to France, and in the French Kings presence, Conferred with the Arch Bishop, making him an Offer, That if he would take the Oath again, and subscribe the Instrument Triparte, as himself and the Arch Bishop of York had done, he should be restored to his Favour, and enjoy all that was formerly appertaining to him, and his Friends recalled from Banishment; but then he started another obstacle, consenting to do it, if it might be with an exception of [salvo honore Dei.] This more angered the King than the former, for by it he seemed to Object the Laws made tended to the dishonour of God; and if so, consequently were void in themselves, bringing a scandal upon those that first Instituted them, and also upon himself and the Parliament that had Revived them. Whereupon Becket plainly told him, That he feared none but God; and since his Laws were derogatory to the Ancient Customs and Privileges of the Church, and Robbed God of his Honour, the King, in seeking to Establish them, should not have his will whilst he lived. And upon this Disagreement, the Pope sent two Legates to Interdict the Kingdom, till Becket should be restored to his Dignity. This so far transported the King with Anger, (being then in Normandy) That he let some words fall in his Passion, which being taken hold on by some of his Courtiers, who misconstrued the King's meaning, it proved the destruction of Becket: For soon after having leave to return, and beginning new Troubles in Church Matters, four of them Slew him at the High Altar in the Cathedral Church of Canterbury, and with him two or three Monks that endeavoured his Rescue. Thus fell this troublesome Prelate, who rising from a low degree, his Father being a Londoner, and his Mother a Sarazen, in his Pride contended many Years with a Potent King, and brought many miseries on the Kingdom. Afterward he was Sainted, and many Superstitious People went on Pilgrimage to his Tomb. The Pope no sooner knew his Champion was fallen, but he Threatened, Cursed and Fulminated, yet with little Terror. However, to make himself Easy, the King admitted two Cardinals to take his Purgation, who allotted his Penance, when he had denied his consenting to the Murder upon Oath, to War three Years in the Holy Land; (which he Redeemed, by Erecting three Religious Houses) That he should go from London to Canterbury bore Footed to visit Beckets Shrine, which he performed, and suffered himself to be Scourged by the Monks with Rods on his Naked Back; after which, upon his sending Presents to the Pope, he was Absolved. During the Kings being thus Abroad his Queen had caused Rosamond his fair Concubine to be Poisoned; which so enraged him, that he cast her into Prison, and would be prevailed on by no Entreaty nor Submission to release her during his Life, tho' she endured many Miseries and Hardships in her confinement; till at length she was set at Liberty by her Son Richard's coming to the Crown, as will more at large appear in his Reign. Doctor Gilbert Folliott of Oxford, however hardly the Pope had used the King, nevertheless persuaded him to regulate abuses in the Clergy, and curb their Pride; showing him a warrant for it from the Word of God, and the Writings of Eminent Fathers of the Church, and other Good and Learned Men, That for as much as Kings are styled The Nursing Fathers of the Church: It is their Duty to God to see it well Ordered and Governed, and like a careful Husbandman suppress and keep under those rank Weeds of Error that would over-top and choke the Corn of Truth: He used many other Reasons and Arguments, so that the King began to assume his Power and look more narrowly into their Covetousness, Pride, and the Oppressions they laid on such as their Jurisdiction extended over in Temporalities; wherein he abridged and cut them short, which made them greivously complain that the King harkened to Persons evilly affected to the Church; and the Pope having notice, who had advised the King, sent many Threats and Menaces of what Mischief he would do in England, if he did not put him out of his Protection; which he had no sooner done, but the Clergy, like so many Harpies, grievously Persecuted him, till they made him Abjure the Land; but this being contrary to the King's pleasure, he was afterward recalled, and had leave to live a private Life. However the King neglected to pay the Tribute called Peter-pences to Rome, and Garrisoned his Towns in Normandy very strongly, beating out the encroaching French, and Enlarging his Borders, tho' his Sons proved still troublesome to him, in underhand siding with the French, and some discontented Normans and English; However he surmounted all Difficulties, till in Normandy he fell Sick, of a Fever and Dyed at Chinon, on the Sixth of July, Anno Dom. 1189, when he had Reigned 34 Years, 8 Months, and 11 Days. He was Eldest Son to Geoffery Plantagenet, Earl of Anjou, Son to Foulk King of Jerusalem, by Maud the Empress, Eldest Daughter to Henry the First. He began his Reign October 25, Anno 1154; and Dying (as is said) was Buried at Font-Everard in Normandy. He is accounted a Wise, Just, Learned and valiant Prince; and tho' he little burdened his Subjects with Taxes, considering the Wars he had, yet he left in his Treasury 900000 Pounds in Coin and Plate, besides Jewels and other things of great value, which furnished out his Son Richard for the Holy War. As for his fair Concubine, whom he entirely doted on, he caused her to be Buried at Godstow, near Oxford, and on her stately Monument placed this Epitaph. Hic Jacet in Tumba Rosamundi non Rosa Munda, Non Redolet, sed olet, que Redolere Solet. And may be Englished thus Within this Tomb lies the World's chiefest Rose; She who was Sweet will now offend your Nose. In the Fifth Year of this King's Reign, 30 Persecuted Waldenses flying their Country came into England, and found here no better Entertainment, for being Pronounced Heriticks by a Convocation of Bishops at Oxford, the King strictly Prohibited his Subjects to relieve them, so that wandering up and down, they Died with Hunger. And near this time, certain Jews Crucified a Child at Gloucester, for which 20 of them were Hanged, and many Banished. Anno 1163, one Peter, Priest of Colechurch, was at the Charge of Building London-Bridge a New, with Timber. In the 20th Year of this King's Reign Leicester was Burnt by his command, the Walls and Castle Razed, and the Inhabitants dispersed, for adhering to his Enemies. The same Year Christ-Church in Canterbury was burned, and six Years after the City of York was Burned; and 1185, the Abbey of Glasenbury was consumed by Lightning; and the next Year a terrible Earthquake happening threw down many Buildings, and rend in pieces the Cathederal Church of Lincoln, Chichester was also Burnt. Near Orford in Suffolk, a Monstrous Fish was taken, having the shape of a Man upwards, and was kept a long time by the Governor in the Castle, Eating Raw Flesh and Fish greedily; but at last it got away by the breaking of a Sluice, and was carried to the Sea again; and People were persuaded if it could have been made to Speak, it might have told many wonderful things. Remarks on Notinghamshire, etc. NOTTINGHAM SHIRE. map of Nottinghamshire It contains 8 Hundreds, divided into 168 Parishes, as also 8 Market Towns; and is Watered with 21 great and small Rivers. It sends Members to Parliament 8, viz. East Retford 2, Newark 2, Nottingham 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. Newark, in this County, is pleasantly seated on the River Trent, thence called Newark upon Trent, to distinguish it: At Swinstead Abbey in this place, King John was Poisoned by a Monk, and over the River there is a very fine Bridge. Nottingham is pleasantly seated on a branch of the same River, encompassed with pleasant Fields and Groves. It's Castle was kept by the Danes against Burthred King of Mercia, also against Ethelred and Alfred, two other Saxon Kings. At Stoke near Newark, Lambert Symnel in the Reign of Henry the Seventh was utterly Defeated, and his upholders, John D' La Pool Earl of Lincoln, Thomas Garadine Chancellor of Ireland, Francis Lord Lovel, and others, were Slain, with 4000 Common Soldiers, and Symnel taken Prisoner, June 16, Anno Dom. 1487. At Mansfield was Born the first Earl Mansfield in Germany, now a famous Family in the Empire, said to be one of King Arthur's Round Table Knights: Blythe is a pleasant Town situate on the River Idle. Besides these of Note and Antiquity are Hoverham, Retford, Worksop, and Southwell. In this County is the much noted Forest of Shirwood, where Robin Hood held his chief Residence, and in it are bred a great many of those Hares called the Laner. In this County they dig a soft Stone, which Burnt makes a Plaster for Flooring their upper-Rooms, which dried is harder than Plaster of Paris. About Worksop grows store of Liquorice. The County contains many Parks full of Deer; The Rivers, Meers, and Ponds are stored with Fish, and at the Season there is plenty of Wildfowl. The Seats of the Nobility are Worksop, belonging to the Duke of Norfolk; Welbeck Abbey and Nottingham Castle, to the late Earl of Newcastle; Holm Pierepont, to the Duke of Northumberland; Rufford, to the Marquis of Hallifax; Houghton and Chare-House, to the Earl of Clare; Shelford, to the Earl of Chesterfield; Bestwood, to the Earl of Burford; Newsted Abbey, Bulvel Park, and Linby, to the Lord Rochdale; Averham and Killham, to the Lord Lexington, besides divers pleasant Seats of the Gentry, etc. The Reign of King RICHARD the First. RICHARD, the Eldest Son living of Henry the Second, was in Normanay at the time his Father Died there, and could not come over so soon as was expected, by reason that Country remained unsettled by Intestine Wars, and some Factions the French had made at a great Expense, to keep it so; which required necessarily his presence. However he sent over speedy orders for the Releasement of Queen Elinor his Mother, who had endured a long and hard Imprisonment by the strict command of King Henry, who would not forgive her at his Death, because she had Poisoned Rosamond, his fair and much beloved Concubine; and after her Releasement she was by King Richard appointed Regent of England till his Return. And then, by reason her own Experience had informed her what hardships those endured who Languished under Confinement, she caused to be set at Liberty all such as were in Prison for ordinary Offences, or small Debts. The latter she Paid, that the Subjects should be no Loser's by her commiseration, and Administered the Government Prudently, with much Moderation, Integrity and Justice. The King at length coming over with a splendid Train of Nobility, was received with great Joy of the People, and putting an end to the Queen Dowager's Regency, was Crowned by Baldwin Arch Bishop of Canterbury, and Swore to keep several Articles administered to him by the Nobles, to the Ease and great Advantage of his Subjects, freeing all that were in Prison for Offences against the Crown, and such others as (without injustice done to his Subjects) he could acquit; and in the whole course of his Government so provided, that Mercy with Justice might extend to all; and finding his Brother John of a Turbulent Spirit, he heaped many Honours and Promotions on him, thereby to satisfy him, and allay his thirst of aspiring; viz. He Created him Earl of Lancaster, and gave him the Counties of Nottingham, Devon, and Cornwall, Married him to the sole Daughter and Heiress of the Earl of Gloucester, by which means he obtained the Lordship of that County. But these great Favours and Donations answered not the King's expectations, for when he had showered on him such Bounties, he found him by his practices reaching at the Crown, as much relying on a Faction at home, and the promises of the French to assist him, when need required it: It being a Policy of theirs to divert King Richard, (whom all Historians allow to be a Valiant and Warlike Prince) from Warring on France, in Reparation of the many Injuries his Subjects in Normandy had Sustained by the Inroads they had frequently made. However, the King mildly reproving his Brother, and showing him his Ingratitude, to nurture such Designs, also the Gild and Danger he would incur, he made many Excuses and Protestations he had no such Designs as had been suggested of him, and they were both his and the King's Enemies who had spread those reports to set them at variance. These and his renewed Protestations of Loyalty and Obedience, resolving to live quiet, and contribute all he could to the Advantage of the Commonweal, prevailed with the King to accept of his Submission, and have a good opinion of his Fidelity; and the King, as an Expiation for the Offences himself had committed against Henry his Father, making a Vow to accompany the other Christian Princes for the Recovery of the Holy Land from the Turks, and other Infidels, who grievously Oppressed the Asian Christians, he the more easily winked at what he had plainly seen; so that a Reconcilement being made, the King's thoughts were wholly taken up with his intended Expedition; but having Lavished away the vast Treasure his Father left in large Donations, he found Money was wanting to furnish him out with such an Army and Equipage as might stand with his Honour. He had been Solicited, besides his own Inclinations, by the Pope, to this Undertaking, with many promised Blessings, (as others had been) if by their Arms they Regained the Holy City Jerusalem from the Infidels; yet to raise Money he refused to Levy any Taxes on his Subjects, but Sold his Castles of Barwick and Roxborough to the King of Scots, for 10000 Pounds; the Lordship and Earldom of Durham to Hugh, then Bishop of the See, for 16000 Pounds, as also Honours, Lordships, Manors, Privileges, Royalties and Crown-Lands upon other Grants and Tenors, to divers of his Subjects for much Money; so that having, as he supposed, a sufficient Treasure, he prepared things in a readiness; but contrary to his expectation, it falling short, he borrowed Sums of such as he had formerly Liberally bestowed his Bounties on, protesting that for the performing so great and Honourable a service, he was not unwilling to Sell his City of London, if he could find any body of Ability to Purchase it, rather than by Taxes he would Oppress his Subjects. In this Undertaking, at the Instance and earnest Incitement of the Pope, were also Engaged Frederick the Emperer, Philip the Second, Surnamed Augustus, King of France, Leopold Arch Duke of Austria, and many other Princes; so that a gallant Army was prepared, and great store of Treasure. With these King Richard entered into an Agreement that their General Rendezvous should be in the Island of Sicily the following Spring, and That such Wealth and Booty as God and good Fortune should put into their Possession should be equally divided between them and their Forces; and thus every thing being in a readiness, King Richard appointed William Langchamp Bishop of Ely, Regent, in his Absence; and soon after, the better to Establish the Bishop's Authority among the Nobles, who little approved him, the Pope appointed him his Legate in England; and so early in the Spring, the King with about 30000 Men at Arms, with divers Nobles and Gentlemen, set Sail and safely arrived in the Port of Messina in Sicily, whither the King of France, and some other Princes whose Territories lay near, were got before him; and there they renewed their Resolves not to Return till they had won Jerusalem; but this fair Sunshine held not long on the French Kings part, for his Army being exceeded by the Gallantry of the English, he feared they would win from him the Glory of the Undertaking, which his Flatterers had told him would redound totally to his Honour, and the lasting Fame of the French Nation; so that clouds of discontent appeared on his Brows, and in a little time he gave free Reins to the former Displeasure, that had been hushed; for that King Richard had rejected his Sister, and Married the Daughter of the King of Navarre; yet as well as he could he dissembled his displeasure, seeing the Eyes of all Christendom were fixed on this Undertaking; and without the apparent loss of his Honour, he could not presently draw back when he was so far Engaged; and so weighing Anchor, they set forward with a fair Gale; but at length a Storm arising, the English Fleet was separated from the rest, and driven on the Coast of the pleasant Island of Cyprus, where some of his Ships putting in to Repair the Damage they had received at Sea, divers of their Mariners upon Landing were Slain by the King of the Island's command, who professed himself a Christian and wellwisher to this Undertaking; this so much transported King Richard with a desire of chastizing such Inhospitality and Outrage, that he Tacked with his whole Fleet, Landed his Army on the Island, and easily Overthrew the King and took him Prisoner, carrying him along with him Manacled in Silver Chains to Syria; and having secured the Island to his Interest, by leaving a Governor and Garrisons in the strong Forts, he Sailed to Ptolomais, which place he had News the Christians had Besieged, and there was Joyfully received by many of the Princes in Leagre; and having a day or two refreshed and comforted his Forces, it was agreed that a general Assault should be given at the places where the Battering Rams and other forcible Engines had made Breaches in the Walls; which was so hotly carried on, that all their Outworks were won in a few Hours; whereupon the Garrison, not expecting present Relief, and fearing to be put to the Sword, if the Town was taken by Storm, Surrendered upon Condition they might safely departed thence: This was agreed to upon their leaving 5000 Hostages till a great Sum of Money should be Paid, and that Saladine the Turkish Sultan, should deliver up such Prisoners as he had taken being Christians; and so about 50000 Marched out, many of them almost Starved, the Famine having been extreme among them. No sooner they had vacated the City, but the Duke of Austria's Standard bearer hasted to plant his Master's Colours on the Battelment, as if by the sole Valour of the Austrian Arms the Place had been Taken; which indeed had the least share in the Danger: This so highly displeased King Richard, that not staying to Command any other to do it, he stepped on the Wall, and plucking down those Proud Colours, trampled them under his Feet: This put the Duke into a great chafe, which made him afterward Confederate with Lewis the Second, to hinder the progress of Affairs in the Holy Land, that King Richard might not carry from them the Glory: Yet he little regarded their Anger, but pursuing this success, gave Saladine Battle not far from this City, and Overthrew him with incredible Slaughter, having the execution of the Enemy for many Miles, so that the Fields and Lanes were covered with their dead Bodies; and thereupon he Marched his Army towards Jerusalem, being chosen General by the Knight's Templars and most of the Princes. But in the midst of these great Designs, Malice thrust in to hinder the progress of the Christian Arms, as to what was intended to be done, for the Discontents of Lewis and the Duke of Austria more and more growing on them, they at length shown it so openly as to withdraw a great part of their Forces from the Army; and the former pretending want of Health, and the Climates not agreeing with him, Sailed back to France, carrying with him the best of his Forces; and tho' before he went he gave his Oath, at the earnest Request of the Pope's Legate, that he would not injure King Richard's Territories neither in Normandy nor England, yet soon after recalling the rest of his Forces, with them went the Duke of Austria, whom he had constituted his Lieutenant General in Syria: He did make War against Normandy, and strove to raise distractions in England; but in the former Attempt he was mostly worsted, yet at last swept away some small Towns and Castles; and in the latter, the Threaten of the Pope's Curse against all that should Rebel in England, prevented his Intrigues in a great measure, though some Commotions happened, as you will hear in the sequel. Notwithstanding these Disappointments, King Richard Wintered his Army in those Towns the Sultan had Ruinated in his Retreat, to prevent their falling into the hands of the Christians; Rebuilding and Fortifying those that were most commodious, resolving in the Spring to lay Siege to Jerusalem; but when his Forces were drawn into the Field, he found by Sickness, and many that had Deserted, his Army was so wasted that he was not able to undertake it. The Sultan fearing some such design had strongly Garisoned it with 30000 Men: However the King Marched forward, and took by the way divers Castles and Fortresses, and 5000 Camels Laden with Riches from Egypt and Arabia, which much Encouraged his Soldiers, as being mostly distributed amongst them: When one day Marching, a Knight climbing up a high Hill, came hastily to the King, and told him from thence he might have a Prospect of Jerusalem; which instead of Joy, drew Tears from his Eyes, when lifting up his Hands he passionately said, O Lord, I beseech thee let me not See thy Holy City, since by the Disappointments I have met with, I am not able to Deliver it out of the hands of the Enemies of thy Name; and so turning aside, he returned to Ptolomais, where he found some new Adventurers Arrived, when Marching cross the Country, and Subduing all before him, he brought such a Terror upon the People, that his very Name was frightful to them; and as some Historians have it, a long while after used to Bugbear their Children with it, when they cried and were untoward, viz. If you hold not your peace, King Richard is coming, and will have you; which had such effects on them, that they became still as Lambs. However finding no more Forces were in Europe preparing to enable him to take Jerusalem, the main design of his Preparations, having private notice that his Brother John was practising against him; and fearing whilst he was warring abroad, he might lose his Kingdom at home, he resolved to make such Conditions with the Turkish Sultan, as might be best for the Settlement and Peace of the Christians in Syria. But the crafty Infidel being very sensible of the weak condition the Christian Army was in, would not hearken to any other Terms than to have all the Towns that were taken, Ptolomais Excepted, surrendered; and upon that condition they should be suffered to have a quiet Enjoyment of their Effects, and to Trade in the Country; and so having made this Agreement, and Sold the Island of Cyprus for a Sum of Money to Hugh of Lusingham, the last Christian King of Jerusalem, though at that time but in Name, which Title he conferred on King Richard, (and it lasted to many of our Kings afterward, who were styled Kings of Jerusalem) he Embarked in divers Vessels with his Queen, who had accompanied him in that dangerous Voyage, and Sailed for England; but the Ship he was in, being separated from the rest of the Fleet in a Storm, was driven on the Coast of Histria, lying between Aquileia and Venice, where he was Shipwrecked, and saving his Life by Swimming, was made Prisoner, and presented to the Duke of Austria, in whose Territories he Landed; but the Queen, who was in another Ship, and the rest of the Fleet, came safe to England. The King by misfortune thus made a Prisoner to his Enemy, whom he had disgusted by throwing down his Standard, as is said, was Sold by him for 40000 Pounds to the Emperer Frederick, who set his Ransom at 100000 Pounds, Fourscore Thousand of which was raised in England, but Duke Leopold was constrained to Pay the other Twenty Thousand Pounds, before he could be released from the Pope's Curse, pronounced against him for making a Prince his Prisoner, who for the honour of the Christian Name, had Warred Victoriously in the Holy Land: So that after almost a Years Imprisonment, the King was set at Liberty; of which Lewis the French King had no sooner notice, but be sent John the King's Brother word, The Devil was got lose again. However he did not immediately return to England, but went to Normandy, and with the Terror of his coming frighted the French out of many strong holds they had taken in his absence; then raising a puissant Army, he entered France, wasting all before him with Fire and Sword, reducing to his Subjection all such places as had been taken, and made the Rebellious Norman Peers, who had engaged in the French Faction, prostrate themselves before him, whose humble Submission he accepted, and accordingly Pardoned them, on promises of future Obedience and Fidelity. Let me now speak of something that happened Remarkable in England during the King's absence: I told you he had left the Bishop of Ely Regent; This Man being of mean Parentage, his Grandfather a Ploughman, and himself the Son of a Cowherd, soon forgot his Original, (as such mostly do who are raised from a low Estate to high Promotion) and grew so Insolently Proud, that he would not Ride abroad without a Guard of 500 Men to attend him, his Table was exceeding Expensive on the Public Cost, and his Insolences over all sorts (as well the Clergy as Laiety) was so great, that he soon procured himself a Universal Hatred, yet a while he Proudly spread his Peacock's Train, being Served at his Table, and every where Waited on by the Sons of Noblemen, to whom he gave in Marriage (with some Portion and Preferment) divers of his Rustic Kindred, thinking thereby to strengthen his Interest; but this proved to him a broken Reed, for finding he was generally hated by the Nobles and Commons, to shun the storm that threatened him with some violent End, he sewed up many Jewels and some Gold in the Garments of a Pedlar Woman, and Disguised in that Habit resolved to leave the Land, carrying under his Arm a piece of Country Cloth, which he offering to sale at Dover, was Discovered, and Seized, suffering much outrage from the Common People; and being sent to London, the Lords Committed him to the Tower, where he remained till the King's return; who not only released him, but restored him to his Bishopric; yet having seen the folly of his Pride, he grew more Humble, and shortly after Travelling to Rome Died by the way, unlamented by all that had known his former carriage. The Queen-Mother, in the King's absence, perceiving her Son John's aspiring, who had a hand in bringing the Bishop of Ely into Disgrace, and Outing him, made a strong Party of her Friends, as soon as she heard King Richard was a Prisoner, compelling the Nobles, and such others as were in Offices and Trusts, to Swear to be True to him, and Conserve the Realm to his use and behoof; and John hearing he was Released, and in Normandy, hasted to excuse himself, submitting to his Grace and Mercy, voluntarily surrendering all the Forts and Castles he had Seized into his hands, saying, What ●e had done he was provoked to do by the Extraordinary Pride and Insolent Behaviour of the Bishop of Ely, who unworthily had disordered the Government of the Realm, and particularly for the Outrages he had committed on the Person of Jeffery Arch Bishop of York, the King's Brother: Yet by the Peers he was Condemned in the Forfeiture of his Goods, Estate and Honours, but not long after received them again, and was restored to the King's Favour, and came with him to England, where the King at his Landing was Joyfully received by Hubert, Arch Bishop of Canterbury, and most of the Nobles; causing himself a second time to be Crowned, and the Coronation Solemnity was performed at Winchester. Then he made a new Broad-Seal, by which device he got much Money out of his Subjects, who were obliged to have their Patents, Royal Grants for Offices, and other Evidences, new Sealed; the former being declared null and void. And yet this not sufficing to put the Kingdom in a good Settlement, pay his Soldiers Arrears, and repay the Money that had been taken upon trust for his Ransom, the Treasuries of Religious Houses were ransacked; and a Parliament being called, he was allowed to reassume into his hands such Manors, Lordships, Lands and Offices as had been disposed of at his setting out to the Holy War, for Ready Money; so that the Purchasers were enforced to content themselves with the Profits they had Received, in lief of the Money they had Paid. After this, as the King was at Dinner, in his Palace of Westminster, News came to him that the French had Besieged Nerville in Normandy, upon which, in a great Passion he Swore He would never turn his back till he had got thither with his Army; and to save his Oath, a place by order was immediately broken in the Wall through which he passed, the breach being left open above a hundred Years afterward, in Remembrance of it; and his Arrival so terrified the French, That they no sooner heard of his Landing, but they raised the Siege: Yet pursuing this Advantage, he gave a mighty Army of them Battle near Gysors, slaying great numbers, and putting the rest to Flight, he not having half their number: Whereupon said he, Not we, but Dieu Et Mondroit, that is, God and our Right, hath obtained this Victory. After which, the Kings of England made it their Motto under their Arms; and so he prosecuting this Victory, took many Towns. But in the midst of his Success, Pope Innocent the Third Interceding, a Peace was concluded between the two Crowns; but it held not long, for the French giving new provocations, he passed the Seas again with a powerful Army, when closely Besieging the Castle of Challons near to Lymois, as he took a private view, he was descried and known by a common Soldier, who Shooting at him with a square empoisoned Arrow out of a Steel Bow, grievously Wounded him in the Arm; yet he took the Castle by Storm, and caused all he found therein to be Slain, except the Person who wounded him, who being brought before him, and demanded how he durst shoot a Poisoned Arrow at the King? The Fellow (who expected he was reserved for Death by Cruel Torments) seemed not at all daunted, but boldly replied, That in the War he had lest his Father and his Brother, and was exceeding glad Fortune had so well assisted him, in Revenging their Deaths. Upon this resolute Answer, the King (much contrary to the expectation not only of the Prisoner, but all the rest) freely Pardoned him, and caused him to be led out of the Army, to avoid the violence of the Soldiers towards a Person who had Slain their King; for indeed he Died within three days after, viz. the 6th of April Anno Dom. 1199. This King Richard began his Reign Anno Dom. 1189, and Reigned 9 Years and 9 Months, Dying in the 42 Year of his Age, and was Buried at Font-Everard in Normandy, at his Father's Feet, as himself had directed. He was, for his surpassing Valour, called Ceur de Leon, or Lions-Heart, fearing no danger, where the attempt was Honourable. In his Reign the Jews were Banished out of Norwich, St. Edmunds-Bury, Stamford, Lyn and York; in which last place about 500 of them, besides Women and Children, entered a Tower of the Castle and when they found themselves hard pressed by a Siege, they cut the Throats of their Wives and Children, and cast them on the Heads of the Besiegers; then in a desperate mood, Fired the Tower, and Burnt themselves in it, tho' Quarter was offered if they would have Surrendered. NORTHUMBERLAND. map of Northumberland Remarks on the County of Northumberland. THis Northern County, the Extremity of England, is Bounded on the North and part of the West with Scotland, another part of the West with Cumberland, on the South with part of Cumberland and the Bishopric of Durham, and on the East with the Germane Ocean. In many Parts there is Plenty of good Corn, it produces a profitable Breed of Cattle, has in it many pleasant Gardens, Orchards, Parks, Hare, and Coney Warrens; on the Western side it is somewhat incommoded with Hills, but otherwise produces Plains, Enclosures, Meadows, Woods, tho' not many. It contains 46 Parishes, 5 Market Towns, and is branched with 21 Rivers. It sends Members to Parliament 8, viz. Berwick upon Tweed 2, Morpeth 2, Newcastle on Tine 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. This County was the Ancient Northumbrian Kingdom of the Saxons, and suffered much by lying so near the borders of Scotland; especially when the Scots utterly destroyed the Pictish Kingdom, that had for some time screened them from the Encroachment of that Northern Nation. At a Place called Otterburn, a great Battle was Fought between the English and Scots. Alnwick is of note for the mighty Victories the English gained over the Scots, and being the usual Seat of the Northumbrian Kings; and lately of many of the Noble Earls of Northumberland. At Emildon, Duns, Surnamed Scotus, was Born; a Person of great Wit and Subtlety in School Philosophy. Berwick is pleasantly situate on the Tweed, looking a great way from its lofty Turrets into both Kingdoms, and is fam us for the many Sieges it has held out against the Scots in divers Kings Reigns. Newcastle is pleasantly seated on the River Tine, that branches all the Southern part of this County, and produceth store of Salmon, as does also the River Bywel. Newcastle is also famous for furnishing the City of London with Coals brought thence by Sea, and therefore commonly called Sea-Coals; which Trade is also a great Nursery for Seamen. Upon the Hills near North-Tine, tho' Boggy and full of Water, there are great heaps of Stones, which some take as a Monument of a Roman, British, or Saxon Victory. The Seats of the Nobility are Ogle Castle, Bothat Castle, Heple Tower, belonging to the Noble Family of the Duke of Newcastle; Prudhoe Castle, to the Duke of Summerset; Wark Castle, Chillingham Castle, Dunstaburg Castle, and Horton Castle, to the Lord Grey of Wark; Widerington Castle, to the Lord Widerington; and some Houses there are of the Gentry very Beautiful, and pleasantly Situate; especially on the East side, with a curious Prospect to the Sea; by means of whose Washing its Shores, this County receives great Benefit. The Reign of King JOHN. RICHARD the First Dying in Normandy, and Buried at Font-Everard, his Brother John Earl of Lancaster by his own Right, and of Gloucester in Right of his Wife, having long aspired to the Crown, thought this was his time to push hard for it, although Arthur Plantagenet, Son to Geoffery his Elder Brother, was Living; and so with what store of Treasure he had heaped up, making many of the Nobles, and some Leading Commoners of his Party, he openly laid claim to the Sovereignty of England, as his Undoubted Right, and Arthur not being able to stand in competition with him this way, as being little Interested in the English, by reason he had for the most part been brought up beyond the Seas, and consequently a Stranger to the greatest part of the Nation, his Right was carried away in the current of the People's Inclinations, and John was Crowned at Westminster by Hubert Arch Bishop of Canterbury; at what time the Bishop (to flatter the People and curry-favour with the King) declared in an Oration, That the Crown of England was merely Arbitrary and Elective; yet the more sober part of the Nobility, knowing this Princes Haughty Temper, Swore him to several Articles upon his admission to the Crown, for Observing and Maintaining their Rights and Privileges, Ancient Laws and Customs, etc. Scarcely was King John Settled in his Throne, but Philip the French King, underhand assisted by others, sent for Arthur to his Court, protesting a great deal of Love and tender Affection to him; Informed him of his Title to the Crown of England, Duchy of Normandy, and Britain, animating him to raise his Spirits, and use his Courage, for the recovery of what was so unjustly taken from him; and that if he were destitute of Friends that might Advise and Council him, he and his Nobles would willingly supply that defect; if he wanted Gold or Silver, the Sinews of War, his Coffers should be open at his Service; or if Valiant Men to Fight for him and his Right, many Thousand Frenchmen would venture their Lives in his Quarrel. These large and Friendly proffers, which rather proceeded from the fear King Philip had of England's Strength and Prosperity, which might (as indeed it afterwards fell out) get the Ascendant over France) than for any cordial Love he bore to the Young Prince, keeping him only as a Trump Card in his hand, to play his Game as he saw occasion: However these great Proffers boar up his Spirits, and he wholly cast himself on the French King for Protection; submitting to be Governed and Ruled by him in all things: Whereupon Forces were Levied in France and Normandy, and hereupon some Strong Holds in the latter, Revolted from King John, and declared for Prince Arthur, and others they won; however the King's Lieutenant raised Forces to oppose them; so that between both Armies there happened divers Encounters, with various success. King John hearing of these stirs in Normandy, thought there remained no time for delay, but gathering a strong Power passed the Seas, and joining with his Lieutenant retook several Towns, and Overthrew the Young Prince in a set Battle, with great Slaughter of the French Nobles and others, that were Engaged with him. This made the French King begin to consider he had laid hold on the wrong end of the staff, and from that time procured divers Prelates, and some Princes, as Mediators, to bring on Foot a Treaty for a Peace; which Treaty gave both sides a short breathing: But the King of England's Proposals being no less than the restoring all the Towns taken, a defraying of the charges of the War, and that King Philip should put for ever Prince Arthur out of his Protection, it came in the end to nothing; so that the War renewed more furious than before, by which means the poor Inhabitants of Normandy were grievously Oppressed, by Burning, Plundering, and many other Miseries attendant on Hostilities. However, to repress these Outrages of the Invading French, the King raised a yet greater Army, but then found his Treasure was much too scanty to defray the charges of that Expedition; of which the Nobles and Commons were no sooner made sensible, but of their own accord they largely contributed, rather than the Honour of the King and Kingdom should be Eclipsed by the Bravadoes of a dastardly Nation; and then Landing with a gallant Army in Normandy, the number of his Forces were daily augmented; and not long after the two Armies met, and sought a dreadful Battle, in which the French were Overthrown, and Prince Arthur, with divers of the French Nobility, taken Prisoners, and sent to the Castle of Rouen; where, as it was given out, leaping from the Walls to make his Escape, he leapt short, fell into the Moat, and there was Drowned: Tho' Historians who have made Remarks What a few Steps there are between the Prisons and Graves of Princes, tho' they do not charge the King with the knowledge of it, are apt to conjecture that this Prince came to be Drowned by other means than his own attempt. And indeed the King had all his Life afterward a very troublesome and turbulent Reign. For now the Prince was Dead, the French King began to pull off his Vizor, laying claim to Normandy in his own Right, and poured in such a number of Forces, that King John's Treasure being spent, he could not Levy in any reasonable time Soldiers sufficient to oppose their torrent; so that winning many Towns and Castles, the whole Duchy (to prevent the Ruin and Desolation threatened it) Subjected itself to the French King, after it had been disbranched from France about 319 Years. And that the King should not be at leisure to Regain it, the French King underhand found him work at home, by making Pope Innocent the Third his Enemy. For about this time, Hubert Arch Bishop of Canterbury, Dying, the Monks of the Order of St. Augustin met in the Cathedral Church about Midnight without the King's knowledge or Licence, and chose one Reynold, a Brother of their own, to Succeed in the Archiepiscopal See, taking of him an Oath to travel to Rome, and procure his Investiture and receive the Pall from the Pope. The King hearing of these unwarantable Proceed, was much displeased; which so affrighted the Monks, that to regain his Favour they proceeded to a second Election, and chose John Grey, a Person whom the King had nominated to them, who was then Bishop of Norwich; and so the King's Anger being appeased, he sent Ambassadors with his Letters to the Pope, to Entreat him to Ratify the second Choice. But in the mean time a new Schism or Faction appeared; for the Suffragan (because he was not made acquainted, nor an Actor in either of the said two Elections) made suit to the Pope to displace them both.) But he, imitating the proud Example of many of his Predecessors, who coveted to swim against the stream, and seldom or never granted any King's request, least in some sort they should be thought to be yielding, neglected both their suits▪ and confirmed Raynold who was first chosen: But the King growing angry hereat, the Monks to please him, rather out of fear than complacency, refused to receive into their Choir, or own the Arch Bishop the Pope had Confirmed, tho' he was of their own choosing; giving this Reason for it, viz. That it was done Clandestinly, and at an unseasonable Time, for as much as the choice was made in the Night, when as it should have been done in the open Day; and so they concluded it void, and in itself a Nulity, yet remained good, till by Judicial Proceed, and a Sentence, it were pronounced void; so that this matter was Controverted at Rome, where the Pope made specious shows and pretences of accommodating the matter to heal the Schism, so that it should be to the satisfaction of the King and Monks; but his aim was otherwise, for he designed to prefer a creature of his own, viz. Stephen Langton, a Man that would always move by his dictates, having before been made Cardinal of Chrisogone, and privately he Wrote to the Monks to Choose him; yet not so cunningly but the King had Notice of it, and strictly charged them not to proceed to any other Election; but the Pope's Threats and Promises of Rewards, dispensed with their Obedience to the Kings Commands so that they did Elect him their Arch Bishop. This so exasperated the King, that he commanded, on severe Penalties, no Appeals should be made to Rome, and that from thence forth he would take a strict account of such of his Subjects that for any matter of Right or Justice should go to Rome to require it, seeing he had Prelates, Noblemen, and Judges sufficient to determine any Controversies within his Kingdom, that should arise, either in Church or Common-Weal; and added, That he would rather expose himself to Ten Thousand Deaths, than basely (as he was required) make himself and his Kingdom Servile to the Pope's Insolency and Peremptory Commands. But on the other side, the Pope threatened what he would do if he was not Obeyed in the Election of Langton, and the calling home such Monks as had Fled through fear of the King's displeasure, on this last Election; and because this was not speedily done, he sent his Apostolical Command to the Prelates of London, Ely, Worcester, etc. to Interdict the Kingdom, if the King continued in his obstinacy (as he termed it.) This Commission was put in Execution, and the Church-Doors were shut up for several Years: Some Authors say Six; there being neither Prayers, Sermons, Christen, nor Service at the Funerals of the Dead, said or performed publicly during that time; so that the People distinguished not the Sabbath from other days, but followed their Work and Sports on it, living More like Infidels than Christians; such power over the Minds of besotted Men, had the Pope's Usurpation in those dark and ignorant Times. For this Affront the King Banished divers Bishops and others of the Clergy, whom he found most forward in complying with the Pope's Interest, seizing on their Temporalities, resolving to take the like course with all such as consented to receive Promotions, Investitures, or Ecclesiastical Degrees from the Pope or new Arch Bishop; or that went to Rome upon any occasion without his Licence, or did attempt to put in Execution any Command from the Pope within his Kingdom. The Pope no sooner heard of this, but resolving not to cool on it, he sent into England two Legates, viz. Pandulph and Durant, to persuade the King to be Reconciled to Langton, and the other Bishops and Clergy that were under his Displeasure in England, or in Banishment, to restore them to their Lands, Places, and Goods; that a good understanding might be renewed between the Pope and him. This did but little please the King; yet however, fearing to be Accursed, and embroil himself in new Troubles (for in those days the Pope's Leaden Sword did more mischief in Kingdoms than many of Steel, People being for the most part infatuated to believe what he did he did by the immediate Will and Command of God, whose Vicegerent he assumed to himself to be) He promised to perform all, but allowing the Election of Cardinal Langton, protesting that if another might be chosen he would yet prefer him to some other Bishopric; but the Imperious Legates, instead of gratifying the King's Request, pronounced the Popes Curse not only against the King, but all Persons who should do him Service, or give him Attendance, or supply him with things Necessary, Absolving his Subjects from their Allegiance, Duties, and Oaths, requiring all Christian Princes to make War upon him, as upon the Arch and Grand Enemy of the Church of God. The Pope also published and pronounced against him Sentence of Deprivation, and gave his Crown and his Kingdom to Philip the French King, if by any secret Plot or open Violence and Hostility he could Expel or Murder him. These were the Fruits of this (pretended Holy) un-Holy Father, The Pope's Religion and Government; and this Usurping Arrogance was a badge of his unsufferable Pride, in that he presumed to do what no Earthly Creature can do, nor what a Christian ought to attempt to do against a Prince, who is Gods Anointed, and against such a one as the Almighty has placed in his Kingdom to Govern and Rule his People. Yet this Fulmination did not much startle King John; and being determined to know the minds of his People, how they stood affected to him after this matter, he took a solemn Oath of them for the defence of his Person, and the performance of faithful Service to him; and then raising an Army, he went to Scotland, because that King (encouraged by the Pope) was practising against him, sheltering such as had taken part with the Pope and fled out of England: But King Alexander the Second perceiving that Fire and Sword began to devour apace in his Country, he with much Humility sent to King John to desire him to spare his People and their Substance, and what in reason he required he would accord to, and a Peace was made shortly between them, he consenting to Banish all the King's Enemies out of his Country. This much disappointed Philip of France, who was preparing to Invade England, and had to that end provided a gallant Army; but by the Wisdom, Valour and Circumspection of King John, and the Providence of God, 300 of his Ships Laden with Corn and other Provisions and Necessaries for the Invasion, were Surprised by our Ships, which great disapointment, put an end at that time to the Design, and frustrated his vain hope. But after all this, the King finding so many Efforts and Treacheries against him, that despairing to weather every one of them, and pitying the sufferings of his People under these distractions, he suddenly, without the Advice of his Nobles, or of his Privy Council, degenerating from his former daring and boldness of Spirit, fell on his Knees before the Legate, acknowledging his Disobedience, craving of him the Pope's Pardon, resigning (with his Crown) the possession of his Kingdom to the See of Rome; which Crown the proud Prelate took, and to put him into some pain in considering whether he should ever have it restored again, kept it Four Days, and then returned it to the use of him and his Heirs, reserving 1000 Marks Yearly, by way of Tribute to the See of Rome; which was the main thing the Pope had aimed at, and for which he had all the while made such a prodigious noise and bustle. But this low and Un-Prince-like Submission to a paltry Priest, threw him into another mischief, which was the contempt and dislike of his Nobles; so that for the most part they Revolted from him, and entered upon a cruel and unnatural War, which went very near to have enslaved this flourishing Island once more to Strangers; for the Barons finding they were too weak to oppose the King, they leaned on Philip of Frrnce, proposing, if he would assist them with sufficient Forces and Money, they would soon Depose King John, and place the Crown upon the Head of Lewis, Son to Philip: This News fired the Young Ambitious French Prince, who had also something of a Martial Spirit, that he never left urging his Father, till he had furnished him out with an Army. But the Pope having now closed with King John, on his complaining of this to him, he sent his strict command under many Threats, to the French King not to suffer his Son to pass the Seas, or in the least to molest a Kingdom under the Protection of the Holy See; tho' as you have heard, a little before himself had given it to them. But Popes usually blow hot or cold, as their Interest Ebbs or Flows; and therefore it was no wonder he should so soon change his side. But Philip refused to Obey his Mandate, returning Answer, That no King without the consent of his Nobles, Prelates, and Common People, can Subject his Kingdom to the See of Rome, or put it under its Protection; it being Committed to them by God, and consequently this Kingdom was not holden of the See of Rome, nor aught to be Defended or Protected by her. This Answer somewhat startled the Pope, yet using his old way, he sent Guallo his Legate, Cardinal of St. Martin's, to Curse Philip and Lewis his Son, and such of the English Nobility as took part with them, as also all their other Adherents and Accomplices; and tho' the wiser sort little minded this, yet the ordinary degrees of Soldiers, whose Devotion more directly depended on Fear, than Knowledge, or Judgement, to apprehend any danger that could ensue from such threats, were so amazed and daunted, that they left their Leaders in the Field, and returned home to their Wives and Children, etc. And the Rascally sort in England, hearing divers Noblemen were under this Curse, entered into their Houses, Fields and Parks, Robbing, Spoiling, and bearing away whatever they could find of value, being so far from doubting or disputing with their own Consciences whether they did well in it or not, that (such was the blindness of those Times) they supposed their so doing tended to the Glory of God Almighty, and that their Rapine and Violence was well pleasing in his Sight; yet this hastened many of the Lords, who had little left to subsist on, to submit to the King, and prostrate at his Feet confess their undutiful Revolt, and crave his Pardon. Upon this they were received into Favour, with gentle reproofs for their former failures, and were restored to their Estates and Honours; so that the Disorders that had happened were by this means settled, and a Peace for a time ensued, to the great refreshing of a Nation wearied out with Intestine Broils. The Pope intending to make his Proceed with King John a Precedent to other Princes, Assembled a General Council at Lateran, where he caused to be published, at large, the Assignment of the Kingdom of England to the See of Rome; and there Otho the Emperor, Peter King of Arragon, Raymond Earl of Tholouse, were Excommunicated, for no other material reason, than not submitting themselves and Principalities to the Pope's Pride and Insolency, to be disposed of at his pleasure: Also the Empire, Kingdom, and Principality appertaining to them, were Interdicted, on pretended Heresy. In this Council Auricular Confession and Transubstantiation were Decreed, the Cup taken from the Laity in the Communion, etc. And it was made no less than Eternal Damnation to such as should speak evil of the Pope; and that they who were guilty of it, should immediately when they Died descend into Hell, without being admitted by the way to call in at Purgatory, to take leave of any of their Acquaintance: And that no Man should presume to take on him the Imperial Diadem, till he was Sworn the Pope's Vassal, paid him Homage, and received that Crown at his Hands. But these Princes despised him and his idle Menaces; yet he secretly wrought them many Troubles, and put their Subjects into Rebellion; but in time the Storm blew over, with the end of his restless Life. During these stirs, the Irish fell into Rebellion, but were soon Quieted on the Kings going over; for at Dublin he was met by Twenty of their petty Kings, who submitted, and promised him their future Obedience. And one Gualther Maxes Arch Deacon of Oxford, Preached against the Pride of the Pope, and wrote a Book, Entitled, The Revelation of the Romish Goliath; for which the Bishops greatly Persecuted him. And the Clergy not being hearty reconciled to the King, because he had controlled them in many things, as he was in his Progress to settle the Kingdom, so long disquieted and out of order, Dining at Swinstead-Abby, not far from Lincoln, one Simon, a Villainous Monk, who served at the Table, being of the Order of St. Bernard, Poisoned him, by delivering into his hand a Bowl of Intoxicated Wine, and Poisoned himself also for company; the King compelling him, (upon suspecting (by a sudden pain in his Stomach) some Treachery) to Drink part of it: Too easy a Death for such a Monster in wickedness; who considered not that Kings are God's Anointed, and that the Affront is put upon Heaven when they are Injured. Thus fell King John, after a troublesome Reign for the most part, when he had Reigned 17 Years, 6 Months, and 13 Days. He Died on the 19th of October Anno Dom. 1216. and was Buried at Winchester. To palliate this execrable Murder, it was given out that he should say, holding a Halfpenny Loaf in his hand, That if he lived a Twelvemonth, he would make it at the Rate of Twelve Pence; and that he should have Ridiculed the Mass, when the Pope had Accursed him, upon cuming to the Quarry of a Buck that was Slain in Hunting, viz. See how fair and fat this Buck is, that never heard Mass in all its Life: That when he was vexed with the Rebellious Barons, he should send to Mira Mula, a prevailing King in Africa, for Assistance; promising him to turn Mahometan, and hold his Kingdom Tributary of him, if by his help he prevailed over his Enemies. But these seem to be Monkish Stories, raised to poison his Fame as well as Body, and are Rejected by Authentic Historians. In the Ninth Year of his Reign, by a New Charter, he enabled the Citizens of London, for their good Service done him, to make their Annual Choice of a Mayor and two Sheriffs, for the better Government of the City. In his Reign London-Bridge was Built with Stone-Arches, as still it remains, being before only of Timber; and a dreadful Fire happening on it, taking both Ends, by the vehemency of the Wind carrying the Flame in sheets from the one to the other, the People that came to Quench it were caught in the middle of the danger, and Boats coming to receive them by Water, they thronged in a hurry so fast into them, that divers Sunk; so that in the Thames and Flames 300 are computed to perish. OXFORD SHIRE By John Seller map of Oxfordshire He left behind him Four Sons, viz. Henry who Succeeded him; Richard, Elected King of the Romans; William of Valentia, and Guidio Disany; and Three Daughters, viz. Isabel, Married to Frederick the Emperer; a Second to William Marshal Earl of Worcester, and a Third to the Earl of Leicester. Remarks on Oxfordshire, etc. OXfordshire abounds in rich Pastures, store of Cattle, Corn, Fruits, Fish, Fowle, Coneys, Hares, Deer, and other things, to render it Pleasant and Acceptable; being a pleasant Inland County, bounded with Glocestershire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire: It contains one City, which is a Bishops See, and in its 14 Hundreds has 280 Parishes, 12 Market Towns, and 5 Rivers: Isis, which gives an additional name to the Thames, into which it falls, is very much Celebrated in Ancient Story. It sends Members to Parliament 9, viz. Oxford City 2, the University 2, Banbury 1, New Woodstock 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. The Ancient City of Oxford, is renowned for many remarkable things, as being the Place of Meeting of divers Parliaments, and holding out many Sieges. Here Maud the Empress was Besieged by King Stephen, and all in White got by Night over the Thames on the Ice. This Place King Charles the First made his chief Headquarters, during the Civil War, till it was taken by Sr. Thomas Farfaix. King Richard the First was Born here. Its Churches are 13, besides the Cathedral, most of them very Stately. It is Watered almost round, and is supplied within the City by many Conduits, on one of which is the Figure of a Queen, Riding on an Ox, in Brass. But the greatest Ornament of Oxford is its being a University, and for the stateliness of its Colleges, their Liberal Endowments, and the Number of Scholars contained in them, it is not (except by its Sister Cambridge) to be parallelled in the whole Christian World. Of the Number of its Colleges, the time of their Foundation, and their Founders, take the following Account. An Account of the Colleges in Oxfond. 1. University College, was founded by King Alfred, Anno 872, for 12. Fellows, besides other Students. 2. Balliol College was founded Anno 1262. by John Balliol and Devorgilla his Wife, Parents of John Balliol King of Scots, for 12. Fellows, etc. 3. Merton College was founded Anno 1274. by Walter de Merton Lord High Chancellor of England and Bishop of Rochester. This has 19 Fellows, 14 Scholars, etc. 4. Exeter College was founded Anno 1216. by Walter Stapleton, Bishop of Exeter, for 23. Fellows, etc. 5. Oriel College was founded Anno 1337. by King Edward TWO, for 18. Fellows, 12 Scholars, etc. 6. Queen's College was founded Anno 1340. by Robert Eaglesfield B. D. for 15 Fellows, besides other Students of the Foundation. 7. New College was founded Anno 1375. by William of Wickham, Bishop of Winchester and Lord High Chancellor of England; for 70 Fellows, 10 Chaplains, 3 Clerks, 16 Choiristers, etc. 8. Lincoln College was founded Anno 1420. by Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln, for 15 Fellows, etc. 9 All-Souls College was founded Anno 1437. by Henry Chicheley Arch Bishop of Canterbury; for 40 Fellows, besides Chaplains, Clerks, and other Servants of the Foundation. 10. Magdalen College was founded Anno 1459. by William of Wainfleet Bishop of Winchester and Lord High Chancellor of England; for 40 Fellows, and 30 Scholars, besides Chaplains, Clerks, Choiristers, etc. 11. Brazen-Nose College was founded Anno 1515. by William Smith Bishop of Lincoln, and Richard Sutton Esq for 20 Fellows, besides Scholars, and Students of the Foundation. 12. Corpus Christi College was founded Anno 1516. by Richard Fox, Bishop of Winchester and Lord Privy Seal; for 20 Follows, 20 Scholars, besides Chaplains, and Clerks, etc. 13. Christ-Church College was founded Anno 1546. by King Henry VIII. for 8 Canons, and 100 Students, besides Chaplains, etc. 14. Trinity College was founded Anno 1555. by Sir Tho. Pope, for 12 Fellows, 12 Scholars, and other Students. 15. St. John's College was founded Anno 1557. by Sir Thomas White, Merchant Taylor of London, for 50 Fellows, etc. 16. Jesus College was founded Anno 1572. by Queen Elizabeth; for 16 Fellows, 16 Scholars, and other Students. 17. Wadham College was founded Anno 1613. by Nicholas Wadham and Dorothy his Wife, for 15 Fellows and 15 Scholars, etc. 18. Pembroke College was founded Anno 1620. by Thomas Teisdale Esq and Richard Wightwick B. D. for 15 Fellows, and 11 Scholars, etc. The Seven Halls are Gloucester, Edmund, St. Alban, Magdalen, Hart, and S. Marry Hall, besides New-Inn. In all which Colleges and Halls there are fair Chapels, and Libraries. But, amongst these, is the most famous Bodlean Library, which for choice Books, and rare Manuscripts, falls little short of the Vatican. Here is also that curious Piece of Architecture called the New Theatre, built for Scholastic Exercises, with a fair Printing House, by Dr. Sheldon, a late Arch Bishop of Canterbury. The Musaeum, built at the Charge of the University, for the Improvement of Experimental Knowledge, especially in Physic; with a Laboratory furnished with all sorts of Furnaces, and other Materials, for Chemical Practice; a Store-Room, for Preparations; and another Room, fitted up for a Chemical Library. In the Musaeum is also to be seen a curious Repository. The public Physic Garden deserves also to be mentioned here for its Stateliness, and infinite Variety of choice Plants. The Number of Students in Oxford is rickoned to be 3000, whereof 1000 live upon the Revenues of the Colleges. In this City was formerly a famous Castle, but now of no great Strength, being mostly used for a Prison. It has several Bridges about it, but one more specially, of Stone, curiously Arched; and is a Place of considerable Trade. Woodstock was a long time the Country Retirement of our Kings; here it was that Henry TWO built a sumptuous Bower for fair Rosamond his Paramour; here Edward the Black Prince was Born, and Sr. Geoffry Chaucer Educated. At Islip King Edward the Confessor was Born; the other Towns of Note are Banbury, Chipingnorton, Charlbury, Bampton, Henly on Thames, etc. Near Evisham, in the South of this County, are erected Stones called Rol Richstone, in the nature of those on Salisbury Plain, but not so big, which Fabulous Stories have rendered to have been Men Transformed into Stone; but most certain they are a Monument of a great Battle fought there by Rollo the Dane; near Oxford is the Well Dripa, whose Waters distil from a Rock that hangs over it, very Medicinal. There is store of Oaker, Fullers-Earth, and Gipsum, at Shot-over, Garsington and Whitney; and Tobacco-Pipe-Clay and Umber is found near Blanden, Cerulam, or Native Blue, near Blonds-Court, the Tera Lapidosa the Colour of Turkish Rusma, is found in the Quarries about Tame; the Gold-gritty Clay at Hampton Gay. The Seats of the Nobility are Cornbury, belonging to the Earl of Clarendon; Blechington, to the Earl of Anglesey; Caversham, to the Earl of Craven; Dichley and Les Rest, to the Earl of Litchfield; Ricot and Chesterton, to the Earl of Abingdon; Broughton, Shutford and North Newton, to the Lord Viscount Say and Seal; Water-Eton, to the late Lord Lovelace. Cuddesden, the Bishop's Palace. There are fine Parks in this County, stored with Deer, and many large Woods, wherein abundance of Hare's shelter: The Seats of the Gentry are not a few; so that put together, it is a very fine Inland County, Watered in some parts by the Thames, etc. The Reign of King HENRY the Third. AFter the untimely Death of King John, Henry his Eldest Son being but Nine Years of Age, was Crowned at Gloucester in the presence of Wallo the Pope's Legate, and divers Nobles; and by reason of his Nonage, was put under the Gaurdianship of Pembroke, who was by the consent of the Peers made Protector of the Realm during his Minority; who prudently managed Affairs, administering the Laws and Justice uprightly to the People: Yet long he had not been Crowned, before Philip the French King, thinking to take advantage of this change, dealt underhand with some discontented Noblemen, and supposing by this means he had made a strong Party in England, Invaded the Kingdom; yet the Protector was not idle in his Charge, but Levied a considerable Army; and though the Welsh, under Llewellin their Prince, Rebelled, to favour the proceed of the French, he made head against them, and stopped their Ravages, before a sufficient Force could come to his Camp from other parts, and slew many of them in several Skirmishes, tho' as yet they came to no considerable Battle. And now Pope Innocent being Dead, and Honorius seated in the Pontifical Chair taking part with King Henry, not only confirmed the power of his Predecessors Apostolical Legate in England, but by him Cursed Prince Lewis who came over with the French Forces to take possession of this Realm, and all his Adherents, Excommunicating and Depriving them of all the Privileges of Christians; which put a stop to their career: So that Lewis made show as if he only waited for a fit opportunity to departed, yet in the mean time King Philip his Father, with great care and cost, prepared Reinforcements, and Shiped them for England: But Hugh d' Burg, Master of the Cinque Ports, Manned out a Fleet, upon notice they were putting to Sea; and after a sharp Engagement, Sunk, Burnt, and Took the greatest part of the Enemy's Ships, which consisted of 150 Sail. This Exploit got him a good esteem among the People, which he after lost by his Covetousness, as will appear, and much daunted the French that were already in England, making Prince Lewis entreat the Pope's Legate to Absolve him; and for so much Money as would defray the charges of his Return, he promised to deliver up all the Castles and Places he had in his possession; which being done and agreed to, he Sailed for France, and left his Friends in England to shift for themselves; many of which were forced into Banishment, and some of the more forward taken and Executed, but the greater Number Pardoned. Upon this, a Parliament was called, and in it the Ancient Saxon Laws of Edward the Confessor, and divers other good Laws, made by succeeding Kings, were reduced into a smaller compass, what seemed superfluous, according to the Constitution of the then present Government, being left out. And this has continued a happiness to the Kingdom, being that Magna Charta, or Great Charter of England, that set a Barrier between the Succeeding Kings and the People; That the one should not encroach on the Subject's Rights, but live as free born Subjects; nor the other upon the Prerogative of the Crown, but that the Scale should be in a due Balance between Sovereign and Subject. This was Ratified and Confirmed under the Great Seal, to the high satisfaction of the Kingdom; so that the Parliament Granting the King a considerable Tax, the People paid it with all the alacrity immaginable, with which Money he not only discharged his Debts, but Levied a formidable Army, who under the Leading of Richard the King's Brother, and divers Nobles, won much back again that the French had taken during the Troubles in his Father's Reign, entirely reducing the Provinces of Poitiers, and Gascoigne; and returning with little loss of Men from this Glorious Enterprise, were received with great Joy: However the absence of the Army gave the French King leisure to practise his usual method of stirring up Differences and Dissensions in those places, by which means he surprised some Towns; but King Henry grown up, and being a Prince of Courage and Valour, resolved to go in Person; whose Arrival so terrified the French, that they Deserted divers Places without contending; and those that yielded not on Summons, were taken by Force. The French King perceiving the Cowardice of his own Men, and the Courage of the English, after many losses began to study how he might come to a Peace; and upon surrendering what he had possessed himself of, it was concluded, advantageously enough to the Honour of King Henry and the English Nation. But soon after this, some discontented Nobles at home, laboured to Alienate the minds of his Subjects from him, upon a Jealousy that he reposed his greatest confidence in Strangers, and made little account of their Fidelity; but to prevent any Eruption that might give his Enemies abroad the advantage of Regaining what they had Lost, and what cost him much Treasure in Recovering, he Laboured to reconcile himself to them, and sent away many Strangers from his Court; with whom indeed it was much pestered, and the English Nobleses had some reason to complain of it; by which means, and some other Concessions, a Reconcilement was made. And now the Earl of Chester Dying without Issue Male, leaving only Four Daughters, the King Seized his Possessions, and Annexed them to the Crown, augmenting them with large additions of Yearly Revenues, Regal Privileges and Honours, giving the Ladies in lieu of it divers Castles, Lordships, and Manors, which exceeded their own in true value; and having Married Prince Edward his Son, to Elinor Sister to the King of Spain, he gave him the Province of Guyan, and the Lordship of all Ireland, and created him Earl of Chester and Prince of Wales, which two latter Dignities he then annexed as inseparable Titles to the Eldest Sons of the Kings of England; and so they at this day continue; soon after this, the King narrowly escaped being Murdered by an Oxford Scholar, who about Midnight crept in at the Window of that Chamber where he usually Reposed, but that Night he was absent at a Merri-making; however the Student being found there with unusual Weapons about him, upon Examination Confessed he came with the Design, but would not acknowledge what educed him to it, or any that we, supposed to have ●t him on work; whereupon his A●ms and Legs be●g fastened to Four Horses, he was by them Drawn 〈◊〉 pieces. The French King (as you have heard) entering into Peace with England, nothing more at length appeared 〈◊〉 it but that he did it to gain time, so that he might ●come Stronger; for Philip being Dead, Lewis the ●inth, his Son, broke out into open Hostilities without ●ving any warning, his Father before his death having ●ade preparations to enable him to do it, wasting in guyan all the places where he came. This roused King Henry, and made him Levy great Forces with a purpose ●o drive him out, not only of that, but all Normandy, and ●uch other places as he had a right claim to, and were ●etained from him by the French: So that passing over ●nto France, many fierce Encounters passed between ●hem with various success, tho' in them the French were generally worsted; but Fortune no further favouring his endeavours, but only to stop the French Torrent, ●nd their further Encroachments, he returned for England. On his departure, the French King Married Alphonsus his Brother, to the Daughter of the Earl of Tholouse, and gave him the Earldom of Poitiers, and so cunningly contrived it, that he would have procured the Earl of March to do him Homage for such Lands as he pretended he held in that Province, but he refused it, and could not by Entreaties or Threats be wrought on to comply; which so enraged the French King, that he entered with an Army into the Earldom of March, and laid all waste before him; but was Fought with by the English Army, newly Transported, near Bordeaux; yet the English being much inferior in Number, after a Long, Bloody and Doubtful Fight, were constrained to quit the Field; and King Henry, who did wonders in the Battle that day, hardly escaped being taken Prisoner; whereupon the Earl of March found he was in a necessity to submit to the Terms offered him by the French King after which King Henry settling his affairs as well as he could, returned to England, and made a fi●m Alliance with the King of Scots, to strengthen his Interest against France. This continued happy to him for a time; but his Court not being purged of Parasites, and Whisperers, who with their stories set him against the English Nobility, a fatal Discord befell, which at times lasted till his Death; for the Nobles grudging he bestowed Favours on those that deserved them not, and was scanty in his Liberalities towards them that had Merited of him, at the expense of their Blood and Treasure, from Murmuring they fell to open Reproaches, charging him with the violation of those Liberties and Privileges that he had so solemnly Confirmed and Granted: This Angered the King, and made him inwardly Fret, but finding they spoke the sense of the greatest part of the Nation, to bring things to a quieter temper, and allay or satisfy the discontents of his Subjects, he called a Parliament at Oxford, tho' in it what he aimed at was, for the most part, if not altogether, frustrated; so that it was afterward, through the Distractions that happened upon it, called Insanum Parliamentum, or The Mad Parliament: For when multitudes of such as were Grieved came for Redress of their Grievances, the Lords and Commons endeavouring to Redress what was amiss, Established many things Profitable, as they intended, for the Common-Weal, but highly derogatory to the King's Prerogative; and to the end those things that they had so contrived, should be lasting, and inviolably observed, they made choice of Twelve Noblemen, by the Title of Les douze Piers, or The Twelve Peers, giving them absolute Power and Authority to Maintain and Support those Laws; of whom the Earls of Leicester and Gloucester were chief; and for this they had their Patent, and took a solemn Oath, which was Sealed and Ratified by the King, although he did it unwillingly; so that the Parliament being ended, the Commissioners began by strict Execution to give Life unto those Laws and Ordinances, thrusting out of their Places and Offices many of the King's Menial Servants, and Attendants, placing others in their stead, which very much troubled him; for by these proceed he perceived those that waited on his Person, were rather to be Trusted by others than by himself; and that he should be furthest from choosing those that were to be nearest to him; this made him grow Melancholy, and vex himself exceedingly; yet thinking to mend what he supposed amiss, he called another Parliament, which contrary to his expectation Ratified and Confirmed more strongly all that the former had done, tho' he at the opening of the Sessions had complained of the hard Usage he had received from the Twelve Peers; and by the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, and Nine other Bishops of the Kingdom, a solemn Curse was denounced against all such as either by Direction, Council, Arms, or otherwise, withstood or hindered the Execution of those Laws, or the Authority of the Twelve Peers. This made the King more Melancholy than before; when, to divert himself he Sailed to France, and had an Interview with King Lewis, who highly welcomed him, Lodged him in his own Palace, Feasted him, and used him with all Gentleness, Courtesy, and Honour; protesting in his Parliament of Estates, That he was much dissatisfied in his Conscience for detaining from King Henry his Duchy of Normandy and such other Territories in France as in Right he ought to Enjoy; and on the other hand King Henry intending to conclude an inviolable Peace freely surrendered to him Normandy, Anjou, Poitiers and Main, and in the same Parliament with great Solemnity and Honour, he received them again to himself and his Heirs. Whilst things thus proceeded in France, a Quarrel happened between Prince Edward the King's Son, and the Duke of Gloucester, about the Laws being put too severely in Execution; which made the King hasten home, to prevent the Danger or Mischief that might happen thereby, and with some difficulty he reconciled them; and hoping to remove the curb the Peers had laid on him, with much Expense, he procured Bulls of Pope Alexander the Third, by virtue of which himself and all others who had Sworn to maintain those new Laws and Ordinances, and to support the proceed of the Peers and their Authority, were freely Absolved from their Oaths; yet they took no notice of it, but proceeded to displace such Judges, Justices, and Sheriffs, as the King had appointed, for not following their Orders, and put such in their Places and Offices as they thought fit: So that the King being no longer able to endure these Indignities, caused the Pope's Bulls to be Read and Proclaimed in the chief Towns and Cities of England and Wales, straightly Commanding all Persons, of what Estate, Condition or Degree soever, That from thence forth did by Word or Deed Support or Maintain the said Laws and Ordinances, or the Authority of the Twelve Peers, that they should be committed to Prison, and not delivered thence without the King's consent: And hereupon he Swore the Londoners from twelve Years Old, and upwards, to be True and Faithful to him, and to be Aiding to him and his Heirs against all Opposers. In the mean while the Barons met, and entered into a Resolution among themselves, rather to lose their Lives than decline the upholding the Laws; and fancying the King had some desperate design upon them, their Jealousy so increased, that retiring to the Marches of Wales, they raised a strong Army, and furnished it with all things necessary for the War they intended; yet pretended to abstain from any Hostility or Violence, unless the King compelled them to it. Then they sent their Letters in a most submissive and humble manner to the King, protesting their Duty, Service, and true Allegiance to him; entreating his Highness for the Honour of Almighty God, for the health of his own Soul, and for the welfare and happiness of his People and Kingdom, utterly to defy (except his Queen and Children) all such as Counselled him, or did themselves intent to suppress the Laws and Ordinances established in the Parliament at Oxford, or the Authority and Power, which for the advantage of the common good, was Granted to the Twelve Peers. But the King displeased at these Letters, returned not any Answer; which made them display their Banners, and march towards London; and as they passed by the Houses of such as favoured the King's proceed, on the account of the Pope's Bulls, they Plundered and Spoilt them, and laid many in Ruins by Fire, Proclaiming such Persons Enemies to the King and Government. Approaching London, they sent their Letters to the Mayor and Citizens, to know whether they were resolved to support the Laws and Ordinances or not, and the Authority of the Twelve Peers; protesting before God, that themselves meant not, nor intended any other thing; and if they were found defective in any point, a speedy Reformation should be made. These Letters were no sooner received and read, but they were sent to the King, who demanded of the Mayor and Citizens whether they would support those Laws and the Twelve Peers, or renounce them; but fearing their Plunder when such an Army was at their Gates, they Assembled in Common-Hall, and agreed to send the King Answer, That they would stand by the Laws and Peers, tho' a little before they had Sworn to the King to stand by him against all opposers. This greatly displeased the King; but they setting light by his Anger, received the Barons with their Army into the City, with many expressions of Joy; and from hence they Marched to Windsor Castle, and displaced all Strangers, rifling them of what they had gotten by their Places and Offices, especially such as the Prince had put into Trust; this yet more offended the King: But his Privy Council laboured to pacify him, by sending to the Barons to restore the Goods taken from the Aliens, and telling him that from thenceforth none but himself should place Persons in Trust; but to neither of these the Barons would accord; but at last concluded to put the descision of the Controversy to Lewis the French King, and inviolably stand to his Award; and King Henry agreeing to it, Peace for a time ensued; and the Swords on both sides were Sheathed; and the matter Stated on either part being controverted before the French King, it was by him Decreed, That all the said Ordinances and Laws should be Annihilated, and from thenceforth no Authority or Power should be left in the Twelve Peers. But this Sentence was so distasteful to the Barons, that they publicly accused him of Partiality to curry-favour with King Henry, absolutely refusing to stand by his Award; and so strongly were they bend to maintain whatsoever had been in Parliament Established, That they repaired again to the Marches of Wales, and Levied new Forces; and in their passage to London, Spoilt and Burnt the Goods, Lordships and Houses of Sr. Roger Mortimer, who had Counselled the King against them: To oppose their Proceed, Prince Edward Marched with the King's Army against them; and a cruel Battle was fought for the space of a whole Day, in which the Prince Acted Wonders beyond what could be expected from his Young Years: But most of his Commanders being Slain, he was at length compelled to leave the Field, and March hastily back again with his broken Army, leaving the Baron's Masters of the Field. After this Victory, the Barons Marched their Army to London, where they were received with great demonstrations of Joy; and soon after the Rifraff of the City, contrary to the minds of the sober Citizens, appointed to themselves two Captains, whom they styled Constables of London; and made Proclamation, That all who were affected to their Party should take Arms, upon Ringing the great Bell at St. Paul's; and so Assembling in a Tumultuous manner, they committed many Outrages upon the Houses of those that did not approve their Proceed; and then in a great troop went to the Palace of Richard, King Henry's Brother, who by the Germane Princes had been Elected King of the Romans, and entering it by force, seized and carried away all his Plate, Treasure and Rich Furniture, pulling down and defacing, for the most part, that stately Building. This made him, of a Friend, ever after an Enemy to the City and Barons: For whereas before he had laboured a Reconcilement between the King and them, he utterly gave over that good office, and exasperated him to continue the War against them; so that the King having notice that Sr. Peter Montfort had gathered considerable Forces near Northampton, declaring for the Barons, he Marched thither, whereupon Mountfort retired into the Town with his Forces, and was straightly Besieged; so that in a little time it being taken by Assault, he with Simon the Earl of Leicester's Son, and many others, were taken Prisoners, and disposed of in several Goals, till a further course could be taken with them. But the Barons being strong in the Field, little regarded this blow, but advancing their Banners near Lewis in Sussex, gave the King's Army Battle, which continued with such obstinate cruelty on both sides, that Fathers and Sons, Brothers and other near Relations Killed one another without Remorse; and such a havoc was made, that the Army on either side being much wasted, the King taken Prisoner with his Brother, etc. after Fourteen Hours desperate Fight, and the slaughter of 20000 Men on both sides, the Royal Party by these Accidents was so weakened, that a Treaty ensued; and it was Agreed, That the King should by new Articles, and the renewing his Oath, Confirm the Authority granted to the Twelve Peers, and all the Ordinances and Laws; with this Caution notwithstanding, That Two Lords Spiritual, and Two Temporal, should take a View of, and Examine the said Laws and Ordinances, and if they saw any reason to Amend or Altar them, they might do it, and if they agreed not in their Opinions, Then the Duke of Britain as Umpire, should be invested with full Power to Arbitrate and End the Difference: And the King and his Brother for standing to this, had their Liberty, and gave their two Sons as Hostages, who upon that account were detained in the Castle of Dover about nine Months. Upon this the King called a Parliament, which again crossed his expectation, by Confirming and Ratifying the Laws of the Oxford Parliament, and Authority of the Twelve Peers, which constrained the King to take a new Oath to maintain them, and the Peers Authority; till according to Agreement, if any thing was found amiss, it should be Reform, etc. and all such as in those Wars, or otherwise, had Maintained them, were Pardoned by the King: Whereupon the Young Princes were set at Liberty. But soon after, fell a Difference between the Earls of Leicester and Gloucester, the two heads of the Baron's Faction, which made them divide into parties to decide their Quarrel by the Sword; yet the King, fearing this might Involve many of his Subjects in Ruin, and shake the Quiet of the whole Kingdom, interposed his Authority and Mediation to make them Friends: But whilst this was doing, Prince Edward, the King's Son, taking advantage of their difference, departed secretly from Court, and consorting with the Earls of Gloucester and Warren, Sr. Roger Mortimer, and others, they raised an Army on the Marches of Wales, and fell on the Earl of Leicester's Forces with such fury, near Eversham in Worcestershire, that they totally Routed them; and in this Battle the Earl of Leicester, Simon his Eldest Son, Sr. Hugh Spencer, and many others of note, were Slain; and so enraged were the Soldiers, that they despitefully used the Earls dead Body, by cutting off the Head, Hands, Feet, and Privy Members, sending them into divers Shires, as Trophies of their Victory. This turn of fortunate Success, so ellevated the drooping King, that he resolved utterly to throw off his Fetters, and assume his Kingly Authority uncontrolled; whereupon, whilst his Enemies were full of fear and mistrust, and their strength in a manner utterly broken, he summoned a Parliament, which conforming to his will, more through dread of his Anger, than voluntarily, Repealed the Laws and Ordinances made in the Oxford Parliament, disannuling the Authority of the Twelve Peers; and all Patents, Commissions, and Instruments whatsoever, that tended to the Establishing and Ratifying those things, were by the King's express Commandment brought forth, publicly Canceled and made void; by which means he regained his former Power and Liberty, to say and do as he pleased. This Parliament was no sooner ended, but the King expressed his anger towards the City of London, because (as is alleged) the Rulers and Inhabitants had always despised him, and taken part with the Barons against him; vowing to consume it with Fire, and leave it in a heap of Rubbish, as a lasting Monument of their Rebellion to succeeding Ages; and so firmly had he determined it, That all his Friends and Favourites had much ado to avert him from this purpose, nor could it be done, till the Citizens caused an Instrument in Writing to be drawn, and Ratified it with their common Seal, by which they Confessed their Rebellion, humbly craving Pardon, and without any restraint or exception submitted their Lands, Goods, Lives, and the whole City, to the King's Grace and Mercy: Whereupon paying 1000 Marks Fine, they were Restored to their Liberties and Customs, which had been seized into the King's hands, during which space they had suffered much damage; yet for what Wrongs soever they received, they could find no Redress: And many Robberies and Piracies during the Wars being committed by the Inhabitants of the Cinque-Ports, to hinder his Courts of Justice being pestered with many Complaints, he ordered they should be heard in the Courts within the Jurisdiction of those Ports; where the Persons aggrieved expecting little redress, because the Inhabitants were parties, few Complaints after that were made. Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester, by his revolt from the Barons, and joining his Interest with the Prince, expecting high preferment for the success that had given the King all these Advantages, and not meeting with it agreeable to his mind, grew angry, and Meditating Revenge, retired from Court into the City; where the Citizens forgetting how lately they had been Pardoned, and the danger they were in, flocked to him in great Numbers, and then Sallying through Temple Bar, went to the King's Palace at Westminster, which they Rifled, with the Houses of many Court Favourites in and out of the City. This Outrage made the King pronounce no less than utter Destruction to them. But the Prince and King's Counselors, fearing such severity might renew the Civil War as dangerous as ever, with much ado pacified him so far, that he Granted a Pardon to the Earl of Gloucester, and all that had Acted in the late Tumult. Yet the Earl finding but cold Entertainment at Court, fearing some mischief might befall him at home, Made it his request to the King that he would send him with an Army to make War in the Holy Land. This motion, tho' it tended to much charge and expense, pleased the King well; for he considered if he continued at home he would still be Plotting, but abroad he could little injure the quiet of the Government; so that an Army being raised, the Earl repent him of his Undertaking, and feigned so many causes for delay, that the King took the Command out of his hand, and gave it to Prince Edward, who Transported the Army into Palestine, and by his valorous Acts brought such a Terror on the Turks and Saracens, That they seldom, if they could avoid it, adventured themselves against the Christians in that Quarter where the Prince drew up; and the Terror of his coming made them raise the Siege of the City of Acon, which they had pressed hardly for a long time, with 100000 Men; which made them secretly contrive his Death: For a Sarazen, under pretence of delivering him a Letter, Stabbed him in the Arm with an Empoisoned Knife; whereupon the Prince struck him down with his Foot, and upon the noise, his Guards coming in, cut the Villain in pieces; yet so desperate was the Wound, by reason of the venom, that the Surgeons declared, That unless any at the hazard of their Lives would daily suck the Wound, to draw away the Poison, his Life could not be saved; this, when all his Courtiers strained Courtesy to do, or utterly refused, was undertaken by Elinor his virtuous and loving Wife, Sister to the King of Spain, who had accompanied him in that tedious Journey; and yet she was not at all injured by it. And now the King having had some Peace, was a little disturbed by a Tumult in Norwich, who Burnt the Monastery of the Trinity; but he hasting thither, they dispersed, yet escaped not so, for a strict enquiry being made into the matter, 50 of the chief Actors were Drawn, Hanged and Quartered, and their Quarters Burned. Soon after this, the King fell Sick, and Died at the Abbey of St. Edmund's in Suffolk, on the Sixteenth of November, Anno Dom. 1275, in the 57th Year of his Reign, and 65th of his Age. He was Buried with great Magnificence at Westminster. In this King's Reign, an Imposture at the Provincial Synod at Oxford, suffered himself to be Wounded in the Hands, Feet and Sides, saying he was Christ; and a Woman that went about with him called herself the Virgin Mary; but being taken and closed up between two Walls, they there miserably perished. On St. Paul's Day in the 15th Year of his Reign, such an unusual Thunder and Lightning happened, That whilst Roger Niger Bishop of London was at Mass, in St. Paul's, the Cathedral was so shaken, that the People verily supposed it would have fallen, and that they should have been burned with the flashes of Lightning; whereupon all, except the Bishop and Archdeacon, ran out; but it being more terrible abroad, they fell on their Faces, and lay as astonished near an Hour. There also appeared as it were four Suns, besides the Natural one, which had a great Circle of a Crystal colour; and after St. Martin's Day, it began to Thunder very horribly, which lasted 15 Days. The Jews at Norwich Stole a Boy and Circumcised him, intending to have Crucified him at Easter; for which divers were Convicted, and put to sundry Punishments. In the 20th Year of the King, the Thames over-flowed its Banks, so that Boats were Rowed in the great Palace-Yard at Westminster, and also in the midst of the Hall. Pope Gregory the Ninth wrote to the King, That he might have safe conduct to come and see England; but was denied, in consideration it was thought he did it with an intent to embroil the Kingdom. In the 23d of the King a great Plague happened, consuming 500000 People of all Degrees; and Newcastle upon Tyne with the Bridge, was consumed by Fire; and two Years after, the Sea Flowed without any considerable Ebb, and in the Night by the fight of the Waves seemed all on Fire; making a terrible Noise, which was heard many Miles. On the 43d of the Kings Reign a Jew at Tewksbury fell into a Privy on a Saturday, and refused to be helped out, because it was on their Sabbath; whereupon the Duke of Gloucester, Lord Lieutenant of the County, made him keep our Sunday there; when on Monday Morning he was found Dead. And about this time Dr. Sternham wrote, That the Sufficiency of Holy Scripture, without Tradition or Innovation, were only necessary to Salvation; and Roger Bacon, a famous Divine of Oxford, was Imprisoned and severely Persecuted by the Pope, for Preaching against the Absurdities of the Church of Rome. And John De Warren Earl of Surry Killed allen de La Zouch in Westminster-Hall, on an Affront given by a Jostle. Seven Hundred Jews were Slain in London upon an Insurrection, because one of them had extorted more than two Pence per Week for 20 s. Interest. Anno Dom. 1269, the Thames was so hard Frozen, that Men, Cattle and Wains, passed over on the Ice, a considerable time. Anno Dom. 1271 the Steeple of Bow-Church in Cheapside, London, fell; and in the fall oppressed many People which were slain in its Ruins. Remarks on the County of Rutland. RUtlandshire, or the County of Rutland, is commodiously Situate among divers fertile Shires or Counties; being Bounded with Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, and Leicestershire, being very neatly compacted, producing some considerable sprinkling of Corn, but more Pasture; being for the most part Plain without Hills, and few Woods in it that are considerable; also Cattle, Wool, Fish, Fowl, and many other things, worthy to Rank it with the rest. It is divided into 5 Hundreds, containing 48 Parishes, 2 Market Towns, and is a third part bordered by the River Weland, branching into many pleasant Streams, over which is laid a very advantageous Bridge, leading to Barrowden. It sends Members to Parliament, Two Knights of the Shire. RUTLAND By I. Seller. map of Rutland Whitwell is memorable for another Overthrow given the Danes. Scyten is noted for a Speaking Eagle in the Reign of King Harrold the Last, which Prophesied the coming in of the Normans, and the Subjection of the Kingdom by them. The other chief Places are Whissenden, Ashwell, Barrow, Market-Overton, etc. The Seats of the Nobility are Exton, Brook, and North Luffingham, belonging to the Earl of Ganesborough. The Gentry have some Seats here, but not very many of any note. In this County were formerly many Castles, but Demolished in the several Civil Wars and other Commotions that have happened in this Kingdom, the Ruinous Foundations of many yet being upon digging broke up. I find but Four Parks in this County, and some of them but slenderly stored with Deer; yet there are many Hares, some Coneys, and pleasant Fishing and Fowling at the proper Seasons. The Reign of King EDWARD the First (since the Norman Conquest.) KING Edward had News of his Father's Death when he was Warring in the Holy Land, which made ●im settle the Affairs of the Eastern Christians on such Terms as could be so suddenly obtained, very advantageous for them; and so returned home to take care ●f his more near concerns, his Queen in this Voyage ●eing brought to bed of a Daughter. Upon his Arrival, he was Received by the Nobles ●nd Commons with many demonstrations of Joy, and ●n a few Days he and his Queen were Crowned by Robert Killwarby Arch Bishop of Canterbury, and having disposed of divers Trusts and places of Honour, giving some Largesses to ingratiate himself with the Higher and Lower Degrees, he called a Parliament at Westminster, and thither Llewellin Prince of Wales was Summoned to do Homage for the Principality he held. But he taking disgust, because Elinor Daughter to the deceased Earl of Leicester was taken by the English on the Seas, as she was coming from France in order to Marry him, not only refused to come, but because the Lady was detained from him, raised a considerable Army of Welshmen, and Borderers, and fell into Rebellion, entering England and doing great Mischief. But the King resolving to make his first Expedition Terrible to that Languishing Nation, raised such a Power as Llewellin found himself in no capacity to oppose; wherefore leaving his Men, he came privately to the King, and prostrating himself begged Pardon; protesting that his Love was so exceeding great to the Captive Lady, that nothing but the hopes of Redeeming her, and entering on those Nuptials that had been Agreed on at the Court of France, could have made him draw his Sword; so that if she might be given to his Arms, he would from thenceforth live in Peace and Obedience, be always ready to use his Sword at the Service of King Edward against the French King, or any other, when he should Command it. King Edward upon this, considering his Government not to be very well settled, and that the French King much relied on the Disturbances the Welsh could give when he designed any thing against England, freely consented to what he demanded; and upon Llewellin's Swearing Fealty, the Lady was put into his possession with many Rich Presents bestowed on her at her departure by the Queen and Court-Ladies; and the Nuptials were Solemnised to their mutual Satisfaction. Soon after this King Edward, in Monumental Honour to his Queen, for the great Love she had showed in Sucking his Envenomed Wound, and accompanying him in the Holy Land, where she endured many hardships, raised Crosses in the most Remarkable Cross-ways in England, with the Arms of Spain Quartered with those of England, and the Queen's Statue in Marble on the most Remarkable of them; and remembering the Treacherous Practices of the Jews against him Abroad, and their always taking part with the Infidels against the Christians, he Banished them out of England, to the Number of 15009 Persons, Confiscating their Goods; by which means, and Fining corrupt Judges and Officers, he replenished his Treasury with 236000 Marks. And about this time Dr. Scotus, called Subtilis, Preached against the Pope's laying claim to St. Peter's Keys, his abusing the Episcopal Authority, as also that Transubstantiation (which wild Notion had been Introduced not long before) was contradictory to Scripture and common Reason; but the Popish Clergy soon Persecuted him into silence. Long had not the Peace continued between England and Wales, ere Llewelling by the rash Persuasions and Incitement of his Brother David (a Man more contentious than Provident, and less Valiant than Mutinous, and yet one whom the King did extraordinarily love and favour) fell into Rebellion again, forgetting his Oath, which made him little prosper in his Enterprise to enlarge his Borders; for after many sharp Encounters with Sr. Roger Mortimer, the King's Lieutenant on the Western Marches, he and his Brother were taken, their Heads struck off, and placed on the Tower of London: Yet their followers gave not over, but kept in Parties, Ravaging and Spoiling by Incursions within the English Pale, and then with their Booty retired again to their Woods and Fastnesses, where they had builded Huts, as if they conceived this Trade would be of a long continuance, without shifting: But the King, not longer able to bear the Cries and Complaints of his suffering Subjects, Marched a sufficient Army thither, but not finding the Enemy in the Field, to Ferret them out he caused the Woods to be cut down and consumed with Fire; whereupon some submitted, others died of Cold and Hunger in their Retreatments, and many of the Ringleaders were put to Death by sundry manner of Executions; by which means they were reduced to a more sociable kind of life, and began to practise divers commendable Occupations, Arts and Sciences, and took some pleasure from thenceforth to live like Honest Men. After this, Alexander King of Scots, by a fall from his Horse off a Cliff by the Seaside (whither, upon some sudden Fright, he carried him furiously) breaking his Neck, and leaving no Male or Female Issue, his three Sisters, (the Eldest of which was Married to John Balliol Earl of Galloway, the Second to Robert Le Bruce, Lord of Valley Androw, and the Third to John Hastings, Lord of Abergavennie, an English Peer) laid claim to the Crown by their most powerful Friends; many Disputes passed, and Reasonings about it; but these little availing, it came at last to the Sword, which for many Years made miserable Havoc in that Kingdom, each of the Competitors laying claim to the Crown in Right of their Wives, referring the Decision of their Cause to King Edward, under whose Ward they agreed to put the Government till matters could be determined; whereupon he passed into Scotland, attended with a considerable Army, there as Sovereign Lord to determine the Strife, and put the state of Affairs in good order. But such was their mutual desires to Reign, that no persuasions prevailed to make any one of them recede from his coveted Sovereignty; yet they all agreed by a public Writing under their Hands and Seals to refer themselves and their Titles to the Censure and Judgement of King Edward; and by the same Instrument surrendered the Crown and Administration of Affairs to him. To the end that thereby he might enable himself absolutely to possess such a one of them of the Kingdom, as in his Judgement ought to have the Regal Dignity conferred on him; and with the Writing he received their several Demands and Claims fairly drawn up, with the Proofs and Arguments to maintain them: Whereupon he Summoned a Council of Twenty English, and as many Scotch Noblemen, Prelates, and Lawyers, to consider and advise what was most proper to be done in this great Affair; and when he had duly informed himself of the matter, and was well satisfied in his Conscience about it, he gave the Definitive Sentence in favour of John Bailiol who had Married the Eldest of the Three Sisters, and he (upon doing Homage to King Edward) received from him the Crown and Government of Scotland. Whilst these things were doing, the French supposing the King over-busied in so weighty a matter, and not altogether at leisure to mind his own concerns, entered into Guyan, Gascoigne, and other his Territories beyond the Seas, taking some Towns, and committing many Outrages on his Subjects, and their Possessions. The King roused upon notice of this injury done him, summoned his wont Courage, and gave speedy orders for Levying a potent Army; but upon computing the Charge, Money was found in a great measure wanting; so that by the Advice of William Marcbyan his Treasurer he exacted it of the Clergy, who for the most part having been exempted from the charge of former Wars, were grown very Rich; he demanded of them half the profit of their Ecclesiastical Revenues, seizing into his hands the useless or superfluous Plate, Jewels, and Treasure of the Churches, Abbeys, Monasteries, and other Religious Houses and Places. This made them exceedingly murmur against him, and labour to Alienate the Hearts of his Subjects from him; tho' in some sort he was not wanting to give them satisfaction, by promising restitution when his Treasure should by increased; and tho' they little relied on such a Promise, as thinking the King would at no time empty his own Coffers to replenish theirs, finding they should be stripped of their Treasure without remedy, they found out another way, as they supposed, to make themselves amends in time, though no great matter presently could be expected from it. There had been a Statute Enacted in the Fourth Year of his Reign, strictly Prohibiting the giving and conveying Lands or Tenements to any Corporation whatsoever, called, The Statute against Mortmain, unless with the King's consent; and this stood in the way, especially to hinder Persons in their Wills, to bequeath any thing of that kind to the Church or Religious Houses: This they prayed might be Revoked, But he Replied, As of himself he could make no Laws, so without the Consent of Parliament much less could he Annihilate them; (for he was honester than to pretend to a Dispensing Power) and tho' this vexed them inwardly to be frustrated of all that could be expected to their advantage, yet such was the power he had gained ove● them, that they durst not express any outward dislike of his Proceed. After this he imposed a Subsidy upon every Sack o● Wool, also upon all Flesh, and Hides that were to b● Transported out of the Kingdom; and further to maintain his Wars, required the tenth part of every Man's Substance, or movable Goods, compelling the Clergy over and above to bring into his Treasury all such Sums of Money as they had promised to remit to Rome for the Pope's use, towards the maintenance of the War against the Turks and other Infidels in the Holy Land, and so having sufficient, he Transported his Armies, sending with them, besides other Necessaries, 100000 Quarters of Wheat for their Subsistance; where many Battles were Fought between the English and French in Guyan, Gascoigne, and other Provinces; the former being mostly Victorious, recovering many places, and driving the Enemy for the most part out of his Territories there. But whilst the King was intent to go over and finish what had been so well begun and carried on; the French King, as much as in him lay, to cross his proceed, had made a Faction in Scotland against the new King, who compelled him to renounce his Allegiance to King Edward, and send Defiance to him; nor was this all, but with an Army hastily gathered, he entered and wasted the Northern parts of England, Slaying, Burning and Plundering without Pity or Remorse: Whereupon King Edward, recounting his manifold Favours, and the great love he had to the Revolted King of Scots; this base Ingratitude so stirred his Anger, That he resolved a bloody chastisement should be the punishment of his unthankfulness: Whereupon recalling some of his Forces, and raising more, he Marched to the succour of his Subjects; and such was his good Fortune, that in a little time he met with and fought the Scotch Army, slaying 25000 of them, winning the strong Castles of Berwick and Dunbar, and soon after the City of Edenburough, with many other places of note; which made King John too late see his Errors, and to what distress his rashness had driven him: However, thinking to find Favour by an humble submission, or at least prevent the further Ruin and Desolation of his Country, he came and cast himself at King Edward's Feet, whole submitting, with himself the Crown and Kingdom of Scotland, to be at his dispose, in expectation to have been Restored; but King Edward, resenting very heinously his ungrateful proceed, sent him under a strong Guard to the Tower of London; yet ordered him allowance of Liberty, Diet, and Attendance, as became his state; when Marching from Sea to Sea, without any farther resistance, he settled the Affairs of Scotland, committing the Government of the Kingdom to John Warren Earl of Surry, as his Lieutenant; Constituting Hugh Cressingham Lord Treasurer, and William Barnsley his Chief Justice; confining some of the Rebellious Scots within the Marches of England, that they might be disabled from giving any Disturbance in his Absence; and so returned in Triumph, with great Honours, and high applause of his Subjects. The King being now at leisure to remember the Injuries the French had done him, and resolving to Revenge them, Leagued with Guy Earl of Flanders, and Transported an Army thither, and Fought with Robert Earl of Arthois, whom he Routed, taking many Towns and Fortresses on the Frontiers; which made the French King play over the game again of stirring up the Scots to Rebellion, hoping by that means to constrain him to return; but on the contrary, he appointed Henry Piercy Earl of Northumberland, his General for that War; who managed it with that Prudence, that after some Marching, Training them into the open Field, he gave them Battle with incredible Slaughter, so that many Miles of Ground were in a manner covered with their dead Bodies, by which great Overthrow they found themselves constrained to return to their former Obedience; so that the French King perceiving his Project took not on that side, seemed very desirous to try his Strength with King Edward in the Field; but his Courage failing, he reposing more confidence in his Policy than Valour, he proceeded to tamper about proposals of Love and Amity, that might settle a lasting Peace; and King Edward being now a Widower, he earnestly solicited him to take his Sister to Wife, to make the Alliance stronger; which by the cunning subtlety of some Courtiers, Bribed by the French King, was brought about; and Peace ensued after a tedious War that had caused much Bloodshead. So the King with his Queen returned home, and soon after he made Prince Edward his Son, who had been Born at Carnarvan in Wales, the better to ingratiate himself with those People, Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester; and to gain the Hearts of the Londoners, he restored them those Liberties his Father had deprived them of, and without which they had continued the space of Twelve Years; during which time a Governor was set over them by the King, and their Magistrates chosen by his order. But whilst things were well ordering at home, the Scots again fell into Rebellion: Whereupon the King sent to demand their Ringleaders, who had drawn them into this danger, (which principally was one Wallis, a Gentleman of an inveterate Spirit against the English Nation) with a promise of Pardon to all the rest, upon their laying down their Arms; or else threatened to waste the Country with Fire and Sword from Sea to Sea, and spare none of that Nation he should find in his way. But driven on by their hard Fate, they were Deaf to these Proposals, making yet greater preparations to weather (as they thought) the Storm they could not but expect; and so upon the Kings entering the Marches of Scotland, they bid him Battle; where, before the Armies joined, he made them the same Offers, which they seemed to reject with scorn; so the Bloody Blast being sounded by the order of the Incensed King, who resolved now to Scourge them in earnest, the English fell on with such fury and violence, that they broke, like a Tempest, into the Scots Battle, carrying all before them, so that a miserable slaughter ensued, and the King pressing too furiously upon those that Fled, in the eagerness of the Pursuit, fell from his Horse, and broke two of his Ribs; yet he lightly remounting, and not regarding his Hurt, drove them out of the Field with the slaughter of 32000 of them; he not now (as at other times) restraining the Swords of his Soldiers, but gave scope and encouragement to their thirst of Revenge, and in this Battle fell the flower of the Scots Nobility and Gentry; but on our side very few were slain; some Historians make mention but of 28 of all Degrees, tho' that seems too Partial. But in comparison of the Scots, they were certainly very inconsiderable. The Prisoners that were taken were not many, by reason few were spared in the Fight, or in the pursuit that were overtaken; so that the small remainder of the Nobles came and Humbled themselves before the King, charging the fault on such as they said had justly received their Deserts by being slain in the Battle; and this Submission, upon their taking a new Oath of Fealty and Homage, was accepted; and returning home, upon the earnest request of Pope Boniface the Eighth, he Released John the Deposed King of Scots out of the Tower, who went to Normandy to live quietly there on Lands allotted him, called Bayliolls Lordship or Lands; where falling Blind, and being much in Years, he Died, leaving his Estate to his Son Edward. However his Death put not an end to the Scots Troubles; for they had not long enjoyed Peace, but forgetting their Oaths, or at least despising all conditions with the English, they again Revolted, and again felt the same Scourge of War, the King taking by force and surrender all the strong Castles and Fortresses into his hands, and Oath of the Justices, Mayors, and Officers of the several Towns and Forts; and having disposed all things to the best advantage, and settled the Government in trusty hands, he brought away the Crown, Robes of State, and Marble Chair from Scone, in which the Scots Kings had always been Crowned; and placed the latter in the King's Chapel at Westminster; and on it there is said to be a Prophetic Latin Distich; in English to this Effect: Where e'er this Stone is Placed, the Scot shall find; And there shall Rule, for there his Reign's Assigned: This may indeed seem to be verified in the Union of the two Kingdoms under King James the First, of the Scotish Line. But to proceed. As soon as King Edward was returned from his Journey, he caused an Enquiry (which was termed Troli Baston) to be made in all his Dominions of the Misdemeanours and Oppressions of his Officers and others; so that the Number of the Transgressor's were so many, that heavy Fines being laid on them, and they like so many full Sponges Squeezed of their Unjust Gains into the King's Coffers, they were plentifully replenished thereby; not only to Pay off old Debts, but to Recompense such as had at their own Expense faithfully Served him in his Wars; and among other Complaints, Dr. Langton Bishop of Chester Exhibited one to the King against Prince Edward, whom he said at the Instigation of Pierce Gaveston, his Lose and Evil Counsellor, had forcibly broken into his Parks, wounded his Servants, and destroyed his Game: Whereupon the Prince was committed to Prison during the King's pleasure, and Gaveston Banished upon pain of Death, never to return into the Land; and Edward Earl of Cornwall, Son to Richard King of the Romans Dying without Issue, he gave that Earldom to Prince Edward; which Title, with that of Chester, have been since inseparable from the Princes of Wales. A Peace being now had in Scotland, things remained quiet for a time; during which space, Robert Bruce, one of the Competitors, came with divers Nobles to the English Court, and was highly Entertained; which they did only for a show, whilst they were dealing underhand with the Pope to favour their Cause; nor was he slow in it, but sent an Instrument in Writing by which he pretended to lay claim to the Kingdom of Scotland, as holden of the See of Rome; wherein King Edward was peremptorily required to surcease from all Demands of Tenure and Sovereignty over it. But he stoutly Answered by his Ambassadors, That it did belong to the Kings of England, and not unto the See of Rome, or to any other; requiring him to revoke his unjust Claim, for that both he and his Nobles were resolved to maintain his Right therein at the hazard of their Lives and Estates; and the Ambassador showing the Hands and Seals of the Nobles, and most of the Prelates of England, that had Sworn to this Resolution; the old Blade with the Leaden Sword drew in his Horns; whereupon Bruce secretly withdrew and raised Tumults in Scotland: Yet the King forced him to fly into Norway, where he remained; till in Edward the Seconds Reign he returned to broach new Troubles. But the King, upon his Marching through Scotland, Dyed; commanding in his Last Will, That his Son should SHROP SHIRE By John Seller map of Shropshire carry his Bones with him, till he had utterly Subdued the Rebels; and that Gaveston should not be Recalled from Banishment; also that his Heart should be carried to the Holy Land, and there Buried: He began his Reign November 16, Anno Dom. 1272, and Reigned 34 Years, 7 Months and 21 Days; being the 29th Sole Monarch of England. He Died of a Dyssentery at Burg upon Sands, July 7, Anno Dom. 1307, in the 69th Year of his Age, and was Buried at Westminster. In the Third Year of this King's Reign, on St. Nicholas Day, very terrible Thunders, Earthquakes and Lightnings happened; also a great Fiery Dragon in the Air and a Blazing Star, which much amazed the People. In the Year 1288 the Summer was so Scorching, that many Died of extreme Heat; yet Wheat was Sold at 2 s. 8 d. the Quarter, and all Corn at a proportionable rate; but the Year following, by reason of the great Rains that fell, Wheat was raised to 20 s. a Quarter, and so continued near Forty Years, which was in those times accounted a great Dearth. Anno Dom. 1299 the King's Palace at Westminster with the Buildings of the Monastery, were consumed with Fire; and a great Whale coming up the River, was struck and taken over-against Erif, being 40 Foot Long, and proportionable in Bulk, etc. Remarks on Shropshire, etc. SHropshire is commodiously situated, intermixed with Hills, Plains, Woods, Forests, Chases, etc. and produces Corn, Rich Pastures, Cattle, and many other things, to the advantage of the Inhabitants. It is Bounded with Cheshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Radnorshire, Mongomeryshire, and Denbyshire: It contains 15 Hundreds, divided into 170 Parishes, and ha● in it 14 Market Towns, and 18 great and small Rivers, branching mostly from the Severn; which plentifully Waters this Shire and others. It sends Members to Parliament 12, viz. Bishops-Castle 2, Bridgnorth 2, Ludlow 2, Shrewsbury 2, Wenlock 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. In Shropshire, besides Shrewsbury, the County Town, a noted Mart for Cloth and Frizes brought from Wales, and thence dispersed into divers parts of England, There are Remarkable Ruins of some Ancient Places, which were certainly Towns or Cities of great splendour; as Workcester Uriconium the ancient Usoconia, of which Okenyat is a small remainder; Oswalstree retains its Name from Oswald the 11th King of Northumberland, who was here Slain in Battle by Penda King of the Mercians; The other Towns of Note are Wellynton, Newport, Braynton, etc. At Shrewsbury, and other places on the Severn, is taken a Fish called a Mort, in Taste like a Salmon; at Pitchford is a Well whose Water casts up a Scum of Liquid Bitumen, and near Oswaldstree is a Vestigia of a Roman Camp. The Seats of the Nobility are Pepperhill, belonging to the Earl of Shrewsbury; Highercal and Eyton, to the Lord Viscount Newport; Cherbury, to the Lord Herbert Baron of Cherbury; It has also in it 13 Bridges, 13 Castles, 7 Forests, and 27 Parks. The Seats of the Gentry are likewise very pleasant, and there is almost every where great store of Game, and abundance of Fish. The Reign of EDWARD the Second (usually called Edward of Carnarvan.) EDWARD the Second Succeeded his Father in the Throne; but having been brought up tenderly, and given too much to Flatterers and lose Company, he very early gave the Nobles cause to distaste his Government; for tho' his Father in his Last Will had strictly Prohibited his Recalling Peirce Gaveston from Banishment, a Person who by his evil Example and pernicious Counsels had been the great Debaucher of his Younger Years, yet he did it, tho' contrary to the Mind of his People in general; and to despite them the more, took him into his particular Favour, Vowing if it lay in his power he would willingly share the Kingdom with him, heaping Honours on him, and Liberally opening his Coffers to him; so that he no sooner asked, but his desires were granted. This much perplexed the Nobles, and made them Remonstrate to the King the ill consequences that were likely to follow on such his Proceed, putting him in mind of his dying Fathers charge to him, and urging many other things; but he little regarded them; so that perceiving the King entirely to dote on this upstart Favourite, who thereupon grew very Proud and Insolent, advancing him to the Barony of Wallingford, and Earldom of Cornwall, making him Master of his Jewels and Treasure, a great part of which he sent beyond the Seas, to provide for himself against such a Storm as he might reasonably expect, They for a time held their peace; tho' they inwardly grieved at the Miscarriage of things. The King was now Married to Isabel Daughter to Philip the French King, a Lady of admirable Beauty, but of a haughty Mind, impatient of Injuries; yet this Lose Favourite, to cross her, because he stood not high in her esteem, laboured by introducing fresh Beauties to the King, to Alienate him from her Society and Bed, carried him often to Revellings, and made him Drink to Excess, that his Conscience might not find any deliberate time to Check him for his Lawless Erterprises. The Queen at this was both Grieved and Angry, labouring however, by all mild ways and endearing persuasions to Reclaim the King, laying before him his Unkindness to one that so tenderly Loved and Honoured him, and the Scandal and Contempt he would cause of himself among his People, if he who was placed in so eminent a Station, to give good Examples to others, as Patterns for them to follow, showed in himself such an evil one; Entreating him to follow the Prudence and Heroick Virtues of his Father, and not despising the sober Advice of his Grave Counsellors, hearken to and be lead away by base Parasites and Flatterers. But the King, not regarding what she said, tho' the People at the same time greatly Murmured and spoke evil of him for his Lose and Un-Princely manner of Living, as also of Gaveston to whom they bore an irreconcilable hatred: The Nobles found themselves constrained (for redressing these Mischiefs) and preventing greater, that threatened the Kingdom, To Petition the King for Gaveston's Banishment; wherein they set forth his evil Practices and Faults, with the Sorrow of his Majesties best affected Subjects, for that he (more than was fit or comely) was Guided and Governed by that unworthy Favourite; earnestly entreating his Highness he would be pleased (for preventing such Mischiefs as were otherwise likely to ensue) To Banish that Lewd Person from his Court and Kingdom. The King upon this, fearing some danger threatened if he refused to comply with his Nobles, whom he found resolutely bend no longer to suffer such Indignities as Gaveston had put upon them; tho' much against his will, agreed he should be sent into Ireland; which accordingly was done; yet the King sent after him many comfortable Messages, and at length constituted him his Lieutenant of that Kingdom, sending him store of Plate, Jewels, and Corn to maintain his State and Grandeur; by which he might conclude his Banishment but ●n Honourable Embassy, and an occasion presented ●hereby to the King to make him more Rich and Po●ent. Besides all this, the King's discontents and passions ●or his Absence, appeared to be so many and great, That the Nobles were grieved for the perplexities of ●is Mind; which made them (in hopes of his Favourites ●●ture amendment of all things that had been found ●miss in him, after this Humbling) of their own accord Petition the King that he might be Recalled: But ●ike the Leopard's Spots, his Vices were so natural to him, and so inherent in him, that he was nothing changed; but upon his return grew more Insolent than ●ever, which occasioned him but a short time; for at the ●ncessant Importunities of the Nobles, he was again Banished into Flanders; yet remained not long, ere the King (impatient of his Absence) Recalled him without the consent of his Nobles; and to Agrandize him the more, Married him to his Kinswoman the Earl of Glocesters' Daughter, a Virtuous and Honourable Lady; when bearing himself much on this Alliance, he grew to such a height, that he scorned the greatest Peers in England; and in his State, Attendance, and Table, out●ied even the King; Glorying and openly boasting how he Ruled the King; and by what ways he had misle● him. This however did him no kindness, for the King ●●●ding he could no longer Protect him against the potent Nobles and the clamours of the Common People, which threatened ruin in his stay, he was constrained to part with him a Third time. But the ●oise and discontents by his Absence was no sooner pacified and allayed, but the King sent to him privately to Return, tho' very fatal to him; for upon his Landing, entering into the Castle of Scarborough, he was there Besieged and taken by the Earl of Warwick, and with the consent of the Earls of Lancaster and Hereford, carried to Warwick-Castle, and Beheaded. The King had no sooner notice of the untimely end of his Favourite, but in a vehement passion he Cursed those Noblemen, and expressed his Anger and Vows of Revenge in many threatening terms: But Time rendering him cooler, and the Reasons that were given for their hasty Proceed, he Pardoned them, in consideration that all which belonged to Gaveston, should be put into his hands. However his inclinations were such that he could not be long without a Favourite, to whom he might impart his Secrets on all occasions; wherefore he made Sr. Hugh Spencer, and Hugh his Son, of his Cabinet Council; raising them from a mean Estate, to Lord it over the Nobles; and whatever he did of any importance, was by their Advice and Direction; he made the Elder of them Earl of Winchester, and gave to both of them many Honourable Places and Offices, which caused them to become more Insolent than Gaveston, and altogether as much hated in a little time. Robert Bruce, mentioned in the foregoing Reign, upon notice of these Disorders in England, thought it was now a fit time for him to possess himself of the Crown of Scotland; and therefore returning from Norway, he was Joyfully received by the Scots, as well Nobles as Commons; and was by them a second time Crowned King; whereupon he Levied a great Army, and entered into the English Marches, miserably wasting the Country as he passed, with Fire and Sword; which made King Edward shake off his soft repose, and hasten to the Field; whose coming put a stop to the torent, and made the Scots retire beyond the Tweed. Whereupon King Edward having strengthened his Army, entered Scotland, doing great Damage; but was at Bannocks Bourn Encountered by King Robert, who Surprisingly fell upon the English, by reason of their remissness, and the unwillingness of some of the Nobles to Engage, because King Edward had given the great Commands into the hands of mean Persons by the Advice of the Spencers; and after a bloody and long Fight, totally Routed them. And here King Edward, through bad conduct, having been a Spectator of the slaughter of many Valiant Men, (among which were Gilbert D' Clare Earl of Gloucester, and 42 other Lords, with more than 60 Knights and Baronet's, besides 22 of Note, who were taken Prisoners) he was compelled for his own safety to hasten back for England (leaving all his Treasure, Ammunition and Baggage behind him, and 22000 common Soldiers Slain and made Prisoners) exceedingly disconsolated and perplexed; where he soon found new Troubles: For one John Poldras, a Tanner's Son of Exeter in Devonshire, boldly affirming himself to be the truly begotten Son of Edward the First, aledging that he was changed by his Nurse in his Cradle for a Carters Child, raised by this Chimaera strange Commotions, many People believing by King Edward's proceed, so disagreeable to those of the preceding King, that there was some ground of truth in it. He also offered divers colourable Proofs for what he said, and among others he strongly insisted on the unworthy and sordid conditions of the King, sorting to none so fitly as to one of obscure and common Birth; so that a great many of the Commons in those parts unadvisedly flocked to him, and owned him for their True King, looking on Edward as a Changeling; but they in a hot Skirmish being Defeated, the Impostor was taken Prisoner, and confessed his Treason and Folly, but not any one that set him on work, and encouraged him to it; so that being convicted by his Confession, he was Condemned and Executed, and the rest Pardoned; which at this time put an end to the Western Troubles. But in the North, the Scots pursuing these Success, taking many Places Garisoned with English, by force, and had the strong Castle of Berwick betrayed into their hands by the Deputy-Governor, who let them in, in the dusk of the Evening, at a Sally-Port he had purposely left open; yet in the dark scuffle he had his Reward, for going with the appointed Signal of safety, and in the dark, it not being discerned by the Scots, they Slew him. Nor was this all the misery at this time the Northern County suffered, their Cattle Dyed of a grievous Murrain, and Famine was exceeding amongst them. Moreover divers notorious Thiefs and Robbers (to the number of 200) taking the advantage of these stirs, put themselves into Friars Weeds, and Robbed, Ravished, Burned, and laid Waste where they came, Murdering divers who Resisted them; but in a few Months most of them were taken and put to Death by sundry Torments. The Famine was likewise succeeded by a Plague; so that the Living were scarce able to Bury the Dead. These Calamities and daily cries of his People made the King advance Northward with an Army; yet bad success attended him, for giving the Scots Battle, he was Overthrown, and a great part of his Army Slain; and so in much vexation returned home. This made the Nobles grievously complain of the Spencers, and others, the King's Favourites, by whose bad Mannagement of Affairs the Realm was at a point to be overwhelmed in Misery, laying before the King their Misdemeanours and ill treatment of his Subjects; how many Thousands suffered by the Maladministration of Government, and the great Calamities approaching, if speedy Redress was not had, even to the subversion of the State; and then became Importunate Suitors to him, that he would be pleased to put those from him that had caused so many Grievances, and made him careless of those Duties which by Almighty God were required at his hands. They told him likewise, As Subjection belonged to the People, so the King was bound to Protect them; and that most dishonourably he had left his Commons in the North a Prey to the Scots, and grievously oppressed with Wants and Extremities; and that if he pleased not (upon their humble Entreaty and Request) to dismiss the Spencers from their Places and Service, They must and would presume to do it, tho' with the hazard and peril of their own Lives. At this, tho' the King in Conscience could not but hearken to it, being an apparent Truth, yet it so highly displeased him (who preferred his Favourites before the Good of all his People) That he bitten his Lip, and with an austere Countenance turned at first from them, without speaking; but considering the ill consequences that might attend his slighting them in a business wherein all his good Subjects were concerned, he turned again, and gave them a pleasing Answer, viz. That since things were come to such extremity, there could be no suitable Redress but in a Parliament, which he speedily intended to call, and would submit to what that Assembly should determine most Necessary for the good and welfare of the Kingdom. However, the Nobles afterward seemed dissatisfied, as fancying the King (when they were so Assembled) designed to Seize them, and forcibly make them comply with his Terms; yet finding such a meeting was necessary, they came strongly Guarded with a numerous Train, all in one Livery; this much startled the King, but most of all it grieved him he now saw he must part with the Spencers, whom in the Ecstasy of his Expressions he had declared to Love dearer than his Queen or Children; and accordingly they were Banished during their Lives, the King being bound not to Recall them upon any pretence whatever. But this caused a hatred in him against the Barons, so that he expressed it in Threats, and that he ought not to be forced to do any thing against his Mind. So that although the Younger Spencer, getting a Squadron of Ships turned Pirate, Robbing the English Merchants and Strangers, The King would not consent to their Entreaties that a Fleet might be sent out to surpress those apparent Injuries and Disgraces, but Laughed at them when they proposed it, as inwardly pleased at the News they had brought him; and soon after, contrary to the expectation of all Men, Recalled them from Banishment, restoring them to their Honours and Offices, wherein they became more Insolent than ever. The Barons grieved at these Proceed, and Expecting no Redress from the King, immediately took up Arms, and the King did the like; so that after many sharp Bicker and Encounters, both Armies joined in Battle, and Fought cruelly; Kindred against Kindred, making no distinction of Relations, in the bloody Field: But when many of the Barons and other Leaders were Slain, their Party gave way, and the King Pursued very furiously, so that a miserable Slaughter happened, and at Burrowbridge, near where this Battle was Fought, The Earl of Lancaster (the King's Uncle) and 90 other Nobles were taken Prisoners, and sent to Pontfract-Castle, where the Noble Earl stayed on a Scaffold Seven Hours before they could procure an Executioner to Behead him, so greatly was he Beloved by all sorts of People; but at length a vile Wretch was procured out of a Goal, for a sum of Money, to perform that Office. Five others were put to Death there, and at York the next day the Lords Clifford, Mobray and Derwell were Hanged in Iron-Chaines. The Earl of Hereford likewise lost his Head; in all (at several places) Twenty Noblemen; so that in no Reign so much Noble Blood, by Executions, wet the English Earth. These terrible Executions astonished the rest, and broke their Strength, which greatly puffed up the Spencers, by whose Instigation, more than any cruel inclination in the King, it was thought to be done, to secure their own State, which after this they imagined could not be shaken: For soon after, some Courtiers Entreating the King for the Life of a Person of mean Rank, who had committed a Murder, he broke out into a violent Passion in these words, viz. A Plague overtake you all, for Flattering Knaves; you make much Suit for the Life of an errand Caitiff, but which of you spoke a word for the good Knight Lord Thomas my Uncle? By the Bread of God this Varlet shall Die the Death he deserves; and so in a Rage he turned from them, and soon after he called a Parliament at York, in which Prince Edward his Son was Created Prince of Wales and Duke of Aquitain; and Sir Andrew Harkly, whose extraordinary Service was a principal means of the Baron's Overthrow, Earl of Carlisle; and demanded the Sixth Penny of all Temporalities in England, Wales and Ireland, to defray the Charges of his intended War against the Scots, which he obtained; yet the People grievously Murmured at Paying it, affirming they were altogether Impoverished by the late Wars and Famine. And now the Scots getting secret Intelligence of what the King intended against them, resolved to begin first, and well knowing they had Impoverished the Northern parts, and that no further Booty was there to be had, they crossed over the Narrow straits, and fell very furiously on Ireland; but by the Courage and prudent Conduct of the Bishop of Armagh and the Lord Brinningham, they were Overthrown, their King Slain, and most of them Cut in Pieces; upon this advantage, King Edward Marched into Scotland, which he found full of Terror and Confusion, the People every where flying before him into the Woods, Mountains, and other Fastnesses; thinking by that means to weary out the English; and indeed their Project failed not, for Snows, Rains, and bitter Frosts ensuing, the English were unable to keep the Field, especially their Provisions being near spent, and a great Mortality (by reason of the raw Damps and Colds) grievously afflicted the Camp; so that, contrary to the mind of the King, they were forced to return; which the Scots perceiving, crept from their lurking Holes, and carried Fire a cross, which is the usual Signal for the Alarm, or raising the Country, and soon gathered into such Multitudes, that following and wasting his Rear, at last they boldly set on his main Battle and discomfited it; so that he was constrained to fly, and leave them Masters of his Treasure, and Baggage. This Defeat is said to be occasioned by the Treachery of Sr. Andrew Harkley, who had been lately Created Earl of Carlisle; who being Bribed by the Scots, betrayed his trust in the Battle. But however it happened, it was charged upon him, and for it he lost his Head. Upon the King's return, there happened a Quarrel between the Queen and the Spencers; she charging them to have Alienated the King's affections from her, and to cause him to place it on Harlots, and the King seeming to excuse or take part with them, she so highly resented the Affront, that under pretence of visiting her native Country, she obtained leave to go over with the Prince her Son, where she was received by King Charles her Brother (Philip her Father being Dead) with many expressions of kindness, and showing her dislike to return unless matters might be Reform at home, some of the Barons in England sent secretly by Letters, to Advise her, That if she could procure one Thousand valiant Strangers, they would join her on her Landing with a considerable Force, and endeavour once more to Redress the Disorders of the State: This she made known to her Brother, who comforted her by earnest Promises and Oaths, That by his Assistance, and at his Cost, her Wrongs and the Kingdoms Injuries, should be Repaired; but kept not his Word, for being Bribed by the Spencers, who by their Spies had notice of her tampering in the French Court, when she demanded his Performance, he grew cold upon it, and chid her for such Intentions; saying She was foolishly afraid of her Shadow, since she had Vndutifully forsaken the company of her Lord and Husband. The Pope also, and chiefest Cardinals, being Engaged by great Rewards, strictly required the French King, upon pain of the Apostolic Curse, to send home the Queen and Prince, so that she perceiving he intended to deliver her into the hands of such as would have Forcibly brought her over, she secretly retired with her Son into the Empire; however during her stay at the French Court, she had done England a kindness, in causing by her Mediation the Troubles in Gascoigne to cease; and making an Agreement in other matters relating to the King her Husband: In consideration of which, he was to confer the Duchy of Aquitain and Earldom of Poictou on the Prince his Son, which he did, under his Seal; and he did Homage for it to his Uncle the French King; but upon his sending for her home, she refused to come, unless hers and others Grievances were Redressed by Parliament; which occasioned his trying by other means to make her return; but as is said, she retiring into the Empire, upon suspicion of what was Intended, went to Hainalt, where she was kindly received; and to make her Interest strong at that Court, she without the consent of her Husband, or the Peers of England, Married the Prince to Phillipa, the Earl of Hainalts Daughter; upon which account, and the means of what Treasure she had brought, she raised 2700 Soldiers, Commanded by Sr. John of Hainalt, and the Lord Beaumont, to whom Joined the Young Lord Mortimer, who had escaped out of the Tower of London, and got beyond the Seas, with some other Exiled English Noblemen and Strangers, so that having all things in a readiness, she Sailed for England, and Landed at Orwell in Sussex, whither a great Number of English resorted to her; and the further she went, her Army greatly increased. King Edward having notice of this, left his Court, and retired hastily into the West to raise Forces; promising 1000 l. to any that should bring him the Lord Mortimer's Head; The King was no sooner retired, but the Londoners taking the Advantage of his Absence, seized upon the Bishop of Exeter, who was appointed to Govern the City, and without any Legal Proceed or Judicial Sentence, caused his Head to be stricken off at the Standard in Cheapside; and then with great violence broke down the Tower Gates, killing all they found in it, and secured that and the City to the use of the Queen, and of the Prince her Son. The King being Informed of these Proceed, his Heart failed him; so that desisting from his intent of raising Forces, he Posted to Bristol and Fortified it, committing the Defence thereof to the Earl of Arundale, and the Spencer's, Father and Son, entered with him into the Castle, which they determined as a last Refuge to defend with all their Strength; but within a few days after, the City was Besieged, Assaulted and Taken by the Queen and Barons, who took and Committed the Earl and divers others of Note to safe custody; the King and his two Favourites despairing of Safety there, got out to Sea in a small Fisher Boat, intending for Ireland; but so Providence ordered it, that it was thrice (when put out) driven by the shifting of the Wind near the Castle; so that the last time the Lord Beaumont Manning out a Vessel seized it, and found there the King and the Elder Spencer, the other having got on Shore, and shifted away for a time: These the Queen presented before the Castle, which the Garrison no sooner perceived, but they Surrendered; and here the Lord Arundel was Beheaded, and the King sent Prisoner to Kenelworth Castle; and by the way they contrived to Shave him, to Disguise him, least being known he should be Rescued; when the Impudent Fellow of a Shaver set him on a Molehill, and told him That Cold Water must now serve his turn, pointing to the Ditch; at which Indignity, the King burst out in Tears, saying, There should be Warm Water whether he would or no. The Queen having thus far proceeded, determined the Death of her Capital Enemy, dooming him to be Quartered Alive; which was done, and his Head and Quarters set up in divers places; she gave a considerable Reward to the Person who brought her the Head. Young Spencer, soon after was taken with the Lords Baldock and Reading, carried to Hereford, and Hanged on a Gallows 50 Foot high: And thus fell these Favourites, who put too much trust in their own Strength and Policy, little expecting such sudden turns of Fortune to alter their conditions, by throwing them from the Pinnacle of Honour into the Gulf of Misery and Disgrace, which ought to be a Warning to all who undeservedly aspire, cautiously to behave themselves. Upon this, a Parliament was called to settle the disordered Affairs of the Kingdom, who Resolved to transfer the Crown from Edward to his Son; whereupon three Bishops, three Earls, two Barons, two Abbots, and two Justices, were appointed to demand (in the Name of the Parliament) a surrender of it; which if he refused, they would perhaps take other measures and give it from his Family, to one more worthy. This he took so grievously, that after many complain of his hard Usage, and a confession of his Failures in Government, he fell in a Swoon, which moved the Lords to pity him; but being brought to himself, after some time bemoaning his hard Fate, seeing there was no other Remedy, he Signed and Sealed the Instrument tendered him, by which he passed over his Crown, and Right and Title to all his Dominions, to Prince Edward his Son; whereupon Sr. William Trussel, one of the Judges or Justices, in the name of the whole Realm, renounced Homage to the King in these words, viz. I William Trussel in the name of all Men of the Land of England, and of all the Parliament, Procurator, do resign to thee Edward, the Homage that was made to thee some times; and from this time forward I defy thee, and deprive thee of all Royal Power and Authority; I shall never be tendant to thee, as for King, after this time. SUMMERSAULT SHIRE map of Somersetshire In this King's Reign, Anno Dom. 1311, The Order of the Knight's Templars that Fought so long in the Holy Land, was Abolished in all Nations. Anno 1318, happened such a grievous Famine, That the Poorer sort Eat Dogs, Cats, Rats, and other Unclean things. The Prisoners in Goals Murdered divers fresh comers, and Eat them, and yet many Thousands Dyed for want of this Nauseous Food. This was succeeded by a Pestilence, and Rot of Cattle, Breaking in of the Sea, Huge Land-Floods, Fiery Armies Fight in the Air, and a Terrible Blazing Star. Remarks on Somersetshire, etc. SOmersetshire abounds in Corn, Cattle, Wool, Woollen-cloth, Serges and many other valuable Commodities: On the North-West it opens to the Irish Sea, and for the rest it is Bounded by Devonshire, Dorsetshire, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire; it contains 42 Hundreds, 2 Bishoprics, viz. Bristol, Bath and Wells, which are accounted Cities, 385 Parishes, 35 Market Towns, 9 Rivers, 45 Bridges, 2 Forests, and 18 Parks: It sends Members to Parliament 18, viz. Bath 2, Bridgwater 2, Bristol 2, Ilchester, 2 Milborn Port 2, Minhead 2, Taunton 2, Wells 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. Bath, in this Shire, is very Ancient, famed for its Mineral Waters, Curing Diseases in many People; said to be First found out by Bladud an Ancient British King; Bath and Wells jointly together make one Bishopric, tho' Wells is principally esteemed for its curious Cathedral, held to be Built by Inas King of the West Saxons. At Pen the Britain's were Overthrown by Kenwald, King of the West Saxons, and afterward the Danes by Edmund Ironside; Bridgwater is noted for a great defeat given the Danes Anon Dom. 845: And for the Battle of Sedgmore near it, beeween the late King James' Forces and the Duke of Monmouth, Anno 1685; wherein the latter was totally Routed. Glassenbury, the Avalonia of the Romans, is famed for the Burying Place of Joseph of Arimathea, the first Preacher of the Gospel in this Island, and here it is thought King Arthur was brought and Buried; Cadburn is remarkable for a greak Defeat King Arthur there gave the English-Saxons; Banesdown (Mons Bandonicus) was doubtless some Encampment of the Romans, as appears by the Coins found there; and on the Top there remains the Ruins of some Noble Castle, said to be one of the Palaces of King Arthur, tho' some Writers have placed this Town in Cornwall; Ilchester is of good repute; Taunton for its Memorable Siege in the Civil Wars, and Bristol for the great Trade it drives, and the many Sieges it has endured. On Mendip Hills, and several Places on the Shoar of the River Froom, is store of Pit-Coal: In the Quarry at Kingh●● are found Spiral Stones in the form of Snails; at Ochyhale near Wells is a deep Cave, in which are many Rivulets and hollow Recesses, The Monument of Stones near Stanton Drew near Pensford is very remarkable, being great Tracts of some vast Foundations; St. Vincent's Rock is famous for the Stones found there, nearly resembling Diamonds, being equal to those of India in lustre but not hardness. The Seats of the Nobility are Clevedon Court, belonging to the Earl of Bristol; Hinton St. George, Court of Ewick, Lenn Court and Walton, to the Lord Paulet; Connington, to the Lord Clifford: Wells Palace and Banwell, to the Bishop of Bath and Wells; Bristol Palace, to the Bishop of Bristol: With divers Houses of the Gentry pleasantly Sighted, etc. The Reign of EDWARD the Third (commonly called Edward of Windsor.) EDWARD, upon the offer of the Crown to him in his Father's Life time, not being Fifteen Years of Age, refused it with Tears and Detestation; till Mortimer and the Queen his Mother, by Threats and Persuasions wrought him to some compliance; nor then would he yield to be Crowned, till his Father had Resigned; nor then, till he was made sensible by some faithful Counsellors it was the only way to secure the Life of the Deposed King, and the Crown in the Right Line: For many feared that Mortimer being great with the Queen, and high in her favour, would find some means to rid her of her Husband, and by Marrying her place the Diadem on his own Head; for which reason he ever after hated that aspiring Lord, and laboured to Revenge the Indignity and Death of King Edward the Second; which in time he in some measure did, in the Execution of Mortimer, as will hereafter appear. In the beginning of this King's Reign, the Scots denounced War against England, thinking to make their Advantage in the King's Minority; but he, tho' Young, being of a Martial Spirit, scorned to be outbraved; whereupon he raised an Army of 50000 valiant Men, and Marched into Scotland, chase the Scots from place to place, who nowhere durst appear in the Field, in any Number; and having seized several Towns and Castles, and finding his Soldiers tired out in following through Woods, Marshes, and over Craggy Hills, he resolved to return, which he did, and assembled his Parliament at Northampton, in which the two Executed Spencers, and Walter Stapleton Bishop of Exeter, who had been put to Death by the Londoners, were Attainted of High Treason, and all their Goods, Lands, etc. Seized into the King's hands, and then the King by the direction of his Mother and Mortimer, concluded a dishonourable Peace with the Scots, releasing them of their Homage, Fealty, and Service due from that Kingdom to the Crown of England, and delivered up the Grand Instrument or Charter, called Ragman, which under the Hands and Seals of their Late King and of the Nobility of Scotland, testified their Tenure and Subjection to the Kings of this Realm. After that, he Married his Sister to David Son to Robert Bruce, and created Mortimer Earl of March, at which the Generality of the Nobility were exceedingly disgusted. Mortimer upon his new Advancement to Honour, and reliance on the Queen's favour, tho' he found the Nobles were not in his Interest, bore it with a higher hand than formerly; and perceiving Edmund of Woodstock Earl of Kent, the King's Uncle, stood most in his way and crossed his aspiring, he and the Queen so laboured with the Young King, That infecting him with a Jealousy, that the Earl had Designs upon his Life and Crown, which being backed by false Witnesses, he advisedly gave way to Articles that were suggested ● brought in against him, so that by Mortimers Creates he was found Guilty and Beheaded, to the great ●ef of all True Englishmen, being a Person of singular ●lour, a great Statesman, Prudent and Virtuous: but ● Blood (so Treacherously spilt) was not slow in ●ying for, and procuring Vengeance; for the King ●ing made sensible of a familiarity between Mortimer ●d his Mother, more than was decent, and much to ●er dishonour, by being got abroad among the Vulgar, ●using many scandalous Reports, he would not however lightly believe it; yet one time being assured she ●as at Mortimer's Castle, he with a resolute Band of ●is Followers, privately in the Evening entered a back ●way, and seizing such Servants as he met, to prevent discovery, went by the direction of one of them, to ●he Chamber where the Queen Lodged, and there ●ound her in Bed, and Mortimer undressing in order to sleep with her: This so exasperated the Young King, ●hat calling him Traitor and Villain, he seized him with his own hands, and delivered him to the Guards, he not offering to resist or call for help, tho' he had a far greater number of Attendants in the Castle than the King brought with him; and being Committed to Prison, free liberty was given for any that would to Exhibit their Complaints against him, which were summed up in the following Articles, 1. That he had wickedly contrived and procured the Murder of the King's Father. 2. That by his false Accusations and sinister Counsels, he had caused the King to take away the Life of his Uncle, who was truly Noble, Religious, Devout, Honest, and a strong Pillar of the Commonwealth. 3. That too familiarly he conversed with Queen Isabel the King's Mother, to her just Reproach, and the dishonour of the King. 4. That he received of the Scots a Bribe of 20000l. for which he procured the King's Retreat out of Scotland, and the Releasement of his Signory and Homage due for that Kingdom. 5. That he had deceitfully cozened and beguiled the King of his Wards and Treasury, converting the moneys and Profits to his own use and behoof. For these Wicked and Treasonable Practices he was Tried and Condemned, and afterward Hanged at Tyburn, where he remained Hanging unpitied for two Days. And in a little time after the King abridged the Queen his Mother in her Dowry, allowing her but 1000 l. per Annum, restraining her within a certain Limit. In the Fifth Year of the King's Reign Philip D' Valois, who Succeeded Charles in the French Throne, required him to come over and pay Homage and Fealty for his Duchy of Guyan, and accordingly he went, and was kindly entertained till he refused to do it by any more Ceremony than Words; but that not being Accepted, he returned to England, and upon a Second Summons sent it in Writing under the Great Seal, which was not looked on as sufficient; yet this submission displeased the English Nobility, who told him he ought not to pay any Homage, for as much as the Crown of France in Right of his Mother properly belonged to him, and thus stated his Title, viz. Isabel was Daughter to Philip the Fair, Son to Philip the Hardy, That Philip the Hardy, the Queen's Grandfather, had two Sons, viz. her Father, who was King, and Charles D' Valois who was also King after him; Philip the Fair had three Sons, all which Died without Issue Male, he had also a Daughter which was this Isabel, Married to King Edward the Second, and that Charles D' Valois the Second Son of Philip the Hardy was Father to Philip D' Valois who then Reigned in France; and although by the Salic Law of France Women are barred to Rule, yet King Edward being a Male of the Elder branch, aught to take place before a Male of the Younger, though coming by a Female; and that there was no force in that Law to debar him of such a Right. This the King considered prudently, and deliberated with Grave Counsel about it, who all concluded it was his undoubted Right; and the Earl of Arthois (who fled out of France for saying (upon the French Kings Sentencing his Earldom to Maud Countess of Burgundy) By me was he made a King, and by me shall he be Deposed) vehemently solicited the King to claim and prosecute his Right, promising him his Interest to make him many Friends even in the Heart of France: But this was laid aside a while, by reason of a difference arising between England and Scotland: For King Edward sending to David the Scots King, who had Married his Sister, to restore the Castle of Berwick, and do him Homage for his Kingdom, he Answered, That by the Sword he had won the Castle, and would keep it; and as for the Homage demanded, his Father never acknowledged any such Service; and if he had, King Edward had released it, if any such was due; and therefore he would not confess any Tenure of the Crown of England. This slighting Answer highly exasperated King Edward, so that he raised a powerful Army, and Marching into Scotland soon subdued the better part of it; Fortifying and Garisoning to his own use the Towns and Castles he took, and in his return possessed himself of Berwick, and caused Edward Bayliol Son to John Bayliol who had been King of Scotland but was deceased, there to be Crowned King of Scotland, to hold it in Tenure of him, and committing to his charge the Government of the Town of Berwick: Yet he had not long withdrawn his Army, ere the Scots had outed this new King, and compelled him to fly into France; whereupon King Edward Marched against David, who had procured a great many French Forces, and Overthrew him with a great Slaughter of his followers; and so again having secured that Kingdom more strongly than before, he returned in Triumph. And now he had leisure to consider how to possess himself of the French Diadem; and the firmer to bind the Earl of Arthois to his Interest, he created him Duke of Richmond; and to carry on the thing secretly till it should be ripe for execution, The King by private Messages craved the Advice of the Earl of Hanialt his Wife's Father, the Lord Beaumond, and others, who had great Interest in Germany and the Netherlands, who all approved it, promising their best assistance; and that he might have power to command the Nobles and Common People of those Countries when occasion required it, They procured him to be created Vicar General of the Empire. All this while the French King was Ignorant of their Proceed, being extremely busy in providing Necessaries for an Army of 60000 Men, with which he intended to pass into the Holy Land, making his Brother John Duke of Normandy and Regent of all his Dominions till his return; but at length having secret Notice of King Edward's Pretensions from some Treacherous Counsellors in England, who underhand were his Pensioners, he laid aside his intended Eastern Expedition, to defend his own Country; yet this Discovery sooner than was wished, did not at all amate King Edward, nor slacken him in what he Designed; but knowing Money is the Sinnew and main support of War, by many Politic Devices he got vast Sums from his Subjects, and Treasured it in his Coffers, till his Affairs should require it, so that for a time Money became so scarce among the Trading People, That a fat Ox was sold for a Noble, a fat Sheep for Twelve Pence, a Quarter of Wheat for Two Shillings, and other Provisions proportionable. Matters being thus Resolved on and Forwarded, he Sailed to Flanders with his Queen, where he met and Conferred with a great many Princes of Germany, who agreed to assist him; and returning, raised an Army of 27000 Men, with which he Landed in France; and to oppose him, the French King took the Field with an Army of double the Number; but when they were ready to join in Battle, Joan Countess of Hainalt, Sister to King Philip, and Mother to the Queen of England, by her unwearied Mediation stayed their forward Swords, by procuring a Twelvemonths Truce; whereupon the French King dissolved his Army, and King Edward with his returns to England: Yet he gave not over his Design, for going to brussels after the expiration of the Truce, the Germane Princes firmly Engaged themselves to his Interest, and solicited the Flemings to Confederate in the League; but they excused it, unless the King would style himself King of France, and quarter the Arms of that Kingdom with his own, That so he might be impowered to release unto them a Bond of Two Millions of Florins wherein they stood obliged not to wage War against the King of France. These things he actually did; and then they consorted with the Germane Princes who Signed and Sealed an Instrument to be True to King Edward's Interest; and thereupon he returned to England, to make speedy preparations for the War; and found that in his Absence the French Squadrons had Burnt Southampton, and Ravaged Hampshire and part of Sussex, carrying away much Booty; but not doubting they should one day pay dear for it, he called a Parliament, who Granted him a Fifth part of Movable Goods, and a Third Part of Corn, also a great Tax on Wool, which lay heavy on the Meaner Sort. He Borrowed morover of his Rich Subjects, and the City of London, furnished him with 20000 Marks; he Coined much Gold and Silver with the French Arms Quartered with the Lions; and so early in the Spring Sailed to the Sluice, which he found Blocked up by a Fleet of French, Genois, Picards, and other Nations, about 250 Sail, and on Board them an Army of 40000 Men, these he Encountered and utterly Defeated; Destroying all that he seized not to his use, sending a Multitude of Prisoners into England; which Victory obtained by much an inferior Number of Ships and Men, gained him a large Reputation among the Princes his Confederates, and greatly dismayed the French; and Marching into Flanders, he joined the Forces of Jacob Dartwell, General of the Flemings; with those of the Duke of Gelder's, the Marquis of Muse, Earls of Mons, Suvians and Hainalt, the Lord Tralquemont, and many Thousand Germans, etc. and laid Siege to the City of Tournay, which the French King prepared to Relieve, but as before, by the incessant Mediation of the Countess of Hainalt when the Place was at point of Yielding, another Truce was made, and the Armies Dissolved to the great perplexity of most that had Engaged. Whilst King Edward was employed abroad, the Scots by the Encouragement of the French King Deposed Edward Bayliol, and Renounced their Homage to the Crown of England; but upon his Marching thither with 6000 Horse and 40000 Foot, he Regained what had been Lost, and made them Submit: Yet he was no sooner retired, but David coming out of France with some Forces, raised an Army and Invaded England, wasting all before him, till he came to Newcastle on Tyne, which he closely Besieged; when 40 resolute Men of the Garrison, resolving to surprise him in his Tent, ventured in the Night time into the midst of the Scots Camp, and though they miss of him, because he had that Evening removed his Tent, yet they seized the Earl of Murray, and brought him Prisoner to the Town; which so Terrified the Scots, that they soon raised their Siege, and Marched farther into the Country, taking the City of Durham, putting all to the Sword they found in it; but as they passed by the Castle of Roxbourough, that was kept by Sr. William Montague Brother to the Lord Montague Earl of Salisbury, than Prisoner in France, wherein was the Earls admirable Beauteous and Virtuous Lady, he Sallied with Forty Horsemen, fell in the Rear of the Scots Army, killed about 200, and took 20 Horses Laden with the richest Spoils they had taken at Durham: Whereupon the Army faced about, and Besieged the Castle, which was manfully Defended for a long time, when fearing it would be taken, the Governor, when all others refused it, broke through the Scots Camp singly on a swift Courser, and carried notice to the King of the Distress it was in, who hasted to its Relief: The terror of whose approach, made the Scots raise their Siege a day before he could arrive there; yet was he entertained by the Countess of Salisbury in the Castle with great Thankfulness, Duty, and Respect; and was so taken with her exceeding Beauty, That he earnestly sued for Enjoyment, but the Virtuous Lady first with mild and kind Entreaties, and afterward with quick and nipping Reprehensions, strove to make him see his own Error; but such was his desire, & her denials so peremptory and resolute, That discontentedly he left her, and cashiered his Army; so returning to London he proclaimed great Feasting and Sports to Recreate his weary Warriors, to which resorted divers out of Foreign Nations; and in the Justing Sr. John Beaumond was unluckily Slain. And after this was finished, a Parliament was called, wherein he created his Eldest Son Edward Prince of Wales, and had four Fifteenths of the Laity, and three of the Clergy given him, towards ●he support of the War, certain Lords and others being appointed by Parliament to see it was employed to no other use; and the Year following (to increase desire of Martial Glory in his Nobles and Others, according to the Custom of other Countries) he ordered an Order of Knighthood, which he called, The Order of the Garter: Some say from the Countess of Salisbury's drooping her Garter in a Dance, which the King taking up, and seeing some of his Nobles smile, he said, HONISOIT QVI MALY PENSE; that is, Evil be to him that Evil thinks; vowing ere long such honour should be done to that Silken Tie, that the best of them should be proud of it; and this has eversince been the Motto on the Garter encircling the Arms of England; he confined the number to 26, of which himself and his Successors were to be Sovereigns, styling them, Knights of the most Noble Order of the Garter. The Rights and Ceremonies of this Order were Yearly to be Solemnised with Princely Magnificence at the Castle of Windsor, where their Achievements are to be seen in St. George's Chapel, many Officers belonging to and attending on these Knights on the Ceremonies of their Instalment. Soon after this he Levied an Army, and sent it under the Leading of the Earl of Derby into Gascoine, where he won many Towns, Castles, and Forts: And about this time one Jaques Dartwell, a Fleming, who from a low condition had raised himself to the highest Command and Power among the People that ever any Man had before him, by whom he was esteemed as the only Patron of their Country, labouring with the Flemish Lords to gain their consent for the Deposing Joys their Earl, as a Fool, and unfit to Govern, and to place Edward the Black Prince, Son to Edward King of England in his stead, the Popular Tide suddenly turned upon him, from Love to mortal Hatred; and though he was warned to shun the danger, yet going to his House at Gaunt, not doubting but the Storm would blow over, and that their former Love to him could not be altogether so soon extinguished, but might in time revive; yet no sooner had he entered into the House but it was Besieged by the common sort, railing at him, and reviling him in bitter terms; so that thinking by his Authority to appease their Rage, he spoke to them from a Window, but their clamour drowned his Voice, and Sticks and Stones flew about his Ears in Numbers; soon after they broke in, and in a barbarous manner Murdered him. This one displeasing fact out-ballancing all the good deeds he had done for that Country through the greater part of his Life, in Fight their Battles, and often saving them from apparent Ruin; so little stress is there to be laid on popular Greatness and Applause. And by this tampering, King Edward lost many of his Friends, the Flemings altogether inclining to the French Interest, who before were at his devotion; and several of the Germane Princes fell off and withdrew their Forces. Yet these his Misfortunes so little availed to discourage him, that he resolved to pursue his Right with his own Strength; and hearing soon after, that John, Eldest Son to the French King, had Besieged the Castle of Aquillon in Gascoyn with 10000 Men, which was Nobly Defended by the Earl of Pembroke and Sr. Walter Manney, he with 14000 Men, laid Siege to Harflew, which he Took, and gave the spoils to his Soldiers, which were very great: He likewise Sacked Cheirburg, Mountborough, Quarentine, and the Castle belonging to it, and overrun all Normandy, greatly enriching his Army; and then pitched his Tents before the City of Caen, in which were the Earls of Tankervile, Ewe, and Guyens, and with little loss of Men took and ransacked that great City, and the Earls were made Prisoners; and so Marched to Lovers, which he Took; then Entered the Province of Eureux which he Wasted, laying in Ashes many Towns, Cities, and Castles, and passing on pitched his Tents within two Leagues of Paris, from whence the French King (after he had Encouraged the Citizens to stand out manfully if they were Besieged) fled to St. Dennis, where his Army lay. But King Edward finding his Army not sufficient to Besiege so great a City, wherein were six times the number of his Men, having by the way Overthrown divers Parties of French sent out to observe his Motion, and got more Spoils than his Army knew well how to carry, he passed the Soam, beating off 12000 French that Guarded the Foard of the River, and coming within some Leagues of Cressey, he had notice by his Scouts, That the French King had drawn out his Army to oppose him, consisting of divers Foreign Princes, the chief Nobility of France, and 150000 common Soldiers; yet with an undaunted Courage he Marched on; and coming within sight of the Enemy, Marshaled his small Army, resolving to abide the Battle, viz. He divided it into three Battles, all which he Impaled in the Rear with Carriages, and gave the conduct of the First to Prince Edward his Son, who was (by reason of his Young Years) assisted by the Earls of Warwick and Crawford, the Lords Harcourt, Stafford, Manney, De La Warr, Chandois, Clifford and Bourchier, ●ving 800 Men at Arms, 2000 Archers, and 1000 ●hers: The Second Battle was Commanded by the earls of Northampton and Arundel, accompanied with ●vers Nobles and Gentlemen, consisting of 800 Men 〈◊〉 Arms and 1200 Archers: The Third, and main ettel, the King Commanded; and having Prayed for success, and Refreshed themselves, they prepared for ●e Fight, but that day the French declined the Battle; ●t the next it was begun on their side by 15000 Ge●is, with Crosbows Shooting Bearded Arrows, but ●ey Charging on the Prince's Battle were soon over●rn by the English Archers, and in their Retreat put ●e French Kings Battle into disorder, whereupon ●any of them were Slain by their Friends; and then ●e French main Battle Charged on the Prince and put ●im so hard to it, that he was obliged to send to the King to secure him; who asked the Messenger, Whether he was Alive or not? And being Answered, He ●as, he said, Report to him from me, That he must expect no Aid, for this shall be the day wherein he shall win his Spurs ●r lose his Life; whereupon the English, as Men in despair, Fought so desperately that they put the French Army in all parts to the Rout, the King's Battle standing entire and not Engaging, slaying more than 30000 of them; and the next day they Overthrew another Army, that, not knowing of the Defeat, was coming to the Camp under the Leading of the Arch Bishop of Rouen and Grand Prior of France; and among the Slain were 11 Princes, 80 Barons, 1200 Knights, and many of Note made Prisoners: The Plunder of the Field the King bestowed upon his Nobles, Gentry, and common Soldiers, which greatly Enriched them; carrying the Slain of Note to Mountrell, and there Honourably Interred them. After this great Victory, with inconsiderable Loss to the English, the King laid Siege to Calais; and the French King, tho' he made some shows with a great Army to Relieve it, defending the Passes, stopped their retiring; the Besieged were Summoned and threatened if they Surrendered not immediately to expect no Mercy; they Capitulated, but their Terms offered was not accepted, they obstinately resisted so long, that being brought to extremity the King would not accept of their Submission then tendered, unless six of their chief Inhabitants would present themselves before him in their Shirts, with Halters about their Necks, and deliver up the Keys, which was done, when forthwith he commanded them to be Hanged, but at the entreaty of the Queen and Nobles they were spared. Whilst this Siege lasted, David King of Scots with an Army of 50000 Men entered England, and did great mischief; but the Queen being then at home, gave him Battle with an Army of 12000, and gave the Scots a fatal Overthrow: King David was there taken Prisoner by one John Copeland, who refused to deliver him to the Queen, as claiming him his Prisoner by the Right of War, till going over to the King he desired him to do it, and for his good Service settled on him 500 l. per Annum in Lancashire, and made him a Squire of his Body; whereupon King David was committed Prisoner to the Tower of London. The King having appointed Sr. Andrew D' Pavia a Lombard, Governor of Calais, and turned out the French Inhabitants, returned to England; but upon private notice the Governor (for a great Sum) designed to betray it to the Lord Cherney Captain of Arrays, he went over and was received in the dusk of the Evening; he prevented it by surprising that Lord and his Soldiers when they had partly entered, and the rest waited for admittance. Yet in this Fight the King Encountering hand to hand with Eustace of Ribomount, was by him twice stooped on his Knees, but scorning to yield, he advanced with such fury and redoubled strength, that he beat him down and took him Prisoner; but having experienced him to be a Valiant Knight, he soon released him without Ransom. About this time King Philip Dyed, and John his Son was Crowned, and the Calicians took the strong Castle of Guyens, and the King, upon the obstinacy of the Flemings in refusing to Aid him, removed the Marts to Calais, settling there the Woollen Manufacture; so that by the Privileges and Imunities granted to Artificers, happy was he that in a few Years could obtain the Kings leave to go over. Soon after Prince Edward, Surnamed for his valorous deeds the Black Prince, Landed an Army in Gascoine, soon subduing the greater part of that Province, which made the French King hasten thither with a very numerous Army; and tho' he was six to one against the Prince, the Battle was Fought near Poitiers, where the English Archers put the French Horse into such confusion at the first onset, that they fell into Rout, and disordered all the Squadrons that were to support them; however the Battle where the French King fought valiantly, stood manfully to it a considerable time, but such was the prevailing valour of the English, That King John, and Philip his Younger Son were taken Prisoners, many Thousands Slain, and the rest put to Flight. The Fight being over, Prince Edward treated his Royal Prisoners with all Gentleness and Humility, cheering up their drooping Spirits, attending at the King's Table, Lodged him in his own Bed, and provided for him Honourable Attendance, insomuch that he confessed, He rather fancied himself at his own Court, than a Prisoner, by having met with so Courteous an Enemy: From hence he was conducted to Bordeaux, and so into England, where he was Entertained with the like civilities and respect by the King and Queen; and besides these, and what Nobles were Slain, there were taken 17 Earls, 51 Barons, and a great Number of Knights and Gentlemen; the English Soldiers throughout the Army that had fewest, being possessed of two Prisoners, and moreover the rich Spoils of exceeding value were divided amongst them; and a Truce was concluded for two Years. In the mean while the King of Scots, who had been Ten Years a Prisoner, was Released at the Ransom of 100000 l. to be Paid in Five Years, and upon taking his Oath not to bear Arms against England, nor be Aiding to any other in doing it; and further, he acknowledged Homage and Fealty for his Kingdom of Scotland to King Edward. And proposing to the French King his Ransom, with Articles to be signed on his Enlargement, he sent them to Charles his Eldest Son, who was Regent in his absence, and to the Nobility of France, who utterly disliking the Conditions, prepared to Invade King Edward's Terretories, to compel him to more easy Terms; but not to be behind hand with them, he passed to Calais with an Army, taking the Black Prince along with him, and so wasted the Countries with Fire and Sword, taking many strong Towns and Castles, that they became humble Suitors to him for a Peace, and submitted to his Terms; so that after a short Treaty, Articles were Agreed on, viz. That the French King, for his Ransom, should Pay King Edward 500000l. and not Aid any King of Scots in any War or Rebellion against England; and That King Edward should not take part with the Flemings against France, That the Kings of England should be ever quit of their Homage for Territories holden in France; and That in Consideration these were performed, King Edward, in the behalf of himself and Successors, Kings of England, should renounce and leave the Name and Title to the Kingdom of France; and so Hostages being delivered, the French King (after he had remained more than Four Years a Prisoner) was set at Liberty; and soon after he came with the Kings of Cyprus and Scots to visit King Edward, and pay his respects for the Royal Treatment he had during his Imprisonment, but falling Sick at the Savoy, he Died, and his Body was conveyed to St. Dennis in France. And now Fortune seemed to turn against King Edward, that had hitherto ever been Favourable to him, for Peter the King of Castille, being driven out of his Kingdom by Henry his Bastard Brother, came to the Prince of Wales (who then lived at Bordeaux) with his Family, Imploring his Assistance to Restore him, which he did, Overthrowing a Spanish and French Army that had joined the Revolted Castilians with great Slaughter; yet he was no sooner retired, ere King Peter was again driven out, and being taken in his Flight, was by the Usurper put to Death; but leaving two Daughters, the Eldest Married John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, and the Younger Thomas of Woodstock, King Edward's Sons, who laid Claim to the Kingdom of Castille in their Right, yet an unlucky Accident crossed all, for the Black Prince (to Pay his Soldiers) Levying a Tax on the English Subjects beyond the Seas, they not only refused to pay it, but looking on it to be an Innovation and Oppression, they persuaded Charles the new French King to break the League his Father had made, and generally Revolting delivered up most of the Cities, Towns and Castles into his hands; and he growing Proud of his Success, sent a huge Navy into the Narrow Seas, which was defeated and beaten home by the English; and hereupon the King sent the Duke of Lancaster with an Army to Callais, from whence he Marched to join the Prince at Bordeaux, beating the French Kings Army by the way, and forced his Passage; and soon after another Army was sent to St. Omers under the Leading of Sr. Robert Knowls, which took the strong Towns of Vanes and Ruily, but there grow-a difference between him and the Lord Fitz-Walter, The French King took the advantage of it, and fell on the English Army near Paris, slaying 1000, and putting the rest to flight; and immediately sent an Army into Cuyan, where the Prince being weakly assisted, most of the Towns were Lost. To Remedy this evil, the King called a Parliament, wherein the Temporality granted him a large Subsidy, but the Clergy complaining of Poverty, gave him only fair words and promises of future Aid, which made him (in his Anger) turn them out of all Offices and Places of Trust in Temporal matters. And the English Navy going to Relieve Rochel under the Conduct of the Earl of Pembroke, was worsted by Henry the Usurping King of Castille, who kept the Narrow Seas for the French King, the Earl was Taken and divers others; whereupon Rochel and many strong Towns Yielded. This made John Duke of Brittany, fear the French Greatness, and offer King Edward his Assistance; so that another Army was sent under the Leading of the Duke of Lancaster, which greatly Endamaged the French, but coming to Bordeaux, he found the Prince his Brother exceeding Sick, who resigning the Government of King Edward's Territories to his Conduct, came for England; and tho' Treaties were set on foot by the Mediation of Pope Gregory the Eleventh, yet such were the insolent demands of the French, that they came to nothing. Whereupon the King called a Parliament, who refused to Grant him any Aid, unless the Lord Latimer, and other evil Counsellors were Removed; which being done, they Liberally supplied his wants. But the Black Prince Dying the 8th of June, Anno 1376, in the 40th Year of his Age, and Buried at Canterbury, the King in his Old Age being over persuaded, Restored those Officers that had been turned out, to the high discontent of his People; and having Created Richard (Son to the Black Prince) Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester and Duke of Cornwall, and committed the Regency of the Kingdom in his Minority to the Duke of Lancaster: He Died on the 12th of June, Anno 1377, in the 51st Year of his Reign, and about the 65th of his Age, and lies Buried at Westminster; being the One and Thirtieth Sole Monarch of England. In this King's Reign John Wicklif, the First English Reformer of Popish Errors and Superstitions, Preached openly, and soon after Nicholas Lyryan and Doctor Ockham, so that People began to Search the Scriptures, and protest against the Abominations of Rome. Anno 1339 an Inundation of Water broke down part of the Wall of Newcastle, and Drowned 120 People; a Serpent, at Chiping-Norton in Oxfordshire, was found with two Heads and Faces like a Woman, the one dressed in the New Attire, and the other in the Old, by a resemblance of Scales and Pleats, having Wings like a Bat; and Fiends and Devils and strange Apparitions were seen by Men, and spoke to them as they Traveled in solitary places; and such a Plague happened, that 50000 Persons Dyed in London. Anno 1366, Peter Pence was ordered no more to be paid to the See of Rome; and Dr. Orum Preaching before Pope urban at Rome, condemned the Papacy, and writ an Epistle from Lucifer to the Clergy, thanking them for sending so many Souls to Hell, etc. Remarks on Staffordshire, etc. STaffordshire is commodiously Situate, pleasantly accommodated with Meadows, Enclosures, Hills, Valleys, Woods, and Champion Grounds; abounds in Cattle, Corn, Butter, Cheese, Wool, and some Minerals: It is encompassed with Cheshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, and Shropshire: It contains 5 Hundreds, and in these are 1 City, 130 Parishes, 12 Market Towns, 5 Castles, 13 Rivers, 19 Bridges, 1 Chase, 1 Forest, and 38 Parks. It sends Members to Parliamenn 10, viz. Litchfield City 2, Newcastle Underline 2, Stafford 2, Tamworth 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. Stafford, the County Town, Anciently Bitheny, from Berteline a Holy Hermit: It was Founded by King Edward the Elder, and made a Corporation by King John; Tamworth is Memorable for the Mercian Kings keeping their Courts there. Litchfield is an Episcopal See jointly with Coventry, the Cathedral was builded by Oswin King of Northumberland, upon a Conquest gained over the Mercians; and here Wulferre and Celred, two Saxon Kings, were Buried: It was for some time an Arch Bishopric, by the means of King Offa. At Blore Heath in this County, a Battle was Fought between the two Houses of York and Lancaster, and 2400 of the Yorkists slain. STAFFORD SHIRE. map of Staffordshire The Seats of the Nobility are Blore Hall, belonging to the Noble Family of Newcastle; Newborough, to the Earl of Bridgwater; Cherley Castle, to the Lord Ferrer; Throwley, to the Lord Cromwell; Beudesert and Seaney Park, to the Lord Paget; Rolleston, to the Lord North and Grey; Gerard's Brumley, Sandon and Wislow, to the Lord Gerard of Brumley; Hamstal Ridware, to the Lord Leigh; Dudley Castle and Hinley, to the Lord Ward; Litchfield Close and Eccleshal Castle, to the Bishop of Litchfield and Coventry: The Houses of the Gentry are likewise many and spacious. The Reign of RICHARD the Second, (commonly called Richard of Bourdeaux.) RICHARD the Second, Son and Heir to Edward the Black Prince, was Crowned Anno 1377, not much exceeding 11 Years in Age, so that Charles the French King taking advantage of his Minority, set out a great Fleet, Sacked and Burnt the Towns of Dartmouth, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Hastings, Rye, and others on the Sea-Coast of England, but after they had roamed up and down doing great Mischief for three Weeks, they were beaten off with considerable Loss, by Edmund Earl of Cambridge the King's Uncle, and others; nor were the Scots (Incited by the French King) less troublesome, Burning Roxborough, and taking by surprise the Castle of Berwick, but the People breaking down the Drawbridge shut them out of the Town; and being straightly Besieged, all the Scots in the Castle were put to the Sword, except Alexander Ramsey who was reserved for a large Ransom; yet the French, though they had been beaten off, not giving over their designs, Landed again and did much mischief at Winchelsea, Dover, Gravesend, and other places on or near the Sea-coast: So that the King (to Enable him to set out a Fleet, and Transport an Army that might put a check to these Insolences) fummoned a Parliament at Westminster, in which a Subsidy was Granted him of Four Pence a Head on all Persons above the Age of Fourteen Years, which was looked on in those days, as a very grievous Tax; and the Gathering it was attended with bad consequences. However the Money set out an indifferent good Fleet; and an Army were sent into France under Lord Thomas, one of the King's Uncles, who wasting all in his way, joined with the Duke of Brittany, and much annoyed the French, Recovering many Towns and Castles; but whilst this was doing abroad, a dangerous Mischief befell at home. John Wall, a Factious Priest, by his going from place to place and Preaching to the inferior sort of People, That they were Free by the Law of Nature; and that Laws were made by Crafty People to keep them Poor and Low, so to Enslave them; and that by their Pedigree, derived from Adam, the good things of the Earth should be equally divided amongst them; and not some grow Fat and Rich, whilst others Pine and Starve: And moreover, no Taxes were due on any pretence, but People Free Born in their Liberality ought to be left Free. This and such like Cant being suitable to their humour and wishes, mainly wrought with them to become Levellers, so that these pernicious Insinuations spread soon into most parts of England, before the Magistrates were ware to suppress it; and to bring about what was wished by some cunning Knaves, to Enrich themselves in the Spoil of others, they raised Tumults, and possessed the Country People with a belief, That the City of London was at their devotion, and only waited till they came to take possession of it; whereupon they flowed thither like an outrageous Torrent, from Kent, Essex, Sussex, Bedfordshire, and other places, styling themselves The King's Men, and the Servants of the Weal Public; choosing as their chief Captain one Wat Tyler, by profession a Tailor; and as his subordinate Officers, Jack Straw, Jack Shepherd, and some others; and to this Rout, the Incendary of a lewd Priest, John Wall, Chaplain; and being Encamped in Kent and Essex, they sent to the King to come and Treat with them; but he was dissuaded by his Nobles: Whereupon those in Essex crossed the Thames, and joining the Kentish Rebels, came to Southwark, which they Plundered, and finding London-Bridge Fortified against them, intended to have Burnt the Suburbs on the South side, and have Murdered such as they had notice were not pleased with their Proceed: But the Citizens, to prevent so great a Mischief, let down the Drawbridge, and admitted them into the City, Feasting and Carressing them, rather out of fear than goodwill; however they Burnt the Duke of Lancaster's House at the Savoy, and Murdered all his Servants they found in it. They ransacked the Inns of Court and Law Offices, Burning all the Law Books and Records that came to their hands, Plundering the Churches and Religious Houses; and Wat Tyler having seized Richard Lion his Master, with whom he had been Apprentice, caused his Head to be Cut off, and carried before him on a Lance, because in his Service he had sometimes Beat him for his Rogueries: They Plundered likewise the Houses of all Strangers: They likewise forced into the Tower, where the King Lay, Plundered his Mother's Lodgings, and broke her Head, because she reproved them for their Insolency. They Murdered Simon Tybald Arch Bishop of Canterbury, because he had some time before Imprisoned Wall for his Seditious Doctrine; and after several meetings, the King finding he could do no good with them, their Behaviour being so Audacious, and their Demands so Insolent and Unreasonable, he laboured to make the Citizens his Friends, and resolved to repel them by force. Whereupon a Conference being appointed in Smithfield, the King beforehand thinking to bring them to better Terms without Extremity, if possible, sent them several of his Ensigns and their Pardons, as a token that he owned them for his good Subjects, and freely forgave them for what had happened; and then meeting them as appointed he persuaded them to desist from all Violence, assuring them that upon trial they should find him to be their Good Lord and Gracious King. But Tyler with a frowning countenance, insolent behaviour, and rough speech, refused to accept the King's Grace and Favour, proudly telling him, That all those Troops, and many more Thousands, were at his dispose, to Execute whatsoever he would command: Then he commanded Sr. John Newton one of the King's Attendants, who bore the Sword, to deliver his Dagger; which by the Kings command he did: Then he Insolently proceeded to demand the Sword; but he stoutly Answered, It was the King's Sword, and should not be given to a Knave; which so incensed Tyler, That he Swore he should lose his Head before himself would Eat or Drink, commanding the King to deliver him up to Execution; which Insolent Behaviour, Sr. William Wallworth, Lord Mayor, not able to endure, Stabbed him with his Dagger, so that he fell down Dead; and then hasting to raise the City Militia, the Rebels after some time were so amazed, that they scattered, and every one fled for his safety; and it was not many days before most of the Ringleaders were, by their Companions (a thing that seldom fails in such tumultuous Rebellions) delivered into the hands of Justice, the better to obtain their own Pardons, which in the height of their Pride, they had scornfully thrown up, and the King at this last Conference before their Faces had Canceled them; so that about 1500 or more of the principal Agents were Convicted, and Executed in divers Places, which put an end to these Popular Disorders; and for this Exploit of the Lord Mayor, the Dagger was added to the City Arms. Things thus Quieted, and the People's Fears over, The King sued for the Lady Ann (Daughter to Charles the Fourth, and Sister to Winceslaus, the Emperor of Germany) in Marriage; which was Accorded, and the Lady (who was exceeding Virtuous and Beautiful) was received with great Joy by the King and People; and Anno Dom. 1385, he Summoned a Parliament at Westminster, in which he Created his Uncle Edmund of Langley, Duke of York; and Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester; his Cousin Henry, Eldest Son to the Earl of Lancaster, Earl of Derby; Edward Son to Edmund of Langley Earl of Rutland; Sir John Holland Earl of Huntingdon, and Thomas Lord Mowbray Earl of Nottingham, Declaring Roger Mortimer Earl of March, Son to Edmund Mortimer and Philippe his Wife, Daughter and Heirs to Lionel Duke of Clarence, Third Son to Edward the Third, Heir apparent to the Crown; but he was Slain by the Rebels in Ireland, before the King's Death. And now the King fell into the dislike of his People, by harkening to evil Counselors, especially one Michael De La Pool, whom he had made Chancellor, and created Duke of Suffolk, and Robert Vere whom he created Marquis of Dublin and Duke of Ireland, and would have made him King of that Country, if the Nobility would have consented to it; so that he respected not the sage Advice and Counsel of the grave and most experienced Lords; of this the Parliament took great notice, and upon the Chancellors insisting on the King's behalf for a Tax of four Fifteen, affirming no less could support his Estate, or maintain such Wars as he was likely to undertake, the Lords and Commons not only opposed the motion, but accused the Duke and others for lewdly Counselling the King, and by their Purloining to enrich themselves, wasting his Treasure; That by their bad Advice they had kept the King from coming amongst them; which according to a received Law and Custom, if he refused to do in Forty Days, they might Legally break up, and departed to their own homes without his leave, and of this and other particulars they sent word to the King, desiring him within three days he would come amongst them, and give Life to those Laws they should make, or they were resolved to separate. But in Answer to this, he required that a select Assembly of Fifty of their Members should attend him. This was refused, and the Duke of Gloucester and Thomas Arundel, Arch Bishop of Canterbury, were only deputed; who plainly told the King of the Grievances of his People, and that by his Absence from Parliament he obscured the light of Justice, and hindered the Negotiation of the Commonweal: And if he further declined it, they must break up and departed to their homes. They also craved, with humble submssion, as they were commanded, to be informed by whom his Majesty's Treasure, belonging to the Commonweal, was prodigally consumed, and how it came to pass that his large Revenues could not suffice to maintain his Estate and charge▪ seeing he had no Wars. This Message, and their Demands, so angered the King, That he Swore had he fore-known the saucy bouldness of his Subjects, whom as he supposed, intended to rise in Arms against him, he would more willingly have submitted himself to the King of France, and have relied on him for Protection, than thus to be baffled and made servile to those whom his Sovereignty ought to command. But the two Lords in all humble Duty shown him, that his People stood well affected towards him, and that the French had been and were inveterate Enemies to the King of England: With this and suchlike submissive Discourse, he was some what pacified, and promised to come to his Parliament in three days, and failed not to do it; where by Proof and Accusation of the Lords, Michael De La Pool, Chancellor of England, and Duke of Suffolk, was Convicted of Purloining the King's Treasure, and purchasing Estates with it, to his own behoof; and giving evil Counsel to the great damage of the King's Subjects, and other things, so that his Lands were Sequestered to the King's use, his Person Fined 20000 Marks, committed close Prisoner, and deprived of his Chancellourship and other Offices. The Arch Bishop being made Chancellor in his stead; and in the same Parliament thirteen Persons were Elected, Sworn, and Authorized, with ●he consent of the King, published in Writing under ●is Seal, to Examine all or any of his Officers, touching ●heir Demeanours in their several Offices and Trusts; 〈◊〉 censure and condemn any that should be found ●uilty of henious Crimes, and the King took an Oath ●ot to revoke or suppress this Commission without the consent of Parliament; and it further passed into a ●aw, That if any Person should attempt directly or ●●directly to persuade or encourage the King to in●●ge his Oath and Promise, touching all or any of these matters, for the first Offence, to lose his Lands and Goods; and for the second, to be proceeded against as a Traitor to the King and Kingdom: And then a Subsidy of one half Fifteen was granted, if the Commissioners, upon view of the King's Estate, thought it needful; and so an end was put to this Sessions of Parliament. This was no sooner done, but the King at the persuasion of his Counselors Released his Favourite De La Poole, and went with him, the Duke of Ireland, tresilian his chief Justice, other Judges and Ministers of State, to Nottingham, where they Pronounced the Duke of Gloucester, Arch Bishop of Canterbury, and the Thirteen Commissioners, to be Guilty of High Treason; because against his will and consent they had compelled the King to Ratify the Commission by his Oath▪ and under his Great Seal; so going to Coventry, the Judges by an Instrument in Writing under their Hands and Seals, declared and confirmed their Opinions to be agreeable and consonant to the Laws of the Land touching these matters. Whilst Affairs had but an ill Aspect at home, th● French King, to embroil the Kingdom more, if possible, sent his Admiral with a Thousand Noblemen an● Gentlemen into Scotland, with Arms and Warlike Stores, who joining the Scots Army, Marched into England; but upon notice of King Richard's approach with a formidable Army, they crossed the Mountain into Wales, leaving Scotland open to the English who Edenburg, St. johnston's, Sterling, and Dundee; an● having harassed the Country almost from Sea to Se● they returned Laden with much Booty. This gre●● Loss so perplexed the Scots, who had got little Plunder among the Barren Mountains, that on their return they made the French Admiral, and most that Atte●●●● him of note, Prisoner's, till the French King (who 〈◊〉 precipitated them into this War) should make 〈◊〉 satisfaction, as designing his own Interest and advantage by it, and not theirs; and tho' he was very ●●gry at it, yet the Scots kept them Prisoners till the ●●ey demanded was sent for their Ransoms. This ●red up the French King to raise a mighty Army with ●●solution to Conquer England, and to Transport it, 〈◊〉 prepared 1200 Ships; but when they had a long ●e, in their unruly March, Plundered the French and ●nings, and by reason the Duke of Berry, the King's ●kle, who was to command them, approving not 〈◊〉 Enterprise, delayed to come to them; their wants ●e so great, that to supply them they Sold their ●rses, Armour, Weapons, and lastly their ; 〈◊〉 than fell so horribly to Plundering the Country, 〈◊〉 the French King not able to endure the cries and ●plaints of the oppressed People, and despairing to 〈◊〉 any thing in England with such a half-starved dis●erly Rout, Disbanded them, after he had been at ●000 l. Charge. The English Nobleses now began grievously to com●n of the Kings breaking his Oath and Promises in ●rkening to the evil Counsels and Advice of Robert 〈◊〉 Vere, Michael De La Poole, Alexander Arch Bishop 〈◊〉 York, Nicholas Bamber, and Robert Trisillian his Chief ●ice, together with those flattering Judges, who, to ●se the King, had Subscribed to the Nullity of the immission, and had Censured all such as procured it, ●e Traitors to the King, etc. Entreating him to ●ish them the Kingdom; but he would in no wise ●rken to any Proposals of parting with those Favour, who for their better safety, counselled him to give 〈◊〉 Calais, and his other Towns in France, to the French ●g, and rely on him for Aid to curb those proud Subjects, who sought to Enslave him their Sovereign but this he looked on as dangerous, and would not agree to it: But the Nobles finding no Redress, flying to Arms, he practised with the Lord Mayor of London to raise him an Army in and about the City; which he laboured to do, but the Graver Citizens who were well affected to the Nobles, not only refused to further it, but hindered it all they could, declaring it was a means to hasten the desolation of that great City, humbly beseeching the King not to require any such thing at their hands, but rather seek an Accommodation of Differences: This extremely vexed him, but finding he misse● of his purpose, he dissembled his displeasure, and laid aside that Project, yet forgot them not. But some time after this, desiring a Loan of 1000 l. and it being refused him, he seized into his hands their Charter and Liberties, dissolved their proper Magistracy, turning out John Hind their Mayor, Henry Warner and John Shadworth Sheriffs; appointing Sir Edward Dallingredge Warden of the City. However finding he could not raise such an Army as he intended, by reason most of his inferior Subjects were well affected to the Lords, because they sought not to injure the King, but to remove his evil Counselors, who were great Oppressors and Disquieters of the Kingdom, he promised to call ● Parliament, wherein matters might be Debated with out heat or animosity, and that there his five Favours should be Answerable to all Objections; and if Convicted, stand to such public Censure or Punishment as the Parliament could justly inflict on them. This Concession much pleased the Lords, so that they disbanded their Forces, and returned the King their humble thanks: But it was not long before they were sensible a Snare was laid for them, for the Duke of Ireland was privately Levying 5000 Men, pretendedly for his Guard and Defence; but it was secretly intimated they were to lie in wait in Parties, and Surprise the Lords as they were coming to Parliament, so that they suddenly recalled their disbanded Forces, and shut him up on the Banks of the Thames, which he was forced to Swim on Horseback for the preservation of his Life; and posting to the Sea Coast, took Shipping for France, where some Years after▪ he was Slain in Chase a wild Boar; but so great was then the King's Love towards him, That he caused his Dead Body to be Embalmed, brought over, and Magnificently Buried. After the flight of the Duke, the Lords Executed some of the chief Ringleaders, and suffered the rest to departed to their Houses, and so passed with their Army to London, where they were Joyfully received by the Citizens. The King, who kept his Court at the Tower, well perceived how much they had gained the Hearts of the greater Part of the People, and therefore for his own safety he desired a Conference with them, in which it was Agreed a Parliament should be speedily called, to Redress Grievances; and accordingly a Parliament was Assembled, in which the evil Counselors and corrupt Judges were Summoned to appear and Answer to the Articles Exhibited against them; but upon their default, they were Attainted of High Treason against the King and Common-weal, and for this John Earl of Salisbury, and Sir Nicholas Bambre lost their Heads; the Lord Chief Justice Trisilian was Hanged at Tyburn, and the rest of these Judges had suffered in like manner, had not the Queen's incessant supplications prevailed to change their Dooms into Banishment; and in this Parliament the state of Affairs was settled to the high contentment of the People. And tho' the next Year the Scots began to bustle, yet at the Mediation of the French King a Truce was made between the three Kingdoms, and King Richard by this means in Peace and Tranquillity, assisted the Duke of Lancaster to raise an Army, when Leaguing with the King of Portugal, he Warred on the Spaniard for the Kingdom of Castille, which he claimed in Right of his Wife; and so prevailed, That the Spaniard was compelled to sue for a Peace; which was granted on that Kings Marrying Constance the Duke's Eldest Daughter, Loading him Eight Wagons with Gold, and allowing him and his Duchess during their Lives 10000 Mark a Year. And after having Married Ann, his Younger Daughter, to the King of Portugal, he returned into England, Laden with Riches and Honour. And now all Appeals to Rome, and the Pope's Authority in this Kingdom, was Abrogated by Parliament; and soon after, the Virtuous Lady Queen Ann Died; whose Death so exceedingly grieved the King, that for some Weeks he would not be comforted, causing the stately House at Sheen in which she Died, to be utterly Razed; Cursing any that should afterward Build it; yet this Sorrow wasting by time, to strengthen his Alliance he Sailed to France, and took the Lady Isabel, Charles the Sixth's Daughter, to Wife, and brought her to England with her Nurse, and a great Train of Ladies; and not exceeding Seven or Eight Years, she was called The Baby Queen; the King having contracted not to Bed her till she should be Fourteen Years of Age, and a 30 Years Peace was concluded; whereupon the King gave up to the Duke of Britain, the strong Town and Castle of Breast; which much offended the English Nobles, especially the Duke of Gloucester his Uncle, who plainly told him, he had dishonoured himself and the English Nation by tamely parting with such an important Place, which had not been gained but at the expense of much Blood and Treasure; this so angered the King, that he privately Swore to be Revenged on him and such other Noblemen as he said usually checked and controlled him in his Proceed; and accordingly getting a Parliament to his mind, Sir John Bushe one of his Creatures being Speaker of the Lower House, This upstart Speaker boldly Accused Thomas Arundel Arch Bishop of Canterbury, who fitting in the House of Peers by the King, was ordered not to Answer and it should be no damage to him, his silence nevertheless was taken for Confession, and he was Banished the Realm; the Earls of Arundel and Warwick in this Parliament were Attainted of High Treason, upon which the former lost his Head, and the latter being confined to the Isle of Wight, through Grief and want of Necessaries, shortly Dyed. But the Duke of Gloucester stood too high in the People's Favour to be reached this way; therefore he was privately seized at his own House, hurried to Calais, and there by the command of Thomas Mowbray then Earl of Nottingham, and for this wicked exploit created Duke of Norfolk, the Valiant, Prudent, Virtuous, and Renowned Duke, was Smothered to Death; tho' in the manner of it Authors disagree; some will have it by pressing and keeping him long between Featherbeds; others, that he was thrown into, and headed up in a Butt of Malmsey: However here he was wickedly made away, and never seen afterward, to the great grief of all but the King and his Favourites who hugged themselves with joy, to think they had removed out of their way the great Obstacle that hindered their Advances to Arbitrary Power. After this Mowbray proceeded to Accuse Henry Duke of Hartford, Son to the Duke of Lancaster, of Speaking Treasonable and Scandalous Words of the King; whereupon Hartford Challenged his Accuser to the single Combat, to try by the Sword the Truth and Justice of his Accusation; but when they were both entered the Lists, and prepared for the Encounter, the King threw down his Warder, stayed the Combat, Banished Hartford for six Years, and Mowbray forever; who Travailing to Venice, there Died miserably, confessing his Gild and trouble for the Death of the Noble Duke of Gloucester; but Hartford was honourably Entertained by Charles the French King, who would have Married him to a Beautiful Lady, Daughter to the Duke of Berry his Uncle; but King Richard industriously prevented it, as fearing such an Alliance might enable him to grasp at his Crown; and when the Duke of Lancaster Dyed, he seized on his vast Treasure, tho' he had given his Cousin Henry leave (on his departure) to appoint his Attorney to Act for him, and take care of his Inheritance. But these Proceed bred much Mischief: For the King having lost most of his old, and getting a new set of Counsellors, viz. The Earl of Wiltshire, Sir John Bush, Sir James Bagot, and Sir John Green; they advised him to many things contrary to the Advice of his grave Council and much troubled the People; and now the Irish Rebelling, the King to Raise an Army Farmed the Kingdom, and all his Revenues belonging thereunto, for certain Years, and Sailed for Ireland. The Duke of Hartford who wanted no Intelligence how matters went in England, looked on the People's Ferment, and the King's Absence, to give him a very favourable advantage to shake off his Chains; wherefore as privately as he might, he came to England, accompanied by the Banished Arch Bishop and many other trusty Friends, declaring to the People he only came to take quiet Possession of his Duchy of Lancaster, which by the Death of his Father was his Undoubted Right; so that Trousands flocked to him. And finding how the People were bend to favour his cause, he Raised a considerable Army, and seized the before named Counselors, whom they Beheaded. King Richard in Ireland hearing of these Stirs, settled Affairs there as well as he could, and hasted over with a small Army; but before he could pass Wales, most of them had Deserted him; and then being ascertained that his Counselors in whom he had reposed much trust to Levy Forces for him▪ were taken off, despairing of any safety to be gained by force, he came to Henry Duke of Lancaster of his own accord; and publicly owned his Insufficiency and Weakness to Govern well; praising the Duke's rare and singular Virtues, his absolute worthiness to be a King, etc. proffering to make him an absolute Surrender of his Kingdom, if he would accept of it. The Politic Duke, who well knew this proceeded not cordially from him, but from the effects of fear and constraint, however refused it; for tho' he much affected the wearing of a Crown, yet he thought it more advisable to receive it at this time from the Nobility, Gentry, and Commonalty; and hereupon he caused the King with a very respective and honourable Attendance, to be conveyed to the Tower; and a Parliament being called in his Name, Twenty Four Articles were Exhibited against him for Mismanagement and ill Conduct in Government, and many henious Crimes; which in his Restraint he seemed to confess and own, and by an Instrument under his Hand and Seal, he Resigned his Crown and Kingdom to Henry of Bullenbrook Duke of Lancaster; which being publicly and generally Ratified and Approved by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons Assembled in Parliament, Henry stood up and made this Challenge to the Crown, viz. In the Name of God Amen, I Henry of Lancaster, Claim the Realm of England and the Crown, with all the Appurtinances, as coming by the Blood Royal from King Henry the Third, and the Justice which God of his Grace hath sent me by the help of my Friends, for the Recovery of the said Realm, which was at the point of Perdition, through default of Government, and breach of Laws. These words being said, all the Estates acknowledged him for King; and Richard was formally Deposed, in the words and in manner Recited in Edward the Seconds Reign, and thereupon was sent to Pomfret Castle; but long he had not been there, ere upon some practices of his Favourites to Reinstate him, he was villainously Murdered by Sir Pierce of Exton and Eight others, of whom he Valiantly killed Four with a Bill he wrested out of one of their Hands. Thus untimely Dyed King Richard the Second, when he had Reigned 22 Years, 3 Months, and 8 Days: Being the 32d Sole Monarch of England. After his Death, his Body was brought to London, and exposed to the view of the People to satisfy them he was Dead, and prevent their taking part with Impostors; and then Buried at Langley. In this Kings Reign the River Ouse between Swelstone and Harleswood near Bedford, stood still, and divided itself; so that the Bottom in the Middle remained dry for three Miles. Soon after Vtred Bolton, John Ashwerby, Walter Bruce, John Ashton, and Peter Peteshall, were Persecuted; some by Perpetual Imprisonment, some by Banishment, for Preaching and Maintaining Wickliffe's Doctrine. In the last Year of this King's Reign, all the Bay-Trees in England Withered, and when Lancaster came to the Crown fresh Branches sprouted from the supposed dead Stocks: And an Army of Birds Fight in the Air, strangely destroyed each other. THE County of SUFFOLK map of Suffolk Remarks on the County of Suffolk, etc. SUffolk has many Advantages in its Situation, by reason the Eastern part of it opens to the Sea, and is stored with commodious Havens; besides this County abounds with Cattle, Wool, Corn, Marshes, producing fat Pastures, store of Butter, and much Cheese, but not much approved of; It is mostly plain, branched with several curious Rivers, flowing from and running into the Ocean: On the North, it is Bounded with Norfolk; on the West, with Cambridgeshire; and on the South, with Essex: It contains 22 Hundreds, 575 Parishes, 28 Market Towns, 1 Castle, 2 principal Rivers, 32 Bridges, 27 Parks, most of them well stored with Deer: It sends Members to Parliament 16, viz. Alborough 2, Dunwich 2, St. Edmunds-Bury 2, Ipswich 2, Orford 2, Sudbury 2, Eye 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. Ipswich in this County was Founded by one Gipsa; it has a flourishing Estate in Shiping-Trade by reason of the Navigable River it stands on; it was often harassed in ancient times by the Danes; and is particularly noted for the Birth of that great Pageantry of Fortune, Cardinal Wolsey, whose Father was a Butcher in it. St. Edmunds-Bury is Memorable for King Edmund's being Shot to Death by the Danes; for Expiation of which Cruelty, King Canute Erected here a stately Monastery, once accounted the Richest in Europe: And here a Parliament was held in the Reign of King Henry the Sixth: Exning is the Birth-place of St. Audri, Sister to King Ina. At Renlisham, Redwald (the first Christian King of the East-Angles) kept his Court: Lidgate is the Birth-place of John Surnamed Lidgate, a famous English Poet. The Seats of the Nobility are Busbrook Hall, belonging to the Duke of St. Alban; Ewston, to the Earl of Arlington; Christ's Church in Ipswich, Sudbury Hall, Soham Lodge, to the Lord Viscount Hereford; Denham Hall, to the Lord Viscount Townsend; Broom Hall, and Carleford Hall, to the Lord Cornwallis. Besides these, there are a great many stately Buildings belonging to private Gentlemen. In some of the Cliffs to the Sea, Hawks build; and there is much Game for Recreation, as Fishing, Fowling, Hunting, etc. Here also stands Framlingham Castle, a place of great State, Beauty, Strength and Conveniency, and the Ruins of Burgh Castle Remain. The Reign of HENRY the Fourth (commonly called Henry of Bullenbrook.) THIS Henry was Crowned by the consent of the Estates, in the life time of Richard the Second, and created Henry his Eldest Son Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester: Then he called a Parliament in his own Name, in which the Bishop of Carlisle, for speaking in the behalf of King Richard, and moving a commiseration of his wrongs, was committed close Prisoner to the Abbey of St. Alban, and the Crown was entailed on Henry and his Heirs forever. This Parliament no sooner ended, but many Lords Conspired the Death of the King, entering into Oath and Covenant to do it at Oxford, where they had appointed solemn Sports for his Entertainment, in honour (as they Flatteringly pretended) of his happy Accession to the Crown; but really with an intent to restore King Richard: And accordingly they met Armed, all but Edward Plantagenet, Duke of Aumarle, Son to Edmund of Langley, Duke of York, the King's Uncle; who as he sat at Dinner with his Father, had by chance the Label of the Instrument of Combination hanging out at his Bosom, of which the old Duke taking hold, drew forth the whole Writing, and Reading the Contents of the Conspiracy, prepared for Windsor, to give the King an account of it; which the young Duke perceiving, hastily took Horse, and outstripped him, himself revealing all the Intrigue, for which he had his Pardon. Upon this Discovery, the King put off his Journey to Oxford, and hastened to the Tower of London, securing the City to his Interest, and raising an Army; of which the Lords at Oxford had no sooner notice, but they increased their Forces, causing one Magdalen, much in likeness, to Personate King Richard, and advanced their Standard to meet the King; but finding they were much inferior to him in Number, their courage failed; which so disheartened the Soldiers, that they dispersed and left their Leaders to shift for themselves; so that most of them were Taken and Executed in divers places; others fled the Kingdom, and reserved themselves to broach new Broils; and this hastened King Richard's Murder, in the manner as has been said: For King Henry complaining that so long as he Lived he should never be at rest, and demanding if none loved him so well as to rid him of that Torment, Pierce of Exton, to curry favour with him, posted away, and with other Ruffians villainously performed it; at which the French King was mightily displeased, purposing to send his Letters of Defiance to King Henry, and Invade his Kingdom; but upon second thoughts, tho' he had raised a potent Army, he dissolved it, and proceeded no further in the business. Yet soon after he Levied another Army to Invade Aquitaine, and Guyan; but was so stoutly withstood by King Henry's Forces, That he retired and Disbanded them. But the King of England doubting the security of his illgot Title, laboured to make Peace with him, the better to strengthen himself, offering a Marriage between Henry his Son, and the Lady Isabel, Widow to King Richard, and Daughter to Charles the Sixth of France; but that King considering how unfortunate Marriages had been between France and England, refused it; whereupon she was sent over in great State, and Married to her Cousin Charles, Eldest Son of Lewis Duke of Orleans, her Uncle. Soon after this, Owen Glendour, with his Welsh, Rebelled; Overthrowing the King's Army, and taking the Lord Grey of Ruthen and Edmund Mortimer, the King's Cousin, Prisoners; using them exceeding hardly, the sooner to oblige the King to Ransom them; but he neglected it, because Mortimer was nearer Allied to the Crown by Right of Descent, than himself; yet tho' he might have had his Liberty, if he would have joined with the Welsh, and some English Nobles, that were fled thither, he rather chose to endure Extremities, than to comply with them: Whereupon they solicited the Scots, who Invaded the Northern parts of the Kingdom, doing much Mischief; but the King soon requited it, by entering Scotland, and laying all waste before him: However he no sooner returned, but the Scots re-entered England with 20000 Men, committing many Barbarous Cruelties; but being Encountered by Henry Surnamed Hotspur, Son to Henry Piercy Earl of Northumberland, 10000 of them were Slain, and 500 taken Prisoners; and of note Mordacke Earl of Fife, Archibald Earl of Douglas, Thomas Earl of Murray, and Robert Earl of Angus. The following Year the French sent 12 Ships with 1200 Nobles, Gentlemen and others, to assist the Welsh, but most of them were Shipwrecked on the Point of Cornwall, and the rest with much difficulty returned to France; yet soon after he Landed 12000 Men in Wales to assist Glendour and his Rebellious Companions, who joined them with 10000 But upon the King's approach with an Army, the Welsh fled into the Woods and Mountains, leaving the French to shift for themselves; which made them hasten to their Ships, and return to France, without doing any thing Memorable; which made the French King become a Jest to the English, viz. That he was often Big, but never Brought-forth. Notwithstanding King Henry, to Strengthen his Interest Abroad, Married Jane, Widow to John the deceased Duke of Britain, and gave Blanch his Eldest Daughter, to William Duke of Bavaria, Son and Heir Apparent to the Emperor Lewis of Bavaria; and some time after Philippe his Youngest Daughter to the King of Denmark. In the Third Year of his Reign he required Henry Piercy Earl of Worcester, Henry Piercy Earl of Northumberland, and Piercy Hotspur his Son, to deliver up the Scots Prisoners taken in the late Battle on the Northern Borders; but was Answered, Those Prisoners were theirs by Right of War, and they would not part with them; desiring him at the same time to Ransom his Cousin Mortimer; but this he refused, alleging, That he had voluntarily made himself a Prisoner to give Glendour and other his Accomplices a colourable pretence for Rebellion, seeing he was so near Allied to the Crown; and therefore his own Safety, and his good Discretion, gave him Advice not to hearken to their Motion, but to punish his offence. This much displeased the Piercies, and designing to Levy War against the King, they Ransomed Mortimer at their own charge, secretly entering into a League and Friendship with Glendour, they promised him great matters when King Henry by their United Strength should be Deposed; then they Engaged the Scots Prisoners to take part with them; also the Earl of Stafford, Richard Scroop Arch Bishop of York, and many others; and as they had done against Richard, so they framed and published Articles against him, as to his Misdemeanours in Government, false claim to the Crown, charging him with the Murder of King Richard his Lawful and Rightful Sovereign; also his refusing to Ransom his Cousin Mortimer who was taken Fight in his Cause, but rather wished he might die in a loathsome Prison, because the Crown of Right belonged to him, as being Son and Heir to Philippe, Daughter and Heiress to Lionel Duke of Clarence, Elder Brother to John of Gaunt, Father to Henry, whom they styled a Usurper. This made many join with them, so that their Army became very Formidable to the King: And to bind the Welsh more firmly to them, Edward Mortimer Earl of March, Married Glendour's Daughter; by which means in a little time they flattered themselves they should have a King of England of the Ancient British Blood: And indeed a very great danger about this time threatened the King, for a Calthrop, or Engine with three very sharp Teeth or Spikes, was placed in his Bed, which had certainly procured his Death, had he suddenly lain down upon it, but it was timely Discovered; yet the Party who placed it could not be made known, and divers Grey Friars scattering defamatory Libels against the King, several of them were taken and Hanged. The King finding his greatest advantage now lay in Expedition, suddenly raised an Army, and by long Marches prevented the Earls joining with the Welsh, so that both Armies meeting near Shrewsbury, Piercy Hotspur, a Person of undaunted Courage, no sooner saw the Royal Standard, but he resolved to throw his Fortune on the hazard of a Battle; so the Charge being Sounded, the Scots gave the first onset, and Fought desperately, but were overborn, and a great part of them Slain; yet notwithstanding the Lords renewed the Battle with great fury and obstinacy, persuading themselves of good success, until the King and the Prince his Son (determining by Honourable Death to leave their Bodies in the Field, rather than fall into the hands of their Enemies, or betake them to shameful flight, and leave their Men a Sacrifice behind them) redoubling their Strength and Valour, set such Examples to the rest, that the declining Battle was restored, and Piercy Hotspur with many of chief Command being Slain, the Lords Army fell into rout and confusion; so that in the Field and Pursuit 6000 were slain, the Earls of Worcester, Douglas, and many others were taken Prisoners, and a famous Victory was obtained; and it is said the King slew in this Battle 36 with his own hands; but because the Earl Douglas in single Combat had fought with him, and approved himself a valiant Man, he had his Liberty granted without Ransom; but the rest of the Prisoners had not that good luck; for the Earl of Worcester, and several of the chief, were Beheaded; many of a lower degree Hanged and Quartered, and their Heads placed on London Bridge. In this Battle the King lost not above 600 Men. To follow this lucky Success, the Prince was sent into Wales, with part of the Army; where he found Owen Glendour forsaken by most of his Companions, and with the rest for his safety he retired into a vast Wood, which being encompassed and narrowly watched, he was there, with many others, Famished to Death; and such as were taken by hunting and beating that Wood, suffered by Execution. And hereupon the Prince returned to the King; and in the mean while the Earl of Northumberland came and submitted himself to the King's Mercy; and tho' he was excused, it was with no hearty goodwill, but rather to prevent the Castle of Berwick, and other strong Places on the Frontiers, from falling into the hands of the Scots, as being held by such Officers as the Earl had appointed under him. These Troubles were no sooner over, but Lewis Duke of Orleans sent the King (in a Bravado) a Challenge to meet him and a Hundred French with a Hundred English, to Combat it for Honour's sake in an indifferent place; whereto the King returned Answer, That his former Actions in Warlike undertake, could clearly acquit him from the imputation of Cowardice; and that Kings ought not to be so careless of their People's welfare and safety, as to meet every Madman who had the vanity to send them a Challenge: But that he would be at all times ready to Repel any Violence or Injury which he should dare rashly or unadvisedly to Attempt against him or his People. This exceedingly nettled Mounsieur; so that in an angry mood, designing Revenge, he Besieged the Town of Vergie in Guyan; but having wasted his Army in almost a four months' Siege, he was constrained to raise it, and retire with disgrace. After this the Duke of Burgundy, to mend the matter, raised an Army to reduce Calais; but upon King Henry's preparations to pass the Seas with an Army, he was Remanded by the French King; which he looking on as the Duke of Orleances do, to hinder him from gathering expected Laurels, a mortal hatred sprung up between them, and several Battles were Fought; King Henry first assisting Burgundy, and then Orleans; and gained much Money by their Contention, whilst they weakened each other, and the whole Estate of France; whilst they drew in Parties to side with them. In the mean while the Marshal of France laying Siege to a Town in Gascony with 4000 Men at Arms, was beaten off by Sir John Blunt, with 300 English, 12 noblemans, and 120 Gentlemen, taken Prisoner's and carried into the Town in Triumph. And now tho' the King had Pardoned the Earl of Northumberland, yet he resenting some Indignities put on him, grew restless for Revenge, and therefore Associating with Richard Scroop Arch Bishop of York, Thomas Mowbray, Earl Marshal, The Lords Hastings, Faulconbridge, Bardolf, and divers others, Forces were resolved to be raised, and another hazard of the Field to be Enterprised: But the Earl of Westmoreland, whom they would have drawn to their Party, revealing their Design to the King, he secretly Marched with an Army into the North, and surprising Mowbray, Scroop, and some others, caused their Heads to be stricken off; but Northumberland, Bardolf, etc. Escaped to France, from whence they afterward came to Scotland, where that King promised to Aid them; but to prevent the threatening Danger, the King raised a potent Army, and sent it under the Prince of Wales into Scotland, where he Retook Berwick, Alnwick, and other strong places, that the Earl had delivered to the Scots, and Burnt many Towns in the heart of that Kingdom; whereupon the Scots, finding themselves unable to make Resistance, craved a Truce, which was Granted for twelve Months; and thereupon the Prince returned home with his Spoils. Whilst this was doing, the French (to favour the Design) set out several Armed Ships, to Alarm the Coast Towns of England, when the Lord Castille, with three other Lords, 20 Knights, and a great many Soldiers, Landing at Dartmouth, were Encountered by the Country People, who Slew Castille, and most of his Soldiers; and taking the rest Prisoners, brought them to the King, who very well rewarded the Rustics for their Care and Vigilancy, and put the Lords and Knights to great Ransoms; and the King going to see them on Board at their departure, in his return from the Downs very narrowly scaped being taken by a French Privatier's supposedly lying purposely in wait for him; whereupon the Lord Commois who attended him, being a Norman Nobleman, was suspected of Treachery, but upon his Trial acquitted, and received into Favour. The Truce with Scotland Expired, Northumberland and Bardolf Animated the Scots to Invade England, which they did, doing much mischief in Northumberland, and other Northern parts: Whereupon the King Levied an Army and Travelled by long Marches to Encounter them, but before his Arrival, they were Fought-with and Overthrown by Sir Thomas Rookby, High Sheriff of Yorkshire, who slew the Earl and sent his Head as a Present to the King that was very acceptably received, and the Lord Bardolf being Wounded, fled into Scotland, and there Dyed of his Wounds. After this the King Assembling a Parliament, Created therein his three Younger Sons, viz. Thomas Duke of Clarence, John Duke of Bedford, and Humphrey Duke of Gloucester; and many Laws were therein Enacted profitable to the Common-weal; and from this Day till his Death, the King Enjoyed a Life free from Hostility, but found such Inward perplexities of Mind, for having Consented to, or Instigated, the Murder of King Richard his first Cousin, for the lucre of his Crown, that to make some Atonement, and quiet his Conscience, he Levied an Army, resolving (as he had Vowed) to make War against the Infidels that Oppressed the Christians in the Holy Land; which the Popes of those times declared was a full Atonement, or sufficient Expiation for any Crime, how Notorious so ever; but whilst things were getting ready, he fell into an Apoplexy; and finding Death approaching, caused his Crown to be placed on his Pillow, with an intent to deliver it to the Prince when he was near Departing; but he, impatient of delay, supposing him (when fallen into a Drowsiness) to be Dead, removed it thence; whereupon the King raised himself, and missing it, demanded Who had taken it? And the Prince Replying, It was he: The King fell back, and fetching a deep Sigh, said, My Son, what Right I had to this Crown, and how I have Enjoyed it, God knows, and the World hath seen; and thereupon he fetched a deep Groan; but the Prince not minding that, said, Comfort yourself in God, Father; The Crown you have, and if you Dye, it is mine, and I will keep it with my Sword as you have done; and within a few Hours the King died, in the 46th Year of his Age, when he had Reigned 13 Years, 5 Months, and 19 Days; and was Buried at Canterbury, Anno 1412. In this King's Reign two Blazing Stars appeared before the breaking out of the Piercy's Rebellion, and many Drops of Blood fell on People's Garments in the Northern Parts, as from the Clouds. Anno 1407 a great Plague happened, that destroyed in London 30000 Persons, and multitudes else where; and the Year after, a violent Frost held 15 Weeks. And by the wicked procurement of Thomas Arundel Arch Bishop of Canterbury, William Sawtree, William Swinderby, and William Thorp, worthy Divines, suffered Martyrdom for opposing the Romish Superstitions and Idolatry, Preaching the Gospel, and much adhering to Wickliffe's Doctrine. Remarks on the County of Surry, etc. SUrry is a very spacious County, and would be abundantly Fruitful, did not a ridge of barren Hills run in a manner quite through it; however it abounds in Corn, Cattle, Rich Meadows and Upland Pastures, and Open and Enclosed Grounds, yields store of Honey, Wool, Fowl, Fish, Deer, and is abundant in pleasant Gardens and Orchards of Fruit-Trees. It is Bounded on the North, with the Thames and Middlesex; on the East, with Kent; on the South, with Sussex; and on the West, with Hampshire and Buckinghamshire. It contains 13 Hundreds, in which are 141 Parishes, 8 Principal Market Towns, 7 Bridges, 4 Forests; and 17 Parks; as for Rivers, there are many small ones, as at Gilford, Casholton, Kingston upon Thames, Wandsworth, and other places; but the River Thames which is a great part in this County, is the most Remarkable, and the little River Mole, that runs a great way under Ground, and rises again. It sends Members to Parliament 14, viz. The Borough of Southwark 2, Rygate 2, Blechenley 2, Gatton 2, Guilford 2, Haslemore 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. SURREY By J. Seller. map of Surrey The Seats of Pleasure are Richmond, belonging to the Royal Family; Albury and Waybridge, to the Duke of Norfolk; Nonsuch to the Duke of Southampton; Rowhampton, to the Duke of Devon; Byflet, to the Duke of St. Alban; Flanchford, to the Earl of Plymouth; Rygate Place, to the Lord Mordant; Towting Graveny, to the Lord North and Grey; and the Bishop of Winchester's Place in Southwark, called Winchester-House. The Reign of HENRY the Fifth (commonly called Henry of Monmouth.) THis Henry, the greater part of his Father's Reign, was much lead away by evil Company, and was not free from committing in his Frolicks Robberies on the Highway, especially on his own Receivers; and one of his Gang being taken, and about to be Sentenced in the Court of King's Bench, he rushed in and laboured to pull off his Irons, in order to set him at Liberty; but the Lord Chief Justice commanded him to desist; whereupon in a rage, he went up to the Bench, and Struck him on the Face; for which (after he had given him some mild Reproofs, as that the Bench he sat on was the Kings, and that himself in that place represented his Person, and what Injury was done to him, was done to the King; and if he shown such evil Examples, none would Obey him when he came to Reign) he sent him to the King's Bench Prison, till the King's pleasure should be known in the matter. The King no sooner heard of it, but he commended the Judge for his Courage and Impartiality, wishing all his Ministers were like him; and though the Prince was Enlarged, yet for this he was put from his Presidentship in the Council, and his Younger Brother Thomas Duke of Clarence placed therein, to his great Grief. These and other Irregular Passages of his past Years, (when he was Crowned by Arundel Arch Bishop of Canterbury at Westminster) he wisely considered; and to repair what had been amiss, strictly forbidden the Lewd Companions of his Youth to enter his Court, or any where come near his Person, till he had some cause to believe they had reform and mended their Manners; yet ordered some of them, who had run out their Estates in pursuing his wild Extravagancies, small Pensions to Subsist on, till they could better provide for themselves, Electing none for his Council, nor into Places of Justice, or public Government, but such as were of known Integrity, Wise, Sober, and not to be Biased through fear or favour; greatly labouring to Reform the Abuses of the Clergy; and for the better security of the Marches, he caused the Castles and Towns thereabouts to be Repaired and Strongly Garisoned, by which means he Awed the Scots and Welsh, and kept his People free from their former fears and apprehensions of danger. And the better to show he had no hand in, nor was consenting to the Death of King Richard, he caused his Body to be brought from Langley to Westminster, in much Funeral Pomp, and to be Interred by Queen Ann his beloved Wife. In the Second Year of his Reign he Assembled a Parliament at Leicester, wherein he was Importunately Addressed to supress Religious Houses, where they were ill managed, and in stead of promoting Godly Lives, had been made the Nurseries of Gluttony, Idleness, Pride, and all Uncleanness; considering they would yield into his Coffers an Annual Rent of 20000 l; which might be better Employed for the Support of the Crown, and Honour and Safety of the Kingdom, in maintaining 15 Earls, 1500 Knights, and more than 6000 Men at Arms; besides a great Number of Alms Houses for the support and relief of the Poor. This much startled the Abbots, Priors, Friars, Monks, Nuns, etc. as fearing to be Vn-Hived, and forced to Labour for their Live; which they were little able to do, considering they had so long been enured to a habit of Idleness; and therefore to turn the Stream another way, at their instant Entreaties, Henry Chichesly who Succeeded Thomas Arundel in the Archiepiscopal See of Canterbury, took an opportunity in a very Learned Oration to make the King sensible of his Right to the Crown of France, inciting him to Claim it as his proper Inheritance; and in the Clergies behalf, for the carrying on the Wars, he offered a large Sum of Money; whereupon the other business was laid aside, and nothing now considerably debated or spoken of, but how the King might Recover France: The People every where showing a willingness to Embark in the Undertaking: And a Noble Embassy was sent to King Charles the Sixth, peremptorily to demand the peaceable delivery of the Kingdom, together with the Dutchies of Aquitain, Normandy, Anjou, and whatever had formerly appertained to the Crown of England; and if the French King without Effusion of Blood would yield to his demands, he would take the Lady Catherine, the King's Daughter, to Wife, and Endow her with all the Dutchies and Provinces; and be tractable in every thing tending to the French King's Honour and Estate; but upon the Refusal, he would attempt the gaining it by the Sword, and bring on that Kingdom all the Miseries that are inseparable attendants on a cruel War. The unexpected strangeness of this Message, so amazed the French King and his Nobles, that they could make no ready Answer, but promised to send Ambassadors to King Henry, who should endeavour to Adjust this weighty Affair; yet the Dauphin of France had no sooner notice of the King's Demands, but despising his Youth, and holding him unfit to attempt a matter of so high a consequence, in a scoffing manner sent him a Tun of Racket-Balls to sport with in his Tennis-Court: This so Angered him that He Vowed (by God's assistance) ere many Months were over, he would toss so many Iron Balls within the Kingdom of France, that their strongest Rackets should be too weak to turn them. And hereupon he Levied a puissant Army; so that the Dauphin seeing him in earnest, began to repent of his Rashness, and governing Affairs under his Father, whose Imbecility rendered him not very capable of it, he sent Ambassadors to Inform King Henry, That if he would desist from his Purpose, and Live in Amity with that Nation, and take the Lady Catharine his Sister to Wife, he should then receive with her a large Sum of Money, with some small Territories and Possessions in that Kingdom. To this King Henry Replied, That unsess with the Lady he might have the Dutchies of Normandy, Anjou, Aquitain, and all the other Signories, to him and to his Crown justly appertaining, he would not wave his Title to the Crown of France, but attempt by all Hostile means to win it, if he might; and with this Answer the Ambassadors departed much dissatisfied: Whereupon King Henry settling his Affairs, appointing his Mother Regent, and joining to her Council many grave Persons for the Management of the Government, he Marched his Army to the Sea Coast. And now the Dauphin began to play another game; for Richard Earl of Cambridge, Henry Lord Scroop, and Sir Thomas Grey, three approved Captains, Bribed by him with vast Sums, resolved to Seize the King, and carry him into France; or if that proved too difficult, to Murder him in his Tent before he took Shipping; but this Treason being timely Discovered, and made out by Proof, and their own Confessions, they were the day after their Trials Executed in the Camp; and as soon as the Wind served in 140 Ships he Transported his Army to Normandy; and in 34 Days Took Hareflew, on the River Seine; Enriching his Army with the Spoils, and placing the Duke of Exeter his Uncle, as Captain there, and a Garrison of 1500 Men. He resolved, because the Season advanced apace, to March over-Land to Calais, and Winter there. The Dauphin by this time had got a very numerous Army in the Field, and was attended by almost all the Nobility and Gentry of the French Nation, and having notice of King Henry's March, it was Debated whether he should be suffered to pass to Calais, or be Fought with by the way; at last in the French Kings Council by far the greater Number, it was carried to give him Battle, since he had passed the River Soam, and was entangled in the Country, his Army consisting but of 2000 Horse, and 13000 Archers and Men at Arms, many of them being Sick, and wanting mostly Provisions; whereupon a Herald was sent to him with Defiance, commanding him to prepare within a few days for the Battle: To this he presently Answered, That his Army being afflicted with Sickness and Wants, he was bending his Course to Calais to Refresh his Men, and therefore would not seek his Enemy; but if they dared to Interrupt him in his Passage, he was of sufficient Force to Repel all Violence which the French Nation should oppose against him; upon this Answer a Proclamation was put out, That all who loved their Country, and were desirous to fight for Honour, should straightways repair to the French Kings Standard; so that the Army soon increased to upward of 60000, mostly Horse, consisting of the Flower of the French Nation. King Henry was not Ignorant of this, nor of their hasty Marches towards him; so that pitching his Tents between the Towns of Balangie and Agincourt, in the County of St. Paul, he resolved to expect them; which was not long, so that in a manner Encompassing his little Army with their Multitudes, they were so sure of Victory, that they made great Fires; and held Revels in their Camp, whilst King Henry and his People were in a deep Humiliation, desiring assistance of God. On the 25th of October, Anno 1414, The Armies on both sides were set in Array, each dividing into three Battles; King Henry's Vanguard was Commanded in chief by the Duke of York, the Main-Battel by himself, and the Rearguard by Thomas Duke of Exeter; and to prevent any sudden breaking in of the French Horse, he caused his Archers and Men at Arms to be environed with Stakes six or seven Foot long, headed with sharp Iron, which fastened at one end in the Ground, might easily upon occasion be removed; on the Wing, as the French Horse were to come on, he placed in a Meadow 1500 Archers, having a Ditch before them, that could not easily be Leapt; and when Sir Walter Harpington Marshal of the Field, cast up his Gauntlet, the whole Band of Archers were to deliver their flights of Arrows with a great shout; all which was so exactly observed, That the French Horse of their first Battle were no sooner within the danger of the Ambush, but they were gauled by the Archers, and many of their Riders thrown to the Ground and trampled to Death; Then the English Vanguard let fly, dimming the Air with their showers of Arrows, working a miserable Destruction to the French; so that by the unruliness of the wounded Horses, this Battle soon fell into disorder and confusion, pressing violently upon one another, breaking in upon the Foot for Retreat, and doing great mischief; which the English perceiving, slung their Bows and with Mawls, Axes, Swords, Gleves, and Bills, made an incredible slaughter among them; and having put these to the Rout, they run fiercely on the middle Battle of the French, who for a while Fought with great Courage and Resolution; and having done them considerable mischief, they seemed Politicly to Faint and Retire, which was to train the Enemy on their sharp pointed Stakes; and it so well succeeded, that the French Horse rushing on furiously, without seeing the danger, were miserably Gored, stopping one another, and making a Barricade for the English, whilst they had leisure to ply them with their flights of Arrows, till in a short time that Battle (as the former) was altogether in Rout and Confusion; and then the English breaking in as before, the King fought hand to hand with the Duke of Alencon, and was so violently stricken by him, that it broke the small Crown he wore on his Helmet that day; to distinguish him in the Battle; and he had nearly taken him Prisoner, but the King recovering from the Stunned he received from the forcible blow, slew two of his Companions, and beat him down; whereat he cried out, I am your Cousin Alencon, spare my Life; and tho' the King laboured to do it, his Guards were so enraged against him for endangering the Life of their Sovereign, that they slew him as he lay on the Ground. This Battle being utterly Defeated, the Third (which consisted almost all of Foot) being Charged, and fearing to be Encompassed, threw down their Arms, and as many as could fled; but great Numbers who could not, fell on their Knees and begged Quarter, which was granted: But fatally to them, in the close of the Fight, Robinet of Bonvile with 600 of those Horsemen which had first acquitted the Field, entered the King's Camp, Guarded only by Lackeys and Scullions, and slew many of those weak Defendants, who raising a doleful cry, the King verily supposed fresh Forces were come to Engage his weary Soldiers; and there being almost as many Prisoners as he had Men of his own, fearing they should Revolt, and do him great mischief in a renewed Fight, he caused it to be Proclaimed on pain of Death, That all ordinary Prisoners should immediately be put to the Sword; which was accordingly done to about 8000; but when the King knew the true cause of the new uproar, and had slain almost all those 600 that rifled his Camp, he condemned himself of too much Cruelty in putting the Prisoners to the Sword, when he had given them Quarter, bewailing it with Tears, and caused his Surgeons to lookafter such as yet weltered in their Blood, or there might be any hopes to recover, and some were recovered; for in so sudden an Execution, many received Wounds that were not Mortal. This famous Victory obtained, the King fell on his Knees, and caused all the Army to do the like; and with up-lifted Hands say, Lord, Not unto us, not unto us, but to thy Name be Glory and Honour. In this Battle (which the King said should be called The Battle of Agincourt to all Posterity, because Fought near that Town) were slain of the French, Charles Lord Delabreth, Constable of France, Jaques Lord of Dampire, High Admiral, John Duke of Alanson, Anthony Duke of Brabant, Edward Duke of Bar; The Earls of Marle, Vaudemont, Blawmount, Grand Pree, Russey, Faulconbridg, Foys, and Lastrake, 25 Lords, 8000 Knights, Esquires, and Gentlemen, and about 10000 of the meaner sort. The Prisoners of Note were Charles Duke of Orleans, John Duke of Bourbon, The Lords Donuart, Fosseux, Humiers, Roy, Cawny, Hamcourt, noel, Bonciqualt, and some others; and on King Henry's part of Note were slain Edward Duke of York, and the Earl of Worcester: Some Historians will have the latter to be the Earl of Suffolk, and not above 600 others of all Ranks. The King who before the Battle had Vowed to Die or Conquer, and that England should never be at a Penny charge for his Ransom, was informed by some of his Noble Prisoners, That the French were so confident of the Victory, that they had not only disposed of his Person, and the spoil of his Camp before hand, but also of Places and Offices in England: But when Man proposes, God disposes. The Dead being Honourably Buried, and the Soldiers Enriched with the Spoil, the King Marched to Calais, without any interruption; and having settled his Affairs, passed into England, where he was received by his Subjects with unspeakable Joy. Soon after this, the Duke of Exeter, Captain of Harestew, Ravaged the Countries, and Overthrew the Earl of Arminiack, the new Constable of France, with considerable slaughter; taking many Prisoners, for which he had large Ransoms: And Sigismond the Emperor of Germany coming into England, laboured to conclude a Peace between the two Kings; but not being able to effect it, he made one for himself; and being honourably attended by the King and his Nobles to his Ships, he returned home, highly satisfied with his Entertainment: Shortly after the Duke of Burgundy made a Peace with King Henry only for the Counties of Flanders and Arthois, for which he was suspected as an Enemy to the Crown of France. In the King's absence, the French Besieged Hareflew by Sea and Land; but their Fleet, Commanded by John Viscount Narbon, was utterly destroyed by John Duke of Bedford; whereupon the Constable raised the Siege by Land, and hasted to Paris; upon which the French Nobility Quarrelled among themselves, about the several bad Successes, charging the Miscarriage upon one another, which made for King Henry's Interest; so that he called a Parliament at Westminster, declaring publicly his Right and undoubted Title to the Crown of France, and the many wrongs the French had done the English Nation, which now they had an opportunity to repair, in giving him Supplies to enable him in the prosecution of his Wars, which they liberally Granted him; and it was raised without any murmur of the People, as in other Reigns had happened on the like occasion: In the mean while John Holland Earl of Huntingdon, after a sharp Engagement, took three Carracks of Genoa, and sunk other six, that were going to Aid the French; and in the Prizes found great store of Treasure; and early in the Spring the King Landed a strong Army in Normandy, took the Castle of Tonque, whereupon the Villagers of that Duchy fled into their Walled-Towns, and he laid Siege to the City of Caen, which after many fierce Assaults, he took, putting to Death the most obstinate, who had too long refused his proffered Mercy, in holding out against him; and the more Wealthy Citizens he put to Fines and Ransoms. And now a Quarrel happened between the Queen of France and the Dauphin her Son, for she having raked together great store of Treasure, he forcibly seized it for the use of the War; which so enraged her, that she vowed Revenge, and procured John Duke of Burgundy to be Protector of the King's Person and of the Kingdom; so that an irreconcilable Quarrel continued among them: The Constable and Dauphin labouring to weaken his Interest, and he on the other hand supported by the King's Favour, was not wanting to do the like for them. Whilst King Henry was Warring in Normandy, and took in about 50 strong Towns and Castles, reducing the Normans for the most part to his obedience, and having appointed Sir Gilbert Vmphrevile Captain of Caen Castle, and Sir Gilbert Talbot the like of the Town, Sir John Popham Baylif, etc. and disposed the other Places in Trusty Hands, he Marched to Rouen, where he found the Citizens had drawn a great Trench about it, and strongly Fortified it with Towers and Bulwarks, and having laid Siege to it, at Pontle-Arch he laid over a strong Chain, and a Wooden Bridge to hinder any Succours coming by Water, keeping likewise that Passage blocked up with a strong Squadron, under the Command of the Earl of Warwick; and whilst he lay at this Siege, the Lord Kilmay with 16000 Irishmen, came to him Armed with Darts and Coats of Mail, being joyfully received, and proved very serviceable. But the King finding his violent Assaults were repulsed, the Garrison being very Numerous, encompassed the place to the Landward, with a wide and deep Trench, impailed at the bottom with sharp Stakes, and so well guarded with Archers, that they durst not approach it; so there being Multitudes of useless People in the City, the Famine increased so sore among them, that nothing Unclean was left uneaten; nor were those they turned out suffered to pass the English Camp, so that many Hundreds with piteous cries lay and died under the Walls; and the Siege having continued from Lamas tide, till Christmas, on New-Years Day they desired safe Conduct for their Commissioners to pass to the King, which was allowed, but to little purpose; for a bold Frenchman so angered him with his vaunting speech (wherein he taxed him with unprincely degenerateness, and meanness of Courage, for Cloistering up the Garrison to Starve them, as not daring to let them be at liberty to Fight, and sell their Lives bravely in the Field) That he resolved not to hearken to any Terms, but the Surrender of the City upon discretion, Granting them only a Truce of Eight Days to well advise in the matter; but nothing being determined, the half-Starved Inhabitants with hideous cries and shouts compelled the Governor and Magistrates to a Surrender; so that having Four Days more allowed, they Surrendered the City and Castle to the King, there being Famished during the Siege 5000, and 12000 Starvelings were turned out, who many of them died in the Fields and Lanes: Then he compelled the Burghers for their Ransom to pay him 356000 Crowns and swear Fealty to him and his Successors, and with this Capital City went the currant of the rest, so that he became sole Master of Normandy. Upon this, the Duke of Burgundy came to King Henry under safe conduct, to treat of an Accommodation; but whatever the King asked, was denied; which made him in a passion Swear, That he would have the Lady Catharine in Marriage, and what he demanded with her, or otherwise he would ere long drive both him and his Master out of the Kingdom: To which the Duke Replied, Those words were easy to be spoke, but that he must take much Labour and Toil to make them good. After this, the Duke reconciled himself to the Dauphin, ratified under their Hands and Seals before a public Notary, and King Henry to let the world see he resolved to persist in what he had enterprised, created Gascoyn D' Foyes, Earl of Longeville; Sir John Grey, Earl of Tankervile; and Sir John Bourchier, Earl of Ewe in the Kingdom of France; and upon the approach of Captain Bueff with 1500 Men to Ponthoyse, the Lord Listendame, the Governor, with 10000 Inhabitants, Deserted it, leaving for haste most of their Rich Goods behind them. This Place the King Fortified, and Marched to Paris, which he lay before Three Days, bringing a great terror on that City; but with his small Army not able to encompass it, he Marched back to Ponthoyse. John Duke of Burgundy, as is said, having reconciled himself to the Dauphin, yet it being superficial, and not hearty, he determined in a more submissive manner to humble himself unto him, that thereby their Loves taking a deeper root, might bring forth the fruits of Unity and Peace; but when they met, the Dauphin, whose Malice was irreconcilable, and whose mistrustful Jealousy did persuade him that the Duke would not be faithful, procured him treacherously to be Murdered, by the blow of a Battle-ax in his presence, as he was about to kneel and pay him Homage. This was looked on by many as a just Judgement, because much in the same manner he had caused Lewis Duke of Orleans to be Murdered in the Tenth Year of King Henry the Fourth. This made not amiss for King Henry, but hastened his advancement; for Philip, Son to the Murdered Duke, was so highly displeased, that he not only in his melancholy Anger determined forever to separate himself from his Innocent Duchess, without any other reason or cause, than that she was Sister to the Dauphin; but as his fury abated, her Tears and the sober Advice of his Counselors, brought him to better reason; so that for that time his Love continued to her as at first: Yet he resolved on Revenge another way, viz. By joining his Interest with King Henry; for he was very powerful in Flanders, as well as Burgundy, and was able to give a considerable check to France, but more especially to the Dauphin's Interest; and to bring this about, he laboured to Reconcile the Kings of England and France; and in those his endeavours he was the more powerful, 1. Because his Wife was Daughter to the French King. 2. Because the Lady Catharine, who could do all with ●●een Isabel, passionately desired to be Married to King ●enry. 3. Because the Queen, for depriving her of her Treasure, ●●d some other Affronts put upon her, had conceived a mor●● hatred against the Dauphin, insomuch that she could not ●●dure to hear him Named. 4. Because the Dauphin was more Subtle, Cunning, rafty, and Revengeful, Than Politic, Wise, or valiant; And Lastly, Because the treacherous Murder of Bur●●ndy had rendered him Abhorred among the Neighbouring princes, and for the most part in France. And soon after this, by the means of the Duke and Queen of France, matters so ripened towards a Peace, That it was Agreed King Henry should have an Interview with Charles the French King, his Queen, and Daughter, at Trois in Campaign; whither he went, accompanied with his Brothers, the Dukes of Clarence and Gloucester, the Earls of Warwick, Salisbury, Huntingdon, Longevile, Tankervile and Ewe; and to prevent any Treacherous Surprise, drew a Camp of 15000 Men ●ear the Place; and so luckey were their Consultations, that within a few Days a strict Amity was made, and a Peace Proclaimed between the two Kings, upon many Articles: But the Substance briefly was, That the Crown of France and all its Rights, after the Death of King Charles and his Queen, should re●●in to King Henry and his Heirs forever; whereupon 〈◊〉 Married the Lady Catharine with great Pomp and ●●endour: So that the Salic Law of France was at ●s time made void. Yet the Pope being solicited to ●●firm King Henry, would not consent to it: How●●er the Articles of Peace and Agreement were Pro●●med in both Kingdoms; so that King Henry being ●w more at leisure, and commanding for the French King, as being appointed Regent or Protector of France, he pursued the Dauphin from place to place, stripping him with little labour of many important Towns, Castles, and Fortresses; and in the strong Town of Moylin on the River Seine, they took the Lord Barbason, and divers others, who were concerned in the Murder of the Duke of Burgundy; who being sent to Paris, were Tried, Sentenced, and put to Death; and the Duchess Dowager of Burgundy Appealing to a Grand Council in which the two Kings sat as Judges against the Dauphin and seven others, they were Summoned to appear at the Marble Table in Paris at a fixed Day; but failing to do it, as likewise in the Parliament soon after called, They were Banished the Realm, deprived of their Honours, Names, Titles, and Dignities whatsoever, and Proclaimed Enemies. This greatly perplexed the Dauphin: Yet going into Languedock, he was succoured and supported with Money Arms and other Necessaries, by the Earl of Arminack. Almost all France being reduced to Obedience, the two Kings and Queens took leave; and Henry received in his way to England Homage of all the Nobles of the Duchy of Normandy, and conferring high Honours and Titles on many, came to Calais, and from thence Sailed for England, where he was Joyfully received; and the February following Queen Catharine was Crowned at Westminster, with great Solemnity. The Dauphin upon King Henry's departure, began to look up a little, and having made the Young Duke of Alencon his Lieutenant; the Duke of Clarence was left Lieutenant for Henry, who deceived by one Andrew Forgusa, a Treacherous Lombard, whom he too much Trusted, thinking to repress the French Forces, was drawn into their Ambush, and after a desperate Fight against four to one, the English were Overthrown near Blangy; yet the French lost 1200 of their choicest Men; and of the English were slain the Duke of Clarence, the Earl of Tankervile, Sir Gilbert Vmphervile, the Lord Ross, and near 2000 of less Note; and taken Prisoners the Earls of Suffolk, Somerset, and Perch; the Lord Fitz-Walter, and others: But upon the approach of Sir Thomas Beaufort with a Band of Archers, the French hasted out of the Field with their Prisoners and Spoil, as having had hot work on it already, and not willing to try a second Encounter. The King was much troubled at this Overthrow, and the death of his Brother; but resolving Revenge, he sent the Earl of Montague to succeed him in the Command of the Provinces, and assembling a Parliament, caused to be laid before them the State of both Nations; whereupon to enable him in his Wars, the Temporality gave him one Fifteenth, and the Clergy two; and for Expedition, the Bishop of Winchester Advanced 20000 l. and received it again out of the Tax Granted by Parliament; whereupon an Army consisting of 24000 Men was Transported under the Command of John Duke of Bedford, the King's Brother, driving the Dauphin from the Siege of Chartieres, from thence the Duke Marched to Paris, and was soon joined by the Duke of Burgundy with 4000 Horse; nor was the King slow in following his Army, having with him James the Young King of Scots, who with his own People Besieged and Took Direux, and delivered it to King Henry, and so they chased the Dauphin out of all his strong Holds, compelling him to take Refuge in Berry, whither the King thought not fit to tyre his Army in following him; but having taken in a great many places, repassed the Loire. About this time Queen Catharine was delivered of a Son at Windsor; which News coming to the King, very much troubled him, because he had charged her not to Lye-in there; but being unexpectedly taken in Labour, necessity compelled her to do it. The King's Reason for it, was grounded on an old Prophecy, Predicting No Prince Fortunate that should be Born there: Whereupon, in a Passion he said to the Lord Fitz-Hugh, his Chamberlain, Good God I Henry of Monmouth shall have but a short Reign, and Win much; but Henry of Windsor shall Reign long, and Lose all: But God's Will be done. Soon after this, the King having Reduced the Isles of France, and almost all other Places, fell Sick, and unable to Travel: whereupon he committed the charge of the Army to his Brother John Duke of Bedford. Then calling together his Nobles, and sending for the Queen, he appointed the Duke of Bedford Regent of France, and Lieutenant General of Normandy; and his other Brother Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, Regent of England, and Protector of his Son's Person; Exhorting the Nobles to maintain the Friendship with the Duke of Burgundy, and always to be at Union among themselves; to be faithful to his Son and Queen, and never to conclude a Peace with the Dauphin till he submitted to his Son: Soon after this, he Died, August 31st Anno 1422 at Boice Le Vincenois in France, of a Burning , and Flux, in the 30th Year of his Age, when he had Reigned 9 Years, 5 Months, and 10 Days; and his Body being brought over, was Buried among his Noble Ancestors at Westminster, with extraordinary Solemnity. SUSSEX By I. Seller map of Sussex Remarks on the County of Sussex, etc. SUssex is a very pleasant open County in most parts, and much advantaged by its lying open on its South side to the Sea; It produces a considerable sprinkling of Corn, flocks of Sheep, and many Large Cattle; Fruit great store, and much Pasture-Ground; It abounds in Butter, Cheese, and some Honey, Flax and Hops; on the West it is Bounded with Hampshire, on the North with Kent and Surry, and on the East with the Sea, and some little part of Kent: It contains 1 City, viz. Chichester, which is a Bishops See, 65 Hundreds, Parishes 312, Market Towns 17, 1 Castle, 2 Rivers, 10 Bridges, and 33 Parks. It sends Members to Parliament 20, viz. Arundel 2, Bramber 2, Chichester 2, East Grinstead 2, Horesham 2, Lewis 2, Midhurst 2, New Shoreham 2, staining 2; and 2 Knights of the Shire: Besides the Cinque Ports, viz. Hastings 2, Rye 2, Seaford 2, and Winchelsea 2. Chichester in this County is held to be Founded by Cissa a South Saxon, and the Bishopric was Translated thither from Sesley by William the Conqueror; at Lewis King Ethelston Coined his Money, and a strong Castle was Built there by Earl Warren, and a Bloody Battle fought near it between King Henry and his Barons; at Pensey or Pevensey the Conqueror Landed when he won England; and near Hastings the great Fight was fought between William and King Harold for the Kingdom, and the place is called to this day Battelfield; at Buckstead the first Great Iron Guns in England were Cast: The Waters in this County produce the best Carp in the Island, and on the Sea Coast store of Lobsters are taken. Near Walsal are store of Lime Pits; Sesley is famed for Cockles; near Tenderden Steeple is a Stone that sensibly appears to Grow by the falliag of the Rain. The Seats of the Nobility are Arundel Castle, belonging to the Duke of Norfolk; Buckhurs and Stoneland, belonging to the Earl of Dorset; part of Bolebrook, to the Earl of Thanet; Herst Monceux, to the Earl of Sussex; Cowdrey, Battel-Abby and Poynings, to the Lord Montague; Petworth-Place, to the Duke of Somerset; Eridg, to the Lord Abergavenny; Up-Park, to the Lord Grey; and Chichester Palace, to the Bishop of the Diocese: And many sightly Houses belonging to the Gentry, etc. The Reign of HENRY the Sixth (commonly called Henry of Windsor.) HENRY the Sixth, being at the Death of his Father not above three Months Old, a Parliament was soon after called, and he Crowned at Westminster, at five Months Old, the Queen holding him in her Lap whilst the Ceremony was performed, and likewise brought into the Parliament-House, where the Lords paid Homage to him as their Rightful Sovereign; a Speech on his behalf being made to them by the Queen, Exhorting them to be steadfast and Unanimous in securing his Right, and opposing his Enemies, etc. which they promised to be, and endeavour to the utmost. Not long after this, King Charles the Sixth Dying, the French Nobleses began to bethink themselves, that it stood little with their Honour to be subject to a Prince of another Nation, whilst they had a Son of their King amongst them; and forgetting their Oaths and Fealty, they began on a sudden to grow cold towards the English, and seemed desirous to shake off their Yoke; of which the Regent giving notice to his Brother in England, care was taken continually to send him over Men and Money, to compel them, if necessity required it, to their Obedience; but first he used all manner of fair Means, minding them if they persevered in their Loyalty, the happy conclusion would make them Rich and Fortunate, win to them the Love and Favour of their Young King, as he grew up and increased in Wisdom and Years, etc. However the Dauphin got himself Crowned by his Party, under the Title of Charles the Seventh; and with his small Army took the Field, sending the Lord Grandval to Besiege Pont-Melance on the River Seine, which he had the fortune to surprise before the English Garrison was ware of his coming, putting most he found therein to the Sword; but it was soon regained by the Earl of Salisbury, and the Lord Grandval swore Allegiance for his Ransom, to King Henry, but basely revolted as soon as he was Enlarged: Then the Earl took Senes; whereupon the Parisians sued to the New French King to assist them underhand, tho' at the same time they had for a colour sent some of their Citizens to King Henry, promising a continued Duty and Loyalty, for yet they found not matters ripe for an open Revolt: But whilst the Regent was Magnificently Celebrating his Nuptials with the Lady Ann Sister to the Duke of Burgundy, they secretly sent to Charles, Advertising him, That if he came speedily with any considerable Power, they would overmaster the English Garrison, and deliver the City into his hands. This greatly Rejoiced him; but whilst his Preparations were slow, the Conspiracy was made known to the Regent, who swiftly Marched his Army in at their Gates, seized on the chief Conspirators, and caused them to be Executed in sundry places of the City; placing a greater Garrison, which very much kerbed them, bridling them more with the Castle of Pacy and Coursay, not far from thence, which he took, and strongly Fortified; and to prevent the Scots Aiding the French, James their King was sent home, who had been taken on the Seas, and a Prisoner at Large to the English many Years; yet the English Interest was something weakened by the Revolt of the Duke of Britainy, who fearing the Regent growing Powerful might bring him into subjection, joined with the Dauphin, as did his Brother Arthur Earl of Yurie, causing that Town in Normandy of which King Henry the Fifth had made him Captain, to Rebel; yet that and Vernoille, which had likewise Revolted, were soon Regained, and the French Armies that came to Relieve them, were Overthrown. Soon after, the defeated Governor of Yurie, whom the Dauphin had unworthily made Constable of France, Besieged St. James Town in Bayon, with 4000 Men, but the Besieged issuing out with hideous cries of St. George and the Earl Salisbury, who by his Martial deeds was grown Terrible to the French, that Army being seized with a fear that the Earl was entered with his Army on the other side, and about to break-in upon them, all in confusion threw away their Arms and fled; so a handful of Men pursuing, a great many of them leapt into the River and were Drowned, others were slain, and all the Rich Plunder of the Camp fell to the English. But whilst we thus Triumphed in France, a Mischief had like to have marred all at home, by a discord that happened between the Duke of Gloucester and his Uncle the Bishop of Winchester: But the Regent leaving the Earl of Warwick his Lieutenant General in France, came timely over, and made them Friends in a Parliament he called; in honour of which Reconciliation, the Young King held a solemn Feast, and the Regent Dubbed him a Knight; after which, the King made Richard, Son to the late Earl of Cambridge, Duke of York, and Restored John Mowbray Earl Marshal, to his Father's Duchy of Norfolk; and the Bishop of Winchester going to Calais, met the Pope's Bull which Invested him with the Dignity of a Cardinal, which highly pleased him; and new Forces being Levied in England, were sent to strengthen the Armies in France; so that a great number of Towns that had Revolted, were Regained, and many French Nobles put to their Ransoms, which raised Money to maintain the War. Orleans being now the strongest place the French held, the Earl of Salisbury laid Siege to it; but after two Months lying before it, the Earl from a Watch-Tower taking a view of the Town where it was easiest to be Assaulted, was slain by a shot from a Culverin; being the first Noble Englishman ever known to be killed by a Great Shot; and with his Death, the Courage of the English much abated. However, the Earl of Suffolk succeeded him in the Command, who sending out Sir John Falstaff to procure Provisions for the Camp, the Lord Delabreth in his return intending to surprise him with a great Power, was beaten by his small Party, as being catched again with the Agincourt Trap, by Goaring their Horses on Irons Pointed, whilst the English retired safe behind them, and with their Arrows made a miserable Slaughter of 2500 of his Men, taking 11000 Prisoners, and a great Boo●; whereupon the Besieged in Orleans offered to deliver up the City to the Duke of Burgundy, if he would take them into his immediate Protection, which he consented to do, if the Regent would Agree to it: But when he proposed it, the Regent told him, He could not, for since King Henry had been at such great Charge to reduce it to Extremity, and at a point to Yield, it was altogether reasonable it should obey no other Sovereign but him. This much perplexed the Duke, and made him ever after lessen his Affections to the English, till he quite fell off, and to their great detriment joined with the adverse party. The Citizens of Orleans finding their Proposal fruitless, sent to the Dauphin for speedy Succour, resolving to hold out to the last Extremity, and the Watches of the English Camp being careless, as expecting every day it would Surrender, in the depth of Night they thrust several Thousand Men in, with store of Provisions; so that within a few days they boldly Sallied with their main Strength, won a strong Pass, and slew 600 English that Guarded it, but Assaulting a Bastile where the Lord Talbot lay, he fell on them with such fury, that leaving half their Number Dead, the rest fled fearful into the Town. But the next day the Earl of Suffolk, by reason of the new Supplies, seeing no probability of winning the Place, raised the Sirge, and put the greater part of his Army into Garrisons; but whilst himself lay at Jargeaux, the French won it, and took him Prisoner, and many Noble Prisoners were Slain, because the French hotly contended among themselves to whom they rightly belonged; and about 25000 French under the Earl of Vendosm and others, meeting with the Lords Scales, Talbot, and Hungerford who Fought with them desperately; but not having above 5000 English, they were Overthrown, and the Lords taken Prisoners; yet the French magnifying their Victory, many small Towns and Castles Revolted to them, as Trois, Rheims, Challons, and many others; which made the Regent resolve to give Charles Battle, sending to defy him as a Usurper and Traitor to his Lord and Master; and tho' he drew out his Army and made some semblance as if he accepted the Challenge, yet he shifted and fled from place to place, and could not be brought to a fair Field; and the Towns still Revolting, it was thought Expedient to send for King Henry over, thinking his Presence might keep the rest in Obedience; and accordingly coming to Paris, he was Crowned there King of France, with much Royal Pomp and Solemnity: Yet this stopped not the current of the Revolt; whereupon no sooner was the King returned to England, but the Regent hastened into Normandy to secure his Interest there; for things run so strongly, he knew not whom he might trust. Whilst these things were doing, Charles who had been likewise Crowned King of France, with many Flatteries and large Promises of Honour, Riches, and Promotion, laboured to withdraw the Duke of Burgundy from King Henry's Interest; yet at this time, tho' he was not well affected to the English, by reason of the distaste he conceived at the Siege of Orleans, he refused his offers, and acquainted the Regent with the whole Intrigue; so that when Charles perceived this device was fruitless, he drew down his whole Army before Paris, but after many Assaults, he was beaten off, with a great slaughter of his Men, by the English in Garrison there, and some few Citizens as were well affected to King Henry; for which the Regent at his return gave them many Thanks and Rewards; at which they seemed greatly to rejoice, promising much, but in the sequel performing little. These troublesome Wars having held a long time, the Princes of Europe mediated for Peace, which only came to a six Years Truce, and yet that was broke much sooner, upon the death of Ann, the Regent's Duchess, Sister to the Duke of Burgundy, and his Marrying the Lady Jaquet, Daughter to the Earl of St. Paul. For as much as hereupon the Duke of Burgundy's Love to the English more and more declined, and the bond of Affinity that tied him more strictly to the Regent, being sundered by the Death of his Sister; and now the French taking all advantages, secretly conveyed 200 Men into the Castle of Rouen in Normandy; but they were Assaulted by the Garrison with such timely Courage (for they had been Introduced by the Treachery of the Deputy-Governour, as Friends) that they were beaten into the Dungeon, from whence they were sentenced some to the Gallows, others to a different manner of Death, by Cruel Torments; and those that sped best, were put to great Ransoms. Hereupon the Regent took the Field, and being Reinforced by 800 Men at Arms, brought over by the Lord Talbot, who had sometime before, by his Ransom being paid, been set at liberty; and often urged the French to a Battle, which they declined: In the mean while, the Boors in Normandy risen in a tumultuous Rebellion, but being Overthrown by the Earl of Arundel, about 1000 of them Slain, and several of their Ringleaders Executed, this disturbance was quieted. But as the Earl went to recover St. Rue, which had Revolted, attempting to take in by the way Greborie Castle, he was shot in the Ankle with a Culverin Ball, and being taken Prisoner, soon after Dyed of his Wound. The Duke of Bourbon, who had been taken Prisoner at the Battle of Agincourt, after fifteen Years Imprisonment, paid his Ransom; but the day he intended to Embark for France, Dyed at London. And now after many Jealousies between the Regent and Duke of Burgundy, their Friends laboured to Reconcile them, and they seemingly were again united in strict Amity: But going together into the Town of St. Omer's, th● Regent expected the first Visit, as due to his Character and Dignity, but the Duke being Sovereign Lord of that Town, supposed he should be Checked by his Subjects for such a dishonourable condesention; thereupon they declined the Visits, and both left the Town in much Anger, and forthwith the Duke of Burgundy entered into a strict League with Charles, who had taken on him the stile of King of France. After this, St. Dennis, and other Towns were Surprised, or otherways Taken by the French, but many of them again Retaken; and those that were not looked on as Teneable, Dismantled: And now the Regent by reason of his unwearied Toil, falling into a desperate Languishment, Dyed; and was Buried in a stately Monument, erected for him in our Lady's Church in Rouen; and Richard Duke of York appointed Regent in his stead, against the Mind of the King's nearest Friends and best Counselors, who were not Ignorant of his Aspiring and pretensions to the Crown: Soon after Paris Revolted, and another Rebellion was raised in Normandy, but soon suppressed by the Lords Talbot, Seales, and others, and the Duke of Burgundy laid Siege to Calais, but was compelled to raise it and fly by Night, upon notice the Protector was sending great Forces from England to Relieve it; and 20000 Men soon after Landed, Burning and Wasting the Duke's Countries of Flanders, and Arthois. But now the French began to deal with the Scots, the better to Favour their Designs, and James the First of Scotland forgetting the Benefits he had received from King Henry the Fifth, entered England with 30000 Men, and Besieged Roxborough Castle; which was valiantly Defended by Sir Ralph Grey: But upon the approach of the Earl of Northumberland, he raised his Siege, and fled. About this time Queen Catharine, Mother to King Henry, Married Owen Tuther, a goodly Gentleman, descended from Cadwallader the last of the British Kings; and by her had Issue two Sons, viz. Edmund and Jasper; Edmund was by King Henry created Earl of Richmond, and took to Wife the Lady Margaret sole Daughter to John Duke of Somerset, and on her he got King Henry the Seventh; and Jasper was created Earl of Pembroke. And now the King's Council so prevailed with him, that Richard Duke of York was discharged from his Regency in France, and the Earl of Warwick appointed in his stead; who beat the Duke of Burgundy from the Siege of Croy, when in his flight Sir Thomas Tyrrel falling in his Rear, took his Cannon, and the greater part of his Baggage, finding in Plate and Money 20000 l. And the Earl of Mortayn, Son to Edmund Duke of Somerset, Assaulting the Castle of St. Avyar in Main, took it by Storm, and put to the Sword 300 Scots, and Hanged all the Frenchmen he found therein, because having Sworn Allegiance to King Henry, they Revolted. Whilst these things were doing, the Elder Son of Charles raised a strong Faction, and Rebelled against him, and by public Edicts divulged the insufficiency of his Father to Rule that Kingdom. This Cloud threatened a coming Storm, and begat the Question in his Father and his Counselors of State, Whether it was most proper to attempt the curing this Malady by Civil War, & letting of Blood, or by Discretion and Policy, without Blows: But the Latter was approved, and Proclamations made by the French King to Prohibit all his Subjects on pain of Death, not to yield any Obedience to the Dauphin's Commands, Pardoning such as by his persuasion had undertaken his Service; so that divers Letters and Messages passing between them, an Accommodation was made. Whilst this Difference lasted, the English endeavoured the regaining Paris; but that failing, John Lord Clifford surprised Panthois, by Attiring his Men in White, and passing the Ditches hard Frozen and covered with Snow, scaling the Walls and killing the Watch. And now the noble Earl of Warwick Dying, the Duke of York a second time was made Regent of France; yet the French by Encroachments and Revolts of many Towns, encouraged (when their Courage failed) by one Joan of Arc, a Martial Maid, who pretended she was sent by Heaven to assist her Bleeding Country, and indeed Leading the French Troops, she did many brave Exploits, till taken by the English, after she had received many Wounds, they tried her and burned her for a Witch, tho' great Ransoms were offered for her by the French; and this they the rather did, not only for that she beat them off from the Siege of Orleans, and worsted them in many Skirmishes, but because the French conceived a superstitious confidence that whilst she Lived, their Proceed would be successful and prosperous: Yet both Potentates in the End, on the French recovering Ponthois, growing weary of so tedious a War, that had wasted their People and Treasure, a Conference was appointed at Calais, and here they often consulted about Peace; but in conlusion adjourned the Negotiation, because King Henry's Demands were looked on as unreasonable in Three Points, viz. 1. In regard of the great Ransom demanded for the Duke of Orleans. 2. For that the peaceable and quiet possession of the Dutchies of Aquitaine and Normandy were required without any Homage or Sovereignty acknowledged to the Crown of France. 3. For that the surrendering and yielding up into King Henry's hands all such Cities, Towns, Forts, and Territories in France as the English had at any time enjoyed within the space of thirty Years past, was required. However tho' the Parley was dissolved, yet the Duke of Orleans being brought to Calais, tho' King Henry the Fifth on his Deathbed had commanded he should not be Ransomed, he was Ransomed by the Duke of Burgundy, and Honourably conveyed to the French Court. And now to make way for Calamities at Home, as well as Misfortunes Abroad, a Quarrel arose between the Cardinal of Winchester and Duke of Gloucester; for the Duke being Protector of the Realm, making Complaints against the Cardinals Acting many things contrary to the Interest of the King and Kingdom, without any Warrant, or making the King Acquainted with it, The Cardinal in Revenge procured the Duchess of Gloucester to be accused of Sorcery and Witchcraft, holding correspondence with Witches, to take away the King's Life; and tho' most believed there was nothing at all in it, yet the Cardinal being backed by the Clergy, procured her upon groundless suggestions, to do public Penance twice in the City of London, and to be doomed to perpetual Imprisonment; and the better to colour the matter, some who were pretended to be her Associates, suffered the Flames. After the refusal of some other Matches, as the Earl of Arminack's Daughter, etc. King Henry (by the means and procurement of the Earl of Suffolk, Bribed by the French King) Married the Lady Margaret, whom he received by Suffolk his Ambassador at the Hands of the French King, and Reyner her Father, Duke of Anjou, Titular King of Sicily, Naples, and Jerusalem, tho' with her he had little or no Dowry; which made the Match be much disliked by the Nobles and Commons. Yet for this Service the Earl was created Duke of Suffolk, and stood high in the Queen's favour; and they soon found means to dismiss the good Duke of Gloucester from his Protectorship, after he had a long time faithfully Served the King and Kingdom. And soon after, the deposed Protector, by the contrivance of his Grand Enemies, was Accused (in a Parliament assembled by the Queen in the King's Name at Bury) of High Treason, and committed to the Tower; where the next day he was found dead in his Bed, to the great Grief of almost all the Kingdom, as being a Pious, valiant, and Virtuous Prince; it was generally concluded he was Smothered, for no Wound was found about him: But God was not slow in requiring his Blood at the hands of those that were undoubtedly the contrivers of his fall; for upon the removal of this great and beloved Statesman, Richard Duke of York found an open way to thrust in, and set up his pretensions of Title to the Crown, making himself strong in Friends and Treasure, the better to carry on his designs. So that being now Intent on his own Advancement, he grew careless of his Command, which turned greatly to the advantage of the French; for the Truce no sooner expired, but they came strongly prepared into the Field, and making three Armies, took in divers little Towns; and this success emboldened them, that holding secret correspondence with the Inhabitants of Rouen in Normandy, they drew an Army before that City; whereupon the Citizens compelled the Earls of Somerset and Shrewsbury to Surrender the place; having leave to departed to Caen with all their Goods: Soon after Hareflew, and divers other places were lost. A Rebellion about this time breaking out in Ireland, the Duke of Somerset was made Regent or Lieutenant in Normandy, and the Duke of York sent over to quell the Irish Rebels, which he easily effected. But this dividing, weakening the English Strength, the King's Army in Normandy was Overthrown, and Caen Lost, and soon after all Normandy; and now Divisions happened at Home; for the Duke of Suffolk the Queen's Favourite, being Envied by the People, they were Instigated by the Duke of York, and his Faction, to make many grievous Complaints against him, upon the miscarriages in Government; whereupon he was (to please them) colourably committed to the Tower, yet had his Liberty at will; which so Incensed them, that making a Fellow their Captain, nicknamed Bluebeard, they fell into Rebellion; but were soon Quelled, and some of their Ringleaders Executed, the rest were Pardoned. Hereupon the King and Queen thinking to reconcile all Differences, a Parliament was called; but contrary to their expectation, the Commons craved Justice on the Duke of Suffolk, and upon his Associates, viz. James Fines, Lord Say, and Treasurer of England, John Bishop of Salisbury, and some others; whereupon he was Banished for Five Years; but as he Sailed for France, being way laid, he was taken by an English Man of War, brought to Dover, and had his Head chopped off on the side of the Ship's Boat; supposed to be done by the Duke of York's contrivance; yet he was not Lamented by any but the King and Queen, because it was verily supposed he had a hand in the Duke of Glocester's death. And now the Duke of York (though in Ireland) did by his Agents here stir up a Rebellion among the Plebeians, whose Ringleader was Jack Cade, who falsely Named himself John Mortimer right Heir to the Crown; but the King's Forces dispersed them, many being Slain, and Cade being Proscribed, and a Thousand Marks set on his Head, it was soon after brought to the King. The Duke of York being defeated in this, by the Advice of his Friends returned out of Ireland without the King's leave, and consulting with the Earls of Warwick, Devonshire, Salisbury, and others, they resolved to complain in Parliament of the Queen's Misgovernment; who by reason of the King's Weakness and Imbecility, did what she pleased, as also did her Favourits, the chief of which now was the Duke of Somerset; but his complaints not taking such effect as he supposed, upon new Counsels he took other Measures, raising an Army under pretence of removing Evil Counselors from the King, charging the Duke of Somerset with oppressing the People, and the many Miscarriages in France during his Regency, occasioning the loss of Normandy and Aquitain, with many other things. The King upon this fearing the worst, raised likewise an Army; whereupon the Duke of York sent a submissive Message and Letter to him, That he intended nothing against his Royal Person, nor against the State, but only craved, That in Parliament the Duke of Somerset might be Tried, and caused to Answer to such Crimes as would be Objected against him; and the Duke of Somerset upon this, being for show sake, committed to the Tower, the Duke of York dissolved his Army, and came to the King; where contrary to his expectation, he met with the Duke of Somerset, who Accused him of Treason, for that without the Kings Leave or Commandment, he had raised an Army, with which he intended to have Murdered his Sovereign, and made himself Inheritor and Possessor of the Crown: Whereupon the Duke was Arrested, but in a few days Released. Whilst these things happened in England, the Lords of Guyan and Aquitain threw off their Subjection to France, and sent secret Messages to King Henry, That if he would furnish an Army to Protect them, they would redeliver those Provinces into his Possession; upon which, the Earl of Shrewsbury was sent with 3000 Men, who received them into the King's Protection: But soon after, being fought with by 20000 French, he was Overthrown and Slain, with almost all his followers; and thereupon these Provinces were utterly Lost. In the mean while the Queen was delivered of a Son, whom she caused to be Named Edward. The Duke of York having strengthened his Faction, made grievous Complaints to the Lords in Parliament against the Duke of Somerset, so that in the Queen's Chamber he was Arrested for High Treason, and conveyed to the Tower. But the Parliament being suddenly Adjourned, and the King by many protestations faithfully promising, that at some other time he should Answer those Accusations, he was set at Liberty, and made Captain of the Castle and Town of Calais, which made the Duke of York Leavy another Army, and fought with the King at St. Alban, and so prevailed, that the Duke of Somerset, the Earls of Northumberland and Stafford, the Lord Clifford, and about 8000 others, were Slain; the King was also hurt in the Neck with an Arrow, and taken Prisoner; but used with much dissembled Civility, and brought to London; where at the Duke of York's entreaty he called a Parliament, and the Earl of Salisbury was made Chancellor, The Earl of Warwick Captain of Calais; The Duke of York was likewise appointed Protector of the King's Person, and of the Realm; but the Queen being persuaded he Aimed at the Crown, they were soon displaced. Whilst these Differences continued, many disorders happened; The Houses of Merchant-Strangers were Rifled and Rob in London, and the French greatly Annoyed our Merchants on the Seas, which compelled the Queen (who was Wise, Politic, and of a Masculine Spirit) to use a Stratagem, which was to get the King to retire into the North for his Pleasure, and sent Letters to the Three Lords immediately to come and Confer with him, who delayed not to do it; but having secret notice their destruction was intended, they timely Fled, and prevented their Ruin. Yet the King advised by his grave Counselors, laboured for an Accommodation of matters, appointing for this purpose a General Meeting of all his Lords at London, who came strongly Guarded with Friends and Servants, where the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, and other great Clergymen, used such Persuasions and Arguments, That the King, Queen, and all the Lords, were pleased in friendly and in kind sort to consent that all Jars and Discontents should be laid aside; and by Instruments in Writing a Reconciliation was outwardly Confirmed, but not with any hearty goodwill on either side; yet it greatly Rejoiced the People, who thought it Real. After this, the King rod through the City with the Crown on his Head, the Duke of York conducted the Queen, and the Lords of either Faction rod two and two together. Not long after this, one of the King's Servants was Wounded in the Court by a Gentleman belonging to the Earl of Warwick, who escaping, the rest of the King's Servants fell upon the Earl as he came from the Council-Table, but he Escaped by Water, and was searched after in London in order to be sent to the Tower; yet he was not there but fled into Yorkshire, complaining to his Father the Earl of Salisbury, of the Injury that had been done to him; who Advised him immediately to repair to his Government of Calais and then the Earl of Salisbury raised an Army, and Marched towards London, of which the Queen had no sooner notice, but she sent the Lord Audley to oppose him; so that the Battle being joined, after a sharp Fight the Lord Audley and 2200 of his Men was Slain, the rest flying, and leaving Salisbury Master of the Field; upon this success, the Duke of York conceiving he should gain what he aimed at, raised an Army on the Marches of Wales, and Joining with Salisbury near Ludlow, the King's Army came in sight of them; but the Lords fearing they were Betrayed by one Andrew Trollop and John Blunt, two famous Captains, trained up in the French Wars, who had been brought over by the Earl of Warwick, because after they had showed them advantageously how to Attack the King's Army, they had on scruple of Conscience deserted and gone over to him; raised their Camp in the Night, and secretly Retiring, disbanded their Army, and shifted for themselves; yet several of their Captains being Taken, were Executed, but the common Soldiers Pardoned, and the flying Lords Proclaimed Arch Traitors to the King and Kingdom; their Goods, Offices, and Lands Sequestered to the Kings Use, etc. And the King made Henry, Son to the Duke of Somerset, Slain in the Battle of St. Alban, Captain of Calais; and now the King on good Advice Assembled a Parliament, in which the Lords of the Yorkist's Faction were Attainted of High Treason; and to prevent the Returning of such as were Fled beyond the Seas, the Ports were Fortified, and strictly Guarded; yet they returned, took Sandwich, and in a short time raised an Army of 25000 Men; with which they Marched towards London; to secure which, the Lord Scales was sent by the King; but the Lord Mayor refused him admittance, saying, He was able to defend the City, and would do it, seeing the King had committed it to his charge; so that after many Countermarches, the Army the King had raised, and that of the Lords, met near Northampton, where the King was Overthrown and taken Prisoner, 2000 of his Men were Slain, and of Note Humphrey Duke of Buckingham, John Earl of Shrewsbury, Thomas Lord Egremont, and John Viscount Beaumont; whereupon the Queen, with the Young Prince and Duke of Somerset, fled into Scotland, and were kindly received; the King was conveyed to the Tower, and the Lord Seals attempting to pass the River in disguise, was discovered by the Wherryman, who cut off his Head and left his Body on the Sands; and Thomas Thorp, the Second Baron of the Exchequer, shaving his Crown, and putting himself in the Habit of a Monk, was taken flying to the Queen, and being brought to the Earl of Warwick he committed him to the Tower, where he remained a long time after. The Duke of York informed of this Victory, hasted from Ireland, and procured a Parliament to be Assembled in the King's Name at London, where placing himself in the Throne, he declared his Right to the Crown, viz. That he was Son and Heir of Ann, Daughter to Roger Mortimer Earl of March, who was Son and Heir to Philippe, sole Daughter and Heiress to Lionel Duke of Clarence, Elder Brother to John Duke of Lancaster, Great Grandfather to the present Henry the Sixth; and then proceeded to lay before them the Mischiefs and Losses that had befallen the Kingdom by misplacing the Succession, by reason God was Angry with them for so doing; and to prevent many more he desired it might be restored in the Direct Line. When the Lords and Commons had deliberated upon this weighty Affair, the contrary Party (more out of fear than conscience, goodwill, or affection) agreed with the Duke's Faction; and it was Enacted, That King Henry during his Natural Life should retain the Name and Honour of a King; and that the Duke of York should be Proclaimed Heir apparent to the Crown, and be Protector of the King's Person and of the Realm, and should have the present possession of the Crown delivered to him, if at any time King Henry, his Friends, Allies, or Favourites, on his behalf attempted to infringe this Act, which was Agreed to and Confirmed by their Oaths. The Duke of York by this means being got near to what he aimed at, required the Queen, the Dukes of Somerset and Exeter, the Earl of Devonshire, the Lords Clifford, Ross, and others, immediately to repair from the North, whither they were fled, and confer with the King; but instead of so doing, being much displeased with the Proceed of the Parliament, they Levied an Army and with it advanced towards London: The Duke of York had soon notice of it, and Marched with all speed to oppose them, leaving the King in the custody of the Duke of Norfolk and Earl of Warwick; and the two Armies met near Wakefield: Where the Duke being too weak, was persuaded to stay for the arrival of Edward Earl of March, his Son, who was advancing from the borders of Wales with an Army to Join him; but being carried headlong by his forward Destiny, which designed him not to be a King, though he wanted but one step to the Throne, he forthwith gave the onset; but within an Hours space, almost three Thousand of his Companions were Slain, together with himself, and his Youngest Son the Earl of Rutland, not exceeding 12 Years, who kneeling on his Knees desired Mercy, but was cruelly Stabbed to the Heart by the Lord Clifford; who horribly Swore, By that Act he would be Revenged for his Father's Death: So that upon this the rest of the Army Fled: The Duke of York's Head being cut off by those that found him dead in the Field, was presented to the Queen, who caused a Paper Crown to be set on it in derision, and placed it on the Walls of the City of York, Beheading the Earl of Salisbury, and others of his Favourites, who were taken Prisoners, and placing their Heads with his to bear him company. The Queen supposing now her fears were over by the slaughter of her Capital Enemies, Advanced towards London, overthrowing the Earl of Warwick, and such Forces as he had gathered to oppose her, by which means King Henry was set at Liberty, and Joyfully received by her: But than News came that the Earl of March, who hearing of his Father's death, had taken on him the Title of Duke of York, had Overthrown the Earls of Pembroke, Ormond, and Wiltshire, Beheaded Owen Tuther, the King's Father-in-Law, who had Married his Mother the Queen Dowager, and divers others, whose Heads he placed in the Room of his Fathers, and other Heads of his Friends, which the Queen had caused to be set on the Walls of York. This sudden Turn of Fortune made the Queen draw out her Army and hasten towards him, having raised an Army of 60000 Men, and near a Town called Towton, the New Duke of York and Earl of Warwick met her with near 50000; so that a cruel and bloody Battle ensued, wherein on both sides about 36000 were slain, among whom were the Earls of Northumberland, Westmorland, the Lords Dacres, Wells, Clifford, etc. The Dukes of Somerset and Exeter saved themselves by flight, but the Earl of Devonshire with sundry others of Note were made Prisoners. Upon this great Overthrow (for it fell on the Kings-side, who was always Unfortunate in the Field) he with the Queen and Prince fled into Scotland, where they were favourably received, and in lieu of their kind Entertainment delivered Berwick to the Scots, which they much desired, and attempted often times to gain, tho' beaten off with great loss; so that the Duke of York being every where Received as King, may be said here to put an end to Henry's Reign (tho' he Lived much longer) when he had Reigned 38 Years, 6 Months, and 3 Days, and was after Stabbed in the Tower by Richard Duke of Gloucester, King Edward the Fourths Brother, Anno 1471 in the 49th Year of his Age as will appear more largely in the Reign of that King: His Body was first Buried in the Abbey of Chertsey in Surry, then by King Henry the Seventh at Winchester, after removed none can tell where, as not being found in History. In this King's Reign from the beginning of April to Allhallontide, fell such abundance of Rain that the Corn and Hay Harvest were utterly spoiled, which occasioned a dearth among Men and Cattle. Anno 1435 the Thames was so Frozen, that no homeward-bound Ships could enter it, and Games and Pastimes were Exercised on the Ice. Anno 1438 all the Lions in the Tower of London died; and in the 23d Year of the King, on Candlemas Eve, terrible Thunders and Lightnings happened, by which the Church of Baldock in Hartfordshire, and that of Walden in Essex were greatly shattered, and St. Paul's Steeple in London set on Fire. WARWICK SHIRE map of Warwickshire Anno Dom. 1459, the Useful and Noble Science of Printing was found out by a Soldier, at Magunce in Germany, and brought into England about 12 Years after, by William Caxton a Mercer. Remarks on Warwickshire, etc. WArwickshire is an Inland County, very pleasantly situate, well Wooded, and encumbered but with few Hills: It is Bounded with Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, and Gloucestershire: It abounds with Cattle, Corn, Wool, Cheese, Butter, pleasant Pastures, Fish and Fowl. It contains 5 Hundreds, in which are 158 Parishes, 14 Market Towns, 4 Castles, 10 Rivers, 10 Bridges, 13 Parks, and 2 Forests: It sends Members to Parliament 6, viz. Coventry City 2, Warwick 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. Warwick, the Shire Town, is of very Ancient foundation; held to be builded by Gurguntus a British King, 375 Years before the Birth of our Saviour; the Castle yet retaining very many marks of great Antiquity, and Memorable for the Residence of the Renowned Guy Earl of Warwick, where is kept a Vessel called his Pot, and usually filled with good Liquor to be Drunk by all comers, on memorable Days. It is commodiously situate on the River Avon. Coventry jointly with Litchfield make a Bishopric; on one of its Gates, called Gifford-Gate, is the Bone of a Monstrous Beast fastened, said to be that of the huge Boar Guy slew, who with his Snout turned up a deep place now called Swanes Mear. At Wolney, Anno 1469, King Edward the Fourth was taken Prisoner by the great Earl of Warwick, and his Forces scattered. At Backlow Hill, Pierce Gaviston was taken and Beheaded. The other Places of Note are Henly, Southam, Sutton, Atherstone, Kyneton, Rougby, Aulchester, Bitford. The River Tame abounds with Fish and finely branches the Northern part of the County, as Avon does most of the rest, over which leading to Warwick is a sightly and strong Bridge. At Lemington a Salt Spring arises a great distance from the Sea. At Newenham or Menhem Reges is a Petrifying Well. Snale Stones, Star Stones, and Cockel Stones, are found near Shugbury. The Nobleman's Seats are Milcot-House, belonging to the Earl of Dorset; Compton-Place, to the Earl of Northampton; Newnham Padox, to the Earl of Denby; Wormleighton, to the Earl of Sunderland; Comb, to the Earl of Craven; Ragley and Luddington, to the Earl of Conway; Hewel Grange, to the Earl of Plymouth; Ettington, to the Lord Ferrer; Warwick Castle, Knowel, and Beuchamps Court, to the Lord Brook; Fletchamstead and Stonely, to the Lord Leigh; Wotenwaven and Aln-Lodg, to the Lord Carrington; besides many pleasant Seats of the Gentry, sightful to Travellers. The Reign of King EDWARD the Fourth. EDWARD Duke of York having prevailed over the Lancastrians, and put to death many of his great Enemies, Marched Triumphantly to London, where he was by the Citizens joyfully received, and Proclaimed King on the 4th of March Anno 1461, and the 19th of June following he was Crowned at Westminster; but his carriage towards the Citizens afterward made them repent their forwardness to take part with him against King Henry, who had always loved them, and been their constant Friend. Soon after his Coronation, he called a Parliament, and laboured therein to settle the Affairs of the Kingdom which were much disordered by the Civil War. And all former Statutes made in the Reign of Henry, which Attainted him and his Adherents of High Treason, were Canceled and made void. The Earl of Oxford, and Sir Awbrey Vere his Son, were in this Parliament Attainted of sundry Treasons, and lost their Heads; and to strengthen his Interest, he conferred Titles of Honour on a great many of his Friends. Whereupon seeing little hopes left of King Henry's Recovering his Crown, the Duke of Somerset, Sir Ralph Piercey, and others, submitted themselves to Edward's Mercy, and were received into favour; but upon notice the Queen was arrived from France in the North, and by the Aid of the Scots had raised a considerable Army, they secretly fled to her. Edward had soon notice of these Proceed, and sent the Lord Montacute before him with a considerable Force, himself followed with the rest of the Army; and this Lord with such resolution and bravery set upon the Lords Hungerford and Ross, that at the beginning of the Fight they Cowardly fled away; but Sir Ralph Piercey, and other stout Commanders, who preferred an honourable death before a shameful desertion of their Men, fought it out bravely till they lost their Lives in the Field, and left the Victory to their Adversary. The Lord Montacute flushed with this success, and thirsting after fame, without staying for the King, set upon Queen Margaret's Army, and after a bloody Fight put her to the Rout; and Henry Duke of Summerset, William Tallboies (who styled himself Earl of Kent) the Lords Ross, Mollines and Hungerford, Sir Henry Nevel, Sir Thomas Wentworth, and Sir Richard Tunstal, being Taken, were in several places Beheaded, and 27 others were shortly after Executed in divers manners. But after this Overthrow, Henry Escaped to Scotland with his half-Brother Jasper Earl of Pembroke, Sir Ralph Grey, and others, and hereupon all the Castles in the North fell into King Edward's hands. For this Service done by the Lord Montacute, the King would have given him the Earldom of Northumberland; but upon that Earls submitting, though he had fought against him, he restored him to his Lands and Honours, giving Montacute in lieu of his Resignation, the Title of a Marquis; and to encourage his Soldiers, and such as had deserved well, he bestowed on them great Bounties out of the confiscated Estates of his Enemies, causing many advantageous Laws to be Enacted, the better to settle him on the Throne, by gaining the affection of the People. Soon after this, King Henry returning disguised into England, was discovered, taken Prisoner, and sent to Edward, who committed him to close ward in the Tower. King Edward now thinking himself firmly fixed in the Throne, by the advice of the Estates, after the proposals of several Matches, concluded to send his great Friend Richard Nevil, Earl of Warwick, to require the Lady Bona, Daughter to Lewis Duke of Savoy, and Sister to Charete Queen to Lewis the Eleventh King of France, in Marriage; the Earl was sent over with a very splended Equipage, and with many Rich presents to the Lady; and was so prosperous in his Negotiation, that all things he had in Commission were soon agreed to, the Portion assigned, and the Instruments for settling her Dowry ratified; but this wrought much mischief to King Edward: For going to Recreate himself at his Manor of Grafton, he there cast his Eyes on the Beautiful Elizabeth, Widow to Sir John Grey, slain in King Henry's cause at the Battle of St. Alban; and by no persuasions being able to gain her for his Concubine, though he had freely granted her her Husband's Estate, which she Petitioned to him for, so inflamed was he with the desire of Enjoying her, (and she plainly telling him, As she thought herself of too mean a condition to be his Wife; so she thought herself much above his demands of being his Concubine; and tho' her Life might be at his dispose, her Chastity was not to be violated but with that Cumpulsion that would pull down vengeance on his Head) that laying aside the thoughts of any other, he Married her; promoting all her Kindred to Dignities and Honours, creating the Lord Rivers her Father Earl Rivers, and High Constable of England; her Son Sir Thomas Grey, Marquess of Dorset, and preferred him and others to Rich Heiresses of Noblemen, and did many other things for them, that displeased his nearest Friends: For no sooner the Duke of Clarence his Brother heard of the Earl of Warwick's being greatly displeased at the Kings having put that affront on him, but they met and consulted which way to constrain the King to lay aside these new Favourites; and so great was the Earl of Warwick's Anger for the disgrace the King had made him incur in Foreign Courts, by this Marriage, which utterly disannulled that which he had treated about, that he cast nothing in his mind more, than how he might Depose him, and Restore King Henry; and several Consults with the Marquis Montacute his Brother, and others, were held, to further his purpose. The King (who feared Warwick's Greatness and Popularity) was not altogether ignorant of his discontents, tho' he outwardly dissembled it as well as he could; and therefore the better to weather the Storm he saw coming, tho' as yet at a distance, he concluded a Truce for Fifteen Years with the King of Scots, to weaken the Earl on that side; and to Henry King of Castille and John King of Arragon he sent (as a Present to make Friends with them) about a Hundred Cotshall-Sheep, a thing they never before, nor any of their Predecessors, upon any Entreaty, or for large sums offered, could obtain from the Kings of England; from which small Number such Multitudes have since Increased, as in the Woollen-Trade has turned greatly to our damage. And that he might be the better able to deal with Lewis the French King, if War by him should be Proclaimed, or he should underhand assist the Earl of Warwick in any attempt, he made a League with Charles the Hardy, Duke of Burgundy, and gave him his Sister Margaret in Marriage, and two other Sisters, to the Dukes of Exeter and Suffolk. But for all this, Warwick's design was closely carried on, and it was Agreed among them, That he and the Duke of Clarence should go to Calais; and there to strengthen the Alliance, the Duke should Marry Isabel the Earls Daughter; and in their Absence, as if without their knowledge or consent, the Marquis Montacute and Arch Bishop of York Brothers to Warwick, should with the help of their Friends raise a Rebellion in Yorkshire; which they did, by inciting the Rustics not to pay Tribute of Corn to the Hospital of St. Leonard in the City of York, which upon refusal being exacted by the Collectors, commotions arose, and at length about 15000 came before the City with an intention to Plunder and Demolish that Hospital, etc. but by a Sally of the Citizens, they were beaten off, and so Marched away towards Northampton, Headed by Sir John Conyers an Experienced Soldier, but were met by William Earl of Pembroke, and Humphrey Lord Stafford, who by the King's Command had raised Forces in Wales, and after they had overthrown 2000 Archers that the Lords had laid in Ambush to fall on their Rear, upon a dissension arising between Pembroke and Stafford, the latter withdrew his Forces, so that the former with much courage, tho' few in Number, giving the Rustics Battle in Banbury Field, having near gained the Victory, the Scale of success was suddenly turned in a surprising manner, viz. One John Clapham, a Servant to the Earl of Warwick, having got his Master's Standard, in which was Portrayed the White Bear, coming in with a small Troop, and crying A Warwick, a Warwick; so daunted the King's Men (who thought the Earl had been there with a fresh supply) that they threw down their Arms and fled; and being hotly Pursued, more than 5000 were slain: Sir Richard Herbert, and Eight others of Note, being taken Prisoners, were Beheaded at Banbury by the Rustics. Upon this Success, their Army greatly increased, and a separate Party making one Robin of Risdale their Captain, Plundered the King's Manor-house at Grafton, and finding there the Earl of Rivers, Father to the Queen, and his Son John, they carried them to Northampton and Beheaded them; and some of the King's Forces having Taken the Lord Stafford, he lost his Head at Bridgwater for Deserting the Earl of Pembroke at Banbury Field. The Duke of Clarence and Earl of Warwick taking the advantage of these Troubles, Landed; and with considerable Forces put themselves at the head of the Rustics; so that by this addition, and Warwick's Great Name in War, they became so formidable to the King, that (at the earnest request of some Nobles, who feared the desolation of their Country by such a cruel War as was threatened) he consented to a Treaty; during which, the King being more careless than he ought to have been of his Person, the Earl of Warwick with a strong Band entered his Camp by Night, and having killed the Watch, carried him Prisoner from his Tent to the Castle of Middleham in Yorkshire; Committing him to the ward of the Arch Bishop; but soon after, having liberty to go a Hunting, he was Rescued by Sir William Standley and Sir Thomas Burgh, who upon private notice lay in Ambush behind the Wood with a Troop of Horse, and immediately Posted to London. This inwardly vexed the Earl of Warwick, who thought to draw great Advantages from his Imprisonment: However the Truce continued, and a meeting of both sides was appointed in the great Hall at Westminster, where nevertheless the objections of good Deserts and unthankful Requitals, were with such vehement expressions repeated and maintained by the Earl of Warwick, that the King being highly displeased, with Threats and Fury they parted from each other: The King taking his way to Canterbury, and the Confederate Lords into Lincolnshire; where they raised an Army, and placed Sir Robert Wells, Son to the Lord Wells, in chief Command over it, as being very expert in Military Affairs. King Edward had no sooner notice of this, but he sent for the Lord Wells and Sir Thomas Dymock his Brother-in-Law, commanding them to use their endeavours to bring over Sir Robert to his Interest; but though they very much laboured to do it, it proved without effect; which so angered the King, that contrary to his solemn promise, he caused the Heads of the Lord Wells and Sir Thomas Dymock to be stricken off; which gained him much displeasure of the Nobles and Commons, and hastened Sir Robert Wells to give him Battle ere the Confederate Lords (who wanted but a days March) came up, with the Lincolnshire-Men he commanded; so that the King oppressing him with his Number, though he fought Valiantly to revenge his Fathers and Uncle's Death, his Soldiers at last tired out for want of fresh supplies, gave way, and soon after fell into a general Rout, throwing away their Coats to run the nimbler; for which reason it is to this day called the Battle of Lose Coat Field; and in it were slain about 10000; Sir Robert and some other of Note being taken Prisoners, lost their Heads. The Earl of Warwick, Duke of Clarence, and other Lords, hearing of this fatal Overthrow, distrusting the fidelity of the Army they Commanded, left it secretly by Night, and with a small Train took Shipping at Dartmouth, and Sailed till they came before Calais; but was denied Entrance by Monsieur Vaucler, whom the Earl had left as his Deputy there; for which he was made Captain of the place by King Edward, and had a Thousand Pounds a Year Pension from the Duke of Burgundy. And here on Shipboard the Duchess of Clarence was brought to bed of a Son, to whom Vauclear would not send any Necessaries, nor suffer the Child to be brought on Shore to be Christened; yet Sailing hence to Diep, they took by the way a Rich Prize belonging to Burgundy, and Landing were met by the French King at the Castle of Amboys on the River Loyer, and highly welcomed, with promises of Assistance; and being conducted to the French Court, they found there Queen Margaret, Prince Edward her Son, and Jasper sometimes Earl of Pembroke, who had escaped a little before out of the Tower of London, with others; where they entered into new Conferences in order to Depose King Edward and Restore King Henry; and the Earl of Warwick to make his own Party the Stronger, gave his Second Daughter in Marriage to Prince Edward, and soon after the French King furnishing them with Shipping, Men, and such Necessaries as they required, leaving Queen Margaret and the Prince her Son at the French Court, to attend their success; they put to Sea, and Landed at Dartmouth in Devonshire; where the Earl Marshaled his Forces, than few in Number, but quickly increased by the People's flowing to his Standard from all sides, upon his putting out a Proclamation in King Henry's Name, requiring them to repair to his Aid with Money, Victuals, and all things Necessary for the War, and valiantly to fight against the Duke of York, whom he styled a Usurper, and bloody Tyrant, untruly and falsely calling himself King. Having by this time mustered a powerful Army, he Marched it towards London: The King was not idle at this Juncture, but with what Army he could gather on the sudden, Marched to give the Earl Battle; yet on the way hearing that in all the places where his Enemies came, the People applauded them, and no cry was heard but King Henry and a Warwick, and having little confidence in his own Soldiers, by the wavering he found in them; notwithstanding his wont courage, his Heart now failed him: Whereupon in the Night taking with him about 800 of his Friends he could rely on, he left the Army, and posted into Lincolnshire; but finding nothing there in a readiness to advantage him, he took Shipping and Sailed for Holland, and so passed to Burgundy, where he was kindly received by the Duke his Brother-in-Law. Upon this the Earl of Warwick came to London, and King Henry was taken out of the Tower, and carried in Triumph to St. Paul's Church, where having paid his Devotions, and made his Offerings, he was conveyed to the Bishop of London's Palace, where he kept his Court, with much Bounty and Magnificence; and a Parliament being assembled at Westminster, in his Name, in it Edward and all his principal Adherents, were Attainted of High Treason, their Goods and Possessions Confiscated to King Henry; and by the same Authority the Duke of Clarence was declared to be the next Heir to Richard Duke of York, tho' his Second Son, and the Duchy of York was settled on him and his Heirs: Also the Crown entailed to King Henry and the Heirs Male of his Body; and for want of such Issue, to the Duke of Clarence and his Heirs Male; and such as had been dispossessed for Henry's Cause, were restored to their Titles and Estates: Clarence and Warwick were styled the King's best Friends, Patriots of their Country, and made chief Rulers in all things under Henry. Upon notice of this great Revolution, Queen Margaret and her Son came over; but long they had not been here, ere Edward furnished by the Duke of Burgundy with Ships, Men, and Warlike Stores, Landed at Ravenspurg in Yorkshire; declaring he came not now for the Kingdom, but to possess himself of the Duchy of York, his Rightful Inheritance, on which he intended as a Subject to live Peaceably; which drew many to favour his Cause; but having got admittance into that City, he soon discovered other Intentions: For tho' a little before he had Sworn the contrary to the Citizens, ●he Garisoned it with his own Soldiers, and exacted Money of them to raise more Forces, and so Marching towards London, the Marquis Montacute, who was sent to oppose him, let him pass; whereupon he caused himself to be Proclaimed King, setting up the Royal Standard: This obliged the Earls of Warwick, Oxford, and divers other Nobles, to raise an Army, and advance to give him Battle, but the Duke of Clarence Marching another way, with a separate Army, being reconciled to his Brother Edward, and joining his Army with him, the Earl thought fit at that time to take other measures, not harkening to any fair Words or large Promises, to draw him from King Henry's side, but bitterly inveighed against the Duke of Clarence, saying, He had always rather be an Earl firm to his Word and Oath, than a Perjured Duke, tho' in hopes of a Kingdom. Edward being now very much strengthened, Marched to London, whilst Warwick was raising more Forces; and being with some difficulty received by the Citizens, he sent King Henry again to the Tower; yet having continual News of Warwick's approach, he drew out his Forces, and Encamped near Barnet, about Ten Miles from London, having King Henry as a pledge with him, fearing if he had left him in the Tower, the Londoners in his Absence would have set him at Liberty; and the next Morning the Earl of Warwick resolving to throw all on the fortune of a Battle, drew up in Battle Array, viz. The Right Wing he gave to the Marquis his Brother, and the Earl of Oxford; the Main Battle to the Duke of Somerset and others; the Left Wing was Commanded by himself and the Duke of Exeter; the Vanguard of King Edward's Army was commanded by the Duke of Gloucester, the Main Battle by himself and the Duke of Clarence, in which was King Henry the 6th; the Rearguard by the Lord Hastings; and after they had confronted each other a little space, and both Generals made moving Orations to animate their Soldiers, the Trumpets sounded the Charge, and they rushed together with great fury, fight five or six Hours so desperately, that Victory seemed to incline to no side, whilst the City of London was greatly amazed and terrified with various Reports of the different success: But at length the Earl perceiving fresh supplies continually press on his weary Soldiers, thinking by his Example to give them new Courage, he dismounted; and with his Sword in his Hand pressed into the Front of his Enemies, making miserable slaughter: But breaking in too far, and not being timely succoured, he was slain; together with the Marquis his Brother, who threw himself into the opening Jaws of Death, in hopes to bring the Earl off. These great Commanders slain, the Army grew faint, and giving way by degrees, at length fell into a total rout, about 10000 being slain; and of King Edward's Part, of Note, only Sir Humphrey Bourcher Son to the Lord Barns; and the dead Bodies of the Earl and Marquis being brought to St. Paul's, were exposed to view three Days, and then Honourably Interred among their Ancestors in the Priory of Bissam. Queen Margaret having notice of this Defeat, fled with her Son to the Abbey of Bewley in Hampshire, whither divers Lords resorted to her, and agreed to raise new Forces, and try the fortune of another Field, which they did, and were Overthrown at Tewxbury; about 3000 being slain, and of Note the Duke of Somerset, Sir John Lewkner, Sir John Delves, etc. The Prisoners of Note were the Queen and Prince, the Prior of St. John's, Sir Jervis Cliffton, Sir Thomas Tristram, and Twelve others of Note; all but the two first being Beheaded the next day; and soon after Prince Edward being presented to the King by Sir Richard Crofts who took him Prisoner, was piteously Murdered in his sight, by the Dukes of Clarence, Gloucester, and others, on the signal given by the King, in striking him on the Mouth with his Gauntlet; nor was it long after, that Innocent King Henry was Murdered in the Tower by the same Duke of Gloucester, who struck a Dagger to his Heart; his Body being afterward exposed to view in St. Paul's, three days, that the People might be sure he was Dead; however these Proceed caused the King much hatred among the People; when somewhat to satisfy them, he consented to Ransom the Queen, to pay which the poor Prince her Father sold his Titles to Jerusalem, Naples, and Sicily; and returning home she Lived a Melancholy and Disconsolate Life, which lasted not long ere she died of Grief, particularly for the Death of the Prince her Son, whom she dearly Loved. King Edward by Bloodshed being rid of his greatest opposers, took solace in Pleasures, being very Lustful, and was rarely without two or three Concubines, tho' his Queen was Young and Beautiful; and among them Jane Shoar, Wife to Matthew Shoar, a Goldsmith in Grace-church-street, was most pleasing to him; though in the end it brought her to shame and misery. But to pass this over, The King being now as I may term it Established in the Throne, the Duke of Burgundy vehemently incited him to War on France, and recover it as his Ancient Right and Inheritance; upon which condition himself promised to do great matters towards assisting him. The King was not slow in listening to it, for many reasons urged by his Council; as, The French having frequently assisted his Enemies, etc. Yet Money being wanting, it seemed difficult. But to surmount this, he resolved without a Parliament to ask it of his Subjects, as a Free Gift; which many indeed complied with, tho' with an ill will. But one thing in this is Remarkable, The King to oblige them to bring in more freely, if not for Love, yet for fear of after-claps, on Penal Laws, seeing many that were Rich had engaged their Persons or Purses in the War against him, he sat sundry Hours in a Day to receive it himself; when among others, a Rich yet Niggardly old Widow brought Twenty Pounds, this so highly pleased him, That he not only returned her thanks, but told her For her kindness she should Kiss a King; and having performed it once, the Old Woman pulled out another Bag, crying Vdsbodikins, if Kings Sell their Kisses so Cheap, give me t'other Touch on the Lips, and here is another Twenty Pound for you: The King smiled at this, took her at her word; and thought his Kisses well Sold. With this Benevolence of his Subjects, and his own Treasure, he Transported a fair Army over Sea, but found the Duke of Burgundy altogether unprovided even of the promised Necessaries for the support of the English, who Lying without the Towns on the cold Ground, soon began to murmur; however to employ them, he Marched with the Duke towards St. Quintin's, which was secretly promised to be delivered to him by Lewis of Luxemburg, great Uncle to King Edward's Queen; but on their approaching its Walls, the Cannon not only played fiercely on them, but the Garrison made great Sallies; so that finding no good to be done, they were constrained to draw off; and soon after the Duke (without taking leave) went to raise Forces, leaving only word, That he would come again with an Army as soon as he was able: These Proceed made the King begin to repent he had come over upon his account; and the French King making large offers to obtain a Peace, it was after some debate Agreed to without the Duke's consent, viz. 1. In consideration the French King Paid Edward 65000 Crowns towards his Charge, and 50000l. per Annum for his Life. 2. That in one Year he should send for the Lady Elizabeth, King Edward 's Eldest Daughter, and Mary her to the Dauphin, allowing them for Nine Years space Annually 50000 Crowns, and then the Peaceable possession of the Duchy of Guyan; and in consideration of this, Hostages should be left till the English had quitted France, and were returned home. This being Agreed on, tho' the Marriage was never performed, the Duke of Burgundy hastened to the King's Camp, and in a blustering and storming manner greatly inveighed against what he had done, and was as sharply Answered by him; whereupon he rod away in much discontent, and the French King came to an Interview with King Edward, highly Feasting him and his whole Army, giving Money to the Officers, and Soldiers, and commanding all his Subjects to use them with much Bounty and Civility; which done, King Edward Marched to Calais, and there passed over to England; and then the Lord Howard and Sir John Cheney, the Hostages, were sent after him with great Rewards. The Duke of Burgundy however continued the War, and was thrice Overthrown in one Year; and in the last, at Nancy, he was slain. King Edward being now at leisure to look if ther● were (after so many slaughters) any that could lay ● Claim to his Crown, or Interrupt by such a pretence the Peace of him or his Heirs; for by this time he had two Sons and five Daughters, he at last thought on Henry Earl of Richmond, who remained with the Duke of Britain, he being of the Royal Blood, and near of Alliance to the Crown: To get this Prince into his hands, he Bribed Peter Landois the Duke's Treasurer, with great Sums of Money, to Betray him over, which he earnestly laboured to do, showing him the King's Letters in a Loving stile, wherein he invited him into England, promising at his Arrival to give him his Daughter Elizabeth in Marriage, and by this means the Treacherous Treasurer trained the Earl to St. Malloes', where a Ship and Equipage lay ready to Transport him. But no sooner had John Chevelet, the Earls Friend, truly informed the Duke of Britain that this pretended Marriage was designed for the Earls destruction, but he commanded his Treasurer o● pain of Death to repossess him of his Person; who accordingly stole him from the English, whilst himself made merry with the Ambassador, and caused his Servants to thrust him into a Sanctuary, whose priviledg● might not be violated; excusing and laying it on the● own Negligence, for not taking more care to keep ●im when in their custody. This Loss both of Money and of Prey, made King Edward exceeding Angry, but there being no remedy, he seemed slightly ●o pass it over. Not long after this, by the instigation of the Duke ●f Gloucester and others, the King grew exceeding Jealous of his Brother the Duke of Clarence, being the more incited to it by an old Prophecy which Predicted 〈◊〉 G should Reign after an E, and this Duke's Name ●eing George, he verily believed he was meant by it; ●alling freshly into his mind his Practices with Warwick, ●nd what had been done concerning him in Parliament; ●nd thereupon, by his contrivance, he was accused of High Treason, for Conspiring his Death, and Aspiring ●o the Throne: and after a few days Imprisonment, ●e was found Drowned in a Butt of Malmsey, leaving behind him but two Children, Edward and Margaret, who were both Unfortunate; for Edward being crea●ed Earl of Warwick, was Imprisoned very Young, and causelessly Beheaded in the Reign of Henry the Seventh, ●n a surmise he intended to Escape Prison, and join with Perkin Warbeck, to raise Commotions: And Mar●aret was Married to Richard De La Poole Earl of Salis●ury, who being a Widow after the Earls Death, was beheaded in the Reign of Henry the Eighth: so strange ●● is that Competitors for Crowns rarely enjoy that Calm and Tranquillity that attends on a meaner Estate: Nor do Historians excuse this King from being of a ●ruel Temper, as causing a Mercer in Cheapside to be ●anged at his own door for Jestingly saying to his ●ttle Son, If he would be a good Boy, he would make him ●eir to the Crown, meaning his House bearing that Sign; ●ut it being otherways wrested, it cost him his Life. ●e also caused one Thomas Burdet Esq to be Beheaded upon a very slender occasion, viz. Being on his Progress in Warwickshire, he chanced to Hunt in one of Burdel's Parks, and among others killing a White Buck which he highly esteened, News of it was no sooner brought, but the Gentleman in a passion wished The Horns in the Belly of those that Counselled the King to kill him: This being told by some Pickthanks to Edward, with this addition, viz. That he wished the Horns in his Belly; the Judges soon construed it that thereby he wished the King's Death; who with those Horns in his Belly could by no means Live; and so the poor Gentleman, in lieu of the great Entertainment he had given the King and his Nobles at his House, lost his Life at Tyburn, being there Beheaded. The King in the latter-end of his Reign, contrary to his former Generous humour, grew exceeding Covetous, and Niggardly, so that to increase his Treasure, he extorted much Money from his People, by vexing them with the execution of Penal-Laws, which quenched their Love and Affections very much; with this Money he proposed to Match his Daughters, and sent to the French King to mind him of his Oath sworn to in the Articles that he should send over for the Lady Elizabeth, and Mary her to the Dauphin; but he never intending it, excused it only with fair promises that he would do it speedily; and whilst this was on foot, James the Third, King of Scots, required the Lady Cicilia, another of the King's Daughters, in Marriage with his Son and Heir apparent, which was agreed to, and part of her Portion paid before hand; but instead of her being sent for, and a Friendly Alliance concluded, the King of Scots with this Money raised Forces and entered England, committing many cruel outrages 〈…〉. The Duke of Gloucester was sent with a 〈◊〉 ●●ble Army, forcing his way into the Town of Berwick and Besieging the Castle, defended by Earl Bothwel; but purposing to March into Scotland, he left the Lord Standly with 4000 Men to maintain the Siege, and pursued the Scots King, wasting his Country with Fire and Sword: Till the Nobility perceiving the miserable estate of the Realm, humbly sued to the Duke for Peace; which was granted on these Conditions, viz. That full Restitution should be made to King Edward 's Subjects for the Injuries done them: That the Scots King should Restore his Brother the Duke of Albany, who was in the English Army, to his Honours, etc. That the Castle of Berwick should be Yielded, or not Rescued from the present Siege, and the Marriage Money Repaid. The First of these they performed not, as being unable; but the other were observed, and the Castle of Berwick soon Surrendered. But the French King utterly broke all Friendship with King Edward, by denying the Yearly Pension, and Marrying the Dauphin to the Lady Margaret, Daughter to Maximilian Son of Frederick the Emperor; which Affront had certainly caused a War, had King Edward lived to have prosecuted what he had projected; but falling Sick of a Surfeit with Eating too excessively at a Banquet, he grew daily weaker and weaker, and a visible decay of Nature appearing in him, he called his Nobles about him, and laboured to make Friendship between his Wife's kindred and his own, causing them to Embrace and give Solemn assurances of it in his presence; then recommending to them the care of his Queen and Children, earnestly Exhorting them to live in Unity, he gave up the Ghost at Westminster, on the ninth of April 1483, in the 40th Year of his Age, and 23d of his Reign. His Body being buried in a Chapel of his own foundation at Windsor. In this King's Reign John Hust was Burnt on Tower-Hill for the profession of a good Conscience. A Rosetree in the beginning of the calamitous Wars between the two Houses, Bore on one Branch a White and a Red Rose, the Cognisances of York and Lancaster; and a Spring of Blood gushed out near Lancaster. Amazing Voices were heard in the Air, Firey Meteors and Blazing-Stars, etc. appeared; as also Fiery Armies Fight furiously. Remarks on Westmoreland, etc. THis County is partly Hilly, and partly Plain; It produces Cattle, a good sprinkling of Corn, store of Wildfowl, and in some places abounds in Fish, Venison, etc. It is Bounded with Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cumberland. It is divided into five Wards, containing 26 Parishes, and 8 Market Towns, 6 Castles, 8 Rivers, over which are 15 Bridges; 2 Forests, and 10 Parks: It sends Members to Parliament 4, viz. Appleby 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. In this County is the famous Forest of Marlerstrange and the Castle of Howgil: It's chief Towns are Appleby, Kendale, Kirby, Burg, or Brough under Stainmore: This last is undoubtedly the Ruin of an eminent Place anciently called Verterl, where a Roman Commander kept his Station with a Band of Directors. Amble-side or Amboglana, not far from Winander Mere (in which a Fish called a Charr is found, and in no other Water) is the Ruins of some famous City of the Romans which may be gathered from Paved Ways leading to it, and the Roman Coins that have been often Digged up there. WESTMORELAND COUNTY map of Westmorland The Seats of the Nobility are Beltham-Hall, belonging to the Earl of Derby; Appleby-Castle, Brough-Castle, and Pendragon-Castle, to the Earl of Thanet; and some very sightly Houses belonging to the Gentry. The Reign of King EDWARD the Fifth. KING Edward the Fourth being Dead, and leaving the Crown to Edward his Son, being about Twelve Years of Age, who kept his Court at Ludlow in the Marches of Wales, the better to Ingratiate himself with the Welsh, and continue them firm to the English Interest: That Prince upon notice of his Father's Death, prepared for his Journey to London, in order to be Crowned; being then under the tuition of Anthony Earl Rivers, the Queen's Brother; but whilst great preparations were making in order to his Reception, Richard Duke of Gloucester was contriving how he might defraud his Nephew, and place the Crown on his own Head, drawing into his Confederacy Edward Duke of Buckingham, Richard Lord Hastings, and others: And having laid the Project, in the next place they proceeded to remove all Obstructions; and hearing that the Lords of the Queen's Blood intended to bring the King up with an Armed Power, the Duke of Gloucester wrote dissembling Letters to the Queen, putting her in mind of the Friendship the deceased King her Husband had made between those of his own Blood and hers, on his Deathbed; Entreating her she would not give any cause of distrust in that matter; and desired she would Write to the Lords to dismiss those Forces, for saving Charges, and quieting the People's minds, who might draw conjectures from it that there was Misunderstandings among the Nobles, tending to another Civil War: That as for himself, he Protested and Swore, That his humble Duty to his Sovereign, his unfeigned Love to her, her Children and Kinsfolks, had incited him thus seriously to Counsel and Advise her and them in so weighty a matter, as might be for the good of them all, with much more to the same purpose; which prevailed with her to believe it Sincere; that she Writ to her Brother and Son, who were principally the Young King's Conductors, to dismiss their Armed Attendants and come to London by easy Journeys, with a small Number of his select Friends: This however they had some scruple to do, before Gloucester wrote to them very obliging Letters, protesting an Eternal friendship and kindness: So in an unlucky hour, contrary to the minds of many with them, and of the Young King himself, the Guards was sent every Man to his Habitation, and with a slender Train they kept on their Journey. The Duke of Gloucester having gained this main Point, delayed not to hasten his meeting the King, taking with him the Duke of Buckingham and a strong Guard, and by this time the Earl Rivers had brought the King to Stoney-Stratford; but because that little Town could not accommodate his Train, the Earl took up his Quarters at Northampton, about ten Miles from thence; where unlooked-for, the Dukes of Buckingham and Gloucester came into their Inn, and courteously saluted them; but the Scene was soon changed; for they were no sooner in their Beds, but the two Dukes seized on the Keys of the Inn, causing the Ways between the two Towns to be stopped, and strongly Guarded; pretending for excuse, that no Man before them should in the Morning pay his humble Duty to the King: Earl Rivers having notice of this, perceived he was overreached and ensnared by Gloucester's Policy; and resolving to make the best of it, dissembling his fears, came to the two Dukes, and demanded in a forced Jocose way, Why they had so done? But in stead of giving any satisfactory Answer, they fell into a needless Quarrel with him; and causing him to be Arrested, and put under strict Ward, hastened early the next Morning to Stoney-Stratford, and in a submissive manner presented their humble Duty to the King, who received them with much kindness and affection, as being ignorant of what had passed: But this Scene was likewise changed, upon their Arresting the Lord Richard Grey, the King's half Brother, and Sir Thomas Vaughan in his presence; of which usage when he complained, they told him all should be well; and what they did, was for the best; protesting abundance of Love and Loyalty. However, they sent the Lords and Knights to Pomfret Castle in the North, under a strong Guard, out of which they came not Alive: Then they removed from the King all his Officers, and placed Creatures of their own about him, giving out that those of the Queen's Blood intended to destroy all the King's nearest Relations, and to Rule both Him and the Kingdom at their pleasure. The Queen who lay at Westminster, hearing this unexpected News, greatly grieved that she had been overreached by Gloucester's cunning to Write to the Lords to dismiss their Strength; and fearing the worst, retired with her Son Richard Duke of York, and her five Daughters, into the Sanctuary. In the mean while they brought the much discontented King to London, where he was received by the Lord Mayor and 500 Citizens in their Formalities: In whose presence Gloucester, played his part so cunningly, that not only they but the Nobility were won to believe him sincere; and thereupon he was appointed Protector of the King's Person and Kingdom: Which Trust he most passionately desired, to further his main Design, which now he questioned not to bring about, if he could get the Duke of York into his possession; and in order to it, calling a Council of Nobles and Prelates, he laid before them how disgraceful it was that the Queen in her perverseness should keep an Innocent Prince in Sanctuary, which was looked on as a place suitable to protect the Guilty; that it would cause them to be spoke evil of abroad, and therefore desired them to advise how they might get him out of her hands, to solace and sport in the company of the King his Brother, who was Melancholy for his absence, and passionately desired to see him. This, and much more to the same effect, made them think the Duke's words Reasonable, and thereupon agree to send such as had greatest Interest with the Queen, to persuade her to deliver him; of whom the Arch Bishop of Canterbury was to be Spokesman, who laid many Reasons before her of the Necessity at that juncture which required her consent: But with Sighs and Tears she Replied, That the Duke being Sickly and Weak, none was more fit than his own Mother to look to him; that Brothers (when together) rarely so well agreed as with those that were not so near a kin. But the main is, said she, my Lord, it is dangerous that these Princes, as Affairs stand, should be together; since asunder they are each others safety. And if the one of them do well, the other cannot be in Peril or Danger; and there is nothing more hazardous than to keep them in one place; since the Life of the one separate, is maintained in the Body of the other. But for all these Reasons, perceiving he would be forced from her, if she consented not willingly to deliver him, after many tender Kisses and falling Tears, praying Almighty God to preserve and defend him from all dangers, she delivered him; bitterly Weeping to the Arch Bishop, saying, That before the High Majesty of Heaven, she should require that poor Innocent Infant at his Hands. The Protector, who with many Nobles waited in the Star-Chamber, was overjoyed when he saw the Archbishop return with what he so passionately desired, and taking the Young Duke in his Arms, he kissed him, and said, Welcome, my Lord, with all my Heart: Protesting so great a love to him, that most believed it real. Thus having gotten the Prize he aimed at, the better to secure it, he conveyed both him and the King in great State through the City of London to the Tower, in order as he pretended to the Coronation when things were settled; tho' indeed there was nothing out of frame but what himself had disordered; where having placed them under such as he confided in, he began more openly to tamper with the Duke of Buckingham whom he knew was Popular and Powerful, offering to Marry his Son to his Daughter, and give him the Earldom of Hartford (which the Duke claimed in King Edward's time as his Right, but could not obtain) if he would to the utmost endeavour to place the Crown on his Head; and by this means he won him entirely to his Interest, tho' it afterward proved to his destruction: For Gloucester being made King, performed nothing of his promise. The next thing he had to do, was to gain the Lord Hastings, who had been in high favour with Edward the Fourth, and was now Lord Chamberlain to the Young King; but fearing to disclose his mind openly to him, for great Rewards he procured one Catesby, a Favourite of Hastings, secretly with dark discourse to sound him: This Man, tho' he had been maintained by that Lord, and had his Fortunes raised to what he was by him, proved so Treacherous, that having done what he could, and finding that Lord no ways inclinable to favour Gloucester's design, he not only told him of it, but encouraged him to remove him out of the World, if he intended to compass his desires: Which being Resolved on, he called a Grand Council of Lords at the Tower, to consider of suitable preparations for the Coronation; and when they had sat a considerable time, he came in and took his Chair, Jesting with some of them, after he had excused his too long stay, requesting of Doctor Morton Bishop of Ely some Strawberries that grew in his Garden at Holbourn; which he immediately sent for, and took it as a favour that the Protector was so kind to him, as to put it in his power to oblige him in any thing; for there had been formerly no good understanding between them. Then making excuse for a short Absence, he desired them to proceed in the method proposed; when about an hour after, coming in, he took his Chair, frowning, biting his ●ip, and rubbing his Fist; which tokens o● displeasure strangely amazed them, so that they kept a profound silence; which the Protector perceiving, demanded what punishment they deserved who had wickedly procured his destruction, he being Uncle and Protector of the King? This amused them more than before; but knowing themselves Innocent of any such intention, the Lord Hastings, who by reason of the ancient Friendship that had been between them, thinking he might make bold, Replied, My Lord, such as have so transgressed, deserve the severest Punishment the Law can inflict: To which the other Lords Assented: Then, said he, that Sorceress (meaning the Queen) and Shores Wife, having Conspired by Witchcraft to destroy me: So drawing up his Sleeve, he shown his Arm, which had been wasted from his Infancy, as they all knew, as a Testimony of what he had said; biding them behold how their Charms had begun already to take effect on him. Hereupon the Lord Hastings, who had taken Jane Shoar to his Bed, upon the Death of King Edward, thinking to excuse her, said, My Lord, if they have done so, they deserve punishment: Thou Traitor, Replied the Protector, Servest thou me with Iffs and Ands? I tell thee they have done it; and that I will make good upon thy Body: And so striking his Fist upon the Table, the Room was presently filled with Armed Men, one of which struck at the Lord Standley, and as nimble as he was to sink under the Table, grievously Wounded him in the Head, and himself Arrested the Lord Hastings; biding him make haste to shrive himself; For by St. Paul (which was his usual Oath) he would neither Eat nor Drink till his Head was off: And accordingly he was Beheaded on a Log on the Green within the Tower; and the same day by the Protectors order, the Lords, and Sir Thomas Vaughan were Beheaded at Pomfret; to whose Death this Lord had consented, as appears by his own Story to one Hastings a Priest, whom he met on Tower-Hill, as he was going to the Council, viz. That he should soon hear that Snare they had laid for him in Edward the Fourths time, which caused him much trouble, would now take themselves. One thing more is remarkable, The Lord Stanley, the Night preceding, Dreamt That he and Hastings were Wounded by a Boar, that the Blood run about his Ears; and seeing the Protector had the White Boar for his Cognizance, he truly Interpreted it, desiring he would accompany him in Flying, ere they could be miss, out of his reach; but he made slight of it, desiring the Messenger to tell his Lord, That Dreams were Fables and Fancies; yet at his Death he repent he had not taken this warning as sent from Heaven. The Protector having Imprisoned the Lord Stanley, Archbishop of York, Cardinal, Bishop of Ely, and several others, put himself and the Duke of Buckingham into old Armour, as if first come to hand, in some great danger; and sending for the Lord Mayor, and many of the chief Citizens, movingly told them, That himself and the Duke of Buckingham were by Conspiracy of Hastings and his Accomplices to have been Murdered at the Council Table, had he not by force prevented it; desiring them to make that report to their Neighbours; and that this was all that had occasioned the Disturbance and Execution in the Tower: Nor had Hastings been dead above two Hours ere a large Proclamation, with the Broad Seal to it, was read in divers parts of the City by a Herald at Arms; so that it was plain to the People, that this matter was not sudden, but premeditated. These Advances coming near the Throne, the Citizens were Assembled at Guild-Hall, and the matter openly proposed to them by the Duke of Buckingham, who used many Arguments to induce their consent to the Proclaiming Richard Duke of Gloucester King, and lay aside King Edward's Line; but they appeared little inclinable to it. However Dr. Shaw, Brother to the Lord Mayor, in a Sermon at St. Paul's Magnified him as a Prince of the greatest Magnanimity and Virtue imaginable; labouring to Bastardise Edward the Fourth, and all the other Sons of Richard Duke of York, except this Richard, who he said was his own Picture, and the true imitator of his Valour and Virtues: Which was taken for such a piece of Dissimulation and Flattery, that he being afterwards very evilly spoken of, he was ashamed ever after to appear in a Pulpit. This weighty matter being now brought to a home push, the Duke of Buckingham, to finish the work he had begun, carried divers Citizens of the meaner sort to Baynard's Castle, where the Protector kept his Court; where he made them seem to impose the Crown on him; with threats, if he refused it, to place it on the Head of some Nobleman not of the Family of the Plantagenets, for they would not have any of Edward the Fourth's Line to Rule over them: This and much more to the like purpose, the Duke spoke for them, which with a faint shout of God save King Richard, made him with great unwillingness (as appeared to them) accept what he had so hard laboured for, and passionately desired: And thus an end was put to Edward the Fifth's Reign, if I may so term it, two Months and thirteen Days after his Father's Death; and was afterward, together with his Brother, Murdered in the Tower; as will appear in the next Reign. The Reign of King RICHARD the Third. RIchard Plantagenet, Third Son to Richard Duke of York, having by Policy and Stratagem crowded himself into the Throne, he called a Parliament, wherein by the power of a leading Faction, he was confirmed King: The Crown Entailed on him and his Heirs, his only Son Prince Edward being made Heir apparent: But against his Coronation, fearing some Insurrection on the meeting of so great a concourse as that solemnity required, he sent for 5000 Soldiers out of the North, under the Leading of Robert Risdale; and after it, he set at Liberty the Archbishop of York and the Lord Stanley; but continued Bishop Morton; yet at the humble supplication of the University of Oxford, he was delivered to the Duke of Buckingham, who sent him to his Castle of Brecnock in Wales, as a Prisoner at large; for he had his Liberty of the Parks, and Grounds lying about it. King Richard knowing his Title to be bad, laboured by Favours and Interest to strengthen it: He Created his Son about Ten Years of Age, Prince of Wales, and John Howard (a Man of great Experience in feats of Arms) Duke of Norfolk; and Sir Thomas Howard, his Eldest Son, Earl of Surry: The Lord William Barkley was Advanced to the Earldom of Nottingham; and Francis Lord Lovel, his great Crony and Favourite, was made Viscount Lovel. And thus, as he imagined, having settled his Estate securely at Home, he sent Ambassadors to Lewis the French King, to conclude a Peace with him; thereby to prevent Storms from Abroad: But that Prince so far detested his proceed with his Nephews, That he would not admit his Ambassadors to his Presence, nor own him for a King: This much perplexed him, and as is thought put him upon the Project of Murdering the Young Innocent Princes, as supposing by what had passed at the French Court, he could never be Reputed and truly Honoured as a King, whilst they Lived; and that their Murder might not be imputed to him, he purposely took a Progress to visit the City of Gloucester, from whence he sometimes took his Title; and from thence sent his Letters to Sir Robert Brakenbury Lieutenant of the Tower, whom he had raised from a Low Degree to a considerable Fortune, expressly Commanding him to make away the two Princes: But either fear of after-claps, or his abhorrence of so villainous a Deed, made him absolutely refuse it: Upon notice whereof Richard stormed, and appeared much perplexed in Mind; retiring himself for some Hours to consider how it might be done; and then remembering there was one Sir James Terril, a retainer to the Tower, whom he knew to be very Indigent and Necessitous, this Man he doubted not to prevail on for the Execution of his wicked purpose; and therefore sent him a supply of Money, with large promises of preferment, if he Executed his pleasure; and withal his Commands to the Lieutenant to deliver him the Keys of the Tower. This wicked wretch not weighing the Gild, closed with the Golden offers, and had the Keys delivered to him, tho' not without regret, by Sir Robert Brakenbury; and the same Evening he hired two desperate Ruffians, viz. John Dighton and Miles Forrest, to Smother the Princes in their Beds, which they as wickedly performed, by clapping Pillows on their Faces, and lying on them with all their force, till by their no longer struggling, they found they had bereft them of Life. This cruel Murder being committed, the next thing was to consider how to dispose of their Bodies; which after some consults about it, they Buried under the Stairs, from whence they were removed, and Buried none knows where: Thus King Edward the Fourth's Male Issue, became extinct; which some looked on as a Judgement, for his consenting to the Murder of Pious King Henry, and Innocent Prince Edward his Son. However it alleviates not the Gild of those that dipped their hands in this Blood; for all that were concerned in it, came to untimely ends; so just and severe is God in punishing Murder, even in this Life; for rarely we find his vengeance stays till the shedders of Innocent Blood drop into a timely Grave. This being rumoured abroad, tho' many things were urged by his creatures to excuse the King's knowledge of it, and Terril was secretly commanded to fly beyond the Seas: But in Henry the Seventh's time returning, was Executed for Treason; yet the People, as well Nobles as Commons, detested him for it. The Queen grew Frantic for some time, and much ado they had to prevent her laying violent hands on herself; but being brought to her Senses, with Tears and bitter Excecrations against her wicked Brother-in-Law, she passed a Melancholy Life for many Months: King Richard after this, was troubled with fears and frightful Dreams of Devils and Spirits, haling and tormenting him, that he is said to shed some Tears, and wish it had not been done: However he came to London and summoned a Parliament, wherein (to ingratiate with the People) many good Laws were made, which are highly in Esteem to this day: But God showed him an early token of his displeasure, by taking away his only Son, being all the Children he had, he falling from a Horse died of the Bruise. Bishop Morton, as is said, being committed to the Duke of Buckingham's Custody, that sagacious Prelate so wound himself into his favour and good opinion, that finding he was Ambitiously inclined, he spared nothing to increase his aspiring thoughts to that height, as to make him look with envious Eyes on King Richard's Crown, and fancy it would sit more comely on his own Head: He was indeed of the Royal Blood by the Female side, but at a considerable distance: However King Richard having broke Promise with him by detaining the Earldom of Hartford, tho' he had been chief instrumental in Advancing him to the Royal Dignity; That for many Reasons the Bishop urged, he began to hate him; which more and more increasing, from new disapointments, and disfavours; and in fine, the Duke however seemed to decline the Crown, it was urged by the Bishop he might be Instrumental to do good to his Country, and gain Immortal Fame by Uniting the Houses of York and Lancaster, in promoting a Match between the Lady Elizabeth, Eldest Daughter to Edward the Fourth, and Henry Earl of Richmond, Son and Heir to Margaret Countess of Richmond, Daughter and Heir to John Duke of Somerset his great Uncle, Son to John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, Fourth Son to Edward the Third. This he attentively hearkened to, and thereupon the Bishop desired to go into the Isle of Ely, and there he would raise Men and Money to forward this matter. But the Duke considering his Absence would be charged on him, and be a means to discover the Intrigue, and that also he should want his Counsel at need, refused to consent; however the Bishop in disguise soon after got away, and escaped to the Earl of Richmond, Counselling and Animating him to prosecute the Project laid in England. King Richard hearing there were secret Cabbals held against him in Britain by the Earl of Richmond and others, renewed his Brother's Stratagem to get him into his hands: But tho' it cost him much Money, yet his Counsels being revealed, he also was frustrated in his expectations: But by this time having notice of Buckingham's discontents, he by Friendly invitations entreated him to come to Court; but the Duke excused it, on pretence of Indisposition; but King Richard, well informed to the contrary, knew it was rather an Indisposition of Mind than Body, sent a second Summons, peremptorily commanding him to make his personal appearance; which made him believe his design was discovered; and thereupon he stoutly replied by the Messenger, That he reputed him a Monster, a Tyrant, Murderer, and not his Lawful King; and therefore would not trust his Person in his hands, who was cruelly unmerciful to his nearest Relations: And so with many of his Friends, raised Forces in Wales, whilst Sir Edward Courtney did the like in Devonshire and Cornwall, Sir Richard Guildford gathered many of the Kentish Commons, and in Yorkshire the Marquis of Dorset leaving Sanctuary, drew a great Number to him. This Storm that threatened Ruin to the Usurper, roused him to Arms; so that Levying a considerable Army, he Marched against the Duke, to give him Battle ere he joined his Friends, supposing if he could rout him, the rest would soon be Subdued: The Duke was as resolute as he, and intended to pass the Severn at a low Ford near Gloucester, to meet him; but that Night and for Ten days after, such abundance of Rain fell, that the River over-flowed its Banks, drowning all the Meadows, so that he could not pass; and by linger his Victuals growing scanty, most of his Forces left him; which unexpected misfortune made him shift for himself, when coming to the House of one Humphrey Banister near Shrewsbury, who had been his Steward, and got a good Estate under him, he was there sheltered for a time; but King Richard Proscribing him, and setting a Thousand Pounds on his Head, that Treacherous Servant discovered him to the Sheriff of Shropshire, who apprehended him in poor Apparel, digging in the Garden, and conveyed him to the King at Salisbury, where in hopes of favour, he made an ample confession, but it availed not; for without any Legal Proceed he was Beheaded, upon which the rest dispersed. The Earl of Richmond knowing nothing of this disappointment, having gotten some Forces of the Duke of Britain, put to Sea for England; but by contrary winds was driven into Normandy, where the French King not only succoured him with Money and other Necessaries, but gave him safe conduct through his Territories to Britain, where he found a great number of his Friends Arrived before him; and there making a solemn promise to Marry the Lady Elizabeth, Daughter to Edward the Fourth, if his success answered his expectations, they owned him in a manner as their King, vowing to adventure their Lives to settle him on the Throne. King Richard in the mean while was busied in Fortifying the Seaports, and cutting off by terrible Executions all that he thought favoured the Earls Interest, getting him and his adherents attainted in Parliament, so that he seized their Lands and Effects, bestowing them on his Creatures, which caused much murmuring among the People: And one Collingborn an Esquire of good Estate, being in a Poetical strain, reflecting on Richard's three Favourites, viz. Sir Richard Ratcliff, Sir William Catesby, and the Viscount Lovel, in this Distich, The Rat, the Cat, and Lovel our Dog, Rules all England under a Hogg: Was Executed for it at Tyburn, the Judges construing the last word, to allude to the King, because he had the White Boar for his Cognizance; and so in their opinions the Scandal was wrested to Treason. And then he laid another Trap for the Earl of Richmond, by Bribing Peter Landoys, the Duke of Britany's Treasurer; but he escaped it on timely notice, and fled to the French King; however King Richard made an Alliance with James King of Scots, by Marrying the Lady Ann (one of his Neices) to the Duke of Rothsey, his Eldest Son; and with large Presents and fair Promises so won on the infatuated Queen Dowager (his Brother's Widow) as to deliver her Daughters into his hands, tho' she was sensible he had murdered her Sons: Then he caused it to be given out that Queen Ann his Wife, who was Daughter to the great Earl of Warwick, and had been Wife to Prince Edward, Son to Henry the Sixth, was suddenly Dead; and though then very well, yet soon after she was found unexpectedly dead, not without suspicion of Poison; which he so little regarded, that he immediately tendered Courtship to Elizabeth his Brother's Daughter, who fearing her own and her Sister's safety, put him off with delays, without any absolute denial, till the Battle of Bosworth-Field ending his Life, set her at liberty to Marry the Earl of Richmond; whom this News of Courtship hastened over with such Forces as the French King and his own Friends furnished him with, to the Number of 2000; with those he Landed at Milford Haven in Wales, and for a time few resorted to him; yet no sooner the Welshmen understood he was of the Family of the Tuthers, and of their own Blood, and might prove an especial Favovour of them, if he was advanced to the Crown, but they flocked to his Standard from all parts, under their Captains John Morgan, Rice ap Thomas, Richard Griffith, and others; having by this means gotten a little Army, he Marched forward by Sir George Talbot, Sir Walter Hungerford, Sir Thomas Bourcher, and others, with Forces they had raised for King Richard. This News soon flew to London, and much perplexed the King; insomuch that he scarcely knew who to trust; yet he Levied an Army of 20000 Men, and with John Duke of Norfolk and others, that he had Obliged by many great Gifts, Marched against his Enemies, resolving to venture his Crown and Life on the fortune of a Battle; and tho' many endeavours were used to withdraw the Duke of Norfolk from his side, none could prevail to shake his fidelity; however the Night before the Battle, to amuse him, and to weaken his hand, This Distich was fixed on his Chamber Door, viz. Jack of Norfolk be not too bold; For Dickon thy Master is bought and sold. On the 20th of August 1485, The two Armies faced each other near Bosworth in Leicestershire: But when King Richard perceived the Lord Stanley who commanded a part of his Forces, stand wavering at a distance, he sent to him to come immediately and join with him; to which he Replied, He would do it when he saw his time. This so enraged him, that he commanded the Son of that Lord, whom he had as a Hostage of his Fidelity, to be instantly cut off; however he was dissuaded to defer it till the fortune of the Field had been tried; and so both Armies joining, fought desperately, none knowing which would be victor, till by the Lord Stanly's Revolting, and breaking in upon the King's battalion with fresh Men, he turned the scale; when the King perceiving Fortune against him, resolving to restore the Battle, or Dye, in a desperate mood he rushed into the Earls Battle, and with his Sword made a free passage, till he encountered Sir William Brandon, Standard bearer to the Earl, whom he slew, and then singled out Sir John Cheney, whom he tumbled to the Ground, much Bruised and Wounded, and thus gaining a passage to the Earl, they Encountered like enraged Lions; and Richard in all appearance had slain him, had he not been beaten down by others, and slain; tho' the Earl had it given out he slew him with his own hands; for notwithstanding his many evil qualities, all Authors allow him to have been Valiant, and of extraordinary Strength; so that had half his Army imitated his example, it is concluded he had been Victor: But such was the will of God, to punish him for his many Murders, that at once he lost his Kingdom and Life. Upon his fall, his Army partly fled, and partly revolted; the Duke of Norfolk likewise Fight valiantly, was slain, and in all about 4000 others. The Crown he brought into the Field, was found in a Hawthorn Bush, and placed on the Earl of Richmond's Head by the Lord Stanley; whereupon he was saluted King by the General Voice, Among other dead Bodies, King Richard's was found, Stripped, and carried Naked and Bloody on a Horse to Leicester; where it was two days exposed to the view of the People, and then Buried in the Greyfriars Monastery; when at the dissolution of Religious Houses, the Stone Coffin wherein his Corpse lay, was taken up, and said now to be a drinking Trough for Horses at a common Inn in Leicester. He began his Reign June 22, Anno Dom. 1483, and Reigned two Years and two Months. Remarks on Worcestershire, etc. WOrcestershire produces store of Sheep, and large Cattle, much Corn, and rich Pastures; It is pleasently Watered by the River Severn, branching in a manner through all the County, affording store of Fish, as the Parks do Venison: It is towards Staffordshire pretty Woody, with some rising Hills: It is Bounded with Shropshire, Herefordshire, Glocestershire, Warwickshire, and Staffordshire: It sends Members to Parliament 9, viz. Bewdly 1, Droitwich 2, Evesham 2, Worcester City 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. WORCESTER SHIRE map of Worcestershire At Eversham King Kenry the Third gained a great Victory over the Barons: Kiderminster is of great Antiquity, also Sturbridg: On the edge of this County, at Eckington is a Medicinal Well whose Waters are Restorative. In this Shire are Hartlebury, Holt, and Emsley Castles. The Seats of the Nobility are Grafton, belonging to the Earl of Shrewsbury; Lenwick, to the Earl of Craven; Feckenham Lodge, to the Lord Coventry; and Hartelbury Castle, the Bishops Seat. This Shire contains 7 Hundreds, 152 Parishes, 1 City, which is a Bishops See, 12 Market Towns; and is Watered with 5 Rivers, over which and Branches are 15 Bridges: It has moreover 7 Castles, 1 Chase, 2 Forests, and 16 Parks. The Reign of King HENRY the Seventh. AFter the Battle of Bosworth, Henry hasted to London; and soon after his arrival, was Crowned King: Then calling a Parliament, King Richard was Attainted, and the Crown entailed on him and his Heirs; and the January following, he Married the Lady Elizabeth, Eldest Daughter to Edward the Fourth, by which means the long Warring Houses of York and Lancaster were joined in one; and in the ensuing September, she was delivered of a Prince, who was Christened Arthur; and the King published his Pardon to all that had born Arms against him; conditionally if they would Swear Fealty and Allegiance to him; which many refused, and had their Goods and Estates Confiscated. Then he chose Grave and Wise Counselors of State, who by their prudent mannagment of Affairs, thoroughly settled the Kingdom in Peace and Tranquillity; and so proceeding to make large amends to the Duke of Britain and French King, for the favours he received from them during his Exile. But now whilst all things seemed quiet, and Trade began to flourish, a sudden Rebellion broke out in the North, Headed by Sir Humphrey Stafford, the Lord Lovel, and others, who left their Sanctuaries, and drew great Numbers to side with them. But King Henry raised an Army with much celerity, and coming swiftly on them, the Ringleaders fled by Night, which so amazed the Plebeians, that the next Morning they submitted to the King's mercy: However Sir Humphrey Stafford, and his Brother Thomas, were taken out of Culuham Abbey in Oxfordshire, whither they had fled for Sanctuary, and the first Beheaded; the latter being spared because he Acted by the Dictates of his Brother. This combustion was no sooner over, but another more dangerous ensued: For one Richard Symond, a Priest, set up a Pupil of his, whom he had cunningly Instructed to claim the Crown, by the Name of Edward Plantagenet, Eldest Son to the Duke of Clarence; tho' it afterward appeared his true Name was Lambert Symnel: His Age agreed with that of the Prince he represented, who was then a Prisoner, and in likeness he resembled him, and his carriage was extremely Genteil and Taking; so that many flocked to him who were desirous of change, as well of the Nobles and Gentry, as Commons; but not finding here a sufficient Strength, he failed to Ireland; where Sir Thomas Garendine, the Lord Chancellor, espoused his Quarrel, and drew many to take part with him; and to him the Duchess Dowager, a mortal Enemy to King Henry, sent supplies of Money, Men and Arms; and by her Encouragement many English espoused his Interest, so that he became very Formidable: This constrained King Henry to bring the true Edward out of the Tower, and carry him through the Streets of London, to satisfy the People of the Imposture; where the Nobility were required to be present, and to confer with him. But this did little, for the others Army increasing, The King raised Forces to repel him, and a Battle was joined near Stoke in Lincolnshire, which was maintained with great resolution; but the Irish who compossed the greater part of Symnel's Army, being destitute of Warlike Weapons, tho' they fought valiantly, were routed; whereupon the rest gave way: And in this Battle the Earl of Lincoln, the Lord Lovel, Sir Thomas Garendine, Marian Swart, and Sir Thomas Browghton, were Slain, Symnell was taken Prisoner, and after a public Confession who he was, made Scullion in the King's Kitchen, and after that his Falconer. Peace now being settled, the Queen was Crowned, and Thomas Bourcher, Archbishop of Canterbury, being dead, Bishop Morton was preferred to that Archiepiscopal See, and made Lord Chancellor of England: soon after which preferment, he was dignified with the Hat and Habit of a Cardinal, by Pope Alexander the Sixth. Whilst these things Passed, a Quarrel arose between Charles the French King, and Francis Duke of Britain; whereupon the latter, too weak to oppose his powerful Enemy, required Aid of King Henry; but he having in his necessities been befriended by them both, rather laboured to make an Accommodation; yet underhand, the King winking at it, many English went over to the Duke's Assistance; but were mostly slain in a fatal Overthrow the French gave near the City of Nantz, with their chief Leader the Lord Woodvile. This made King Henry openly assist the Duke with Men and Money; to furnish which, he raised by Parliament a Tax of the Tenth Penny on all Movable Goods, which caused a Rebellion in the North, where the Earl of Northumberland enforcing the King's Orders for the strict Levying it, was Murdered by the Rout; but Thomas Earl of Surry going against them with an Army, they dispersed and fled; yet several of the Ringleaders were taken and Executed in sundry places. During the War in Britain, That Duke died, and the Estates Marrying his Daughter and Heiress to the French King, tho' she had before been contracted to Maximilian the Emperor, a Peace ensued; and the Lady Margaret, Daughter to the Emperor, whom the French King had taken as his Wife, was returned with disgrace; which occasioned a War between them; and Henry being on both sides solicited for Aid, he for many weighty Reasons adhered to the Emperor, and Transported an Army under the Command of his Uncle Jasper Duke of Bedford, and John Earl of Oxford; but the Emperor not being forward in his promised Preparation, the King passed into France, and laid Siege to Bullen, which made the French King for fear of Britain, of which by his Marriage he was become Sovereign Prince, sue for Peace; which was concluded between him and King Henry during their Lives: The French King, for defraying his Charges, paying 186200 l. and a Yearly Pension of 25000 Crowns, which was Paid during King Henry's Life; whereupon he returned with his Army. Not long after this, the Duchess Dowager of Burgundy set up another Imposture, who though his true Name was Perkin Warbeck, was to pass for Richard Plantagenet, the second Son of Edward the Fourth, and the better to further her design, she used such Policy in England, that she gained many of the best Rank, who were well affected to the House of York, to favour him. King Henry however, to Countermine her Stratagem, bend to work him Mischief, secretly caused divers of his Friends seemingly to fly to this n●● pretended Duke, and offer him their Service; their Estates the mean while, the better to colour the matter, being seized in England: And by this means he gained private Intelligence of all the Proceed, and an Account of the Names of such as being in England held correspondency with him; which brought many into Trouble, and some to Execution. And finding the Emperor, disgusted at the Peace he had made with France, secretly encouraged this design, he removed the English Mart from the Low Countries to Calais; which proved greatly prejudicial to the Flemings, especially upon a Prohibition of Flemish Wares being brought into England, which made the Emperor publish the like Prohibition to hinder the Importation of English Goods in any part of his Territories; which causing a decay of Trade, incited the meaner sort of Handicrafts in London to commit divers Outrages on the Persons and Goods of the Flemings that Inhabited among them; but about 80 of the Ringleaders being Taken, were Imprisoned, till by the Kings Pardon they were Released, and the Flemings Banished. Sir Robert Clifton, whom the King by Promises and Gifts had won to his Favour, about this time came over; and the better to Apprehend such as he should Accuse, without Blows, he appointed to meet him in the Tower; where among his Great Courtiers, he singled out Stanley, who had been Instrumental in setting the Crown on the King's Head, and was now his Lord Chamberlain; who was nevertheless committed to Prison, and the main Evidence on his Trial being, That he had said, That if he was sure this Perkin was the True Duke of York, he would not draw his Sword against him; he was thereupon Sentenced, and all his great Services could not atone to save his Life, for he was very soon after Beheaded. Yet with this the Storm blew not over, for the Native Irish declaring for Perkin, tho' the King sent an Army thither under Sir Edward Poinings, yet he could do little good there, they being too nimble for him in their Woods, Bogs, and Mountains; and not being assisted by the Nobles and Gentry, as he expected, the fault was charged by him on the Earl of Killdare, whom he brought over Prisoner; but that Lord so well acquitted himself, that he was soon set at Liberty, and sent back again with Honour and Rewards; and Perkin putting to Sea, Landed in Kent; but he was beaten off, and a great many of his Men slain; and such as were taken, Executed; which discouragement made him return to Burgundy. Yet soon after he Sailed for Ireland, where he was received with Promise of large Assistance; but not finding it according to his expectation, he passed thence into Scotland, and was highly welcomed by James the Fourth, who esteeming him (by reason of his Courtly Behaviour) as the True Prince he represented, Married him to Catharine Gourdon his Niece; and then with a Puissant Army Invaded England, which miserably wasted the Northern Borders, and compelled King Henry to set forward with all the Forces he on the sudden could raise, under the Command of Giles Lord Dawbeny; but was soon recalled upon an Insurrection in Cornwall, occasioned by the Levying a Tax to support the War: They strongly charging the fault on John Morton Archbishop of Canterbury and Sir Reynold Bray, who (as they said) to Enrich themselves had advised the King to oppress his Subjects; desiring they might be removed from their Dignities & Offices, and Punished as Enemies to the Common Weal; and chose for their Captains Thomas Flammock a Lawyer, and one Joseph a Blacksmith; and gathering as they Marched, brought a great Terror on the City of London, being joined by the Lord Audley, and many Thousands he brought to their assistance; and found a free passage till they came into Kent, where the Kentishmen opposed them; and now the King thinking it his time to set upon them, gave them Battle at Black-heath near Greenwich, and totally Routed them, slaying 2000, and taking their Ringleaders with many others Prisoners, who were most of them Executed: Joseph the Blacksmith glorying in his way to Execution, that for this deed he should be Recorded in History; and indeed he miss not of his Expectation. The King being now at leisure to revenge the wrongs the Scots had done in the North, ordered the Earl of Surry and Richard Fox Bishop of Durham, to raise such Forces as they could, and oppose their Ravages till he sent a greater Strength; but these two active Men raised such a Power, that the Scots upon their approach immediately retired into their own Country, and were followed by the English, who retaliated in a fearful manner the injuries done within the English Pale, winning and razing many strong Castles, Towns, and Fortresses; and though the Scots King made show he would give Battle, and Challenged the Field, yet in the Night he Decamped and gave his Army free leave to disperse itself; so that for seven Days the English hunted them in Woods and Mountains, tho' to little purpose; for Winter approaching, the Barrenness of the Country constrained them to return to Berwick, to receive King Henry's Orders. But in the mean while Peter Hyalus, Ambassador from Ferdinand King of Castille, arrived to Mediate a Peace between England and Scotland; yet it came to no more than a Truce for certain Years, on condition the Scots King Banished Perkin, and all his Adherents out of his Dominions; and about the same time the French King sent to Ratify the Peace that had been concluded between King Henry and himself, which was Accorded; and Maximilian perceiving his Country of Flanders, etc. much Impoverished for want of the English Trade, with many Entreaties procured it to be Restored; and our Merchants coming to Antwerp, were received by the Inhabitants with solemn Processions, Feast, and all demonstrations of Joy imaginable. Perkin Warbeck by means of the Truce being Expelled Scotland, Sailed away with four Ships and Landed in Cornwall, where the ordinary sort of People received him with Joy and loud Acclamations, raising in a short time a great Multitude to Aid him; tho' for Rebellion they had severely smarted but a little before; and immediately with great Multitudes he Besieged the City of Exeter, but the Citizens stoutly withstood them in their Attempts to Scale the Wales, slaying very many of them. Whereupon they put Fire to the Gates and Burnt them, but could not Enter by reason the Besieged Countermured them with Fire, and kept it with continual supplies of Fuel, so fierce that they had time to raise Bulwarks and Ramparts. Then the Rebels by Threats and fair Promises endeavoured to oblige them to submit; but these proved fruitless, for being encouraged by the King, who promised to come to their Relief very speedily, with an Army, they stoutly refused all Conditions of Surrender; and upon the King's approach, the Siege was raised, the Rebels Marching into Somersetshire, where they laid Siege to Taunton Dean; but being close followed, Perkin with 60 Horse fled from the rest, and finding the Seaports stopped, he took Sanctuary in Beauley Abbey near Southampton; Registering his own, and the Names of some few of his Companions, who had got thither with him; the greater part of his Train being Taken by the King's Light-Horse-Men, who closely Pursued: And the Multitude Submitting, and throwing down their Arms, were received into the King's Protection, unless some of the Chief, who being Taken were Executed in divers places. The King after this coming to Exeter, highly commended the Citizens for their Loyalty and Courage, rewarding the Meaner sort with Money, and those of Note with Knighthood and profitable Places of Trust giving his own Sword to the Mayor, with a Privilege that it should always be born before him. And the Sanctuary where Perkin was, being encompassed with Armed Men, and he perceiving their orders were to take him thence by force, he Surrendered himself to the Abbor of Sheen, Entreating him to procure the Kings Pardon for him; whereupon he was brought to Westminster, and publicly declared his mean Birth and Parrentage, and that he had been persuaded to this Undertaking chief by the Duchess Dowager of Burgundy; whereupon with a Paper of all the Intrigue Pinned on his Back, he was set upon a Scaffold, fastened in a pair of Stocks a whole Day before the Palace at Westminster, and the following day in like manner at Cheapside-Cross, and then made a close Prisoner in the Tower, where Bribing the Keepers, and practising to Escape into Flanders, tho' he had been Pardoned before, he was for this Executed at Tyburn; and the King laying hold on this to rid him of the fears he had of the True Earl of Warwick's being one day advanced to the Throne, was not wanting of Evidence who Accused him to have attempted his Escape with Perkin, and tho' having been kept in Prison from his Infancy, so that he knew not a Goose from a Hen, that poor Prince was wrongfully Condemned of High Treason, and Beheaded on the Tower-Hill, whose Innocent Blood fixed a stain on King Henry to all Posterity; his Death being rather looked on as a State-Policy, than any ways Just; and that in this he had done that Crime, for which he had so vehemently accused Richard the Third; only with this difference, That he made his Courts of Justice Guilty of a Crime not inferior to what the other had imposed on private Assassins': For this Edward Earl of Warwick was Son to George Duke of Clarence, second Brother to Edward the Fourth, and the last of the Male Line of the Plantagenets, who had swayed the Sceptre from Henry the Second. King Henry by this Bloodshed having more firmly Established his Throne, or at least himself, from those fears that he apprehended from mutable Fortune, whilst this Young Prince Lived, Married Arthur Prince of Wales, his Eldest Son, to the Lady Catharine, Daughter to Ferdinand King of Spain, with great Magnificence, in St. Paul's. But that Young Prince soon after Dying, she was Married to Henry his Second Son, who Succeeded: But upon some pretended scruples, Divorced; as will appear at large in the History of his Reign. And James the Fourth, King of Scots, suing for the Lady Margaret the King's Eldest Daughter, the Match was concluded, tho' the French King and others had required her, but could not obtain their Suits; for in this Henry wisely considered, That if his Son's Issue should fail, it would be a means to unite Scotland to England; when if he had Married her to a more Powerful Kingdom, this must have been Subjected to that, which he concluded would prove very dishonourable to the English Nation; and the Lady being sent to Edenbourough, was there Married with great Solemnity. The King in the latter end of his Reign growing exceeding Covetous, contrived how he might extort Money from his Subjects; and for this, as his chief Instrument, he used Sir Richard Empson and Edmund Dudley two Lawyers, whom he appointed to put the Penal Laws in execution with great Rigour; which they spared not to do, to the utmost, tho' in the next Reign it cost them their Lives; nor was the complaints of the oppressed People minded, tho' exceeding great and many, from all parts of England, which encouraged a whole swarm of Locusts, as under Officers, to pill and pole them in every Shire, which caused the King much hatred. After this, Philip Duke of Austria, in Right of his Wife, coming to be King of Spain was in his Voyage thither driven by a Tempest into Weymouth Harbour in Dorsetshire, where with his Queen he was Entertained by Sir Thomas Trenchard, and after Invited to the King's Court at Windsor; where, for the Entertainment he gave him, he procured the Duke of Suffolk, fled into Austria, to be put into his hands, on condition he should have no violence offered him; and indeed during this King's Reign he was only kept a Prisoner; but in the next lost his Head. King Henry soon after falling Sick of a languishing Disease, which was looked on as a Judgement for oppressing his Subjects, remitted all offences against his Penal Laws, enlarged all Prisoners, except for Treason & Murder, restored Moneys to those that had been Ruined, relieved the Poor, and did many good Acts. And having Reigned 23 Years and 8 Months, he Died, and was Buried at Westminster, in the famous Chapel of his own founding, by Elizabeth his Queen, (who Died not long before) in the 52d Year of his Age. In this King's Reign Wheat was Sold for Six Pence a Bushel, Nantwich Salt 6 d. and Bay Salt 3 d. per Bushel, White Herring 6 s. per Barrel, Red Herrings 3 s. per Cade, Sprats 6 d. per Cade, and Gascoign Wine at 6 l. per Tun. Anno 1495 a mighty Storm of Hail fell, killing and wounding many Cattle and People, several Stones being taken up at St. Neots in Huntingtonshire 18 Inches about: And soon after a fearful Plague raged, which made the King and Queen for a time remove their Court to Calais: And during his Reign about Nine Persons, Men and Women, suffered the Flames for the profession of a good Faith: Several did Penance by carrying Faggots on their Backs, and some were Burnt in the Cheek, etc. Remarks on Wiltshire, etc. WIltshire is Renowned for the Frugal Industry of the Inhabitants: It produces numerous Flocks of Sheep, of whose Wool Cloth is made, and many Thousands of People set on Work; as also large Cattle, store of Corn, and Pastures, Venison, Fish, Fowl, etc. It is Bounded with Berkshire, Hampshire, Dorsetshire, Somersetshire, and Gloucestershire; It contains 29 Hundreds, in which are 304 Parishes, 23 Market Towns, 5 Rivers, 1 City, viz. Salisbury, which is a Bishops See. 3 Bridges, 1 Castle, 1 Chase, and 2 Parks. The River Avon branches its Southern parts, and Wilby-Bourn extends to the West; as also does a part of Avon; and in other parts it is pleasantly Watered; the Castle is that of Castlecomb. It sends Members to Parliament 34, viz. Bedwin 2, Caln 2, Chipenham 2, Cricklade 2, Devizes 2, Downton 2, Heitsbury 2, Hindon 2, Ludgarsale 2, Malmsbury 2, Marleborough 2, New Sarum 2, Old Sarum 2, Westbury 2, Wilton 2, Wooton Basset 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. WILTSHIRE map of Wiltshire On Salisbury Plain, is the memorable Wonder called Stone Hinge, supposed to be Erected as a Monument to Hingest the first Saxon Invader; its Stones are of a prodigious bigness, some 28 Foot long, and 7 broad, Morticed one within another; tho' wasted by time, some are fallen. Near Sawerth are Cockle-stones, and those called the Grey Wethers near Marlborough. On the Borders of this County, between Great Bedwin and Lockington, are certain deep Holes called the Giants Caves; The Water breaking out of certain Stones near Knet, is accounted a presage of Dearth. At Luckington is a Well whose Virtue is to Cure Sore Eyes. At Aubury is cast up a Ditch of a prodigious depth, near Circular, set round with large Stones, supposed once a strong Encampment of the Romans, as Yarnborough Castle on Salisbury Plain is supposed to have been one of their Fortresses. The Seats of the Nobility are Marleborough-House, and Allington-House, belonging to the Duke of Somerset; Wilton and Falstone, alias Fallerdown, to the Earl of Pembroke; Clarlton, to the Earl of Berkshire; Stourton-Castle, to the Lord Stourton; Wardour-Castle, to the Lord Arundel of Wardour; Long Leats, to the Viscount Weymouth, Baron of Warmister; the Bishop's Seat in Salisbury. The Reign of King HENRY the Eighth. HENRY the Eighth, being Eighteen Years old, began his Reign the 22d of April, Anno Dom. 1509. and was Crowned at Westminster by William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury. His first Policy was to wind himself into the Affections of his Subjects; and soon found out a way to do it by issuing out Proclamations That such as had been Injured by Extortions and Oppressions of evil Persons in his Father's Reign, should be favourably heard, and receive Satisfaction for the wrongs done them: Whereupon great Numbers came with grievous Complaints; those that had received the least Injury, being the most clamorous; and having recompensed many, to please the rest, Empson and Dudley the two corrupt Judges, were Convicted of High Treason, and Beheaded on Tower-Hill; and divers employed under them were Disgraced by Pillories, Stocks, and Whipping-Posts, tho' these Caterpillars had exceedingly Enriched the King's Treasury, as well as their own Coffers. For his Father left behind him the greatest Mass of Money that any King of England before him had done. Things being a little settled, Ferdinand the King's Father-in-Law, craved Aid of him against the Moors, who infested his Kingdom, which he obtained, and drove them by that means out of Spain; but the War ceasing, he sent home the English poor and ill rewarded for their Service, which much offended the King; and Wars arising between Pope Julius the Second, and Lewis the French King, in Italy, where the latter seized on the strong Towns of Bologna and La Gasse, and became very Formidable, King Henry became a friendly Mediator between them. But the French King refusing to yield to Proposals of Peace, pursuing his Conquests, he required him by his Ambassadors to restore him the Peaceable possession of Guyan and Normandy, with his Ancient Inheritance of Main and Anjou, unjustly detained from his Ancestors and himself; which being refused, he Proclaimed War; and for this, and Writing a Book in defence of the Roman Pontificate, against Martin Luther, the Pope (on whose account this Quarrel was espoused) styled him Defender of the Faith; which Title has ever since been retained by the Kings and Queens of England. The King was not slow in raising an Army, and King Ferdinand of Spain having notice of his preparations, sent to offer his Service if he would Land his Forces in Biscay, a part of his Country, and from thence March into Guyan, which was agreed to, and done under the Leading of Thomas Crey Marquis of Dorset: But the crafty Spaniard intending nothing but his own advantage by this, after the English had suffered many hardships in his Country, he joined them, and fell unexpectedly on the Kingdom of Navarre, which he seized in a short time; the Natives being so amazed at the suddainness of the Invasion, that they made little or no resistance. But after this success, he afforded them no subsistence, or any part of the spoil; which made the Soldiers Disband of their own accord, and come stragglingly into England, Poor and almost Naked: But Sir Edward Howard, Youngest Son to the Earl of Surry, being Lord Admiral of England, many times Landed in the French Territories, and greatly endamaged them, and at Sea overthrew their Navy; in which Fight Sir John Carew of Devonshire, in the Regent, grappling with a great Carack of Breast, both Ships in the contest fell on Fire, and in them (on both sides) about 800 Men perished. This distress on his Coast, made the French King augment his Fleet, and Fortify his Harbours: However the Admiral entered that of Breast with Boats and armed Barges, and assailed three great Galleys of Rhodes, brought to the assistance of the French King, by Prior John, these they soon Boarded; but the Boats and Barges then returning, and leaving them well Manned, to be brought off at high Tide; by this oversight the French regained them; and in the contest, the Admiral was born overboard by a Pike, and Drowned. But in few days his Elder Brother was made Admiral, and two Land Armies prepared, one under the Leading of George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, and the other by Charles Somerset Lord Herbert, Chamberlain to the King: These had not long been Landed but the King leaving the public mannagement of Affairs to the Queen, and directing the Earl of Surry to Guard the North against the Scots Incursion, he Sailed to Calais and caused his Army to March to Terwyn, which he Besieged; and upon the overthrow of the French Army that came to its Relief, had it put into his possession, which he razed, and consumed by Fire, except the Cathedral and Bishop's Palace. During this Siege, Maximilian the Emperor, with 30 Nobles and Gentlemen, repared to King Henry's Camp; where, to the Honour of England, they Enrolled themselves in the King's Pay, and were Nobly entertained. The next Place that opposed him in his intended Conquest, was Tournay, which despairing of succour, after many fierce Assaults, yielded; and on condition of their paying 10000 l. the Citizens were received into Henry's Protection, and Wolsey his Almoner, took an Oath of Allegiance of them, to be True to him, as his own Subjects. However, in his Absence the Scots Invaded England with 8000 Men, under the Command of the Lord Humes, and did great mischief; but as they were returning with their Plunder, Sir William Bulmer who lay in wait with 1000 Archers, put them to the Rout in a sharp Fight, slew 500, and took 400 Prisoners, and recovered all the Booty; so that those who had the luck to Escape returned Poor and Beggarly into Scotland. But King James the Fourth, to revenge this disgrace, raised the Power of his Kingdom, and come before the Castle of Norham, (some Historians say with 100000 Fight Men) which he Took, by reason the Captain being prodigal of his Powder, too soon spent it. But the Earl of Surry Marching against the Scots with 26000 Fight Men, Anno 1513 the fatal Battle of Floden Field was Fought, September 9, in which the Victory fell to the English; the Scots King, 2 Bishops, 12 Earls, 14 Lords, and 12000 others of lesser note, being slain. For this good Service the Earl of Surry was Created Duke of Norfolk, Charles Brandon Viscount lisle, Duke of Suffolk, and Woolsey was made Bishop of Lincoln, and after some Bicker with the French on the Coast of Normandy, King Lewis, stricken much in Years, sued for Peace; and the better to confirm it, Married the Lady Mary, Second Sister to King Henry, a Young and very Beautiful Lady, at whose Wedding and Coronation many brave feats of Chivalry were performed by the English Nobility and Gentry, who waited on her: But Lewis the 12th Dying three Months after this Marriage, she returned again for England, and with the King's private consent was Married to Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, who had a long time been her Lover. Woolsey, who was a Butcher's Son at Ipswich, now began to rise a pace; for Doctor Bambridge dying, he was made Archbishop, (and after, by the Pope, Cardinal) of York, which puffed him up with so much Pride, that he undertook to Rule the King and Kingdom, doing for a time, without control, what he listed, placing and displacing Officers, and meddling in all Affairs where there was Advantage or Homage to be gained: Especially when made Lord Chancellor, and Counsellor of State; demanding Accounts of the Treasurers, Captains, and other Officers that had been in the Wars; by which he got much Money out of some that were Rich; and those that could not furnish him, he Punished and Imprisoned; Erecting Courts of his own head, and by subtlety got himself to be made the Pope's Legate; and to Build two Colleges, by the Pope's permission, suppressed and seized on the Lands & Effects of many Religious Houses, which gave an inlet to King Henry's suppressing the rest some time after; who concluded if it were not Sacrilege in the Pope, but he could allow of it at pleasure, it would be none in him. However, this Cardinal was sent on several Honourable Embassies, wherein he behaved himself so Proudly, Naming the King but in the Second place, as Ego et Rex meus, I and my King; That Foreigners admired how such Arrogancy could be suffered by any Prince in his Subject; but his Fall was swifter than his Rise; so that what he chief aimed at, (viz. to be Elected Pope, in making Interest for which promotion at Rome, and in other Courts, it had cost England vast sums of Money) he never attained to. For King Henry growing into a dislike of the Marriage between him and the Lady Catharine, of Spain, because she had been his Brother Arthur's Wife, tho' indeed (as it after appeared) rather by a Divorce to make way for a fresh Beauty, the Cardinal's delays and crossing the King's haste in this purpose, made him fall into disgrace, which brought him to his End; as will by and by be manifested. The King by Riotous Living at home, and Expenses in Foreign Courts, where Ambassadors (especially Woolsey) were attended with such State that they rather seemed the King himself, than his Representatives; had now pretty well emptied his Coffers, which put him into some discontent: But Woolsey, both to Enrich the King and himself, laid hold of his Melancholy and Wants, as a favourable opportunity, of his own Authotity granted out Commissions under the Great Seal for Levying a Tax all over England and Wales, according to the true value of every Man's Estate, viz. Of every Fifty Pound value, and upwards, Four Shillings in the Pound; and for every Pound above Twenty, and under Fifty, two Shillings; and all under Twenty, Twelve Pence in the Pound; and in London he appointed himself chief Commissioner: And by another Commission the Clergy, without exception, were Taxed Four Shillings in the Pound for their Live. This seemed so grievous to all sorts of People, so great a Tax never having been laid on them before, and this done without Authority of Parliament, that the Meaner sort grievously Cursed the Author and Contriver of their Miseries; and those more discreet, laboured for these Reasons to have the Commission Revoked. 1. Because the Commissions were not established or grounded on the Laws of the Kingdom. 2. Because the Execution of them would be a dangerous Precedent against the Liberty and Freedom of the People of England in time to come, 3. Because men's Credits many times exceeded their Estates, and to bring them upon Oath, or other ways to discover that, it would prove their Ruin. And Lastly, That not one in ten had the value demanded in Plate or Ready Money; and if they parted with so much, Trade must cease for want of Coin to Trade with. But these and many more Reasons prevailed not, till the King perceived the People's discontents every where so great, that he feared a general Insurrection; and then he sent his Letters to countermand the Commission, dissembling that he knew any thing of those Commissions that had been given out to Levy the Tax; and the Cardinal seeing his Project frustrated, and fawningly to excuse himself to the People, he certified in all Counties by his Letters, viz. That because he saw those Taxes were too grievous for them to bear, he had in compassion to them, kneeled to the King, and prevailed with him to Revoke the Commissions: Yet few believed him, for the greater part were satisfied that it was done against his mind, and that he inwardly fretted at the disappointment, it being the first rub that had checked his Arbitrary Will. When to spend his Gaul on some body, and ease his Anger, he after he had given the King Hampton Court, and all his fine Buildings there, in exchange for his Palace of Richmond, prevailed to have the ordering the King's Household; which was no sooner granted, but he turned out all worthy deserving Persons, and Sold their Places and Offices to such as would be more obedient to him. About this time the French King requested the Lady Mary, King Henry's Daughter, to be given in Marriage to the Dauphin his Son; but whilst this Match was solicited, and by some liked, and by others disapproved, a Scruple was cast in the way (as most thought upon the secret intimation of Woolsey, in despite to the Emperor, because by Strength he had not made him Pope, when by his Money and Policy he had failed to obtain it) by the Precedent of Paris, who Questioned Whether the Lady was Legitimate, as Born in Lawful Matrimony, seeing she was Begotten on the Body of the Lady Catharine, who had been his Brother Arthur 's Wife. This made the Lawfulness of the King's Marriage be called in Questian, and himself so averse to it, that (by the Counsel of Doctor Longland his Confessor, who told him he had Lived Incestuously almost twenty Years) he forsook the Queen's Bed, to her great grief and discontent: And however, tho' upon this pretence the Match was broken off, yet Woolsey was sent over, who concluded a Peace with the French King. The Legality of the King's Marriage, after this, coming hotly to be Disputed, to determine which, the Pope sent Campeius with a power Legantine, which he also granted to Woolsey; and so the two Legates repairing to the Queen, to Inform her of their Power and Authority, which she took very uneasy, sharply telling Woolsey, He was the first causer of this scruple, to be Revenged on her Nephew, because he had not made him Pope; and on her, because she had secretly in a loving and gentle manner, often times Admonished him of his Covetousness and Tyranny, his Extortions and Oppressions, his Pride and Lechery. But with protestations he laboured to excuse it, as if he had been altogether Ignorant of the matter, and proceeded to erect a stately Court for himself and his Brother Cardinal, in the Black Friars in London, where the King and Queen were Cited and Appeared: The King protested, That nothing but his trouble of Conscience could make him part with so Tender and Loving a Wife; and if with the removal of that scruple he could Cohabit with her, he should be exceeding Joyful. But those that knew what little Scruples this King made in other weighty matters, did not lean greatly on the truth of what he said; however the Queen, advised by her Council, appealed to the Court of Rome. But her Appeal was not allowed; and tho' the King desired a quick dispatch, the business was delayed: Yet they proceeded to sit Weekly, and hear Learned Disputes on the matter. At length the King being informed, That after the Last day of July the Legates would sit no more till the Fourth of October; in a great passion he sent the Dukes of Norfolk, Suffolk, and other Lords, to demand a dispatch to the Judicial Sentence, one way or the other. Campeius Answered, It could not be done so soon, for by the Yearly Custom of the Court of Rome, they were bound to Adjourn; and if any Sentence in the interim was given, it was utterly void in Law. At this the Duke of Suffolk, in a Rage struck his Fist on the Table, saying, That never Cardinal nor Legate did any good in England; and whilst the King was expecting a final Determination, Campeius seeing a Storm likely to arise, thought fit to be packing for Rome, pretending the Pope had sent for him: Upon notice of this, the King was much perplexed, as knowing they designed to fix it in the Court of Rome, to tyre him out with vast Expenses and Delays; so that from that time Cardinal Woolsey began to fall from his favour: For having secretly promised a Divorce, yet fearing to displease the Court of Rome, he had now refused it. And the next Term the King caused his Attorney General to prefer an Indictment against him, on the Statute of Praemunire, on several Articles, which being found by the Grand Jury, he Confessed all the material points by his Attorney: And all his Promotions, except the Archbishopric of York and the Bishopric of Winchester, were taken from him; and Sir Thomas Moor was made Lord Chancellor. The King likewise seized his Mass of Plate, and Rich Furniture, and confined him to his House at Asher near Kingston. A Parliament being Assembled, the Commons made great complaints against the Clergy, exhibiting divers Articles relating to their Pride, Luxurious way of Living, Trading as Husbandmen, and Merchants, to the Injury of those brought up to it, etc. This was strongly opposed by Dr. Fisher Bishop of Rochester, who Reflecting on the Commons (by saying, Now with our Commons is nothing but Down with the Church; and all this is for lack of Faith only) they complained of it to the King, by Sir Thomas Audley their Speaker, and others; but the Bishop excusing himself by putting another Interpretation on the meaning of his Words, they were contented with the King's sharply reprehending him; and then they proceeded to Article against Woolsey under several Heads, Charging him with Misleading and Abusing the King, wasting and purloining the Treasure; That in his Letters he had Written I and my King, as if the King had been his Inferior, and at his Command. To be brief, they loaded him with Pride, Cruelty, Oppression, Lechery, Evil Counsel, etc. However the King, by reason of his former Favour, permitted him to retire to the Archbishopric of York, and there continue privately till further orders. But he tampering with the Pope, and being encouraged by his Letters to oppose the King, and force him if he would not otherways comply, to restore him to Favour, or else by virtue of a Bull to Curse him, and take the power of the Clergy Government into his own hands, as the Pope's Vice Roy; whilst he was in his way to York, and preparing for his Instalment, he was Arrested by the Earl of Northumberland: whereupon he shown the Meanness of his Spirit and Birth, as all Cruel, Proud Upstarts usually do, when they fall into any affliction, though in their prosperity they are regardless of others Calamities, but rather labour to promote than decrease them: For however upon his first being seized, thinking to terrify the Earl, who never bore any goodwill towards him, he told him He was a Member of the College of Cardinals at Rome, and that neither the King, nor any other Temporal Prince, could or ought to Intermeddle with him for any Cause or Matter whatsoever. But this nothing availing, he fell into Tremble and Frights, and when the King's Letter was produced to give him some beams of Comfort, that he might not altogether despair of Mercy and Favour, with a sordid Meanness of Spirit, he fell on his knees in a dirty place, and kissed it, shedding Tears for Joy; when in the height of his State and Pride, he had accounted the King as his Pupil, more than his Sovereign: For indeed his first Station in the World was an ordinary Pedagogue, or Schoolmaster. But at the sight of Sir William Kingston, Constable of the Tower, with a Guard of Yeomen, to convey him Prisoner thither, his fears so increased, that he fell Sick at Leicester Abbey, and taking a strong Confection, which some suppose he did purposely to Poison himself, he breathed his last; saying a little before he Died, If he had Served his God so faithfully as he had done his King, he would not at that time have cast him off. And thus fell that Pageant of sudden Greatness, unpitied by all, Enriching some by his Death, tho' in his Life-time he had Ruined many more. He Built White-Hall, a stately College at Oxford, another at Ipswich, and many other stately Buildings; leaving much Money, Plate, and Rich Furniture, which was seized to the King's use, who distributed part of it, and his Lands, among such as had well deserved. The King by this time having gotten it under the Seals of most of the Universities in Christendom, That his Marriage was Unlawful, procured a Divorce without the Pope's Dispensation; and soon after he Married Anna Bullen, whom he had Created Marchioness of Pembroke, a Protestant Lady, Daughter to the Lord Rochfort, afterwards Earl of Wiltshire. Elizabeth Barton, styled the Holy Maid of Kent, for Prophesying That if King Henry proceeded to the Divorce, and Married another, he should not be King of England one Month after, was Hanged, together with Seven of her Desciples, at Tyburn for Treason. A Parliament being called, the Clergy therein totally submitted themselves to the King touching their Spiritual and Ecclesiastical Affairs, and the Pope was by Parliament utterly deprived of all Annates and First Fruits of Bishoprics, and other Spiritual Promotions: The Marriage with Queen Catharine was Annulled, and that with Queen Anna Confirmed; and by the same Act the Crown was entailed to the King and the Heirs of his Body (out of which the Lady Mary was Excluded) and to this all the Lords and Burgess present in Parliament were Sworn, except Doctor Fisher Bishop of Rochester and Sir Thomas Moor, who refused to do it: Wherefore they were marked out by the King for Destruction as a Terror to others; for not only Refusing to Swear, but Contesting and Protesting against the proceed of the Parliament, they were sent to the Tower, where upon denying the King's Supremacy, Ordained by another Act, and atributing it to the Pope, they were Accused, Tried, Convicted, and Beheaded: And by this Act the King was Acknowledged to be Supreme Head of the Church in all Spiritual and Ecclesiastical Things and Causes, and the Pope's Bulls, Pardons, Indulgences, and other Instruments of the like Nature, made void: For Grief of which, and her own hard Usage, Queen Catharine who was styled Dowager, and Lived with a small Attendance, Sickened and Dyed; nor did her Successor long survive her. For some time after Queen Ann had been safely delivered of the Princess Elizabeth, (who was afterwards Queen of England) a Conspiracy was laid to take away her Life, supposedly on the account of her Religion; for some of the Romish party were not without supposition she swayed much in those Alterations; and therefore being Accused of Incest by some of her Subborned Bedchamber-Women, as if she had Lain with the Lord Rochfort, her own Brother; the furious King gave her up to be Tried by her Enemies; who found her Guilty of High Treason, for that being a Queen, she had defiled her Marriagebed; and being Condemned, she was Beheaded on Tower-Hill, protesting her Innocency to the last, which most people believed. The Lord Rochfort was likewise Executed, and some of her Bedchamber Attendants; but the King's hasty Marriage, makes Historians apt to conclude he grew weary of her, and doted on a fresh Beauty; for within Twenty Days he Wedded the Lady Jane Seymor, a Beautiful Young Gentlewoman, who Died in Childbed of Prince Edward, afterward King Edward the Sixth; and about this time the Lord Howard lost his Head for Marrying Margaret, Daughter to Margaret Sister to the King, and Archibald Dowglas Earl of Angus, who Married the Queen Dowager of Scotland; and their Issue being so of the Royal Blood, it was held Treason in the Lord Howard, for Marrying her without King Henry's consent, to whom he was a Subject; and indeed, so Absolute was this King over his Judges and Ministers of State, that they rarely denied him any Head he required, for fear he should Quarrel with them for theirs. And now a Book of Six Articles, called the Bloody Articles, from the much Blood shed on that occasion, being made public, the People risen in Arms Tumultuously; but upon the King's and his Generals Approach in Lincolnshire, and the North, they were Dispersed, and many of the Ringleaders Taken, and Executed. The Articles were these: 1. That after the speaking the Words of Consecration by the Priest, The Real Natural Body and Blood of Christ, as he was Conceived and Crucified, was in the Sacrament, and no other Substance. 2. That the Communion in both kinds, is not necessary to Salvation. 3. That Priests may not Marry. 4. That Vows of Chastity ought to be observed by the Laws of God. 5. That private Mass ought to be continued. And 6. That Auricular Confession is Expedient to be retained in the Church. And upon the denial of these, many good Christians suffered the Flames; and several Papests were Executed for denying the King's Supremacy, it being made Treason. The Lord Cromwell, a Blacksmiths Son of Putney in Surry, who had a long time Served Wolsey and by the King raised upon the fall of that Favourite, was made Vicar General of Ecclesastical Affairs, and soon after created Earl of Essex; and to please the King by Enriching him, for complaining of the Lewd Lives of the Monks, Friars, Nuns, and their Superiors, who Lived in Luxury and Ease, on the spoil and labour of others, he was soon incited to hearken to his Advice; so that laying before him the great Sums that would accrue to his Treasury by the suppression of those Houses, he considering what Wolsey had done by the Pope's Approbation and Authority, resolved to make havoc of the rest; and accordingly calling a Parliament at Westminster, he procured them to be suppressed; and tho' most of the Religious Houses were Demolished, yet at a Rate no doubt half the value, the Account given in to the King was 183707 l. 13 s. per Annum. And intending Posterity should not be enabled to Restore them again to their former Uses, he liberally exchanged the Abby-Lands, etc. with the Gentry, for Lands of a less value; so that at this day most of the principal Estate, or great part of them, consist of possessions of that nature. This was followed with a very bloody Execution, for the King being Jealous that many dealt with Cardinal Pool, who was beyond Seas, to prevail with the Pope and King of France, by Force to restore the Rights of the Roman Catholic Church, it was improved so far by such Evidence as were produced, that the Marquis of Exeter, Henry Pool, Lord Montacute, and Sir Nicholas Cary, Knight of the Garter, and Master of the King's Horse, were Beheaded; and on the same account, within a few Months after, the Lady Margaret Countess of Salisbury, Mother to Cardinal Pool, and Daughter to the Duke of Clarence, Brother to Edward the Fourth; also Gartrude Widow to the Marquis of Exeter, Sir Adrian Fortescue, and divers others, were Executed, insomuch that the Hangman of those times is said to have complained, That he was weary of shedding Blood. Soon after this, the Irish Rebelled under O Ne●i, O Donel, and others, but were soon suppressed by the Lord Grey Deputy of Ireland. And now the Lord Cromwell, being high in favour with the King, Enterprised a business that not only tumbled him from the ticklish Pinnacle of Honour where he stood, but also cost him his Life. The King by the Death of the Lady Jane Seymour was a Widower; and that he might not lie pensive alone, Cromwell undertook to provide him a Wife, and proposed the Lady Ann of Cleve, Alluring him with flattering Pictures, and unmerited immoderate Commendations of her Beauty and Parts; but indeed, tho' she was very Religious, and replenished with many Virtues, in Person and Countenance she was neither well Composed, Fair, nor Lovely; yet on Cromwell's Commendations, the Match was concluded; and the Lady brought over in great State: But when the King met her on Black-Heath, at the first sight he took a dislike; insomuch that although he was Married to her four Years, he in all that time had not (as he protested) any Carnal knowledge of her, nor ever could have any desires that way when in private with her; whereupon in a Convocation of the Clergy, by an Authentic Instrument under the Seals of the two Arch-Bishops, the Marriage was declared void, and that the Lady might take another Husband when she pleased; and it was made Treason for any to Writ or Say the contrary; and the King being in haste, Married the Lady Catharine Howard, Daughter to the Lord Edmund Howard, Brother to the Duke of Norfolk. The Wedding was no sooner over, but the King gave way to the Enemies of the Lord Cromwell, who Exhibited a Bill against him in Parliament for Treason, Misprision of Treason, and Heresy; and so far they prevailed, by the King's altogether withdrawing his Favour and Protection from him, that he with the Lord Hungerford lost his Head on Tower-Hill. And soon after the new Queen Catharine was Accused for having been Familiar before her Marriage with one Francis Dorham, and after with one Thomas Culpeper; but whether it be True or False, the two Gentlemen lost their Lives, as did the Queen and Lady Rochfort, who was accused of Introducing Culpeper, at a time he stayed five Hours privately with the Queen, on her Progress, and returned Gifted with a Chain and Rich Cap. And in this Parliament the King was Proclaimed King of Ireland, which Title his Predecessors never had, being only styled Lords of Ireland. The King, unwilling yet to Lie alone, took to Wife the Lady Catharine Par, Widow to the Lord Lattimer; who in the end of his Reign was in a fair possibility to have lost her Head, if her Virtue, Modesty, and the King's Death, had not reserved her to a better Fortune. However, the Lord Grey, Deputy of Ireland, lost his Head, for winking (as it was alleged against him) at the Irish entering within the English Pale, and not timely Repelling them. Sir Edmund Knevet of Norfolk, having been Arraigned before the Green Cloth, for Striking one Mr. Clear of Norfolk within the Tennis Court of the King's House, and being found Guilty, he had Judgement to lose his Right Hand, and to forfeit all his Lands and Goods, and all things being prepared for the Execution of this Sentence, and Sir Edmund brought in, the Chief Justice declared his Offence, which he Confessed, and humbly submitted himself to the King's Mercy, only he desired the King would spare his Right Hand, and take his Left; For, said he, if my Right Hand be spared, I may Live to do the King good Services▪ Of which Submission and Saying when the King was informed, he ordered he should lose neither of his Hands, and Pardoned him also as to his Lands and Goods. The Scots had lain still a long while; but now began under James the Fifth, their Young King, to make great Disturbances; but after some Bicker, and much Spoil in either Country, they were Overthrown; and the Earls of Cassels and Glencarn, the Lords Maxwell, Fleming, Sommervel, Oliphant, Grace and Car, were made Prisoners, and many Slain. The News of this Overthrow so perplexed King James, That falling into a deep Grief and Melancholy, he Died a week after, leaving only a Daughter to Succeed him, who was then but newly Born, and Christened Mary. Upon notice of whose Birth, when he lay Sick, he burst out in this Prophetical Saying, It came with a Lass, (meaning the Crown) and it will go with a Lass. Soon after the King of Scots Death, the Lords that were Prisoners in England, to curry favour, for their Liberty, proposed a Match between Prince Edward, Henry's Son, and their Young Queen; which was kindly accepted. The Match being proposed to the Parliament of Scotland, they seemed highly to approve it, ratifying a Writing under the Hands and Seals of the Nobility, as also with their Oaths, yet the French Faction so prevailed, that it came to nothing. But King Henry enraged to be thus abused, sent a powerful Army into Scotland, which spoilt the Country, taking several Towns and great Plunder; nor was the King flow to pass over to France, where laying Siege to Bullen, he had it yielded to him, and having Fortified it, returned into England to raise Money for a Supply of the War which (tho' the Emperor without his consent had made a Peace with France) he resolved vigorously to prosecute; and because Richard Read, an Alderman, refused Sir Thomas Wryothsltey the Chancellor, the Supply he demanded of him, he was compelled in Person to Serve the King in his Wars against the Scots, by whom he was taken Prisoner, and paid a large Ransom. And soon after the French were worsted by Sea, and Land, and the Scots Routed, who Invaded England, and followed into their Country: Whereupon Peace ensued between England and France. Soon after the King cavilling with the Duke of Norfolk and his Son the Earl of Surry, for bearing in their Escutchion certain Arms appropriated to the King and Prince only, tho' they had been born by his Ancestors time out of mind unquestioned; being Indicted for High Treason, they were both Condemned: The Son was Beheaded, and the Father escaped by the King's Death, which soon ensued, viz. on Tuesday the 28th of January Anno Dom. 1546, in the 56th Year of his Age, when he had Reigned 37 Years, 9 Months, and 6 Days. He was Buried with much pomp and Funeral solemnity in the Chapel at Windsor. In this King's time happened a great Famine, viz. 1527, upon the falling of a violent Rain, November, December and January; and from the 12th of April every day till the 3d of June. Anno 1545, William Foxley Potmaker to the Mint, Slept in the Tower of London, not being by any mean● to be Waked, 14 Days and 15 Nights; and when he waked it seemed to him but as one Night. The Number of Religious Houses Suppressed were Monasteries 313, Priories 290, Friaries 122, Nunneries 142, Colleges 152, Hospitals 129, and their Inhabitants turned out to wander in the Fields, after long Ease and Luxury. Remarks on Yorkshire in its three Ridings. THis is the largest Shire in England, and not inferior to some of the biggest Provinces in France. It is divided into three Parts or Ridings, viz. The North, East, and West Ridings. It produces store of Horses, large Cattle, Sheep, and in many places very good Corn and Pastures, great quantities of Woollen Cloth; and very Subtle People. It is Bounded with the Bishopric of Du●ham, the German Ocian, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, and Westmoreland: It contains 26 Hundreds, 563 Parishes, 57 Marker Towns, 36 Rivers of which the Humber is the chief, 1 City, which is an Archiepiscopal See, viz. York, 14 Castles, 62 Bridges, 4 Chases, ● Forest's, and 72 Parks. It sends Members to Parliament 30, viz. Alborough 2, Beverly 2, Borrough-Bridge 2, Hildon 2, Hull 2, Knarseborough 2, Malton 2, North-Alerton 2, Pomfret 2, Richmond 2, Rippon 2, Scarborough 2, Thrisk 2, York City 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire. YORK SHIRE By I: Seller map of Yorkshire This Shire affoards store of Iron, Pit-Coal, and Sea-Coal; at Whitby are Stones of a Serpentine figure; near Burrough Bridge are 4 Piramidal Stones, supposed some Roman Monument; on Rosemary Topping are Stones found like Sea Wincles and Cockles; at Giglesworth are 3 Springs, one of which constantly Ebbs and Flows four times an Hour; in the North are Ting-tong Wells, said to be three Miles in the Earth; and near Knarsborough the Well Dripa, whose Water distils from a Rock that hangs over it. The Castles of note are those of Sheffield, Coningsborough, Tickil, Sandal, Harwood, Knasborough, Cawood, Scarborough, Kilton, Skelton, etc. On Wakefield Bridge stands a Chapel Founded by Edward the Fourth, in memory of the Battle fought there; near Flamborough-Head are Waters called Vipsies, which flow out of the Springs every other Year, and fall violently into the Sea. The Seats of the Nobility are Sheffeild-Mannor, belonging to the Duke of Norfolk; Bishops-Hill and Hemsey Castle, to the late Duke of Buckingham; Slingsby Castle, to the Honourable Family of Newcastle; Snap, to the Earl of Exeter; Markinfield, to the Earl of Bridgwater; Mulgrave Castle, to the Earl of Mulgrave; Shipton Castle, to the Earl of Thanet; Nawort Castle, to the Earl of Carlisle; Wharlton Castle and Javoux Abbey, to the Earl of Ailesbury; Lounsborough, Bolton, and Braden Tower, to the Earl of Burlington; Hall and Wimbledon, to the Duke of Leeds; Thorn-Hill, to the Earl of Macclesfield; Hackforth, Anderly Le Miers, to the Earl of Holderness; Newborough Abbey, Coxwold Hall, Oulston Hall, Aldwark and Murton, to the Lord Faulconberg; Wressel Castle, to the Duke of Richmond; Easby Hall, to the Lord Eure, Baron of Witton; Wheldrake, to the Lord Howard of Escrick; Holm in Spadingmore, and Dalton, to the Lord Lexinton; Wilton Castle, to the Lord Cornwallis; Bishopsthorp, to the Archbishop of the Province. The Reign of King EDWARD the Sixth. EDWARD the Sixth, the only Son of Henry the Eighth, was Crowned at Westminster, January 28, Anno Dom. 1547, and Edward Seymour, Created Duke of Somerset, Uncle to the King by the Mother's side, constituted Protector of the King's Person and of the Realm, during his Minority; and was sent by the Estates into Scotland, to require their Young Queen in Marriage with Edward, as had been agreed between them and the King's Father; but they refusing, a Battle was fought, in which the Scots were Routed, and 14000 of them Slain, among which were divers of the Nobility; whereupon a great many Towns and Castles fell into the hands of the English. This Battle was fought at Musselburg the 10th of September, in which the whole Power of that Kingdom was so broken, that in many Years they could not recover their former Strength. However the Winter coming on, the English Army retired into the Northern Borders. The next thing taken in hand was to reform Religion; and after some contests, King Henry's disannuling the Pope's Supremacy, was confirmed, and whatsoever in his time had been Enacted against the Authority of the See of Rome: Images and Statues were cast out of the Churches; The Clergy allowed to Marry; The Liturgy, or Common Prayer, turned into English; The Sacrament administered in both kinds; Auricular Confession abrogated; The Scriptures permitted publicly to be Read in English; Mass and Praying for the Dead silenced; and such of the Popish Clergy as would not Conform to this, outed; as Gardner Bishop of Winchester, Bonner of London, Tanstall of Durham, Day of Chichester, and some others; Gardener for contempt was Imprisoned; and most of the Bishoprics seized into the King's hands, and bestowed on such as would Conform, tho' the Nobles much fleeced the Church's Patrimony to enrich themselves. The Scots by this time having taken breath, surprised Humes and Fascastle, Garisoned by the English, and slew most they found therein, through the carelessness of the Sentinels; which made the Earl of Rutland demolish Haddington, as a place not tenable, and so retired with the Garrison into England. And a contention arising between the Duke of Somerset Protector, and Sir Thomas Seymour his Younger Brother, who was Lord Admiral, upon a Quarrel happening between their Wives, the latter having Married Queen Catharine Par, Widow to Henry the Eighth, it went so far, that the Admiral was Accused in Parliament of High Treason, in Conspiring to get the King into his hands, and by Marrying the Lady Elizabeth, to whom indeed he formerly made Courtship, in her Right, when the King should be made away, to Claim the Kingdom; and so unheard, being Attainted, he was Executed on a Scaffold at Tower-Hill, protesting to the last his Innocency touching the matter laid to his charge; and his Brother was by most blamed, for permitting him so easily to be cut off, and found, in the end, that it was chief contrived by his secret Enemies, to lay him the opener to Destruction, which he Escaped not. In these times of Reformation, Bucer, Phagus, and Peter Martyr, three Learned Germane Divines, came over, but the two former soon Dying, Martyr Disputed at Oxford about the Sacraments, and other material Points; and caused a Book of the Disputation to be Printed, which opened the Eyes of many to see God's Truth, that by Popish Superstition, Error and Ignorance, had a long time been darkened. However the Popish Clergy stirred up divers to Rebel in Devonshire, Cornwall, and other parts of the Kingdom; and especially to the City of Exeter, which City for its Loyalty and stout Resistance, had not long after the Manner of Exilond bestowed upon it by the King, and in memory of their deliverance from a Sack that time, the Citizens keep the 6th of August, on which the Rebels were Beaten off, yearly Holiday; and indeed they were so obstinate, that till they had been four times worsted by the Lord Russel, they gave not over, tho' the King offered them pardon; however many of the Ringleaders being Taken, were Executed; and among others the Mayor of Bodmin was Hanged; also a Miller's Man, who took upon him his Master's Name and Cause, till seeing he was about to Suffer, he recanted and cried out, He was not the Miller but his Man, and that his Master Ordered him to do what he had done. To which Sir Anthony Kingston, Marshal of the Field, told him, He could never do his Master better Service than to Hang for him; and so not being credited, he was turned off. Long these Western Troubles had not been allayed, but others broke out as dangerous in the north, under pretence of throwing down Enclosures and Parks, that had been taken from the Waste, which the Common sort of people claimed as their Right. This was chief Headed by Robert Ket, who took the City of Norwich. But the Lord Dudley put them to the Rout, caused Ket to be Hanged in Chains on the top of the Castle, and 60 others in divers places, 9 of them in the Oak of Reformation, a Tree in which Ket used to sit to Judge and Determine of their intended purposes and proceeding, as also to order Parties out to Plunder the Houses of such as he judged not well affected to their Cause. In Yorkshire others Rose under the Leading of William Omble, a Yeoman, Thomas Dale, a Parish-Clerk, and one Stephens a Postmaster; but the King sending down his Pardon, the common sort left their Leaders to be Lead to York, where they were Executed. The French taking the Advantage of these Tumults, Besieged Bullen, and sent a Fleet to pillage the Islands of Jersey and Guernsey; from the Islands they were beaten with the loss of 1000 Men, and few on our side; but on the Main Land having won the outworks of Bullen, whilst they pretended to Parley with the English, they forcibly entered the Town, and after that, soon reduced all the Forts and Castles near it, except Guisness, which held out till the Winter made them raise the Siege. You have heard how the Lord Admiral was removed out of the way, and now the Duke of Somerset his Brother is to go next: For his greatest Enemy, Budley Earl of Warwick, delayed not to make a strong Party against him; upon secret notice of which, he being with the King at Hampton Court, sent dispatches to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London, immediately to send him 1000 Armed Men to defend the King's Person, and himself, against the Treachery and Violence that threatened them; and that Night removed with the King to Windsor Castle; upon this, the Earl of Warwick Assembled the Privy Counselors, and other Nobles, at London, making grievous complaints against the Duke, and amongst others, That he had laid wait for his Head; and so Inveagled them, that they joined with him to send their Letters to the Citizens to Levy Forces for their use, in order to Rescue the King out of the hands of his Enemies; and as the chief of them, they named the Protector; sending abroad Proclamations wherein they laid many grievous Crimes to his charge, as his Male Administration of Government, and the great Mischiefs that had thereby befallen the Kingdom; his converting the Public Treasure to his Private Use, his endeavouring to set the Peers at Variance, etc. The Duke upon this, finding ●he Londoners denied him Aid, but on the contrary had assisted his Adversary Warwick with 400 Armed Men, who had drawn most of the Peers to his side, and that contrary to his expectation, he was left in a manner alone; he now too late saw his Brothers Fall was contrived to usher in his: However putting the best construction on the matter, he sent a Messenger to them, desiring they would forbear all rough proceed, and deal with him according to Law and Right; which they promising to do, he yielded himself and the King's Person into their hands; and was committed to the Tower, together with Sir Thomas Stanhop, Sir Thomas Smith, and others, his Favourites; but having been a Prisoner 3 Months, and nothing made out against him, upon acknowledging himself worthy of the punishment he suffered, and begging the King's Pardon, he was set at Liberty, but deposed from his Protectorship; and by the more Peaceable Nobility, the Earl of Warwick and he were made Friends; and to bind it the firmer, the Earls Eldest Son was Married to the Duke's Daughter; and new Honours bestowed on persons that had well deserved, viz, John Lord Russet, was created Earl of Bedford; William Lord St. John, Earl of Wiltshire, Sir William Paget Lord Paget; and soon after the King called a Parliament at Westminster, wherein was Enacted a Statute for the punishment of Rebels and Riotous Assemblies; upon which ensuing Statute, the Duke was about two Years after Condemned. The Parliament being ended, the Earl of Bedford and Lord Paget were sent Ambassadors with other Assistants, to France, and the Emperor; by whose means a Peace was concluded upon divers Articles advantageous to the English, and the Queen of Scots was included in it; and it was Proclaimed with great Joy in the City of London. Now all the high Altars being taken down in the Churches, Tables were placed in their stead, for receiving the Communion; and Sir Andrew Judas builded the Free-School at Tunbridge, and six Almshouses in St. Hellins within Bishopsgate: And the Book of Common Prayer, which had in some part been Corrected and Amended, was appointed by Parliament to be Read in all Churches and Chapels. In April Anno 1551. An unaccountable Sweeting Sickness happened, and held till October; of which vast numbers of people died: Most that were taken with it dying in 24 Hours, or sooner; it seizing mostly on lusty young Men, and very little on Women, Children, or aged people; and of it died Henry Duke of Suffolk, and his brother, Sons to Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk; both of the Royal Blood by the Mother's side, viz Mary younger Sister to Henry the 8th: So that the Dukdome fell to Henry Grey Marquess of Dorset, who had married the Lady Frances, Eldest Daughter to Brandon, and Mary his Wife. And now the Duke of Northumberland growing powerful, and labouring to get the King at his disposal, to bring his purposes about, found he could not do it unless the Duke of Somerset were Removed: And the feud growing hot between them, the Duke of Somerset (by the persuasion of some private Enemies, Employed by his Adversary) went Armed to the Council under his Surcoat; where the Duke of Northumberland feignedly pretending to Clasp him about, as in Friendship, discovered his Coat of Male, and found Weapons about him. Whereupon Northumberland laying hold on the opportunity, Charged him with an Intention to have Murdered some of the King's Privy Counsellors, and afterwards produced Witnesses to aver, he had before come with Armed Men to attempt his Life, but that his Courage failed him; and one of his followers, when he returned, demanding if he had done it, and he saying No, replied, than you are undone: Upon this, with divers of his Favourites, he was sent to the Tower; and process being drawn up against him, he was Tried by his Peers in Westminster Hall, on two Articles. 1. For High Treason, viz. That he had not only Imprudently but Treacherously administered the weighty affairs of Government. 2. For Conspiring the Death of Northumberland, who was a Privy Counsellor, which by the new Law was Felony; Of the former he Acquitted himself; whereupon the Axe being taken away, such a shout arose in the Hall among the Common People, that it was heard to Charing Cross; but on the other Article he was found Guilty and Condemned; but it was a considerable time before they could constrain the King to Sign the Warrant for his Execution: which he did, not without Tears; Saying he was the unhappyest Creature Living: For at his Birth he had been the Death of his Mother: And had since (though, against his Inclination) signed the Death of one of her Brothers; and now they urged him to do the like for the Noble Duke his Uncle; and therefore concluded, the Lord Judge between me and you, that Constrain me to do this against my mind. However having got the Warrant signed, they hastened the Duke's Execution; and diverted the King's Melancholy (the mean while) with Balls, Plays, and Music. And so infatuated was this Great Man, that according to the opinion of divers, had he thought upon demanding his Clergy, he might have saved his Life, his Crime by the new Act being only Felony. However he made a very Pennitent and Christianlike end, much bewailing he had forwarded his Brother's Destruction, and now saw it brought his own upon himself, by opening a way to his Enemies. He lost his Head on Tower-Hill, and was much Lamented by all sorts of people, except his enveterate Enemies, who Rejoiced at his removal to another World; and in his fall many of his Favourits bo●e their part, by Northumberland's contrivance, viz. Sir Ralph Vane and Sir Thomas Arundel, Beheaded for Conspiring with Somerset to Kill Northumberland, the latter of which declared his Blood should be a Bolster for the Duke of Northumberland as long as he Lived, (intimating thereby he should have a troubled Conscience) and all of them professed their Innocency to the last, as to the Crimes they were charged with. Doctor Ridley, Bishop of London, Preaching before the Young King of the excellency of Charity and Alms-deeds, he was so affected with his Sermon, that thinking he directly pointed at him, who was in the highest Station, after the Sermon was ended, he held a private conference with him how he might effectually bestow his Charity; who advised him to send for the Mayor and Aldermen of London, who would give him satisfaction in that matter, as being most acquainted with the needs of the Poor; which he did; and after consulting with them, allotted them Christ's Hospital (formerly the Grey Friars of St. Francis Order) St. Thomas' Hospital, and Bridewell, dividing the Poor into three Ranks, 1. Poor by Impotency. 2. The Poor by Casualty. 3. The Thriftless Poor. And soon after this, the King fell Sick of a Languishing Disease, which began with a Hectic Fever, and by degrees inclined to a Consumption: When Northumberland who had gotten the power into his hands, was Plotting how (if the King Dyed) he might get the Crown into his Family, and at last concluded to lay his Project with the Duke of Suffolk, which was, That his Youngest Son Dudley Lord Gilford, should Marry the Duke of Suffolk's Eldest Daughter, the Lady Jane, who was of the Blood Royal; and that they would prevail with the King to Disinherit his two Sisters, and by his Will appoint her Queen, if the Duchess of Suffolk would be so contented, whose Right was before her Daughter. And indeed, this Northumberland prevailed with the Languishing King to do, under a specious pretence of securing the Reformed Religion; on which, to serve his ends, he laid a mighty stress, tho' himself was not much concerned for any, as will appear in the next Reign. Upon this account divers Marriages were contracted, and the Nuptials celebrated, viz. The Pious and Virtuous Lady Jane, Eldest Daughter to the Duke of Suffolk, in a fatal hour was Married to the Lord Guildford Dudley, Fourth Son to the Earl of Northumberland; for all his other Sons were Matched before: Catharine, another Daughter of the Earl of Suffolk's, was Married to the Earl of Pembroke's eldest Son; and Mary a third Daughter, some what deformed, to Cays, the King's Master Porter; and the Duke of Northumberland gave Catharine, his youngest Daughter, to the Lord Hastings, Son to the Earl of Huntingdon. Whilst these things were doing, the King's Sickness much increased; for Northumberland had displaced his Physicians, and put him into the hands of a Woman to cure, who it is thought hastened him to his Grave; for no sooner had they procured him by his Will, which was read in the hearing of the Counsellors, Judges, etc. And confirmed by their Assents, to Disinherit Mary and Elizabeth his Sisters, whose Interest (as Northumberland said) was so closely Joined, that if the Crown fell to either of them, it must first come to the Lady Mary, who was a professed Papist, and not by any entreaties to be brought over to the Reformed Religion, and by his said Will to appoint the Lady Jane his Successor; but plain Symptoms of Death appeared. And not above Three Hours before he Died, thinking no body had been near he thus Piously Prayed. Lord God deliver me out of this Miserable and Wretched Life; Take me amongst thy Chosen; howbeit not my will, but thy will be done. Lord I Commit my Spirit to Thee; O Lord, thou knowest how Happy it were for me to be with thee; yet for thy Chosens sake, if it be thy will, send me Life and Health, that I may truly Serve thee. O my Lord Bless thy People, and save thine Inheritance: O Lord God, save thy Chosen People of England: O my Lord God, defend this Realm from Popery, and maintain thy True Religion; that I and my People may Praise thy Holy Name. Amen. About three hours afterward, he said, I faint; Lord, have mercy upon me, and receive my Spirit; and so yielded up the Ghost. The Conjectures how this Sickness came upon the King, were various among the People; some that it was caused by his smelling to an Empoisoned Nosegay, presented him for a New-Years-Gift; others, That Northumberland's Woman purposely destroyed him; and such indeed was then that Duke's power, that though the King's Physicians shook their Heads, as much grieved, yet they durst not utter their Minds. He was a Prince exceeding Pious, and Learned to a Miracle, considering his Years, in Latin, Greek, French, Italian, Spanish; Music, Logic, etc. He Died the 6th of July, Anno Dom. 1553, in the 7th Year of his Reign, and the 16th of his Age; having Reigned 6 Years, 5 Months, and 8 Days; and was Buried without any great Solemnity at Westminster. In this King's Reign one George Paris, a Germane, was Burnt in Smithfield for Arianisme, in denying the Divinity of our Saviour. Three Whales and divers Dolphins were taken in the Thames, and on the Coast. A Woman at Middleton near Oxford brought forth a Monstrous Child with two Heads, and two Bodies joined together, of the Female Sex, and all other Members proportionable, the Bodies being as it were Head and Tail, one Head at one end, and the other at tother; it Lived 14 Days, and was killed at last by Cold, in being too often exposed naked, to satisfy People's curiosity. A great blow of Gunpowder was given in a House near the Tower, which killed Fifteen Gunpowder-makers', shattered divers Houses, and wounded many Persons in them. Remarks on the principality of Wales. THE principality of Wales does strictly contain but Twelve Counties, and is commonly Divided into North-Wales and South-Wales; North-Wales Contains Flimshire, Merionethshire, Anglesey, Montgomeryshire, Carnarvonshire, Denbeighshire. South-Wales Contains Cardiganshire, Glamorganshire, Pembrookshire, Brecknockshire. Caermarthenshire, Radnorshire. Of each of which I shall give you a brief Account Alphabetically. 1. ANGLESETY Island, called Mam Cimbiae, or The Mother of Wales, for its Fertility, Rich Pastures, breeding store of Cattle, etc. It is divided from Carnarvonshire by the Water or River Mennay, the rest encompassed with the Irish Sea. It contains 6 Hundreds, 74 Parishes, 2 Market Towns, 4 Rivers, 8 Bridges, and 2 Chases; It sends Members to Parliament 2, viz. Beaumaris 1, and a Knight of the Shire. This Town was Built by King Edward the First, and stands advantageous for a Passage to Ireland, Newborough is a place of Antiquity, and once a Court of the British Princes; The chief Rivers are Llinnon, Guynt, Keveny, Allow, and Brant: THE PRINCIPALITY OF WALES By John Seller. map of Wales 3. CARDIGANSHIRE lies (on its West part) commodious to the Irish Sea, and the rest Bounded by Caermardenshire, Pembrookshire, Brecknockshire, Radnorshire, Montgomery and Monmouthshire: It is very Hilly, tho' well Watered with Rivers, and has in divers places large Mears and Pools. It contains 5 Hundreds, 64 Parishes, 4 Market Towns; and has a Bishop belonging to it: It's principal River is Tivy, which Waters its South Borders, and branches into the County, and in it are 13 Bridges, and 1 Park. It sends Members to Parliament 2, viz. Cardegan 1, and 1 Knight of the Shire. Cardigan, the Shire Town, was Walled about and Fortified with a Castle by Gilbert D' Clare, who was Lord of the whole County, by the Gift of King Henry the First. 4. CARNARVONSHIRE has in it divers Meers and Pools, some branching Rivers, and a sprinkling of Hills: It affords some Corn, store of Pasture, and a considerable quantity of Cattle. It is Bounded on the West by the Irish Sea and the Isle of Anglesey, and the South has the Sea flowing to it, as likewise the North; so that what remains to the Land-ward, is Bounded by Denbighshire, and Merionethshire. It contains 7 Hundreds, 68 Parishes, 6 Market Towns, 17 Rivers, and 3 Castles. Carnarvan was Built by Edward the First, on the Ruins of the Ancient Segontium, where was said to be found the Body of Constantius, Father to Constantine the Great, Anno 1285. And here Edward the Second was Born. It sends Members to Parliament 2, viz. Carnarvan 1, and 1 Knight of the Shire. The Seats of the Lord Vaughan, Baron of Emlyn, etc. are Golden Grove and Emlyn. The Bishop of Bangor's Seat, Bangor Place. 5. CAERMARTHENSHIRE is Watered by the River Towy and others. It abounds in Hills, tho' mostly of a moderate height; and in some places is Woody, and a great many Cattle are bred up in it. It is Bounded with the Sea, Glamorganshire, Brecknockshire, Cardiganshire, and Pembrookshire. Carmarden is strongly Walled and Defended by a Castle. Here was Born Merlin, the famous British Prophet, who foretold in the several Ages Changes of Government. On the high Hills of this Shire are two Meers, in one of them is bred a Fish that has but one Eye; and the other has in it a floating Island, in which one no sooner sets his Foot, but it seems in all appearance to drive further off from Shoar. This Shire co●● in● 6 Hundreds, in which are 87 Parishes, 8 Market Town●, 28 Rivers great and small. It sends Members to Parliament 2, viz. Carmarden 1, and 1 Knight of the Shire. The Seat of the Bishop of St. David's, Abergwilly. 6. DENBIGHSHIRE is pretty well stored with Hills, though it has Valleys that produce good Pasture, and Corn, and breeds up store of Cattle. It is pleasantly Watered with the Rivers Cluyd, allen, and Dee; Bounded by Flintshire, Cheshire, Shropshire, ●erion●thshire, Carnarvonshire, and the Sea; It contains 12 Hundreds, 57 Parishes, 4 Market Towns, and 24 great and small Rivers, 6 Bridges, 3 Castles, and 6 Parks. It sends Members to Parliament 2, viz. Denbigh 1, and 1 Knight of the Shire. Denbigh, the Shire Town, was Walled about and Fortified with a Castle by Henry Lacie, Earl of Lincoln, in the Reign of Edward the First. On the top of high Hills, called Moilealy Hills, are very large Springs: Luth●● and Wrexham are places of great Antiquity, and Memorable for having been the Seats of British Princes. 7. FLINTSHIRE, tho' small, is yet a pretty pleasant County, Watered by the flowing of Dee; Cluyan, and other Rivers. It produces Corn, Cattle, Fish, Fowl, Wool, Butter, Cheese, etc. It is Bounded by Denbighshire, Shropshire, Cheshire, the River Dee, and the Ocean. It contains 5 Hundreds, 28 Parishes, 3 Market Towns, 4 Castles, 2 Bridges, and 2 Parks. The Castle of Flint, Founded by Henry the Second, and Finished by Edward the First, gave reception to King Richard the Second when he came out of Ireland and lost his Crown. This County is famous for St. Winifrid's Well, called Holy Well, formerly much frequented, partly by way of Pilgrimage, and partly for the great Virtue its Waters was reputed to have in the Cure of many Distempers. This Spring is held by some to have risen upon the falling of the Virgin Winifrid's Blood, when to save her Chastity she lost her Head, by a Pagan Prince; and that the Stones that look ●ed at the bottom, still bear a tincture of it. Many Miracles have been held to have been done by this Water; but these I look on as Monkish Fables; yet certain it is, that out of this Well runs a very pleasant Stream, and that the Water is Medicinal. This Shire sends Members to Parliament 2, viz. Flint 1, and 1 Knight of the Shire. At Kilben in this Shire is a little Well that keeps a constant Ebb and Flow like the Ocean. The Seat of the Bishop of the Diocese is St. Asaph. MONMOUTH SHIRE by John Seller map of Monmouthshire 8. GLAMORGANSHI●● 〈◊〉 its South and West part open to the Sea, and the rest 〈◊〉 with Carmarden, Brecknock, and Monmouthshires. It is mostly accommodated with hills and Valleys, branched with some pleasant Rivers. Llandaff in this Shire is a Bishops See; Glamorganshire contains 10 Hundreds, 118 Parishes, 10 Market Towns, 16 Rivers, 5 Castles, 6 Bridges, and 5 Parks. It sends Members to Parliament 2, viz. Cardiff 1, and 1 Knight of the Shire. The chief Town and Episcopal See is Llandaff, tho' Cardiff is famous, as having been the residence of the renowned Fitz Hamon, who with his Norman Knights, in the Reign of W. Rufus, beat Rhesus Prince of Wales out of his Country, and kept his Court in the strong Castle he built, in the Hall whereof are yet to be seen the Ensigns of him and his Knights; and in this Castle is held the Audit for the Earl of Pembrook's Estate in Wales. Llandaff contains a Castle and fi●e Cathedral. At Ab●erbarry is a Cave at the bottom of a Hill, the Mouth whereof is a gaping Cleft or Chink, into which the Wind entering, makes harmonious Music, like the sound of Cymbals. And near Barry on the Cliffs is often a sound as if smith's were at work. The Seats of the Nobility are Swanzy Castle, belonging to the Duke of Beaufort; Cardiff Castle, Caerplilly Castle, to the Earl of Pembroke; Coyty Castle, to the Earl of Leicester; Llandaff Palace, to the Bishop, etc. 9 MERIONETHSHIRE, is partly Watered with the River Dee, which entering the North-East point, falls into a Lake or Mere, at Bala; as does the River Trowryn, Riauder proceeds from Dee. There are some very large Hills in this Shire, yet the Plains afford Wood, Pasture, and a good sprinkling of Corn and Cattle. It is divided into 6 Hundreds, containing 37 Parishes, 3 Market Towns, 26 Rivers small and great, 2 Castles, 7 Bridges; It is Bounded with Cardigan, Carnarvan, Denbigh, and Montgomeryshires, and the Irish Sea. It sends to Parliament only 1 Knight of the Shire. Harlech, the principal Town of this Shire, is more noted for its stately Castle, than any other Ornament. The Pool or Lake at Bala is never observed to be filled by Land Floods, though rising never so high; yet in Tempestuous Wether swelleth above its Banks. 10. MONMOUTHSHIRE did formerly belong to the Principality of Wales, and is therefore now brought in amongst them; tho' in the Reign of King Charles the Second it was made an English County, the Judges keeping the Assizes there, as in other English Counties. But being omitted in its proper place, I thought it better to place it among the Welsh Counties, than to leave it quite out; For being a pleasant County 〈◊〉 having the advantage of the River Severn to Water it, produces much Corn, Cattle, Pastures, Wool, etc. It is Bounded by Severn, (a River to which Severus the Roman Emperor gave Name, on a memorable Battle fought on its Banks) Brecknock, Hereford, Glamorgan, and Gloucestershires. It is divided into 6 Hundreds, containing 127 Parishes, 15 Rivers, 7 Market Towns, 7 Castles, 14 Bridges, and 8 Parks. It sends Members to Parliament 2. viz. Monmouth 1, and 1 Knight of the Shire. The Town of Monmouth is held to be the place where King Arthur kept his Court; and that it has been an Academy of Philosophy and Arts, The Birth-place of Amphibalus, whose Disciple our Proto Martyr St. Alban was; and here King Henry the Fifth was Born. Vsk is a place of Antiquity, and considerable in this Shire. Abergavenny, etc. The Seats of the Nobility are Troy House, Monmouth Castle, Ragland Castle, Chepstow Castle, Tintorn Abbey, and Chepstow Grange, belonging to the Duke of Beaufort; Abergavenny Castle, to the Lord Abergavenny; St. Julian, to the Lord Herbert, Baron of Cherbury; Matherne Palace, to the Bishop. 11. MONTGOMERYSHIRE receives great advantage from the River Severn, over which are divers considerable Bridges, This River in many branches winds very pleasantly among the Hills, Fertilizing the Valleys and Plains, so that the Earth produces sufficient Plenty where the barren Hills are not Interposing. It is Bounded with Cardiganshire, Radnorshire, Shropshire, Denbighshire, and Merionethshire. It contains 7 Hundereds, in which are 47 Parishes, 6 Market Towns, 25 Rivers, 3 Castles, 6 Bridges, and 1 Chase. It sends Members to Parliament 2, viz. Montgomery 1, and 1 Knight of the Shire. Montgomery is pleasantly Situated, and has a very strong Castle appertaining to it. Dolevere is founded on large Antiquity, and some others. The Seats of the Nobility are Powis Castle and Buttingto, belonging to the Marquis of Powis; ●limore Lodge and Llyslin, to the Lord Herbert, Baron of Cherbury. 12. PEMBROOKSHIRE lies very advantageous to the Sea, St. David's being the extreme point of Land, from which in the Sea are those dangerous Rocks called The Bishop and his Clerks. This County is not much Mountainous unless to the North-East part. It is Bounded by Cardiganshire, Carmardenshire, and the Sea. Milford Haven opening with a large Stream to its Southward, and the River Dougledy makes the other branches. It is thereby pretty Fruitful, and much subject to Seafaring Trade; It contains 7 Hundreds, 145 Parishes, 9 Market Towns, 6 Rivers, 1 Bishopric, 5 Castles, 7 Bridges, 2 Forests, 〈…〉. It sends Members to Parliament 3, viz. Haverford-W●●● Pembroke 1, and 1 Knight of the Shire. And tho' here Pembroke is accounted the County Town, yet St. david's is more remarkable, as having been an Archiepiscopal See, translated from Is●a Legionum, by the great Archbishop Devi, now styled St. David; whose Day is kept by the Native britain's the First of March, in memory of a great Battle he gained over the Saxons; and the wearing the Leek comes from his ordering the Soldiers on his part, the better to be distinguished in Battle, every one to place a Leek in his Cap. The Isle of S●laney in this County is almost all overgrown with Wild Thime. 13. RADNORSHIRE has many pleasant Valleys in the Midland parts, producing Corn, and breeds plenty of Cattle, unless where the Hills hinder; It is pleasantly Watered by the River Wye, which winds on the Southern side of it, and spreads branching into it, receiving other Rivers as Ithon, Weverly, D●las, &c. It abounds in Fish, and particularly store of Salmon. This Shire is Bounded by Montgomeryshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Breknockshire, and Cardiganshire. It contains 6 Hundreds, 52 Parishes, 4 Market Towns, 1● Rivers, 5 Castles, 5 Bridges, and 3 Forests. It sends Members to Parliament 2, viz. Radnor 1, and 1 Knight of the Shire. Radnor is the Ancient Magnus of Antony, and the station of the Roman Regiment called the Pacentine, tho' in Beauty and Building it is Inferior to Prestain. And thus much shall suffice to be said of the Principality of Wales. The Reign of Queen MARY the First. KING Edward was no sooner Dead, but the Lords of the Duke of Northumberland's party hasted to Proclaim the Lady Jane Queen; and in order to do it, sent for the Lord Mayor of London, six Aldermen, and six of the Common Council, to Greenwich, where the King lay dead; and declared to them his death, which before was kept as secret as possible. Moreover showing them his Will, and the Letters Patents with the Great Seal made fourteen Days before, causing them to Swear Allegiance to the Lady Jane as their Sovereign Lady; and now the Policy was to surprise the Lady Mary, whom they thought knew nothing of the King's Death, or their Proceed; for it had been carried on very closely. But she having secret Intelligence from her Friends at Court, left St. Edmunds Bury on pretence she feared the Infection, one of her Servants being dead of the Plague, and Riding forty Miles, came to Fremingh●m Castle in Suffolk, about Eighty Miles from London; considering that being near the Sea, if ●ortune turned against her, she might Escape into France. And here taking upon her the stile of Queen, (for King Henry at his Death repenting his Illegitimating his two Daughters, Mary and Elizabeth, had by his last Will appointed they should Successively Reign in default of Issue) she dispatched Letters to her Friends and Allies, that they should hasten to come to her. This was no sooner known by the Lords at London, but the Lady Jane was immediately Proclaimed Queen: Yet she received the Regalia unwillingly, not without some Sighs and Tears, which Presaged the Misfortune she was violently thrust upon; so that it plainly appeared to all present, it was much against her will she ascended this height of Honour; and indeed as she passed through the City, tho' there were crowds of Gazers, yet very few Shouts or Acclamations of Joy, as in such cases are usual, were heard: Which gave courage to the contrary Party, who heitherto had kept silence; but now began to grow bold in their discourses; and the Council sitting, a Letter was presented from the Lady Mary, wherein she commanded the Lords to repair to her, acknowledge her the Right Heir to the Crown, and their Lawful Princess, and do their Duties and Services, as became Loyal Subjects. Many that envied Northumberland's Greatness, hereupon began to incline to her Party; but then they found it could not be well contrived to bring her to London, as Queen, whilst Northumberland's Presence hindered; whereupon hearing that the Suffolk-Men, and a great part of Norfolk, had promised her their Aid, upon condition of enjoying the freedom of Religion, they concluded it was convenient to send Forces against her, that she might be suppressed before she became Strong; and tho' the Duke of Northumberland would have shifted it, Forces were raised, and he appointed General; and so on the 13th of June he set out from London; but was much daunted when he heard none of the Multitude that crowded to see him pass along, bid him good speed: Which he noted to the Lord Grey as an Omen of bad success. However he Marched slowly towards Cambridge, and in the mean while the Lady Mary's Party greatly increased by the coming over of the Earls of Bath and Sussex, Sir Thomas Cornwallis, Sir Henry Jernington, Sir Robert Drury, Sir John Williams, Sir Robert Waldgrave, and others; and soon after Sir Edward Hastings, Brother to the Earl of Huntingdon, Revolted from the Duke of Northumberland, with 4000 Foot he had Raised by his order; for which he was after created Earl of Lowborough. Soon after this, six Ships with Stores, Ammunition and Provision, which the Duke had caused to Watch the Coast, and Intercept Mary, if she should fly, fell into her hands, as driven by stress of Wether into Yarmouth, when a great part of her Forces were there, by whom they were seized. And Sir Henry Jerningham consigned them to her use. Having by this means got a Train of Artillery, she Marched towards Northumberland, Snowball like, gathering as she proceeded; which made the Duke send to the Lords at London to supply him with more Forces, for on the Muster he found many were Deserted, and till their coming he resolved to stay at Cambridge; but they hearing how things went, and finding the People unwilling to engage, began more to consult their own safety, than any other matter; and leaving the Tower, they met at Bainard's Castle; and there contrary to their solemn promises, they consulted to Depose the Lady Jane, whom they had so lately advanced to the Throne; and the Earl of Arrundel being Spokesman, boldly declared the necessity of it, enveighing bitterly against the Duke of Northumberland, recounting many things that have been already mentioned of him, urging the unlawfulness of what they had done; and that there was no better Cure of Error, than mature and timely Repentance; and therefore he besought them all present, with one Heart and Mind to endeavour to the utmost that Mary (the undoubted Lawful Heir of the Crown) might presently be Proclaimed Queen. See in this the wonderful Conversion Fear can work in men's minds, for until he perceived the Lady Mary Powerful, and likely to come in by Force, except Northumberland, he was the most violent against her. Upon this Advice, and some other Debates, it was agreed the Lady Mary should be Proclaimed Queen; for the Earl of Pembroke saying he hearty agreed with Arrundel, and laying his Hand on his Sword, Swore He would try it with any one that should presume to maintain the contrary, most became willing, and the rest were carried away in the stream of Power; and so sending for the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, they went to Cheap Cross, and there, to the great wonderment of the People, Proclaimed Mary Queen; and passing to St. Paul's, Te Deum was Sung, sending some to take possession of the Tower, and others to Summon the Duke of Suffolk, laying all Excuses aside, to appear at the Council-Board. The Duke perceiving Ruin threatened him and his Family, by laying too great a stress on Treacherous Friends, and drawn into a Snare by Northumberland's subtlety, he yet concluded to use such means as he hoped might avert the coming Storm; wherefore upon this notice he went to his Daughter's Chamber of State, causing her to lay aside her Princely Ornaments, Advising her not to take it grievously that she was to return home, and live a Private Life: To which, with a composed Countenance, she Replied, Most loving Father, I with more Joy and Gladness entertain the Message you now bring me, than that, when sore against my will, you placed me in the Throne. I then displeased myself that I might show my Obedience to you and my Mother. I believe I have greatly Offended in what I have done, but now I willingly Obey you, and am well contented to renounce the Crown and to confess my fault; if at last so great an offence may be wiped away by an acknowledgement of my Error. After this, she retired to her Closet, and the Ladies that waited on her, were discharged from that Office, and desired to retire to their respective Habitations; which they did, tho' not without Tears, to see Innocence precipitated into so great a misfortune as was likely to follow. The Duke of Suffolk after this, went to the Council of Lords, and subscribed the last Proclamation; and thereupon the Earl of Arrundel and divers others, posted to Queen Mary (for so now I must style her) with a great Train, and procured their Pardons. The Duke of Northumberland somewhat late, hearing of these Proceed, in much perturbation of mind, shown his meanness of Spirit, in running into the Street at Cambridge, and Proclaiming Queen Mary, throwing up his Cap, and capering amongst the crowd, as if he had done it with all the sincerity and alacrity imaginable; when every body knew Fear, and hope of Pardon, compelled him to it. Yet a few days after, he and divers others, whilst they were preparing for Flight, as doubting the worst, were Arrested by the Lord Arrundel, and conveyed to the Tower of London, and the Army he commanded Disbanded, and ordered on pain of being reputed Rebels to repair immediately to their several Houses; and the Virtuous Lady Jane (after ten Days Acting the Queen as on a Stage) by special order confined to the Tower, The Marquis of Northampton was Imprisoned, and divers others of Note, who they suggested were any way concerned in this business; and the Lady Elizabeth, upon her Sisters coming towards London, went to meet her Sister, and Congratulated her Success, highly commending her for so undauntedly pursuing her Right to the Crown; and upon her entrance into London she caused the Duke of Norfolk, and Edward Courtney, Son to the Marquis of Exeter Beheaded in Henry the Eighth's time, to be set at Liberty, as also Stephen Gardener, and all the Romish Clergy were released from their confinement, with many others; Constituting Gardener Lord Chancellor of England, restoring the deprived Popish Bishops to their Offices and Dignities, outing those of the Reformed Religion that had by King Edward been preferred to those Bishoprics, as London, Winches●●●, Durham, Worcester, Chichester, etc. But for all this Dr. Bourn Preaching at St. Paul's Cross, and bitterly inveighing against the Reformed Religion, had a Dagger fling at him, whose mortal Point narrowly miss his Breast, tho' the party that did it (upon the narrowest search and scrutiny) could not be discovered. Things being a little settled, the Queen by Advice of her Council chosen for the purpose, proceeded to Revenge herself on her opposers, and procured the Duke of Northumberland, the Earl of Warwick, his Eldest Son, and the Marquis of Northampton to be Tried and Condemned for High Treason, and soon after the Duke was brought to the Scaffold on Tower-Hill, where he declared himself (in hopes of Life) a Roman Catholic; Advising all present to return to the Mother Church, and not to embrace a new uncertain Religion that had worked so many Mischiefs and Disorders in the Kingdom: And that for his own part he always embraced and loved the Religion he received from his Ancestors, with much more to the same purpose. But by the way pray hear what he said to King Edward when he persuaded him to exclude his Sisters from the Crown, which I should not have mentioned had he by his Ambition brought none but himself to this kind of Misfortune. He told him, The Lady Mary his Eldest Sister was a professed Roman Catholic, and if she came to the Crown, would destroy the Reformed Religion, and therefore it was the Duty of a good and Religious Prince to set light by all natural ties and respects of Blood, in regard of the Glory of God and the benefit of his Subjects Salvation: That vengeance awaited those that should do otherwise; for when this Life was ended, they must appear before God's high Tribunal, there to give an Account of all their Actions, either to receive the Reward of Eternal Life, or the Doom of Eternal Death. But this was then to serve his ends. And I pray God too many in our days do not make Religion a pretence to advantage themselves. One thing more is remarkable in this great Man's fall, of which it is said he took exceeding notice, viz. As he passed to the Tower when first committed, a Woman out of a Balcony shook a bloody Handkerchief, saying, Look you here's the Blood of a right Noble Man and the King's Uncle, which was shed through your wicked Treachery; and now cryeth for Revenge against you. But his profession of the Popish Religion saved not his Life; tho' it is supposed Dr. Heath his Confessor, had on this account put him in great hopes of Pardon, which was conjectured from the unwillingness that appeared in him to submit to the stroke: Near the same time Sir John Gates, and Sir Thomas Palmer, two of the Duke's Favourites, were Beheaded for accompanying him to Cambridge, which by the Judges was construed Rebellion, and consequently Treason against the Queen: And divers Protestant Bishops, as Dr. Hooper of Gloucester, Dr. Coverdale of Exeter, Dr. Farrar of St. David's, &c. and all Ecclesiastical Persons, were deprived of their Live, who would not comply with the Romish Religion. Soon after these Proceed, the Lords Ambrose and Guildford Dudley, two Sons to the Duke of Northumberland, with the Virtuous Lady Jane, Wife to the latter, were Tried and found Guilty of High Treason, and Condemned: Arch Bishop Cranmer was Imprisoned; but nothing of Treason appearing against him, he was at that time Released, but afterwards Condemned to the Flames for Heresy, as in the Martyrology annexed to this Reign, will appear; wherefore by the way, take notice that to avoid breaking the thread of History, by so many occasions as must in his, and other cases of that nature, occur; for the better understanding of the Reader, I shall omit them here, to place them by themselves. However they agreed to send Peter Martyr under safe conduct to Antwerp, supposing he would there fall into rougher hands, but he escaped into Germany. The Queen's Coronation had been hitherto deferred, but now was performed with much Pomp and Solemnity. And a Parliament was called, in which almost all the Laws Enacted in the Reigns of Henry the 8th and Edward the 6th against Popery, were Repealed; and in a Synod at London, Disputations were held concerning the Real Presence in the Sacrament, in which the Popish Doctors were nonplussed; yet as their saying was, They had the Sword, tho' we had the Word; so that by outclamouring some, and over-awing others, they gave sentence That it was necessary the Roman Catholic Religion should be Restored. And the Queen exhibited a General Pardon, so called, but with so many Exceptions and Exclusions, That those of the Clergy and Laity that stood in most need of it, could reap no benefit by it; and soon after this, the Queen inclining to Marry, Philip King of Spain, among many others proposed, was thought the most agreeable Match; for as much as it was laid before her, That an unsettled Kingdom ought to have a potent Prince to defend it, if Troubles should arise, as well Abroad as at Home; which upon Gardener Bishop of Wincbester's moving Oration to the Lords, was approved, and the Spanish Ambassadars coming over with full Power to Treat about it, the Marriage was concluded on, and Articles signed, very advantageous to the English, as to Trade, and disencumberance from Wars Abroad; she being to Rule Absolute, and he not to intermeddle with the Affairs of the Kingdom, unless by way of Advice; and that such Children as should proceed from this Marriage, should be here brought up, and not carried out of the Kingdom. Yet many disliked it, as fearing when the Queen was Married, her Husband would do as he pleased, by easily prevailing on her to have the disposal of Offices, Treasure, and Armies; and under this pretence Sir Thomas Wyatt raised a Rebellion in Kent, and attempted to enter the City of London; but being forcibly resisted at London-Bridge, fetching a compass to pass the Thames at Kingston, in the mean while such Forces were prepared, as routed his Followers, and obliged him to surrender himself Prisoner; and being Committed to the Tower, he soon after lost his Head. This Rebellion (in which her Father had underhand sided) hastened the Death of the Lady Jane and her Husband; for Dr. Fecknam being sent to her to persuade her to the Romish Religion; but she being constant and unmovable, the Warrant was signed for her Execution; and the Lord Guildford being first Beheaded, she unconcerned beheld his Body brought all Bloody into the Tower, exposed to her view, the more to terrify her, and with a settled Constancy of Mind (tho' she did not much exceed Sixteen Years) mounted the Scaffold, and Embracing the Divine that had attended her, Desired God to reward him for his Pious endeavours, in Counselling and Advising her about the weighty Concern of an Immortal State; and then turning to the bystanders with a composed Countenance, Lovely in Sorrow, she thus spoke her Mind. If I am Guilty (said she) it is not because I affected the Kingdom, but that I refused it not, being cast upon me; and must leave a memorable Example and Monition to all Posterity, That Innocency cannot excuse those grievous Actions which tend to the Public Damage; for it seems they commit wickedness enough, that serve the Ambitious Designs of others, tho' it be much against their own will. Having Spoken these words, she Prayed fervently; then desiring her Gentlewoman to help her off with her Gown, she vailed her Eyes, and submitting to the Block, denied the Executioner to do what the Law had appointed as her bitter Portion; whereupon her Head being stricken off, caused many Tears even in those that favoured not her Religion. And thus a worthy Author speaks of her: She was, says he, Religious, Wise, and Learned, above her Age or Sex; who for taking the fatal Title of a Queen, unsought-for, and forced upon her by others, was snatched from a Throne to a Prison, and from thence to the place of Execution; where she suffered Patiently for the Offences of others, and yet overcame the many blows of Adversity with Constancy and Innocency. A while after, the Duke of Suffolk being Imprisoned, was Condemned for having a hand in Wiat's Rebellion, and attempting to raise others, as it was Charged against him on his Trial; tho' on very slender proof. Being brought to the Scaffold he thrust from him the Popish Priests, who were busy and troublesome in endeavouring to persuade him to change his Religion, and Praying fervently, he among other Expressions Desired the Queen to forgive him as he forgave all that had offended him: At which Dr. Weston, who had been earnest with him to change his Religion, said aloud to the people, The Queen had forgiven him: Whereupon some Replied, such forgiveness God send you. And then preparing for the Stroke, he underwent it with much constancy and courage, not varying from what the series of his Life had expressed him. Divers taken in Wiat's Rebellion being about this time Executed, and some Pardoned, Wyatt (in hopes of Life) was wrought on to Accuse the Marquis of Exeter, and the Lady Elizabeth, the Queen's Sister; but being nevertheless brought to Execution, he hearty begged both their pardons with Tears, excusing them from having any hand in his Rebellion; for which, tho' he died by the Axe, his Body was Quartered, and set upon several Gates in the City; and within a while, Thomas Lord Grey, Brother to the Duke of Suffolk, was Beheaded: For this Queen seemed to have learned her Father's way, viz. To spare none that stood in her way, or from whom she apprehended any danger. The Queen calling a Parliament, propounded to the Houses her Intended Marriage, and the desire she had of restoring the Pope's Supremacy; but to the latter at this time she could not get their Consents, the Nobles imagining they must restore the Church-Lands, if the Pope once came to assume a power over the Ecclesiastical State. But the former, upon several advantagous' additional Articles, they allowed; and King Philip with a great Train of the Nobility of Spain, and other Nations, came to Winchester where the Queen stayed to receive him; and on St. James' Day they were Married there, with great pomp and solemnity, and their Styles pronounced in Latin, French, and English: Whereupon John Figuora, the Emperor's Ambassador, resigned to them (in his Master's name) the Kingdom of Naples; and the rejoicing being a little over, they came to London; where they were received in much splendour; and going to Windsor, the King was Installed Knight of the Garter, and Cardinal Pool sent for over to settle the affairs of the Church, being appointed the Pope's Legate; and in Parliament his Attainder was taken off, and he restored to all his Honours and Dignities; and making a moving Oration to both Houses, won upon them to be Absolved by him, as in Form he did after the whole Kingdom; and in the end procured Popery to be restored; but not the Lands of the Church: For tho' they set light by Religion, those were too sweet morsels to be parted with. The Queen after this laboured to have King Philip Crowned; but the Parliament refused their consent; and soon after that, she fancied herself to be with Child; and by her Error led many to believe it, so that the Infant was Prayed for. Some in the Pulpits undertook to describe its featurs when it should be born, others to direct how it should be brought up; abundance of Cradles, Rockers, Nurses, and such like, were provided, and at last it was spread abroad with uncertain Rumour, she was Delivered of a Prince; then he was described again in the Pulpits, the English Merchants at Antwerp fired their Guns, and made great Rejoicing; but at length it was discovered the Queen had never been with Child. But if any thing was in it, she had been deceived by a Mole, which tho' without Life, some times stirs as if it were Quickened. However it occasioned various Conjectures of the Queen, but time blew over the Censures. Many Persons now were advanced to Dignities, to balance in the House of Peers; and the Earl of Savoy and Piedmont coming to see England, was highly welcomed, and Lodged at White-Hall; but after a short stay he departed to his own Country; and the Prisons being in a manner filled many were Pardoned, others without it set at Liberty; and Sir Nicholas Throckmorton's Head being aimed at, the Jury for Acquitting him upon Trial, were severely Fined, and Punished, to the Ruin of the greatest part of them. The Lady Elizabeth, Sister to the Queen, (after a long Imprisonment in the Tower and other places, being often put in danger of her Life, by Firing the Board's under her Lodgings, Ruffians enterprising to Murder her, and many hardships undergon, so that she wished herself a Milkmaid, when she heard the merry contented Life of one singing in a Park near her Prison) was set at Liberty, as also the Lord Courtney Marquis of Exeter, who had been a Prisoner from the time of his Fathers being Beheaded in Henry the Eighth's Reign. The Lord Stourton, a great stickler for Popery, having Murdered one Hargil and his Son, relying on his Pardon, found he was deceived; for himself was Hanged in a Silken Cord, and four of his Servants (who assisted him) in Hemp. It seems there had been Law-Suits and other Variances between him and the Murdered Person, and the sooner to end them he and his Servants knocked them down with Clubbs, cut their Throats, and Buried them Fifteen Foot deep; but such was the will of God, the Murder should be discovered by such as went to dig Gravel, and the Murderers punished. Thomas Stafford, second Son to the Lord Stafford, getting a few Ships Landed in the North, and surprised Scarborough Castle, Proclaiming Queen Mary held the Crown without Right, and had betrayed the Kingdom to the Spaniards; but six Days after his Landing he was Taken by the Earl of Westmoreland, and at London lost his Head, Three of his Followers being Executed at Tyburn. And King Philip being in War with France, upon the account of his Father Charles the Emperor, notwithstanding by Articles of Marriage it was agreed upon that the English should not Intermeddle, the Queen laboured to Quarrel that she might come in with a colourable pretext to Assist her Husband; and therefore made divers Complaints of Injuries done, especially, That the French King had fitted out Stafford with Men and Money, and encouraged divers others to molest her Kingdom; and was about to Proclaim War: But Pope Paul the Fourth Envying the Emperor, and taking part with the French, hereupon (to cross Queen Mary's purposes) took Cardinal Pool's Authority Legantine from him, and appointed one Peter Petou, a Monk of the Order of St. Francis, to Succeed him, naming him Bishop of Salisbury; but the Queen forbade his Landing; and by submitting to the Pope got Pool restored. Whilst these things passed King Philip raised an Army in Flanders, and other Countries, of 25000 Foot and 12000 Horse; and the Queen underhand, sent to his Aid 1000 Horse and 4000 Foot under the Earl of Pembroke, and other experienced Generals, which overthrew the French Army, and took the Town of St. Quintin's; and because the English had thus assisted, contrary to the Truce between the two Nations, the Duke of Guise set down before Calais and battered it furiously, of which the Queen having notice, ordered Supplies to be immediately sent of Men, Ammunition, and Provision; but so outrageous was the sea, that no Ships could put out; so that the Lord Wentworth Governor of the Town, found himself constrained to surrender it on Articles when it had been held by the English 211 Years, for the Taking of which such joy was made in France as if England was fallen into their hands. After that they Invaided Flanders, pillaging the Country, but were Fought with and Overthrown; and soon after a great Fleet being setforth, the English Landed near Breast in Britain, and Sacked Conquer a considerable Port-Town in that Tract, which they afterwards Burnt: When the French, to strengthen their Interest, Married Mary the Young Queen of Scots, to Francis the then Dauphin, she having been (in King Edward the Sixth's Reign) conveyed into France to that end. But whilst Queen Mary was making great preparation, she fell Sick, some say of Melancholy for the Absence of King Philip, who now seemed little to regard her; but herself affirmed, when that was alleged to her in her Sickness, It was not his Unkindness troubled her, but if she Died they might open her, and find the loss of Calais written upon her Heart; and of that Sickness she Died, on the 17th of November, Anno 1558, when she had Reigned 5 Years, 4 Months, and 11 Days, and in the 40th Year of her Age; and was Interred among her Royal Ancestors, in Westminster. In this Queen's Reign a Tempest happened, accompanied with prodigious Thunder and Lightning, and in Notinghamshire it threw down many Churches and Houses, tore up huge Trees, threw the Bells out of Steeples, and took off Sheets of Lead, writhed them together like a Glove, and threw them 400 Foot from their place: A Child was taken by the force of the Tempest, out of a Man's Arms a great height, and Died by the fall. Five or Six People were Killed, and many Cattle, by Hailstones Fifteen Inches in Circumference. A great Mortality happened at the time of the Queen's Death, which fell mostly on the Clergy; and of that burning Fever 13 Bishops died, besides a great Number of Priests, and others; also Cardinal Poole. A Brief Chronology of Martyrs, and famous Men and Women that have Suffered the Flames, and other Tortures and Persecutions under Popery in England, before and since the happy Reformation: With the Exhortations and Dying Words of the most Eminent of them. ACcording to my Promise (tho' this History by reason of many things occurring, swells to more Sheets than my intended Brevery designed it) I shall in this place set down together, a Summary Account of the Persons who have Suffered in England for the sake of a good Conscience; and could think it no where more fitly to be placed, than after a Reign, wherein the Blood of those of the Reformed Church, was shed like Water; yet Died with such Constancy as amazed and startled their cruel Persecutors. I have already spoke something of our English Martyrs, after the Kings Reigns wherein they were Persecuted, but for Brevity having omitted many, I now come to place them closer together, that a better view may be taken, and the Method by its plainness, more easily understood. Know then, That when the Purity of the Primitive Churches was Clouded, and almost Obscured by the Romish Traditions, Errors, and Superstitions, to make Godliness in the Litteral worldly sense, a Gain, by leading People into Ignorance and blind Devotion in keeping the Word of God from their Knowledge, and in its stead, imposing the Doctrine of Men, not agreeable with it, God in his great Mercy was pleased to raise up such Instruments, as laboured to rekindle that Light, wicked and designing Rome had near extinguished; who for the sake of God's Holy Truth, exposed themselves to the fury of the Adversary; and as in other Nations there were many, so in England faithful Witnesses were not wanting, very early to lay down their Lives. I shall not look back so far as the Persecutions under the Heathen Roman Emperors, Saxons, and Danes, for tho' they were very grievous, yet more Cruel ensued under the Tyranny of that which calls itself Christian Rome, or the Roman Catholic Church. For after John Wickliff, William Wickham Bishop of Winchester, and many other Learned Men, had Lighted the Candle, as I may term it, and opened the Eyes of many in this and the Neighbouring Nations, to discern Truth from Falsehood (and of this we have just cause to Glory, since the Reformation in all Churches was grounded on it) True Religion soon raised her Head; and tho' Cruel Adversaries made her Proselytes few for a time, their Constancy and Zeal was very great. In the Year 1380 Uter Bolton and John Asherly were severely Persecuted; and soon after Walter Bruce, John Ashton, John Patescul, and divers more, some of which are mentioned in the History; but as yet it began not to grow up to Flames, but by degrees it did; for William Swinderly was Burnt in Smithfield; also William Thorp, and divers others, Stigmatised, Banished, Whipped, and Starved in Goals; the Popes in whose time they Lived, Inciting and Encouraging their Clergy here, to pursue them with all Violence and utmost Rigour. So that in the Year 1417, the Lord Cobham was Burnt Hanging on a Gallows, in St Gilse's Fields, and soon after William White, John Purrey and Richard White, confessing their Faith, and Dying with Courage and Christian bravery, for the sake of a good Conscience; and Peter Clark being forced to fly for maintaining Wickliff's Doctrine, from Scripture and Fathers, was taken beyond the Seas and put to Death by exquisite Torments, viz. His Tongue cut out, then Hanged by the Heels, and a slow Fire made under him till he Died. Roger Overly, for speaking against the Mass, and other Superstitions, and offering to prove them not consonant to the Word of God, was Executed. And to put a Scandal on the Professors of the Truth, they nicknamed them Lollards, and their common Prison was called the Lollards Tower. But Persecution rather increased than diminished their Number, as appears by the largeness of their Assemblies, some to Teach and others to Hear: For one of these Meetings being surprised in St. Gilses Fields, Anno 1415, by Armed Force, and wrongfully charged as a Riotous or Tumultuous Meeting, tending to Insurrection and Rebellion, it was by Popish Judges construed a Treasonable Act; and hereupon Roger Acton, John Beverly, John Brown, and about 36 more, were Drawn, Hanged and Quartered, in the Place where they met; and John Claydon and Benidict Vlman Burned; and about 100 others Languished in Prison, till most of them Died. In Henry the Sixth's time, William Taylor, for embracing the Doctrine Wickliff had Taught, was Burnt in Smithfield; Henry Web and Henry Florence Scourged unmercifully, and 120 Imprisoned and Tortured divers ways; and some suffered the Flames, among whom William White and Richard Hovelden were Burnt. Soon after this, Thomas Baly and Richard Wiche, both Ministers, were burnt, one in Smithfield, and the other on Tower-Hill. In Edward the Fourth's Reign, John Huss, or Goose, was burnt; and in Henry the Seventh's, Jane Boughton, a Woman of Fourscore Years of Age, was burnt in Norfolk, another in Smithfield, several Branded, and others did Pennance, going in their Shirts, with Ropes about their Necks, and carrying Faggots on their Backs; and Will. T●lsworth, being Condemned as a Heretic for owning the Scriptures for the true Rule of Faith and saving Knowlidge, and denying the Romish Traditions, and Image Worship, etc. to make the flaming Scene more dreadful, being bound to a Stake in Amersham, and the Wood placed about him, they compelled his own Daughter with a Torch to Light his Funeral Pile; whilst he was Singing and Rejoicing in his Martyrdom till the Flames stopped his Breath, and his Soul mounted on Fiery Wings to Everlasting Rest. And about two Years after, in Buckinghamshire, were Burned John Melton, Tho. Bernard, and one Roberts, taking that cruel Death with admirable Patience and Cherfulness. Thomas Norrice Suffered in the like manner at Norwich, and Tho. Guest at Salisbury; and a Woman at Chiping Sudbury; and in this Reign several other Persons in divers Places, some against whom there were no colourable Accusations, after severe Racking and Torturing, were found Murdered in Goals, and Hundreds fled into Germany, etc. Cardinal Wolsey in the beginning of Henry the Eighth's Reign, doing all under him, or rather above him, (for he did only what he pleased) to ingratiate himself with the Court of Rome, as aiming at the Pontificate, loosed the Reins of Persecution against those that had separated themselves from the Romish Churches; for indeed about this time two things mainly increased the Gospel Professors in England and other Nations, viz. One, The appearance of Martin Luther in Germany, who openly with all his might opposed it, and had gained some Princes to his side; and the other, the Noble Mystery of Printing, which began to be much used, whereby good Books were more easily Promulgated, and Dispersed through divers Nations, in their proper Languages. These alarmed the Pope and his Clergy, fearful of their Diana, Profit, to raise dreadful Persecutions against the Professors of the Gospel, raging against them even to Madness; and of this England now had a smarting share. For in the Year 1511, John Brewster and William Sweeting were Burnt in Smithfield, and also Robert Harrison, William Carder, and Agnese Greble, the Husband and Daughter being forced in as Witnesses to take away the Life of the latter; and one Mr. Sty, for having the Book of Revelations in English, was Burnt with that and other good Books hanging about his Neck in a String, in the ●ashion of Popish Beads; and five Persons for Reading the four Evangelists in English, were Accused for having in their possession and Reading Heretical Books, containing many Damnable Opinions; and in the Year 1514, Richard Hun was found Murdered in the Lollards Castle, after many Torments and much Cruelty had been exercised towards him. However, their Malice extended to his dead Body, for it was committed to the Flames; and about this time John Style, John Brown and Thomas Man, were Burnt in Smithfield; Robert Cousens at Buckingham, Christopher Shoemaker at Newbury, Robert and Richard Bartlet and John Scrivener likewise suffered the Flames after all ways had been in vain used to make them Renounce their Profession; and thinking to terrify the latter, his Children were compelled to set Fire to the pile that burned him. In the Year 1519, Six Persons were Burnt at Coventry, and soon after them Thomas Harding and Robert Silkeb. And the Body of William Tracy Esq in Gloucestershire, because his Executors refused to Pay for Singing his Soul out of Purgatory, was dug up and burnt, being Charged (for the reason) to have died a Heretic: One Richard Brayfield who had been a Monk at Bury in Suffolk, but left it, upon seeing the Debauched and Dissolute Lives of the other monastics, was accused of Heresy, hurried to a Dungeon, Bound, Gagged, and Whipped, and then standing to his Profession of that Truth Recorded in Holy Writ, opposite to the Romish Tenants, he was Degraded and Condemned; when being Burnt in London, the Fire was on purpose made so scanty that he continued in it half an Hour Alive, without Complaining; and his Left Arm being burnt, he cheerfully rubbed it with his Right Hand, so that it fell into the Fire; and so in Prayers, without moving his Body, he cheerfully ended his days in a bed of flames. Some that were Imprisoned they fed with Sawdust, some were kept continually in the Stocks with great Weights on their Legs, some with Manacles and bars of Iron fixed about their Necks, and many Racked till they were Lamed and Distorted in Body. James Bainham, John Tewsbury, Valentine Sheaf, and his Wife, John Bent, and Mr. Trapnel suffered the Flames; three Persons were Hanged in Chains, and Starved to Death, for burning a Wooden Image called the Rood, at Dover Court; Andrew Honour, John Frith, Thomas Bennet, John Lambert, William Tindal, William Leighton and Mr. Collier, a Lawyer, suffered the Flames, accused for Lutherans; for so now they termed the Professors of the Gospel Truths. And a little while after, Dr. Barns, William Hieron, Thomas Garret, made their passage from this to a better World, through the Fire in Smithfield. Anthony Parker, Henry Filmer, and Robert Testwood, were Burnt at Windsor, and many Died in Prison, some Natural Deaths, others suspected to be Murdered. In the Year 1541, Kerby and Clarke were Burnt at Ipswich, and Bury, and Anno 1546 Mrs. Ann Askew (a Gentlewoman belonging to Queen Catharine Par, because she would not accuse the Queen and other great Ladies, of favouring the Lutheran Tenants) was put upon the Rack: Wriothsley the Chancellor playing the part of the Hangman, in Torturing and Stretching her Limbs; but tho' he Sweat at this barbarous Work, she bore it without a Sigh, or Groan, till the Bloodthirsty Wretch was weary with Tormenting her; yet being Condemned for Heresy, she was burnt in Smithfield; where she Died with such Constancy, Courage, and composedness of Mind, that by her Death many, who saw her suffer, were Converted; and at the same time and place suffered in the ●●ames Nicholas Bellerian, a Minister, John Addams a Tailor, and John Lassets', a Gentleman belonging to the Court; who were much encouraged to undergo their Sufferings, as having beheld the Constancy and Patience of Mrs. Askew: And Sir. John Blage a Gentleman of the King's Privy-Chamber, was by the Romish Bishops Condemned for Speaking against the Efficacy of the Mass; but by the Earl of Bedford's Intercession Pardoned; when the King soon after meeting him, said, Ah my Pigg how dost thou? Truly, replied the Knight (feelingly) If your Majesty had not been kinder to me than your Bishops, your Pig had been Roasted long ere now. Soon after this Bishop Gardener procured the King to put out a Proclamation for taking away the use of the Scriptures, and all other Books in English, that might Enlighten the People in the ways of Truth, or that shown them the Absurdities of the Romish Practices; which much rejoiced the Popish Clergy, who supposed by this they had gained a main Point, to Exterpate those of the New upstart Religion, as they called them; tho' indeed what they sincerely Professed, was as Ancient as Christ and his Apostles being upon Earth; but God blasted this design, by putting an end to this King, in the expiration of his Life, when he had waded through a Sea (for the most part) of Innocent Blood, incited thereto by the cruel Principles and sinister Designs of the Popish Clergy. And so on King Edward the Sixth's coming to the Crown, a happy Reformation ensued; but whether God was angry with us for not making a right use of his Favours and Indulgence so mercifully extended towards us, or intended to try the Faith, Constancy, and Patience of those he designed for Vessels of Honour, I determine not; but that Good Prince being taken to a better Life after a short Reign, Marry his Eldest Sister Succeeding him, set open again the floodgates of Persecution, by restoring the Pope's Supremacy, and by severe Laws made by a Popish Parliament, strictly Prohibiting the excercise of the Protestant Religion; for so now it was called, from some Cities and Provinces in Germany, Protesting against the Romish Errors and Superstitions; yet so mightily were the Professors of it strengthened by the Divine assistance, that neither Flames nor other Tortures, could bring about her purposes. But after she had put divers of the Nobility to Death, who stood in the way to hinder the introducing Popery, under pretence of their opposing her coming to the Crown, etc. which see at large in her Reign, she and her Counsellors singled out the most Eminent of the Reformed Clergy, dooming them beforehand to Death, thinking thereby to terrify those of a meaner Rank into any compliance that should be required; whereupon they were dispossessed of their Bishoprics, and Popish Bishops Officiated. Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, was sent to the Tower; and to put a more colourable gloss on this Design, a Disputation was appointed at Oxford between the Reformed and Romish Clergy, which was willingly undertaken against all Opponents by Archbishop Cranmer, Nicholas Ridley Bishop of London, and Hugh Latimer who had been Bishop of Worcester. The chief Points to be Disputed on was about the Sacrament of the Lords Supper; and tho' they were shut up in Prisons, had no Books, nor Friends to Confer with, and a short warning; yet on their several Days, notwithstanding the Noise, Clammour, Reproaches, and great Numbers of their Opposers, one by one, suffering the violence of many at once, without Order, Measure, or Modesty, Confuted their Adversaries to that degree, with found Reasons, and Arguments from Scripture, Fathers, and the Use of the Primitive Church, That being none plussed, all they in a Rage could retort was, viz. You have the Word, and we have the Sword; see which is likeliest to prevail. And indeed the Disputation finished, they passed Sentence of Death upon those venerable Prelates, That they should be Burnt as Heretics; which Sentence they received with great Alacrity and Constancy of Mind; Lattimer expressing much Joy that the pleasure of God was such, that being near Fourscore Years of Age, he should have so happy a Period as Martyrdom; and so they were remanded to Prison to expect it at the leisure of their Enemies; and indeed their Execution was delayed a considerable time, in hopes they would have Recanted; but at length Ridley and Lattimer were brought to the Town Ditch in Oxford, and bound to the Stake, Exhorting the People to a constant perseverance in the True Religion, and recommending their Souls into the hands of Almighty God, Sung even in the Flames, and so made an exchange of Earth for Heaven. Whilst Cranmer from his Prison beheld the dismal Spectacle, and on his Knees was Praying that their Faith and Constancy might not fail in this their Firey Trial. The Archbishop's Death was deferred for a time, but the Pope sending an Express Order to Degrade him, and deliver him over to the Secular Power, to be burnt within Ten Days, committing the Degrading part to Thurlby Bishop of Ely, and Bonner Bishop of London, who succeeded Ridley; which done the Aged Prelate was so cunningly dealt-with by one Friar John, a Spaniard, That he prevailed over his Humane-Frailty in desiring Life, upon promising a Pardon and Advancement, to Recant his former Tenants, and be reconciled to the Church of Rome; whereupon he Subscribed a Writing to that purpose; but Cardinal ●ool (●or ●ardener was Dead, who had designed it for himself) wanting the archbishopric, The old Popish Maxim of No Faith to be kept with Heretic, was turned upon him; and in the height of expectation of ●ire, he was brought to Execution; and tho' they certified him there was no hopes of Pardon, but he must instantly suffer the Flames, yet they used many Persuasions to induce him to a Public Recantation before he went to the Stake; showing him the Writing he had Signed, at the sight of which he burst out into Tears: Then in a composed Temper, addressing himself to the People, after he had Exhorted them in moving words to amend their Lives, and bring forth Fruits worthy of a Christian Profession, he repeated the principal Articles of the Christian Religion, Explained his own Opinion, and professed the Kingdom of Antichrist was contained in the Papacy, and upheld by the Pope's Authority: And Lastly, he shown how greatly he had offended God by his Recantation; Professing that his Right Hand, which had rashly Signed it, should first feel the Punishment But here he was so Interrupted by the Clamours and Rail of the Popish Priests, that he could be heard but little more; and then being clad in very vile Garments, and hurried to the Stake, with many Taunts and bitter Scoffs, when the Fire was lighted, he stretched his Right Hand into the Flame, and drew it not back, unless once seeming to wipe his Beard, till it droped off; and the Flames raging high, he lift up his Eyes and left and towards Heaven, crying out, Lord receive my Soul, and Died; not moving his Body whilst he had Life. And when the whole Frame was consumed, his Heart was found whole and unsinged by the Fire, in which God himself, by a Miracle, gave testimony that his Heart was upright with him: And this in any of the Popish Faction, would have been sufficient for a Canonization, and crowded for a place in the Calendar among their Adored Saints. And soon after the Bodies of two Learned Men, viz. Martin Bucer and Paulus Phagius, were (a long time after they had been buried) dug up, accused of Heresy, and burnt in the Marketplace in Cambridge; and Peter Martyr's Wife dug up likewise, and buried in a Dunghill; so it appears their Rage and Malice extended as well to the Dead, as the Living. And Cardinal Pool immediately entered upon the Archbishopric, which before was only sequestered. Whilst these Great Men fell, those of a lower Rank escaped not; for Mr. John Rogers (who in King Henry the Eighth's Reign, had fled, and associated himself with the famous Tindal, after his Death returned into England, in the Reign of King Edward the Sixth, and was made a Prebend of St. Paul's by Bishop Ridley) being taken and cast in Prison, Sentence of Death passed upon him to be burnt, which pain he endured with great Constancy and undauntedness of Spirit, Exhorting his Wife and Ten Children, who weeping came to take their leave of him, to part with him Joyfully, and Trust in God, who would be a better Husband and Father to them. Doctor John Hooper Bishop of Gloucester, came in for a Crown among the number of these Martyrs, and they having Condemned him, he was sent down to Gloucester to be burnt; where (as they said) he had done the greatest mischief, in sowing the Seeds of Heresy; and there in malice, because he earnestly Exhorted the People to be Constant in a steadfast Faith, and not to adhere to the destructive Tenants of the Church of Rome, they Burnt him with Green Wood, so that his Legs and part of his Thighs were consumed whilst he continued Praying and Exhorting the People, yet in these Torments he declared he was as Easy as in a Bed of Roses. Dr. Robert Ferrar Bishop of Carmarden, was likewise brought on the stage, for thwarting Bishop Gardener's Humour; and being Condemned as a Heretic by Dr. Morgan, who had been thrust into his Bishopric, there happened but a short space between that and his suffering the Flames in Carmarden-Market-Place, expressing a firmness of Mind, and much resolution in undergoing his Torments, accusing Gardener of his Death, and Citing him to Answer it before God's High Tribunal. Rowland Taylor, an Eminent Minister of Hadley, being accused as the former, was sent to that Parish to be Burnt, where he was Lamented by all sorts of People, especially the Poor, to whom he had been very Charitable, calling out the Almes-People by Name, and giving them then what Money he had, Exhorting them to follow the Doctrine he had Taught them; and coming to the Stake, he Merrily said, Now many would be deceived; whereat a Popish Priest supposing he would have Recanted, urged him to it with promises and hopes of longer Life; but he smilingly Replied, You mistake my meaning, I do not intent by the Grace of God any that I have Preached his Word to, shall find me Contradict what I have Taught, for Life or any other thing; but once supposing to have been Buried in Hadly- Churchyard, the Worms will be deceived, because my Corpulent Body that might have fed them, must now be Burnt to Ashes. Besides these, divers others of Note were Burnt, as Laurence Saunders, a famous Preacher at Coventry, John Card-maker, Chancellor of Wells and Bath. At London, John Bradford, a Man Eminent for his Learning and Sanctity, in Smithfield; At which place also suffered in the Flames that Eminent and Holy Martyr Mr. John Philpot, saying at his Martyrdom, I will pay my Vows in thee O Smithfield. And with him suffered a little Youth, praising God and Rejoicing in the Flames. Yet this Issue of Blood stayed not; for Tho. Tompkins, whose Hand Bonner Bishop of London burnt in Prison, to try his Constancy, which he endured with much Patience, was burnt in Smithfield; also William Hawtree; And in Essex, Stephen Knight, William Pigot, and John Laurence; Rawlins White at Cardiff, William Flower and George Marshal at Westminster, and John Warn in Smithfield. And now the Go●ls being full, and complaint made by the Pope to the King and Queen, That Heretics were not so severely dealt-with as beyond the Seas, they sent to Bonner (prone enough of himself to Cruelty) that he should disincumber the Prisons in his Diocese, by sending such as were Condemned to Execution, and proceed to the Trials of the rest. In obedience to this bloody Command, he Condemned John Ardely and John Sympson, who were burnt in Essex, and Thomas Wats, Tho. Hawks, Tho. Osmond, William Bamford, Tho. Osburn, Inhabitants of Cogshal in Essex, being Committed for not Receiving the Easter Sacrament, were Condemned and Burnt in several places of that County. John Bland, Nic●olas Shetterden, John Frakesh and Humphrey Middleton, also suffered the Flames; and a while after, by the same Cruelty, fell Nicholas Hall, John Harpole, Christopher Wade, and Margery Boley. In Kent, John Launder, Derick Carver, Tho. Iveson, John Denby, James Abbes, John Newman, Patrick Packingham, and Richard Hook, suffered the Flames. Robert Samuel a Minister, was Burnt at Norwich, two more at Ipswich, five in the Diocese of Canterbury; for Bonner especially took as much pleasure in Condemning these Good People, and sending them to the Flames, as Domitian did in Torturing Flies. Seven were Burnt in one Fire in Smithfield, four in Canterbury; A Woman as she was Burning in the Isle of Guernsey, had a Child sprung out of her Womb, which the Cruel Torturers threw again into the Flames. To be brief and not tyre your Patience, in drawing so Tragical a Scene too wide, There were in this short Reign consumed in the Flames, for the Confession of a Good Faith, 277 of all Ages and Sexes, viz. Five Bishops, 21 Divines, 8 Gentlemen, 4 Tradesmen, 100 Husbandmen, Servants and Labourers, 26 Wives, 20 Widows and Virgins, 2 Boys, and 1 Infant. Besides these, 7 were Whipped, one to Death; 16 perished in Prisons, 12 were Buried in Dunghills, and many lay Condemned in Expectation of the Firey Trial, and some Hundreds fled beyond the Seas; but the death of this Queen, who gave way to so much Cruelty, put an end to the Persecution, the stream of Blood being thereby stopped. And before this time, and soon after, most of the Persecutors were overtaken by God's Judgements, and came to Miserable and Detested Ends. Some were Executed for several heinious Crimes, others wandered beyond the Seas, till they Perished; and some were Eaten up by Vermin. And thus, Reader, have I heitherto made good my Promise; and now passing over this Acaldama, or Field of Blood, I lead you to a more diverting Theme. The Reign of Queen ELIZABETH. ELIZABETH Youngest Daughter to Henry the Eighth, after her many Sufferings in close Confinement, and attempts made to take away her Life, happily Succeeded to the Throne, and put a stop to the cruel Persecutions her Sister had raised, on the 17th of November 1558. And the first public Testimony she gave of her Princely Discretion, and Knowledge in the weighty Affairs of State, was to choose a Wise and Learned Council, causing new Commissions and Instructions to be sent to the several Ambassadors in Foreign Courts; and desired by Sir Edward Hern, her Agent, who had resided in Queen Mary's Time at the Court of Rome, That mutual Good Offices might pass between her and the Pope in matters that concerned Public Affairs, seeing she had happily Succeeded her Sister on the Throne: But the haughty Old Man would not Answer but in his usual Dialect, viz. That the Kingdom of England was held in Fee of the See Apostolic; That she could not Succeed, being Illegitimate; That he could not contradict the Declarations of Clement the Seventh, and Paul the Third; That it was a great presumption to assume the Name of Queen, and Government, without his consent; yet, being desirous to show a Fatherly Affection, if she would renounce her pretensions to the Crown, and refer herself wholly to his free disposition, he would do whatever might be done with the Honour of the Apostolic See. The Queen, who was well assured of her Title to the Crown by her Right, and by the Estates in Parliament, little expecting such an Answer, was very much displeased, called home her Agent; and from that time resolved never more to hold any Correspondency with the See of Rome. But having refused the King of Spain's offers of Marriage with her, counting the Dispensation he promised to procure at the Pope's hands Unlawful and Wicked, she set her mind to contrive the most easy and inofensive ways how to restore the Protestant Religion, consulting with those of the greatest understanding in Affairs of Church and State: and coming to some result, she placed in the Courts of Judicature, and Offices of greatest Trust, such Persons as were of that Profession, or well inclined to it: And having wisely weighed all circumstances, she made provision against the encouragement and growth of Popery, by restraining the Nobles and others from sending their Children to be Educated beyond the Seas; and caused many Ceremonies in Divine Worship, used in the former Reign, to be laid aside. And so, after the Funeral of her Sister, prepared for her Coronation; and was in order to it, conducted (with extraordinary Pomp and Triumph) from the Tower, through the City, to Westminster, where she was Invested with the Regal Ornaments; and was Crowned by the Bishop of Carlisle, the other Bishops refusing to perform that Office, as fearing the Pope's displeasure, or rather the fall of the Romish Religion in this Kingdom, to which Alteration if they consented not, they foresaw they must lose their Bishoprics. And now People differing much in Points of Religion, it was ordered by Proclamation, That none should unreverently speak of the Sacrament; and it was allowed to be received in both kinds; yet a conference was appointed to be held at Westminster between the Papists and the Protestants, upon these Considerations, viz. 1. Concerning Prayer, and the Administration of the Sacrament, in the Vulgar-Tongue. 2. Concerning the Authority of the Church, in Constituting and Abrogating Ceremonies to Edification. 3. Concerning the Sacrifice of the Mass. But the Papists in this would come to nothing without the Pope's Licence; and some of the Bishop's threatening the Queen and her Nobles with Excommunication if they proceeded to make alterations; for their malepertness some of them were committed to Prison. The Queen appointed a Form of Common Prayer in English, and settled the Reformed Religion, entirely throwing off the Roman Yoke, and began to apply herself to other weighty Affairs, sending to demand the Restitution of Calais, Lost in the preceding Reign; and after many Debates it was agreed, That the French King should Enjoy it for the Term of Eight Years, and that then it should be restored to the Queen of England, or in refusal be Paid 500000 Crowns; and hereupon a Peace was Agreed and Proclaimed between the two Nations, as also between the Dauphin and the Queen of Scots his Wife; whereby Scotland was Included. Whilst these things were transacting, the Parliament Advised the Queen to Marry, leaving her entirely therein to her own Choice that Children might be Born to Succeed her. To which the Queen made this reply, That she was already Wedded, which was, to her Kingdom and People; and having promised to take a Husband, if so the good of the State should require it, she dismissed those that were sent to her by both Houses, on this Message: And soon after came an Ambassador from the King of Sweden, to propose a Marriage between her and Prince Ericus the King's Eldest Son; but after he had been sumptuously Treated, he was dismissed with a modest Denial; and tho' the Duke of Anjou, the Arch Duke of Austria, and others, sued for her Favour, she only gave them her Esteem, instead of her Love; and put them off with fair words. In the meantime the Scots destroyed in most parts of that Kingdom, the Religious Houses, Altars, Images, etc. declaring for a Reformation, which was against their Queen's mind: Whereupon the French, on her Husbands and her part, raised Forces to oppose them, which made them send their Complaints to Queen Elizabeth, and implore her assistance for the speedy driving out the Frenchmen, whom they said (through their Queen's favour) had engrossed all the Places of Trust, Honour, and Profit, into their Hands. This Queen Elizabeth communicating to her Council, after many Debates, to prevent the French getting an inlet into England by the way of Scotland, it was agreed Assistance should be given to the Reformers: And the Duke of Norfolk was appointed Lieutenant General of the North, to secure the Borders; and on certain Articles agreed, an Army was sent into Scotland under the Command of the Lord Grey, and Ships to Edinburgh Frith, who dislodged the French Men of War that lay there. This made the French King sue for Peace to the Queen; but his suit was rejected on many weighty Considerations, tho' he promised at this time to deliver up Calais in lieu thereof. However a Treaty was held at Edinburgh; but it came to little, upon the French King's declining to Sign the Articles agreed on. And now the Pope a Second time laboured to persuade the Queen to own his Supremacy, and not separate England from the Body of the Roman Catholic Church, but the Queen refusing to hearken to the Pope's Letters, resolved firmly to adhere to the Protestant Religion. And now the Queen of Scots returning into that Kingdom, her Husband being Dead, sent a Letter to Queen Elizabeth, full of kind expressions, to desire that a sincere Friendship might be maintained between them; and the Envoy that brought it, had Commission to deal with the Queen to declare her Heir Apparent to the Kingdom; which was insinuated as the safest way to continue Peace between the two Crowns. But the Queen Answered, She would do nothing to the prejudice of her Title, but as to this matter, she would refer it to the Personal conference that was to be held shortly at York. But that Interview was broken off by the Papists contrivance, lest it might be a means towards creating the Queen of Scots an inclination to the Reformed Religion; whereupon the Queen, the better to strengthen her Hands, built several Sail of stout Ships, cast a great many Ordnance, and the Art of Gun-powder-making in England, was first by her Encouragement found out; so that having a great Fleet always at Sea, she was by Foreigners styled The Queen of the North Seas, causing the Militia readily to be provided with Arms, and frequently Exercised. And the Guisean Faction labouring to destroy the Hugonots, or Protestant Party in France, constrained them for the safety of their Lives to fall into a Civil War. The Queen assisted the latter, and had Haverdegrace and New Haven put into her Hands as Cautionary Towns for the reimbursement of her Charges, when things should be settled; and to keep them firm to her Interest, so that they should not make a Peace without her consent; and hereupon she sent them 6000 Men under the Command of the Lord Ambrose Dudley, and kept the Seas with a considerable Navy. Whilst matters went thus Abroad, Designs were carrying on against the Queen at Home; whereupon divers of Note, especially those descended of the Blood Royal by the two Daughters of Henry the Seventh, were Imprisoned. And she calling a Parliament, an Act passed for Assurance of the Queen's Royal Power and Authority over all Estates and Subjects within her Dominions: And further Enacted, That the Oath of Supremacy should be administered to all Persons, for the better discovery of such as sided with the Pope against her; which much startled the Papists, and made them quiet for a time. In the mean while the Prince of Conde, one of the chief Leaders of the French Protestants, being Overthrown at the Battle of Derux, was taken Prisoner; as likewise Sir Nicholas Trockmorton, who paying his Ransom was set at Liberty. But the Admiral chastilion took so many Places, as startled the Guises, insomuch that they consented to an Edict of Pacification; whereby the Princes were to be restored to the French Kings Favour. Conde, allured with the hopes of the Lieutenancy of France, and a Marriage with the Queen of Scots, the Huguenots to enjoy the freedom of their Religion, etc. The Agreement was suddenly made, and the English not only treacherously Abandoned, but they Joined with the Papists to drive them out of the places they held, and straightly Besieged New Haven, which by reason of the Plague raged grievously in it, they had Surrendered to them. But the Spanish Greatness threatening England, and the French offering reasonable Terms, a Peace was concluded between the two Crowns, and Ratified upon their delivering Hostages to pay the Queen at a set time a large Sum of Money; upon which the French King was Invested with the Order of the Garter: Hereupon the Spaniard in a fret prohibited all Commerce between the English and his Subjects, which made the Queen remove the Wooll-Mart from Antwerp to Ems in Frizland, but the Low Countries being much Impoverished thereby, the Edict was Repealed; and now the Queen made her great Favourite Sir Robert Dudley Lord Denbigh, Earl of Leicester, Knight of the Garter, Chancellor of Oxford, and Master of the Horse, and this she seemed to do the better to qualify him for a Husband for the Queen of Scots; but it swollen him to that Ambition that he soon aspired to make pretensions to herself; and the Queen of Scots soon after Married the Lord Darnly Son to the Duke of Lenox of the Royal Blood, and of this Marriage was born James the Sixth of Scotland, and first of England. This not only displeased Queen Elizabeth, but the greater part of the Scots Nobility, because he was scarce 20 Years of Age, and easy to be swayed any way. However he was solemnly Crowned King, but by the contrivance of Murray the Queen of Scots Bastard Brother, and others, he some time after was Blown-up in his Lodging, and his mangled Body thrown by the force of the Powder into the Garden. The Parliament of England meeting again, humbly besought the Queen to Marry, but she still declined it. Shortly after the Queen of Scots falling into a Languishing condition, Recommended her Son to the Protection of Queen Elizabeth; yet Recovering, Earl Bothwell, suspected to be one with Murray in destroying Darnley, was forced to fly the Kingdom, and Murray raised a Party against the Queen to Depose her; when after some contesting, being overpowered, she fled into England, and craved Queen Elizabeth's Protection; but by the Advice of some Counselours bribed by Murray's Faction, in stead of allowing her (tho' near in Blood) that favour, she was committed a Prisoner in the custody of the Earl of Shrewsbury, and after 20 Years Confinement, lost her Head, for holding Correspondencies with the Papists, to take away the Life of the Queen. A Passage having been discovered by the English to Russia, and great Privileges granted to the Merchants, The Czar or Emperor of Moscovy and Russia sent his Ambassadors to Queen Elizabeth, with Rich presents of Furs, and such other Commodities as his Country yielded; and with them one Anthony Jenkinson, an Englishman, who had first Sailed the Caspian Sea; his demands was to make a League Offensive and Defensive with her; but by reason of the distance of the place, the Queen agreed not to the former, but left the latter indifferent; and so the Ambassadors having been highly Treated, were dismissed with a return of Presents. In Ireland, Shan O Neal fell into Rebellion, but being defeated by the English, and throwing himself on the Hebridians', he was by them Slain after a seeming kind reception, and the Earl of Desmond was seized and sent Prisoner to England, and Sir John Hawkins being in America with some Ships, and contrary to the Capitulation, setupon by the Spaniard, his Goods rifled, and some of his Men slain, the English Nation was so exasperated with the Treachery, that they demanded a War with Spain, which however at that time was not granted, for the Queen having taken the French Protestants who were cruelly Persecuted under Charles the Ninth, was employed to support them with Money and Ammunition; and in providing for such a fled hither, tho' they had basely abandoned her at New Haven. But the Duke of Alva, the King of Spain's General, making fierce War in the Low Countries, he brought in the Inquisition to Extirpate the Protestant Religion. There, there happened an Accident that opened a Breach between England and Spain, viz. Vast Sums of Money being sent in a Spanish Ship by Italian Merchants, to be Employed in the Bank in the Low Countries for the ruin of the Protestants there, those Vessels were Chased upon the English Coast by some French Men of War, and the Money being brought on Shoar, the Queen was Advised by her Privy Council to stay it, and give the Merchant's Owners Security for the Repayment of it: Whereupon the Duke of Alva caused all the Goods and Effects of the English in the Low Countries to be seized, and the Queen caused the same to be done by the Dutch Merchants in England, which were of greater Value; and Commerce being Prohibited, the English removed the Staple to Hamb rough; and the Privatie●s set out so greatly Endamaged the Spaniard, that the Queen was forced to restrain them; yet the Duke of Alva secretly practised to raise Rebellion in England and Ireland; and the Earls of Northumberland, Westmorland, and others, did make an Insurrection in the North, being Instigated to it by Morton a Popish Priest, and by their Declaration Invited all the Roman Catholics to join them; and at Durham To●e in pieces all the English Bibles and Common Prayer Books they could find in the Churches; but being Proclaimed Traitors, upon the approach of the Queen's Forces, they Fled with a small company into Scotland, from whence the Earl of Westmoreland fled into the Low Countries, and there Lived in a poor condition till he Died; and divers being taken were Executed. Soon after this, a Rebellion broke forth in Cumberland, but the Rebels were routed and dispersed by the Lord Huns●on; and another in Ireland, but quieted by the Lord Deputy. And one Felton by the Popes Command fastened in the Night time a Bull Declaratory to the Bishop of London's Palace Gate, wherein he Absolved all the Queen's Subjects from their Oath of Allegiance; but Felton being taken, Confessing & Justifying the Fact, he was Condemned and Executed near the place where he fixed the Bull, it being at that time hung about his Neck. And the Duke of Norfolk having been Imprisoned for designing a Marriage with the Que n of Scots, and endeavouring her Escape, upon his humble Submission, and a Writing signed, wherein he promised never to think of the Marriage, or any thing derogatory to Queen Elizabeth's Authority, he was discharged. And a great many of the English for sundry crimes being fled into Scotland, upon refusal of delivering them up, the Earl of Sussex and the Lord Scroop entered that Kingdom with an Army, and compelled the Scots of the Queen's party to abstain from Hostility, and utterly forsake the English Rebels. And a Rebellion being raised in Ireland by the Earl of Thumond and his adherents, the Earl fled into France, for fear of being delivered to the Lord Deputy by his Friends, but upon his humble submission was restored to his Estate and Dignity; and the Duke of Norfolk being again Imprisoned was brought to his Trial for High Treason; and was thereupon Condemned and lost his Head; and soon after Dr. John Storey a great Persecutor in Queen Mary's Reign, who was decoyed on Board an English Ship under pretence of seizing Prohibited Goods, as being made the Duke of Alva's chief Searcher, being Tried for Treason, was found Guilty, and Executed at Tyburn. And Matthew Stewart Earl of Lenox the Young King of Scotland's Grandfather, and Regent of Scotland, being surprised by the contrary Faction, was Murdered, and the Earl of Marr chosen Regent, who Died within 13 Months after. And divers about this time suffered for conspiring the Queen's Death. And a League was concluded with France; and soon after at the celebration of the Marriage between the King of Navarre and the Lady Margaret, the French Kings Sister, happened the cruel Massacre at Paris, and by the French King's command the Protestants were Massacred in all the Provinces of that Kingdom to the Number of 300000; among them fell the Admiral chastilion, and divers other Nobles; yet God delayed not to Revenge their Innocent Blood; for the King Died a while after with Blood issuing from all his Vents: The Duke of Guise, who had contrived at one blow to cut off all the Protestants in France, was Murdered in his Palace by the Succeeding King's command, and most of the rest that had contrived this Tragedy came to untimely Ends. The Earl of Northumberland, who since his Rebellion had sheltered in Scotland, was by the Earl of Morton delivered to the Lord Hunsdon for a Sum of Money, and soon after Beheaded at York. And Walter Devereux Earl of Essex, whom the Queen held in high favour, being sent with Forces into Ireland to depress the Rebellion, and being envied by some Great Men at Court, in his Absence they made Parties against him. Charging many Miscarriages in his Conduct, so that the Queen was constrained to call him home with a command to resign up his Authority in Ulster; but the Earl of Leicester being Jealous of his presence at Court, as imagining he was not indifferent to the Queen, soon procured him to be sent back again with the empty Title of Marshal of Ireland, which he took so much to Heart, that in a short time he Died. The Prince of Orange Heading the Flemings, and they supplicating the Queen for Aid, after mature deliberation with her Council, and the States of the Low Countries putting Cautionary Towns into her Hands for Security, she sent over Forces and permitted as many Volunteers as would to go, and Casimire Son to the Elector Palatine, at the Queens charge brought in a considerable Number of Horse and Foot. These Forces were unexpectedly Attacked by Don John of Austria and the Prince of Parma with a Numerous Army of the Spaniards best Forces, but so fiercely Encountered, that after an obstinate Fight they were forced to retreat, leaving some Thousands Slain; which Victory was attributed to the Valour of the English and Scots. The Duke of Alanzon, the French Kings Younger Brother, now made earnest Suit to the Queen, and tho' by the means of one Simier a French Courtier, he so far insinuated into the Queen's favour as to be admitted to come over Incognito, and hold a private Conference with her, yet by reason of his Youth, and some other Obstacles, this Treaty of Marriage (as well as the rest had done) came to nothing; yet the Earl of Leicester, for enveighing against it, so far as to reflect on the Queen, was for a time confined to Greenwich-Castle, and the Queen being on the Thames in her Barge, a young Fellow fired a Piece which Shot one of the Rowers through the Arm; for which being Sentenced to be Hanged, the Queen then understanding it was done Accidentally, and not out of any Design against her, Pardoned him. And the Queen having procured of the Grand Signior a liberty of free Trade in all his Dominions, a Company of Turkey Merchants was first set up. The Pope having bestowed Ireland on the King of Spain, a Rebellion was raised there, but the Lord Grey being made Deputy, the Irish, Spanish and Itallians were totally routed and put to the Sword. Captain Francis Drake, a Native of Plymouth in Devonshire, adventuring to America with a few Ships, Discovered divers Coasts before unknown, and is reputed to Sail about the World, because he shot the Gulf of Magelan, returning brought home great Riches; and after being Knighted, he made several advantageous Voyages with greater Force, and became such a Terror to the Spaniards, in those parts, that they started to hear him Named. Also Hawkins, Forbusher and others, pursuing that Voyage, not only greatly endamaged the Spaniard, but greatly enriched England with Gold and Silver; so that the Queen having called in the bad Money, the Land soon abounded with plenty of her own Coin. The Earl of Desmond being routed in Ireland, was after a great Search made for him, found, and slain by a common Soldier, which gave much quiet to that Kingdom: And now the Papists using secret Practices against the Queen, among other Expedients to prevent the threatened mischief, a number of Persons Headed by the Earl of Leicester, of all Ranks, bound themselves mutually to each other, by their Oaths and Subscriptions, to pursue all those to Death and final Destruction that should attempt any thing against the Queen's Life, and this Combining was called the Association. And one Parry a Member of the House of Commons, was Accused by Edward Nevel for having held Secret Consultations about taking away the Queen's Life; which he confessing, was condemned and executed; and the Earls of Aurundel and Northumberland were committed to the Tower on suspicion of the like Practice; and in a little time the Latter was found Shot in his Head with three Bullets, which was concluded to be done by himself, because the Chamber Door was barred on the inside, and so the Corroners Inquest found it. And now the States of Holland being brought very Low, sued to the Queen to take them into Protection, yielding the Sovereignty of the Provinces into her Hands; whereupon taking Sluice as a Cautionary Town, she sent the Earl of Leicester with 5000 Foot and 1000 Horse, to whom, for the Queen's use, the absolute Authority over the Provinces was committed, by an Instrument in Writing, and he Invested with the Title of Governor and Captain General of Holland, Zealand, the United and Confederate Provinces, which he Accepted, as also the Style of Excellency; which much offended the Queen, tho' he appeased her Anger with Submissive Letters: But he Governing with a high Hand, and Imposing unusual Customs on the Merchants, they soon grew weary of him; However to create in those people a better opinion of his Actions, he undertook to Relieve the Greve, a Town in Brabant, Besieged by the Prince of Parma; but the Cowardice of the Governor prevented it, by too sudden a Surrender; for which he was Executed. Yet several small places were taken in by the Valour of the English, and Princes of the House of Nassaw; but in a Rencounter before Zutphen, Sir Philip Sidney received a Mortal Wound of which he Died, being for Learning and Valour the Honour of his Time; but the Earl not able to win this place, left it Blocked up, and came to the Hague; where he was entertained with complaints of his Conduct, and the ill circomstances it had brought their State into, which so Angered him, that he took away the Jurisdiction of the State's Council and Precedents of Provinces, and thereupon came for England to excuse his proceed to the Queen. The Spaniard having received much damage from Drake, Hawkins, Cavendish, Forbusher, and other English Adventurers in the West Indies, was now studying how to revenge it, and although there was a seeming Treaty carried on, he was making all imaginable preparations in the Netherlands, and in his own Ports, of which the French King gave the Queen Secret notice; whereupon with all diligence a Fleet was set out, some by the Queen, others by Private Persons, tho' much inferior in Number and Bigness to the Invaders: For besides the Pope's Blessing and promise of Success, for their Fleet, called the Invincible Armado, which consisted of 130 Sail, wherein were 19209 Land Soldiers, 8050 Mariners, 2080 Galleyslaves, and 2630 pieces of Canon, with small Arms and proportionable Stores; besides they were to be Joined by Forces the Prince of Parma was providing in Flanders. The Fleet being ready to put to Sea, the Queen appointed the Lord Howard of Effingham Admiral, Sir Francis Drake Vice Admiral, and the Lord Seymour, with an English and Dutch Squadron, to lie on the Flemish Coast, and hinder Parma's sending the intended Succours, and by Land having made the Earl of Leicester, who had resigned his Authority in the Low Countries, General; he ordered an Encampment at Tilbury of 1000 Horse, and 22000 Foot, and raised another Army for the Guard of her Person; but the Spaniards were so handled at Sea by the Admiral, That after several Days Fight, they were utterly Defeated; so that what were Taken, Sunk, Stranded, and Perished in their return, they lost the greater part of their Fleet with about 13500 Men; and scarce a Noble Family in Spain, but lost in this Expedition one Relation or other; which blow Spain has not Recovered to this day: For which Success, the Queen caused public Thanks to be given; and afterward greatly molested the Spaniard, by Warring in Portugal, and sending Adventurers to the West Indies; in one of which Expeditions the famous Sir Francis Drake Dyed. But Sir Walter Raleigh took a great Carrick, the Prize being valued at 150000 l, and others did very famous Exploits. Whilst these things were doing, Lopez a Jew, and Physician to the Queen, was hired to Poison her; as also one Patrick Cullen, an Irishman, to Stab her; but these Designs being timely discovered, divers Conspirators were Condemned and Executed. This being found to be a Spanish Intrigue, so incensed the Queen, that she sent the Earl of Essex, Sir Walter Raleigh, and other brave Commanders, to Annoy his Coast Towns, who putting in at Cales, Took and Sacked that Rich Town, and Burnt a Fleet of Merchants and Men of War, Valued at Twenty Millions of Ducats. And now the Earl of Essex, who had done many great and brave things in Ireland, the Low Countries, Spain, Portugal, and France, and had all along stood high in favour with the Queen, was much Disgusted at the Advancement of some Upstarts, which made them his Enemies, and labour all they could for his Destruction; so that being sent into Ireland against the Earl of Tirowen who was in Rebellion, they procured him to be Recalled, and laid divers Miscarriages to his charge; so that he was brought to a private Trial; but upon his Submission, Acquitted by the Queen's favour, and set at Liberty. However, being a Man of a high Spirit, he so resented the Affront, That he concluded to remove his Enemies from the Queen by force; whereupon, being Assisted by the Earl of Southampton, and others, he Fortified his House, Imprisoned her Counselors sent to him to Advise him to submit, and going into London thought to have made an Insurrection in favour of him; but though he was very Popular, they at this time failed him; and at last Surrendering himself, he with the Earl of Southampton and others was found Guilty of High Treason, and the Queen (over-persuaded) Signed the Warrant for his Death, and he was Beheaded, but Southampton Reprieved; Sir Charles Dorves, Sir Christopher Blunt, one Cuff, and Merrick, likewise suffered Death, on this account. But the Earls Death so grieved the Queen, that she laid a bitter Curse on those that advised her to consent to it; and growing Melancholy, she soon after retired to Richmond, where on the 24th of March 1602, she died; when she had Reigned 44 Years, 4 Months, and 7 Days, in the 67th Year of her Age, and was buried at Westminster, being the last of the Name of the Teudors of the Royal Race. In this Queen's Reign a Mare brought forth a Foal with two Heads, and a long Tail growing between them. A Sow furrowed Pigs with Arms and Hands, fingered as a Child, instead of Legs. And many other Creatures produced Monstrous Births. A Plague likewise happened, whereof Died in 8 Months 23660. The Thames was so hard Frozen that Wanes and Carts passed it, Markets and divers sorts of Exercises were kept and used on it. Great Floods and Tempests happened, spoiling much Corn, and demolishing many Buildings. In Yorkshire a Tempest overthrew a Church called Patrick Burton, and laid many Villages in Ruins. And many fearful Sights appeared in the Air. The Reign of King JAMES the First. QUeen Elizabeth, a little before she died, having declared King James the Sixth of Scotland her Successor, as indeed he was the next Allied to the Crown of England, as being great Grandson to the Lady Margaret, Eldest Daughter to Henry the Seventh; he was, upon that Queen's death, Proclaimed by Secretary Cecil and others, and solemnly Invited to fill the vacant Throne; when having disposed Affairs in Scotland, for the preserving the Peace of that Kingdom, he set forward with a very splendid Equipage: And his first Act was to Establish and Continue Religion as it had been Settled by the deceased Queen; causing the Old and New Testaments to be Translated from the Original; and set many at liberty who were Imprisoned on sundry occasions by the Queen deceased. But whilst these things were doing, there wanted not some who envied his Accession to the Throne; and secret contrivances were laid to Depose him, and set up the Lady Arabella, a Branch sprung from the same Stem by another Branch; but it being timely discovered, divers were Apprehended, Tried and Condemned; yet only George Brook, Brother to the Lord Cobham, and two Popish Priests, suffered Death, Sir Walter Raleigh and divers others, being Pardoned; and on the 25th of July 1603, the King and Ann his Queen were Crowned at Westminster in the Marble Chair brought out of Scotland by Edward the First, which fulfiled the Prophecy Inscribed on it, and mentioned in that King's Reign; and Prince Henry the King's Eldest Son, was made Knight of the Garter, and styled Prince of Wales; and Honours were conferred on divers Persons. The next thing the King proceeded to do, was to decide the Controversy between the Church of England and the Party that then styled themselves Puritan, and a Conference to that purpose was appointed at Hampton-Court, where the King so Learnedly Argued, that the former carried the day. And the Jesuits proving overhot, in stirring up the People to change in opinions (thereby to work their own ends) were Banished the Kingdom, and a Proclamation put out for Uniformity in the Church. Soon after this the King Assembled a Parliament, recommending to them the care of the Nation, and a lasting settlement of Peace and Tranquillity, and thereupon restored the Ancient Name of this Island, causing himself to be Proclaimed King of Great Britain. And whilst he and the Parliament happily accorded, a private design was carried on to destroy them both, for the Popish Party being denied the Toleration they had petitioned for, contrived one of the most Stupendious Mischiefs that ever entered into the Hearts of Men, for their heat of Malice would not be quenched with the Royal Blood, but that of the Nobility and Gentry, the representative body of the whole Kingdom united at Westminster, was to have been shattered in pieces and dismembered by a blast of 36 Barrels of Gunpowder, which they had placed in a Cellar under the Parliament House; but it was Discovered by a Letter to the Lord Monteagle the Morning before it was to have been put in execution. The principal Conspirators were Robert Catesby, Thomas Piercy, Robert Winter, Thomas Winter, John Garnet, Ambrose Rookwood, John Wright, Francis Fresham, Sir Everard Dighby, and Guido Faux. This Latter was to have set Fire to the Train, and was taken with his Darklanthorn at the Entrance of the Cellar, on the 5th of November, 1605. Which day by Parliament was appointed Annually a Day of Thanksgiving for that memorable Deliverance. Upon this Discovery, the Conspirators that escaped by flying, were divers of them slain by Forces raised by the High-Sheriff of Warwickshire; Faux upon Examination before the Council, confessed the whole matter, saying, God would have had it prosper, but the Devil Discovered it; expressing himself sorry that it had not taken effect. Garnet the Jesuit, and others, were Executed on this account, and some Lords who were absent from Parliament, and were suspected to have notice of the Design, were committed to the Tower, but after some confinement were released again, and soon after this a rumour was spread, without any certain Author, That the King was Stabbed and Slain with an Empoisoned Knife, as he was Hunting near Ockingham, which for a time much troubled the People; nor could their fears be allayed, before a Proclamation came out to satisfy them of the contrary; and the King of Denmark, the Queen's Brother, coming to White-Hall, was Magnificently Entertained; and having stayed about a Month, departed highly satisfied. The Kingdoms of England and Scotland, that had long continued in bloody Wars, were now United by both their consents in their Representatives, on a foundation advantageous to either Nation, and so it has ever since continued. The Duke of Juliers about this time dying, the Dukes of Newburg and Brandenburg strove for that Duchy, but whilst they weakly contended, Spain (more powerful) resolved to take it from them both, seizing on the City of Juliers, the principal place of the Province; which obliged King James at the States of the Netherlands supplication, to send 4000 English under the Command of Sir Edward Cecil and Sir Hatton Cheek, by whose Valour it was chief Reduced. Soon after Henry the Fourth of France was Stabbed in his Coach by one Ravilliack, passing the Ironmongers-street in Paris, for which the Murderer was pulled to pieces with Burning Pincers, yet could not be compelled to tell who set him on that wicked Enterprise; and King James startled with this untimely Death, put out a Second Proclamation to Banish the Jesuits out of the Kingdom, and all Popish Recusants Ten Miles from the Court. The Lord Sanquire, a Scotish Baron, having his Eye put out by one Turner, a Fencing-master in whitefriars, in revenge hired two Persons to Murder him; for which he was Hanged before Westminster-Hall-Gate, in the Palace-Yard, and Died very penitently, tho' great intercession was made to save him. And the Queen of Scots, (Beheaded in the foregoing Reign) was by the King's order removed from Peterborough to Westminster, and there magnificently Interred; and soon after the Elector Palatine of the Rhin● came into England, and Married the Lady Elizabeth, the King's Daughter. But the splendour of the Nuptials were Eclipsed by the Death of Prince Henry the King's Eldest Son; which happened a little before the Wedding, not without suspicion of Poison, as some have it, by the Scent of Perfumed Gloves, others by eating a Bunch of Grapes; but the Disease affecting mostly the Brain, it carried him off in Five Days, tho' the Physicians gave out he died of a Malignant Fever. Whatever his Disease was, it carried him off on the 6th of November, 1610. in the blossom of his Youth, he being 18 Years, 8 Months and 17 Days Old: He was a Prince of Extraordinary Wisdom and Piety much above his Years: Of strength and ability of Body equal to most Men, of a Noble and Heroic Disposition; and an hater of Flattery and Flatterers: He had an high Esteem of Sir Walter Raleigh, and used to say, No other King but his Father would keep such a Man as Sir Walter in such a Cage, meaning the Tower. He kept his Court at St. James', which was much frequented by the most sober of both the Nobility and Gentry. Something of the gravity of the Prince's temper, may be known by the following story: Once when the Prince was hunting the Stagg, it chanced that the Stagg being spent, crossed the Road where a Butcher and his Dog were travelling, and the Butcher's Dog killed the Stag, which was so great, that the Butcher could not carry him off: When the Huntsmen and Company came up, they fell at odds with the Butcher, and endeavoured to incense the Prince against him; to whom the Prince soberly Answered, What if the Butcher's Dog killed the Stagg, what could the Butcher help it? They Replied, If his Father had been served so, he would have Sworn at that rate, That no Man could have endured it. Away, replied the Prince, All the Pleasure in the World is not worth an Oath. In the time of his Sickness, a Person whom he loved, and who had been the Companion of his Diversions, coming to see him, and ask him how he did, the Prince among many other sober Expressions answered him thus, Ah Tom! I in vain wish for that time I lost with thee and others, in vain Recreations. But England was not worthy of so great a Blessing as the Life of this Excellent Prince. For whom, notwithstanding the Court was not long in Mourning, because of the Nuptials that ensued; and the Elector Palatine having been highly Feasted and Entertained, departed with his Bride. The King having raised one Sir Robert Carr, who had been his Page, high in his Favour, creating him Viscount Rochester, so that he Acted as it were all in all, and the Earl of Essex's Lady falling in Love with him, and complaining of her Husband's inability in performing his Nocturnal Duties, the King gave order to the Archbishop, that a Divorce might be sued out, which accordingly was done, and she Married the Viscount. But Sir Thomas Overbury, who had been his great Favourite, inveighing much against this Marriage, and labouring to dissuade him from it, because the Lady lay under much scandal of Lust and Incontinency, was by his and her procurement committed to the Tower, and there by tampering with Sir Gervis Ellows the Lieutenant of that Garrison, and one Weslon and others, they procured him to be Poisoned, and the Earl of Northampton, who was privy to it, the better to colour the business, gave out he died of the Pox; and that strange noisome Sores were found on his Body; but this did not long conceal so wicked a practice; for it proved their Ruin: Northampton died soon after in a Melancholy disordered condition; and a little after, the Apothecary's Man, who was hired to give Sir Thomas Overbury a Glister, that had been poisoned, falling Sick at Flushing, revealed what he knew, as to the Poisoning; and who was concerned in it. This News coming over by the means of Sir Ralph Winwood, who had been Ambassador in Holland, made a great noise, and more and more suspicion appearing, the King sent for the Judges to search narrowly into the Truth of it; Imprecating a Curse on them and their Posterity, if they were negligent in it; and the like on himself and Posterity, if he favoured any Guilty Person; so that the Viscount made Earl of Somerset in consideration of his Marriage with the Lady Catharine Howard, Daughter to the Duke of Suffolk, and Niece to the Earl of Northampton, who had been Divorced from the Earl of Essex, when he had got his Pardon signed, as being charged before with Imbezling the Crown Jewels, etc. had it stopped under the Broad Seal; and the Lord Chief Justice Cook sending for him, he went to the King, to complain of the Indignity put upon him, looking on it as a great presumption in the Man that had done it. But the King, much to his dissatisfaction, replied, Thou must go then, for if Cook sends for me, I must go too; and when he parted with him, turning his back, he smiling said, I shall never see thy Face more; and the same Day the Earl and his Countess were made Prisoners, and divers others, as Weston, Mrs. Turner, a great confident of the Countesses, Sir Jarvis Ellows, and one Frankling: The Four last being first Tried, were found Guilty, received Sentence of Death, and were Executed, confessing the fact; and soon after, the Earl and his Countess were Tried and Condemned; but the King Pardoned them, or rather Reprieved them, giving them only a Lease of their Lives for Term of Years, utterly Banishing them the Court and his Favour: So that deprived of all Honours, places of Trust, and Fortunes, they led mean and despicable Lives, the dying very miserably, her Privy Parts Rotting; and he of Discontent and Melancholy: So punctual is God in his Providence, to revenge Innocent Blood on the shedders of it, and bring them to shame, even in this Life. The fall of this Favourite made way to the rise of George Villers, Son to Sir George Villers of Lancashire, by a second venture; who being a comely Person, and his Parts improved by Travel, the King upon his first arrival at Court cast his Eyes on him, made him his Cupbearer at large, and in the End created him Duke of Buckingham, growing in a little time as high in favour as the former, doing all with the King as he pleased, and continued so to do till he was Stabbed by one Felton at Portsmouth, as will appear in the next Reign. Sir Thomas Mason being Arraigned, as concerned in the Murder of Overbury, had his Trial set aside, and the Lord Chief Justice chequed for venturing to insinuate, That in this there might be the Discovery of more than a Private Person; intimating, tho' not plainly, That Overbury's untimely remove, had something in it of retaliation, as if he had been guilty of the same crime against Prince Henry; and glancing some what that the Earl of Northampton had (but how truly I determine not) assured the Lieutenant of the Tower, That the making away of Sir Thomas Overbury, would be acceptable to the King, he had his wings ever after clipped. Soon after this the Lady Arabella Died in the Tower, which set men's Tongues and Fears on work, that she followed the same fate, but nothing public appeared in it. She was Daughter to Charles Stewart, Younger Brother to the King's Father, and Elizabeth Cavendish; she Married Sir William Seymour, Son to the Lord Beaucham, and both at a distance being Allied to the Crown, made the Marriage distasted; but her Husband escaped out of the Tower, whether he had been Committed for this conjunction, and fled beyond Sea; and she escaping from her House at Highgate, to follow him, was intercepted, and Died in the place aforesaid. There being a Peace confirmed with all Nations, the King treated with Spain about a Marriage between his Son Charles, now Prince of Wales, and Heir apparent to the Crown, and the Infanta, but Ambassadors being sent, many delays were made about difference in Religion and some other Objections; which the Earl of Salisbury, who Negotiated the matter, perceiving would come to no good effect, the Treaty of Marriage was laid aside, and overtures at the same time made in the Court of France; but that, as the former, then succeeded not, by the means of the Duke of Savoy. The King having been some Years out of Scotland, went thither with a splended Retinue; and unluckily about this time the Book of Sports was Published, allowing, on the Sabbath Day, for the Recreation of the Younger sort, after Evening-Service, Dancing about Maypoles, Church-Ales, and such like; which much displeased sober People to behold that Sacred Day so Profaned; however, notwithstanding many complaints, it continued, and some were punished for opposing it, by Writing or otherways. Sir Walter Raleigh making overtures to the King to find out a Rich Mine of Gold-Ore in Gunia, by the directions of Captain Kentish, once his Servant, he was dismissed with some Ships and Men, but Gondemar, the Spanish Ambassador, getting notice of this design, writ to Spain about it with such Expedition, that Letters from thence arrived in the West-Indies, to Advertise of his preparations long before he came; so that finding almost all places Fortified, except St. Thomes, they took that, and attempted the River, but in passing, found such opposition as constrained them to retire, without attchieving their ends; which so perplexed Kentish, that he Shot himself in his Cabin; and Sir Walter, upon his Return, was seized by Sir Lewis Stukley his Kinsman; and being brought to London, was at the earnest instance and clamour of the Spanish Ambassador, sent to the Tower, and many grievous complaints laid to his charge, of Imposing on the King, and endangering a War with Spain; That it would likewise break off the Treaty of Marrying again, renewed between the Prince and Infanta of Spain; with such aggravations, that the King gave way; he was brought to the King's-Bench Bar at Westminster, where the Records of his former Arraignment were Read, and he demanded, why Execution should not be done upon him, according to the Judgement that had been pronounced against him; and he going about to Justify himself on the account of his Voyage, was told it was not in question; but that he stood there upon his former Judgement, which the King would have Executed upon him; and tho' he urged much against it, as the King's Trust by a new Commission, which he looked upon as a Pardon, etc. his Execution was appointed, and he Beheaded in the Old Palace-Yard at Westminster, in the 60th Year of his Age, which pacified the Spaniard for the Loss sustained by the West-India Voyage. Soon after this, Queen Ann died of a Dropsy at Hampton Court, a prodigious Blazing Star ushering her to another World: And briefly thus stands her Character, She was in her great Condition a good Woman, not tempted from the height she stood on to Embroil things below her, only giving herself content in her own House, with such Recreations as might not make Time tedious to her; so that nothing can be fixed on her, but that she may have Engraven on her Monument a Character of Virtue. The Bohemians having chosen Frederick, Elector Palatine of the Rhine, who Married the Lady Elizabeth, King James' Daughter, their King, Revolted from the Emperor Ferdinand; but being Overthrown by the Duke of Bavaria, the Imperial General, and all Bohemia recovered, upon his return home, he found his Palatinate Invaded by the Spaniards, who with other Aides beat him out of it, tho' King James sent about 6000 English to his Assistance, who did many brave things; but being worsted by great Numbers, the poor remains of them in the conclusion of the War returned home. This made the King call a Parliament to Refund his Treasure wasted in this War, and on chargeable Embasseys; but they would not hearken to it before sundry Grievances were redressed; and hereupon divers who had oppressed the People, and misspent the public Treasure, were Questioned and Disgraced; and among others the Lord Chancellor Bacon, for Bribery and Extortion, a thing he had always condemned in others, and for it lost his Peerage, and the Great Seal, spending his days very melancholy afterward, carrying only the empty title of Viscount St Alban to his Grave. And after many contendings between the King and Parliament, they not answering his expectations in giving the Sums required, he Dissolved it, and put out a Proclamation to restrain the people's Talking to his prejudice, but it little availed; and the Earl of Oxford having been accused on that account by one White a Papist, and the Earl of Southampton by others, they were committed and continued a considerable time Prisoners. The King's Ambassadors found but slender success in their Negotiations, being delayed in the Courts of the Empire, Spain, and with the Duke of Bavaria, which much troubled and vexed him. And there being many strange Opinions creeping up, the King sent his Letter to the Arch-Bishops for Regulating the Ministry, and Reforming Abuses therein; but the Jesuits and other restless People, underhand laboured to Embroil the Factions, and caused many disturbances, which, with other dissatisfactions from abroad, cast the King into a Melancholy Temper, especially the slights that were put upon the Prince his Son, who went thither to Court in Person, attended by Buckingham and others, they endeavouring to pervert him in change of his Religion, etc. so that he was Indisposed and so much out of order a long time, that his Favourites durst scarcely speak to him. Then hearing the Spaniards still trifled, his care was to get the Prince home again, least having so wealthy a Prize, they should detain it, and sent him secret notice to return: Whereupon taking leave of the Queen of Spain and Infanta, and the other Ladies and Grandees, he was attended to the Sea Coast; and in his return being in a Barge some distance from the Ships, by a sudden Tempest he narrowly escaped being castaway, for a time neither being able to reach the Ships, or Shoar; but at length he arrived safe, to the high satisfaction of the King his Father; but this Match after vast Expense and Trouble, came to nothing, tho' the Lady had a long time had Tutors to Teach her English, and pleased enough she appeared at it; but this was at last found only a device to retard the King from meddling in the Affairs of the Palatinate, and the design of this Marriage was his chief aim to restore it; whereupon he gave orders to the Earl of Bristol, his Ambassador, positively to declare to the King of Spain That unless that was restored to the Elector, the Treaty should proceed no further; and that being refused, the Prince grew cold in his Love, and so all was dashed, upon his thoughts with a Match with the Youngest Daughter of Henry the Fourth of France, whom he had seen in his passage that way to Spain, and to whom (after his Father's death) he was Married. Upon this the King called another Parliament, and missing the Duke of Richmond his old Friend, and sending to his Lodging, he was found dead in his Bed, without any Wound or sign of force upon him, which put the King into such grief and consternation, that he would not go to the House in his Robes; and so put them off for some Days longer. This Parliament greatly inveighed against the Duke of Buckingham, for persuading the Prince to take such a hazardous Journey out of the Land, and advised the King, since so many Delays and Tricks had been put upon the Honour of the Nation, to break the Treaty with Spain, protesting to assist him for the regaining the Palatinate, with their Lives and Fortunes, etc. They insisting on a Religious War, that might be Aiding to the afflicted Protestants in Germany and France; but the King however seemed more to incline to Peace, as appeared by his Letters and Speeches on this occasion; for fearing that when the War was begun, he should not find wherewithal to maintain it; and therefore thanking them for their proffers and advice, he told them he would consider better of it; however the Treaty with Spain was utterly dissolved. This, and some forwardness for War, so fretted the Spanish Ambassador, that whether out of Truth and Knowledge (as he pretended) or Malice only, cannot be determined, he sent to the King to let him know, that Buckingham had some dangerous Design against him, tending to his destruction; and that it would be the safest to confine him to some Countryhouse for his Life; however, tho' it was generally thought to proceed from spite, because the Duke set himself against the Spanish Interest, it put the King into such fears, being now grown Old, that all the Duke's protestations could not a long time remove them, nor till the Duke's Friends gave upon Oath their knowledge of the Duke's sincere intentions, and that this was contrived with the Ambassador by the Advice of a Jesuit; and this Parliament, the Earl of Middlesex, by Buckingham's procurement, was Questioned, but there came no great matter of it; for the Parliament knowing it was done by the Duke's means, upon his Questioning for the Money excessively spent in Spain, they had no great mind to back him in it. Whilst these things passed, a melancholy Account came from the East-Indies, where the English had five several Factories, two at Hitto and Lerico, and two at Latro and Cambello, in the Island of Seran; but the Principal of them was at Amboyna, which is the chief Place in all the East-Indies, where Nutmegs, Mace, Cinnamon, Cloves, and other Spices grow; and from these Factories the English supplied not only England, and all Europe with Spice; but Persia, Japan, and other Countries in the East-Indies. This made the Dutch to Envy the English, and therefore resolved to dispossess them of the Spice-Trade, which is the best in all the East-Indies. The English in all these Islands were better beloved than the Dutch, and had built a Fortress in Amboyna for the safety of their Trade; but the Dutch having two hundred Soldiers on that Island, forced this Fortress from the English, and then pretending a Plot between the English and the Natives of Amboyna, for the Recovering of the said Fort from the Dutch to the English; the Dutch by horrid Torments, burning them under the Soles of their Feet, and under their Armpits, and pouring Water down their Throats when stretched on a Rack, till they were ready to burst, and by other barbarous ways Massacred the English there, and seized upon the English Factories, to the value of Four Hundred Thousand Pounds; making the rest of the English (that had escaped their Massacre) Slaves, and sent them into other Islands which the Dutch had possessed themselves of: This was in the Year 1622; when but three Years before the Dutch had concluded a Treaty of Trade between the English and Dutch in the East-Indies. This News extremely troubled the East-India Company, who humbly petitioned the King to demand satisfaction of the State's General: But the King cared not for War; and tho' the Dutch refused to make any satisfaction for this Unheard-of Villainy, the King only told the Dutch Ambassador, That he never heard nor read of a more Cruel and Impious Act than that of Amboyna; yet, said he, I do forgive them, and I hope God will; but my Son's Son shall revenge this Blood, and punish this horrid Massacre. And so left the Dutch in the quiet Possession of what they had so basely gotten from the English, without offering to draw his Sword against them: Which perhaps occasioned his being pictured with his Sword in his Scabbard, and two Men pulling at it, but could not get it out. And now the King having permitted the Count Mansfield, General for the Elector Palatine to raise some Forces here, he soon after fell sick of a Tertian Fever; a little before his Death he called for the Prince, and roused himself as desirous to speak to him; but being too weak, sunk down in his Bed again, and Died at Theobalds', on the 27th of March, 1625. when he had Reigned over all Britain 22 Years and three Days, being the Twenty Third of his Reign and Fifty Ninth of his Age. He was buried at Westminster. He was of a Stature inclining to tallness, being somewhat higher than Ordinary; his Body very well compacted, his Hair of an Aubourn Colour, and of a Pleasing Countenance; and towards his latter End somewhat fat and burly. He had the repute of a Wise Prince; but his Reign did not show it: He indeed Writ several Books against the Jesuite's King-Killing Doctrine, but that shown his Fear more than his Learning; and that he was therein acted by a Principle of Self-Preservation: For the Gunpowder-Plot in England, and the Assassination of Henry the Fourth by Ravilliac in France, were enough to make him afraid of the Jesuits. He was wholly ruled in all things by his Favourites, to whom he was excessively bountiful, and thereby squandered away the Treasure of the Nation. At his coming to the Crown he found the Exchequer Rich, but at his Death (which was a great Unhappiness to his Son) he left it very poor; and well he might, giving so profusely as he did to his Flatterers and Favourites. It is reported of him, That having given Sir Robert Carr Twenty Thousand Pounds, the Lord Treasurer Salisbury, that he might make the King sensible of what he had done, invited him to an Entertainment, and so ordered it, that he should pass to it through a Room wherein he had placed four Tables, and on each Table Five Thousand Pounds in Silver; when the King came into the Passage, he started, as amazed at the sight, (having never before seen such a Sum) and ask the Treasurer the meaning of it? The Treasurer told the King, It was the Boon he bade given to Sir Robert Carr: 'Swounds Man, says the King (which was the Oath he usually swore) but Five Thousand Pounds shall serve his Turn. By which means the Lord Treasurer saved the King Fifteen Thousand Pounds. This shown how easy he was to be imposed upon, giving his Favourites what they pleased to ask, without knowing what it was. His letting the Dutch redeem their Cautinary Towns upon their own terms, and letting them also dispossess the English of their Factory at Amboyna in the East-Indies, by the most horrid Massacre that any Age had heard of, without any reparation or satisfaction for it; however it might Entitle him to be Rex Pacificus, it could never be an Argument of his Wisdom, nor make him appear a Second Solomon, which his Flatterers usually styled him. In the beginning of this King's Reign a Plague raged, of which in London and the Liberties, in one Year Died Thirty Thousand Five Hundred Seventy Eight Persons. A terrible Blazing Star appeared before the Queen's death, and the breaking out of the Wars in Hungary. Anno 1603 John Lepton Road Five times between York and London in Five Days, beginning his Journey on Monday, finishing it the Friday after. Anno 1605 William Calverly of York, Esq Murdered two of his own Children in his House, Stabbed his Wife, and went out with intentions to have Killed his Child at Nurse, but was prevented; and was Pressed to death for refusing to Plead. The Reign of King CHARLES the First. KING James dying at Theobalds', on the 27th of March, 1625. The same Day his only Surviving Son, Prince Charles, was Proclaimed King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland. On the 7th of May following were Celebrated the Funerals of the Deceased King; whose Body being brought from Sommerset-House, was Interred in the Abbey at Westminster with great Magnificence, the King himself being the chief Mourner. The next thing after the Celebration of the Funeral, was to hasten the coming over of the Queen, Henrietta Maria, youngest Daughter of Henry the Fourth of France Deceased, and Sister to Lewis the 13th, then Reigning, who had by the King's Proxy, the Duke of Chevereux, been Espoused to him on the first of May, at our Lady's Church in Paris. Upon Trinity-Sunday at Night, she arrived at Dover, where being met by the King the next Morning, they went from thence to Canterbury, where they were Married, which the third Day after was Declared at White-Hall with great Rejoicing. On the 18th of June following, the King Summoned a Parliament to meet at Westminster, where he urged them for Supplies for the carrying on the War against Spain, for the Recovery of the Palatinate; upon which the Commons gave two Subsidies, and the Clergy three. In this Parliament Dr. Montague, the King's Chaplain, was Questioned for certain Tenants, in his Answer to a Book called the Romish Gagger, and his Defence thereof, Entitled, Apello ad Caesarem; and he being brought before the Bar of the House, the Speaker declared their Pleasure, That they would refer his Censure till their next Meeting; and in the mean time he should stand Committed to the Serjeant's-Ward, till Two Thousand pounds' Bail could be procured for his Appearance next Sessions. And tho' the King (by Bishop Laud's means) took him into his Protection, as his Servant, yet his Bond remained Uncancelled. Divers Laws were Enacted in this Parliament; and a Bill for Tonnage and Poundage passed the House of Commons, but it Miscarried in the Lord's House, because it was Limited to a Year; whereas it had been Granted to the King's Predecessors during their Lives. And then (the Plague greatly increasing) the Parliament was Adjourned to Oxford; where the King again Soliciting for more Money, in order to the setting out the Fleet, the Commons entered into a Debate about Grievances, and were about drawing up a Remonstrance to present to the King; but it bearing hard upon Buckingham, the King's great Favourite, they were immediately Dissolved: And soon after a Fleet was fitted out, and sent against Spain; but having stayed Considering what to do, till they lost the Opportunity of Destroying the Spanish Fleet in Cadiz, which at first might have been easily done, they Sailed to the Southrens Gape, in expectation of meeting their Plate-Fleet, but the Contagion having got into the Fleet, they made an Untimely return without doing any thing, but four Days before the Fleet came. This unprosperous Success of the Fleet, very much Displeased the King, who prohibited Wimbleton (the General) for some time from his Presence, but he excusing himself, laid a great part of the Miscarriage on the Stubbornness of the Earl of Essex: But tho' all were Blamed, yet none were Punished for the ill Conduct of this Expedition. And now the War growing very Chargeable, since Parliamentary Aids failed, the King (as advised by his Council) resolved upon raising Money by way of Loan, by Letters of Privy-Seal, sent to the Ablest Persons in the Kingdom, in each of which Letters the King promised in the Name of Him, and his Heirs and Successors; to re-pay the Money in Eighteen Months after the Payment thereof to the Collector, and the Collectors were Ordered to pay the Sums received into the Exchequer, and to return the Names of such as went about to Delay, or Excuse the Payment of the Money required of them. This manner of Proceed was by all Wise Men thought very improper; for, by the Law no Man was bound to lend the King Money; so this, instead of Supplying the King, only tended to Alienate the Affections of his Subjects from him, and render things more Difficult in the next Parliament. Which after the Coronation was over, met the 6th of February; but with no better Success than the last; For the House of Commons began (where they left off at Oxford) with matters of Religion, and public Grievances; viz. The Miscarriage of the Fleet to Cadiz; the Evil-Counsellors about the King; Misgovernment, and Mis-imployment of the King's Revenues, and an Account of the three Subsidies, and three Fifteenths Granted the 21th of King James: That new Impositions and Monopolies were multiplied, and settled to continue by Grants, Customs enhanced by the new Book of Rates; and that Tonnage and Poundage was Levied, tho' by no Act of Parliament, and the Guard of the Seas neglected. In this Parliament also, five particular Articles were drawn up against Mr. Richard Montague, wherein he had broken the Laws and Statutes of the Realm, and disturbed the Peace both of the Church and Commonwealth. Upon all which, the House of Commons Ordered he should be brought to Exemplary Punishment, and all his Books Burnt. Nor do I hear that ever he made any Defence or Answer to those Articles that were brought against him. It is affirmed, That Dr. Laud, (who was a mighty stickler for Arminianism and Ceremonies, and who first of all set up this Montague) understanding from the D. of Buckingham that the King intended to leave Mr. Montague to a Trial, was heard to say, I seem to see a Cloud arising, and threatening the Church of England; God in his Mercy dissipate it. After this, the Commons Questioned several Persons who were of the Council of War, in the Affairs of the Palatinate, concerning the management of that Business. But the King understanding that the House of Commons were very busy in searching the Original of a Letter under the Signet, written to the Mayor of York, for Reprieving divers Jesuits, Priests, and Popish Recusants, interrupted their Proceed therein by a Message sent by Sir Richard Weston, Chancellor of the Exchequer, demanding a Supply for the English and Irish Forces; this was so highly resented by the House, that Mr. Clement Cook, one of the Members, openly Protested, That it was better to Die by a Forrign Enemy, than to be Destroyed at Home. And Dr. Turner (another Member of the House) seconded him with these Queries, 1. Whether the King had not lost the Regality of the Narrow Seas, since the D. of Buckingham was Admiral? 2. Whether his not going as Admiral in this last Fleet, was not the Cause of the ill Success? 3. Whether the King's Revenues has not been Impaired through his Immense Liberality? 4. Whether he hath not Engrossed all Offices, and preferred his Kindred to unfit Places? 5. Whether he hath not made Sale of places of Judicature? 6. Whether Popish Recusants have not Dependence upon his Mother and Father in Law? These bold Expressions so provoked the King, that he immediately sent Sir Richard Weston to Demand Satisfaction; whereupon Dr. Turner made a Speech in his own Vindication, alleging, That what he had said was for the Good of the Kingdom, and not Reflecting upon any one in particular, with much more to the same Purpose: And the further Debate of the matter being referred till another time, Dr. Turner in the mean time withdrew himself, and sent a Letter to the Speaker to excuse his Absence. Sir William Walter speaking his Opinion about Grievances, said, That the true cause of them was because (as was said of Lewis the 11th) all the King's Council road upon one Horse. (Thereby alluding to the D. of Buckingham's sole Management of all Affairs.) But for all these Discourses, the Commons taking the King's Necessities into Consideration, Voted three Subsidies, and three Fifteen; and that the Bill should be brought in, assoon as the Grievances represented were redressed. They likewise Considered of the matter of the D. of Buckingham, and the mis-employing of the Revenue. But the King observing they did not make such haste as he Expected, in answering his last Message, Summons both Houses together; and by the Lord-Keeper complains to them for not Punishing Dr. Turner and Mr. Cook, and likewise for searching his Signet-Office; and justified the D. of Buckingham to have acted nothing of public Concernment without his special Warrant; and therefore forbidden them to Concern themselves any farther therein, and Blamed them for being too sparing in the matter of Supply, and for Ordering the Bill not to be brought in, till their Grievances were heard and Answered, which he would not Admit of. To which the King himself added, He must also put them in Mind, That his Father, moved by their Counsel, and won by their Persuasion, broke the Treaties, and that be himself was their Instrument towards his Father, and was Glad to be Instrumental in any thing which might please the whole Body of the Realm; nor was there any in greater Favour then, than the Duke, whom they now Traduced; but that now finding him so far entangled in a War, that he could make no Honourable nor safe Retreat, they made Necessity their Privilege, and set what Rate they pleased upon their Supplies; a Practice not very Obliging towards Kings: And whereas Mr. Cook told them, It was better for them to Die by a Foreign Enemy, than to be Destroyed at Home; indeed he thought it more Honourable for a King to be Invaded, and almost Destroyed by a Foreign Enemy, than to be Despised at Home The Commons in Answer to this, presented the King with a very Dutiful Remonstrance, acquainting him, That they gratefully Acknowledged his Majesty's Expressions of Affection to his People and Parliaments; that they had taken. Mr. Cook's and Dr. Turner's Words into Consideration, and might have given a good Account thereof by this time, if His Majesty's Message had not Interrupted them; That they had the Precedents of former Parliaments for Searching Letters of his Majesty, and his Secretary of State, the Signet-Office, and other Records upon the like Occasions: That it was the unquestionable Privilege of Parliaments to Complain of any Person of any Degree; and their Proceed in Relation to the Duke should not Prejudice either Crown or Kingdom. That they were willing to Supply his Necessities Liberally and Faithfully, if Additions might be made of other things which concerned his Service, and were now in Consultation amongst them. The King having received this Remonstrance, returned this Answer to it, That he would have them in the first place Consult about matters of the greatest Importance, and they should have time enough for other things afterwards. Not long after this, the Earl of Bristol (being Ordered by the King to be Examined by a Committee of Lords, about his Negotiations in Spain, and having been in Prison, and prohibitted access to his Majesty ever since his Return) Petitioned the House of Lords for his Liberty, or to come to a Trial; who applying themselves to the King, he granted a Writ for the Earl's coming to Parliament, but with a Proviso, That his Personal attendance should be forborn: Whereupon the Earl sent another Petition to the Lords, that he might be heard, both as to his Restraint, and of what he had to say against the Duke. At this the King was much concerned, and let the Lords know, That it was his Royal Pleasure that the Earl of Bristol might be sent for as a Delinquent, to answer his Offences to the House, and his Scandalising the Duke of Buckingham, and the King likewise, by Reflection. Upon this the Earl was brought to the Bar, and being ready to be Impeached of High-Treason by the Attorney-General, the Earl said, My Lords, I am a Freeman and Peer of the Realm Unattainted; I have something to say of high Consequence to His Majesty's Service, and I beseech your Lordships give me leave to Speak. The Lords thereupon bid him go on. Then, said he, I accuse that Man, the Duke of Buckingham, of High-Treason. And immediately he presented Twelve Articles against him. This unexpected procedure of the Earl's, caused the Attorney-General to draw up a Charge against him, consisting of Eleven Articles of matters of divers Natures. And beside these Articles against the Duke, the Earl of Bristol, exhibited Eleven others against the Lord Conway. The Earl likewise gave in his Answer to each particular Article of his Impeachment. And now whilst these two Peers were thus Contesting, the House of Commons presented an Impeachment against the Duke, consisting of twelve Articles, to each of which the Duke made Replies: But that not Satisfying the Commons, they drew up another Declaration of Grievances against the Duke, whom they resolved by all means to bring down; which Declaration was read before the Bill of Subsidies: Which so Incensed the King, that he Dissolved the Parliament the very next Day, and thereby lost Four Subsidies and Three Fifteenths, rather than the Duke should be farther Questioned by the Parliament, tho' one of the Articles against the Duke, was for a strong Presumption of his having Poisoned the King's Father. And thus ended this King's Second Parliament. After this Dissolution, the King Committed the Earl of Bristol to the Tower, and Published first a Proclamation for Burning all Copies of the Commons Declaration, and then a Declaration showing the Grounds and Reasons of his Dissolving this and the former Parliament. There were several Occasions at this time which required considerable Sums of Money; for besides the Palatinate, there was great Likelihood of a War with France, upon occasion of the French King's using the Vanguard (one of the King's Men of War, lent to the French King to go against Genoa) with six other Merchants Ships, (turned into Men of War) against the French Protestants in Rochel, expressly contrary to Agreement; and the King being extremely Troubled at it, demanded Satisfaction of the French King; who Deferring to give it, the King seized a rich French Ship, and the French King Arrested the Goods of the English Merchants in France, to the Value of about 300000 l. tho' afterwards Restoration was made on both sides. But the Insolent Practices of the Priests and Jesuits belonging to the Queen, especially her Confessor, soon caused another Rupture, for he imposed upon her as a Penance, to wait upon his Servants at their Dinner, and to walk on Foot in a rainy Morning from Sommerset-House to St. James', and from thence to Tyburn, to offer up her Prayers for the Souls of the Romish Martyrs, i. e. Traitors, or Jesuits, that had been Executed there, himself the mean while riding by her in his Coach. But these Arrogancies being unsufferable, the Queen's French Domestics were paid off, and sent Home. Hereupon the French King (tho' this was no more than what himself had done before, in sending back all the Spanish Courtiers that came with his Queen) Arrested all the English Merchants Ships that lay in the River of Bourdeaux; this was so ill resented by the King, that the Peace so lately patched up, was now turned into an open War: And the King thereupon made use of those Forces against the French which were designed against the Spaniard; complying now with the Desires of the Rochelers, who had humbly Sued to him for Aid and Protection. But the Fleet designed for their Relief, not going out till after Michaelmas, (a very improper Season to send out a Fleet of great Ships to Sea) encountered only with Storms and Tempests, and returned Home again without doing any thing, leaving the poor Rochellers in a worse Condition than they were before. The Assessment of the Loan (again set on Foot since the Parliaments Dissolution) being generally Opposed, the People of lower Rank were Ordered to appear in the Military-Yar near St. Martin's in the Fields, to be Listed for Soldiers; it being thought fit, that those who could not with their Pur●es, should assist the King with their Persons. But several Gentlemen and others of Ability, for refusing the Loan, were Committed Prisoners, to the Fleet, Mar●●●sea, Gatehouse, and other Prisons: Sir John eliot, who Petitioned his Majesty, declaring that he could prove by many Precedents, That all manner of Aids and Taxes in former Kings Reigns, were never Levied but the general Consent of the Nobility and Commons Assembled in Parliament: Notwithstanding which, he was Committed to the Gatehouse. Dr. Sybthorp, and Manwaring, two Eminent Preachers at Court, instead of Preaching the Gospel, Preached up the Necessity and Duty of the Loan; one of them Asserting, That the Prince hath power to Direct his Counsel, and make Laws; and that Subjects, if they cannot exhibit Active Obedience, in case the thing Commanded should be against the Law of God or Nature, yet aught to yield Passive Obedience; and in all other Cases they were bound to Active Obedience. The other was more express to the Purpose, and affirmed, That the King's Royal Command in imposing of Loans and Taxes, though without Consent in Parliament, did Oblige the Subject's Conscience, upon pain of Eternal Damnation. Which Position being highly Applauded at Court, the Sermon of Dr. Sybthorp, called, Apostolic Obedience, was approved by Dr. Laud, (than Bishop of London) and an Express sent from the King to Archbishop Abbot to Licence it, which he refusing, the King suspended him from his Archiepiscopal See, and a Commission was Granted to five Bishops, to execute his Office. And now the D. of Buckingham to clear his Reputation and show his Diligence in his Admiral-ship, with some difficulty completed his Naval Forces, consisting of 6000 Horse and Foot, in Ten Royal Ships, and Ninety Merchantmen, with which he set Sail from Portsmouth, June 27th, 1627. and Published a Manifesto of the King's Affection to the Reformed Churches in France, and his Displeasure for the last Mis-employing of his Ships against the Rochellers. But after all, through the Duke's ill Conduct, or Obstinacy (in going before St. Martin's Castle, in the Isle of Rhee, against which his Council dissuaded him, rather than against the Mede, another Castle in that Island, which they might in all likelihood have carried, and would have been a safe place of Retreat in case of Necessity) this great Design Miscarried, with the Death of near Two Thousand common Soldiers, Thirty Prisoners of Note, and Forty four Colours taken. Yet to make some Amends for this Miscarriage, a great French Ship was taken upon the Coasts of Holland, Laden with all sorts of Ammunition to a great Value. Also Sir John Pennington took 34 rich French Merchantmen homeward-bound, and brought 'em all safe into England. The lowness of the Exchequer, the late Miscarriage at the Isle of Rhee, and the present distressed Condition of the Rochellers, being laid before the Lords of the Council, it was thereupon resolved to call another Parliament, and Writs were forthwith issued out accordingly. And the Parliament met the 27th of March, and the King tells them, That the greatness of the Danger requires a speedy Supply, and hopes they will prove such true Patriots, as not to deceive his Expectations. The first thing the Commons went upon, was the Grievances of the Nation; and therein the chief thing insisted on, was the Case of those Gentlemen imprisoned for refusing the Loan; and who, notwithstanding their Habeas Corpus, were remanded to Prison: After the Debating whereof, the Commons resolved, Nemine Contradicente, 1. That no Man ought to be Restrained by the Command of the King or Privy-Council, without some Cause of the Commitment. 2. That the Writ of Habeas Corpus ought to be granted upon request to every Man that is Restrained, tho' by the Command of the King, the Privy Council, or any other. 3. That if a Freeman be Imprisoned by the Command of the King, the Privy-Council, or any other, and no cause of such Commitment expressed, and the same be returned upon an Habeas Corpus granted for the said Party, than he ought to be Delivered or Bailed. After which the Parliament drew up a Petition against Popish Recusants, to which the King gave a full and Satisfactory Answer; and then the Commons granted the King Five Subsidies; at which he was so pleased, that he sent them Word He would deny them nothing of their Liberties which any of his Predecessors had Granted. And thereupon the Commons drew up that Memorable Bill called Petition of Right, which, after many Debates about it, passed both Houses, and was Presented to the King, to which the King answered, The King willeth that Right be done according to the Law, and Customs of the Realm, and that the Statutes be put in due Execution, that his Subjects may have no cause to complain of any Wrong or Oppressions, contrary to their just Rights and Liberties; to the Preservation whereof, he holds himself in Conscience as well Obliged, as to that of his Prerogative. But this Answer not being thought Satisfactory, upon their further Application to the King, he sent them this short but full Answer, Soit Droit Fait come il est desire: i. e. Let it be done according to your Desire. Which Answer was received with great Joy by both Houses, and the Citizens of London, who expressed it by making of Bonfires, and ringing of Bells: And the King for further Satisfaction, received again into his Favour Dr. Abbot, A. B. of Canterbury, Bishop Williams, and others, and likewise caused the Commission of Loan and Excise to be Cancelled in his Presence. But the Commons after this drawing up a Remonstrance against the Duke, and calling in Question the King's taking of Tonnage and Poundage, were Adjourned to the 20th of October, several Acts being first passed by them. Much about this time Dr. Lamb (that had been formerly twice Arraigned, once for Necromancy, and another time for a Rape) was Killed by the Rabble in Lothbury, for which the City was Fined 6000 l. He was a great Favourite of the Duke of Buckingham's, and commonly called the Duke's Devil, which made him the more Hated. After the Duke's late Expedition to the Isle of Rhee, the Earl of Denbeigh Sailed with Fifty Ships for the Relief of Rochel, but being repelled with much Loss, he returned back to Plymouth, despairing of Success: Whereupon the Duke of Buckingham himself resolved to go again with a more considerable Navy; but whilst he was at Portsmouth hastening the fitting out of the Fleet, one John Felton, a Lieutenant, Stabbed him to the Heart with a Knife, which he left sticking in his Body till the Duke himself pulled it out, and Died immediately after; Felton was soon Apprehended by the Servants, and laden with Irons; and being asked what induced him to commit so bloody a Fact, he boldly answered, He Killed him for the Cause of God and his Country: He had likewise fastened a Paper in the Crown of his Hat, to tell the World (in case he had miscarried in the Action) That his only motive to this Fact, was the Remonstrance of the Commons against the Duke; and that he could not Sacrifice his Life in a Nobler Cause, than by delivering his Country from so great an Enemy. For this Fact Felton was Condemned and Hanged at Tyburn, and his Body hanged in Chains upon a Gibbet at Portsmouth. However the designed Fleet set Sail under the Command of the Earl of Lindsey, and came to Rochel-Haven, where there was a Barricado of 1400 Yards cross the Channel; notwithstanding which, the Earl adventured in, passing the Forts and Outworks; but the Wind changing, drove the Ships foul upon each other: Which unhappy Accident made the Rochellers despair of Relief, and presently Surrendered the Town. And the Earl of Lindsey brought the Fleet safe home again. The Parliament after some Adjournments sitting again, the Merchants, who for refusing to Pay Customs, had had their Effects seized, made grievous Complaints, this made the King send for the two Houses to attend him in the Banqueting-house, requiring them to pass the Bill for Tonnage and Poundage, for the better and more speedy ending all Differences. But they replied, God's Cause was to be preferred before the King's, and in the first place therefore they would consult about the Establishment of Religion; and so returning, they appointed a Committee for that Purpose, and another for Civil matters; and many were Censured for reflecting on their Proceed, and for Levying Tonnage and Poundage; but the King excused the latter as done by his express Command, in a time when the Nation was in Danger to be Invaded by Foreigners: And that such things had been often done in the Reigns of his Predecessors, when Money could not be speedily raised on urgent Necessities, in a Parliamentary way. However this and other Misunderstandings raised great Heats and Jealousies, which were Fomented to that Degree, that the Parliament was quickly after Dissolved, without passing the Bill of Tonnage and Poundage. Soon after which the King published a Declaration of the Cause thereof, and eleven of the Members were Summoned before the Council-Table, and all committed to divers Prisons, contrary to the Petition of Right, so lately confirmed by the King. Soon after this a Paper was dispersed, containing some Projects how the King might increase his Revenue without the help of a Parliament; and upon Information that the Earls of Bedford, Clare, Somerset, and others, had dispersed some Copies of them, they were Committed: But Sir David Fowlis making it appear it was a Project of Sir Robert Dudley's, Son to to the Earl of Leicester, in Italy, sixteen Years since, and no ways intended at this time to create any Difference between the King and Parliament, they were released. And now divers Threatening Libels against the chief Ministers of State were scattered abroad, and particularly one against Bishop Land, assuring him his Life was sought for, he being the Fountain of Wickedness, etc. This made the great Men fear the sitting of another Parliament: And it is said Weston the Treasurer advised the King never to call any again. And a Book of Projects for Governing and raising Money without Parliaments, was presented to the King. In January an Ambassador from Spain arrived at London, whose business was to treat of Peace, which was soon Concluded, as had been with France before. On the 29th of May, 1630. the Queen was delivered of a Son, who was Christened Charles; and Succeeded in the Kingdom: At whose Birth, it is Remarkable, a very bright Star appeared at Noonday; which being showed the King as he came from his Devotion, he greatly Rejoiced thereat, as taking it for a fortunate Presage: Soon after Dr. Leighton Writing and Publishing a Book Entitled, Sion's Plea, was Censured for it, and Sentenced to have his Nose slit, his Ears cropped, and a Mark or Brand in his Forehead, which was inflicted on him. Anno 1631, Mervin, Lord Audley, Earl of Castle-Haven, was tried by his Peers, on the Petition of his Son and Heir, for a Rape and Sodomy, and being found Guilty, lost his Head on Tower-hill. The King hearing of some Murmurrings and Discontents in Scotland, went thither in Person, hoping to give his People of that Kingdom Satisfaction; and being solemnly Crowned at Edinburgh, he called a Parliament: But they fearing the bringing in of Episcopacy, and the Form of Prayer, and other Services in England, seemed more and more to be Disgusted. However the King having Confirmed and Ratified some Laws, which the Scots construed to the worst Sense; And which was indeed in order to the establishing Episcopacy there, which King James the First had introduced Anno 1616. and which was apparent by the King's giving Order to the Dean of his Royal Chapel in Edinburgh, to have Prayer read therein, according to the English Liturgy, etc. In the Year 1632, the King (incited thereto by Bishop Laud) set out a Declaration for Tollerating of Sports on the Lord's-day; which gave great Offence to all sober Men; and for refusing to Publish it, many of the best Ministers were Suspended, and deprived of their Benefices. Octob. 13. 1633. The Queen was delivered of her second Son, named James, afterwards Duke of York, and after his Brother Charles his Death, King of England, etc. And at that time the Archbishop of Canterbury dying, Bishop Laud was made Archbishop in his place. After this a Fleet was set out by the Supply of a Tax, called Ship-money, which removed the Hollanders who had Confederated with the French, from before Dunkirk; and the Flandrians, with the assistance of the Spaniard, soon Routed the French Army by Land. The King Considering the good success of this Fleet, sent out an other which Sailing Northward scoured the Seas of the Dutch Busses, and spoiled their Fishing-trade, so that they were constrained to purchase their leave to Fish on our Coast, on Valuable Considerations: Several Gentlemen being Dissatisfied with the raising of Ship-money, and being done without consent of Parliament, refused to pay it; upon which the King referred it to his Judges, of whom Ten were for the Legality of it, and subscribed their Names to be Enrolled in the Courts of Westminster; (but Hutton and Crook refused) and thereupon Mr. Hamden of Buckinghamshire, refusing to pay it, had Judgement given against him, which occasioned murmur among the people; of which Dr. Bastwick, Prin and Burton taking the Advantage, writ Books reflecting on the Bishops and Government, for which they were sentenced to pay 5000 l. Fine, lose their Ears in the Pillory, and Imprisoned during the King's pleasure. And Dr. William's Bishop of Lincoln was fined 10000 l. and Imprisoned in the Tower During pleasure; and left to the Censure of the High Commission Court, as to what concerned them; wherein the Bishop had very hard Measure, his Offence being chief that he approved not of Archbishop Laud's Exorbitant Actions. And now new Troubles arising about the Book of Common-Prayer in Scotland the King marched thither with an Army, and the Scots met him near Berwick: But a Treaty being began, by means of the Scots Nobility, a Peace was soon Concluded; but they kept it no longer than the King's return to London; which occasioned him to make a second Expedition; but by this time they had entered into a solemn League and Covenant for the Extirpation of Episcopacy, and Establishing of Presbytery. On the 13th of April, 1640. After twelve Years interval, a Parliament met at Westminster, to whom the King promised, That if they would Supply him to maintain the War against the Scots, he would quit his claim of ship-money. And the Parliament seemed to have a great Disposition to comply with the King's desires; but it being demanded in the House of Commons, what supply the King expected? It was answered by Mr. Secretary Vane, Twelve Subsidies: (whereas at that time, the King only desired Six) This large Demand put the House into such a Ferment, made things look so ill, that the King Dissolved the Parliament the next Day, having only sat 22 Days. The Scots not yet quieted, enter into England with an Army, and having defeated the King's Forces at Newborn, seized upon Newcastle and Durham; upon which the King is willing to hear their Grievances, and receives a Petition from them, wherein they require a Parliament to be called in England, without which they could have no Redress: Declaring their Intention not to lay down Arms, till the Reformed Religion was settled in both Nations upon sure Grounds, and the Causers and Abetters of their present Troubles, Laud and Strafford were brought to public Justice in Parliament. After which several Peers, the City of London, and divers other places, Petitioned the King for the sitting of a Parliament, whereupon the King Summoned another Parliament to meet Nou. 3. 1640. when the People were every where in a Ferment and Prejudice, inveighing if not against the King, yet against his Ministers of State. In this Parliament all Ceremonies in the Church were suppressed, except those used in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth; and the Earl of Strafford, Archbishop Laud, and Bishop Wren, were Impeached of High-Treason and committed to the Tower: Divers of the Judges that had declared for Ship-money were Voted Delinquents; and Judge Berkley Arrested by the Usher of the Black Rod for High-Treason, as he sat in the King's-Bench-Court. The King being vexed at the proceeding of the Commons complained to the Peers, who promised to Labour for a Moderation and good Understanding between the King and his two Houses. But matters yet running high, he removed divers Ministers of State and Officers in Trust, appointing a new Lieutenant of the Tower▪ which greatly displeased the Commons, insomuch that t●●● Articled against the new Lieutenant to be Peers, w●● refused to meddle in it, it being the King's Prerogative to ●●nt in whom he pleased. But not long after a multitude of apprentices and others came to the Peers House, clamouri●●●o have the Lieutenant removed, and Threatening on refusal to turn all Topsy-turvey; they also demanded that the Bishops might be excluded the House of Peers: And then going into Westminster-Abbey, in their unadvised Fury, spoiled the Vestments, Organs, Sepulchers, and what else was comely and decent. And as they returned by White-Hall, uttered very opprobrious Threaten against the King and his Counsellors; which made him Fortify his Palace, and accept of a Guard of the Inns of Court Gentlemen, who offered their Service to defend his Person from any Insults. The Parliament hereupon apprehending a fear of Danger that threatened them, assumed a Guard for their Defence, constituting the Earl of Essex Captain of it, and appointed an extraordinary Assembly in the City of London; and soon after committed twelve Bishop's Prisoners to the Tower, which scared most, if not all the rest, from giving their Attendance; and many Ministers of State were Accused and Censured: And the Earl of Strafford, upon his Trial, being accused of many things, and plainly answering all that by Articles was laid to his Charge, and the Court Adjourning without prefixing any time of meeting, the Commons proceeded to draw up and dispatch a Bill of Attainder against him, which the King with great difficulty, and some reluctancy of Mind, Signed; but the Warrant for his Execution he laboured much to defer, saying, He had heard the Cause, and believed in his Conscience the Earl was not guilty of Treason, and yet he could not clear him of Misdemeanour; but hoped a way might be found out to satisfy Justice, and their Fears, without oppressing his Conscience: and had consulted about it with his Judges and Bishops before he had Signed the Bill; as also a Bill for the sitting of the Parliament during the pleasure of both Houses; which last was occasioned for satisfying the Scots, who required vast Sums of Money. However the Earl was Executed, tho' the King laboured much to save him, proposing his perpetual Imprisonment, and many other things. He was attended at his Execution on Tower-Hill by the Archbishop of Armagh, and to this Effect addressed him to the People; viz. That he was come thither to pay the last Debt he owed to Sin, with a good Hope of rising to Righteousness; that he Died willingly, Forgave all, and patiently submitted, declaring himself Innocent of the Crimes charged against him; wishing Prosperity to the King and People: He advised his Adversaries to repent of their violent Proceed against him, saying, He thought it a strange way to write in Blood the beginning of Reformation, and Settlement of the Kingdom: however, he wished his Blood might rest, and not cry against them; declaring he Died in the Communion of the Church of England, for whose Prosperity he Prayed; and concluded with a Desire that the Spectators would pray for him. And then had his Head stricken off. There having been about this time some Tumults made about White-Hall and Westminster, and the King being informed they were encouraged by the Lord Kimbolton and five Members of the House of Commons, the King demanded those five Members, whom he accused of High-Treason, as also the Lord Kimbolton, a Member of the House of Peers; but they were refused to be delivered: Whereupon he came with about 500 armed Men to the House of Commons, where the Speaker resigned the Chair to him; but looking about, and not seeing those he expected, (for upon Notice, they were withdrawn) he declared his good Intentions to the Parliament, saying, He hoped they would send him those Members against whom he had matters of high Concern. But they were so far from doing it, that they put the City of London in Arms, and Adjourned their sitting for five days; forbidding the Citizens to help the King to find out any of the accused Members; and so far were they from it; that the Parliament sitting again, they carried them in Triumph, and placed them in their Seats, shouting and threatening as they passed by Whitehall; and to lessen the King's Power, the Parliament sent Letters to the adjacent Counties, commanding the Militia to draw up in Arms: Whereupon they found that upon occasion, more than 20000 Men could be got in a Readiness. These proceed made the King withdraw to Hampton-Court, whose absence much increased the Parliaments Authority among the People; and to endear them to the Citizens, they adjourned from Westminster to London; and sent their Mandates to the Governors of Seaport Towns, strictly forbidding them to Obey any of the King's Orders unless they were confirmed by them. This more weakened his Power than all their former Proceed; which the King, by an early precaution in Garisoning those parts, might have prevented. The King considering that things were likely to go ill, and that he had given away his Power, and could not dissolve this Parliament, he endeavoured by mild Terms to win them to his Interest, and Writ from Windsor, protesting his good meaning towards both Houses, and that he would be ready to any thing that might be for the good of his People: whereupon they sent Messengers to desire him to return to London; but for some Reasons he refused it. Hereupon the Commons drew up an humble Remonstrance, which seemed so unreasonable to the Peers, as to what therein they proposed, that they rejected it, till they saw the Commons uniting against them, and then Messengers were sent to the King with it, who with some Reservation yielded to part of it, and denied the rest; which not satisfying them, they proceeded to Petition the King, That the accused Members might be freed from all imputation of Gild, which was Granted. During the King's being busy in Scotland, a horrid Conspiracy and Rebellion broke out in Ireland, which was discovered but the Night before it began to the Lords-Justices, by Owen O Conally; by which means Dublin, and some other places, were secured, and divers of the Conspirators apprehended: However it was carried on with such a Rage and Fury, by the Encouragement of the Popish Priests, Monks, and Friars, that nothing for a time but Slaughter and miserable Cruelties on the English and Scots were to be seen in most of the Provinces; the Romish Priests loudly declaring that they were Heretics, and aught to be Extirpated from the Earth; that it it was no more Sin to kill them, than Dogs, and a mortal one to Relieve and Protect them; giving the Sacrament to divers, on condition that they should spare neither Man, Woman, nor Child, saying, It did them a great deal of Good to wash their Hands in their Blood; and they were told, If any of the Murderers in this Attempt were slain, they should immediately go to Heaven; so that nothing but Bloodshed and piteous Cries were to be seen and heard in most parts of that Kingdom. The King to Redress this, Solicited the Scots Parliament to send ov●r Forces; but they refused, Alleging, It was a dependant Kingdom on England; and if the English Parliament would make use of, and pay any of their Men, they might raise them; or otherwise they would not intermeddle: And the Parliament of England being slow in sending over Succours, about 200000 of all sorts fell in this unparalleled Massacre; but Forces going over, the Cutthroats were every where Routed, many Slain, and the rest betook themselves to their Fastnesses; and the state of Affairs were restored to some good Order. The Contending between the King and Parliament in England, continuing to increase, many that feared the sad Events, left the Land; others retired to lead private Lives. Marry, the King's Eldest Daughter, being Married to the Prince of Orange, by Approbation of Parliament, the Queen went over with her, and the King caused all Popish Priests to be banished the Kingdom, and the Penal Statutes to be put in Execution against Papists. Yet the Parliament proceeded to Tax the King about harkening to the Change of Religion, and that he had given cause to the Rebellion in Ireland, casting many Reflections on the Queen, which constrained him to publish his Declaration to wipe off these Imputations; but this doing little good, he retired with Prince Charles his Son, the Palsgrave of the Rhine, the Duke of Richmond, and others, to York; Summoning the Nobles, Knights of the Garter, and all such as held Tenure of the Crown, by Lands or Service. But the Parliament strictly forbidden it: Yet many went, and among them several Members of Parliament. The King seeing no good by fair means to be done, he Commanded all the Yorkshire Men to meet him at Howard-Moor near York, where there appeared about 60000; and with about 20000 he returned to York, Commanding the rest to return to their Respective Homes. In the mean while the Parliament was borrowing Money of the Londoners on the Public Faith; and raising 10000 Foot, and 2000 Horse, they sent them towards York; of which the King had no sooner Notice, but with a slender Force he repaired to Hull, and demanded entrance; but Sir John Hotham, the Governor, appearing on the Walls, fell on his Knees, and entreated his Majesty not to desire that of him which he could not Grant, by reason of the Trust imposed in him by the Parliament, whereupon he was proclaimed Traitor; and the King sent to the Parliament to complain of this Affront, and require a Treaty tending to a Reconciliation, promising to repair to them if they would leave London, and make choice of some other fitting place; but they refused it. Whereupon he Proclaimed all those Guilty of Treason that assisted them either with Money or Supplies; and threatened to deprive the Londoners of their Charter, if they offended herein. Then he Fortified Newark and Barwick, and sought to gain Hull by Force, but failed in the Attempt: And the Parliament having proclaimed the Earl of Essex their General, the King repaired to Nottingham, and there set up his Standard, and gathered a considerable Army; so that now to the great Trouble of most People, War was prepared for on both sides, with much Vigour and Resolution; in which many Gallant Men lost their Lives. And Prince Charles seeing his Father's Affairs in a desperate Condition, Sailed for the Scillies, from whence he was Invited by the Parliament to return for London; but not thinking it safe, he went to the Hague, and continued with his Sister the Princess of Orange till he heard the sad News of his Father's Death. In the mean while Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice, the King's Nephews, Sons to his Sister the Queen of Bohemia, came over, and were Graced with Commands in the Army. After several Skirmishes, and the taking some Towns on both sides, the two Armies drew near each other, and the King perceiving himself Strong, upon the Earl of Worcester's coming in with a considerable Force of Welch, resolved to outmarch Essex, and reach London, and to that end got a days March before him; but Scorning to be pursued by a Subject, he changed his Measures, Faced about, and both Parties Facing, between Keinton and Edge-hill in Warwickshire, on the 23d of Octob. 1642, a sharp Battle was Fought between them, in which on both sides were slain between 5 and 6000 Men; and the Slaughter had been much greater, had not Night come on and parted them. After this the King took in the Town and Castle of Banbury, and some other places. The Parliament to strengthen their Army, Voted, That all Apprentices that would List, should be Free from their Masters, and afterward received into Service again; whereupon they gained considerable Recruits. Then solemnly invited the Scots to their Assistance; which the King by his Letters to the Privy-Council of Scotland, laboured to prevent, but in vain: Yet several of the Lords and Commons presented a Petition to him at Cole-brook, and had answer, He would expect them at Windsor Castle, and desired them to hasten the Treaty: But this they did to gain time till Essex was Recruited, which made the King hasten to Secure Brainford, where happened a sharp Encounter, tho' at last he forced his way; but upon Essex's hastening with his Regular Forces, and the London-Militia, he retired, for fear of being hemmed in, to Oxford; and because this happened in a time of Treaty, the Parliament Voted to have no Accommodation; yet after allowed it, if he would leave his Army and come to them: But this was Rejected, and the War waxed fierce, so that with various Success Towns were taken, and Parties routed on both sides, by turns, whilst the Counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hartford, Cambridge, Isle of Ely, and the City of Norwich, were Authorized by the Parliament to Associate under the Lord Grace of Wark. And the Queen arriving with Officers, Ammunition, and Money from Holland, was received at York by the Earls of New castle and Cumberland. And these Disturbances at Home, gave the Irish an Opportunity to Rebel again at the Instigation of the Pope, who to that Purpose sent two Letters, one to Owen O Neal, and the other to all the Archbishops, Bishops, Nobles, and People of the Kingdom; Commanding those who had already appeared in the Quarrel, and Exhorting others to take Arms; wickedly approving the Massacre, and bestowing on them his Benediction, with plenary Pardons and Absolutions for whatever they should act; so that much Blood was again shed, which caused (by the Mediation of those that were Peaceably inclined) several new Treaties to be set on Foot between the King and Parliament; but they came to nothing, being still crossed by those that hoped for Advantages by the Distractions of the times. And the Lord Brook besieging Litchfield-Close, was there Slain; but his Soldiers took it, and the Earl of Chester Prisoner. And now they proceeded to draw up Articles of high Treason against the Queen, some of which were, That she pawned the Crown-Jewels in Holland; That she endeavoured to raise a Party in Scotland against the Parliament; and that she was in the Head of a Popish Army in England. This was carried to the Lords by Pym, who seemed at first to be Surprised, but after agreed to it. About this time Robert yeoman's and George Boucher, were Hanged at Bristol, on pretence they designed to betray the City to the King; and on the like pretence Mr. Tomkins and Mr. Challonor were Executed on the Account of London- And during these Heats, Archbishop Laud was Attainted of High-Treason, and lost his Head. And the Queen meeting the King at Edge-hill, went with him to Oxford, where having Recruited his Army, he marched to Gloucester, which he Besieged. And Prince Rupert having taken Bristol, and gained some other advantages, came to him. In the mean while Essex hasted away with the City Trained-Bands, and Auxiliaries added to his Army, and between the King and him a great Battle was Fought on Newbury-heath soon after; for upon his coming, having raised the Siege, he followed the King; and having viewed his Army, presently Engaged; and after a sharp Fight, the King's Party had the worst: And now the Parliament getting the Fleet from Sir John Pennington, made the Earl of Warwick Admiral, and watched the Coast to prevent the Landing of Foreign Forces: and Sir John Hotham and h●s Son being Tried for intending to deliver Hull to the King, on some Disgust taken, were Condemned and Beheaded; and the Parliament proclaimed all Traitors that should assist the King against them with Horse, Arms, or Money; and Treason for any Member of their House to Desert them, and go to him. And soon after, the second Newbury Fight ensued, in which the King was worsted, and between 4 or 5000 Men Slain on both sides; after which the Uxbridge Treaty began: But the Parliaments Demands were such, that it broke off without coming to any Agreement. Whilst these and other matters happened in England, the Marquis of Mont●os● with a handful of Men performed Wonders in Scotland, overthrowing the Lord Burleigh, and divers others; but not being Succoured as he expected, it on●● diverted the Scots for a time from entering England. And upon the Parliaments passing the Selfdenying Ordinance, the Earls of Essex, Manchester, and Denbeigh, Surrendered their Commissions in the Lord's House, and 10000 l. per Annum was Voted to Essex out of Delinquents Estates. And now Sir Thomas Fairfax was made General of their Army, and Oliver Cromwell Lieutenant-General of the Horse, and most of the Commission-Officers were Changed; and Col. Mitton Surprised Shrewsbury, one of the King's head Garrisons. York being Relieved by Prince Rupert, the bloody Fight at Marston-Moor ensued; in which 9000 were Slain, which occasioned the Surrendering that City; and Col. Massey Defeated the Prince at Lebury. But that which most Ruined the King, was Naseby Battle; where besides the slain, the greater part of his Soldiers and Officers were taken Prisoners; also divers of his menial Servants, his Coach, and Cabinet of Letters. This Battle was Fought in a Fallow-Field, on the North-West-side of Naseby, a mile broad; which Ground was wholly taken up by the Armies; so that the Battle was exceeding bloody, both sides being v●ry Courageous and Numerous, not being 500 Odds: And here the King, besides his Men, lost 12 pieces of Cannon, 8000 Arms, 40 Barrels of Powder, 200 Carriages, and his baggage, besides his Treasure that should have paid his Army, or raised Recruits, and was never after able to recover the Blow, but faintly Struggled, whilst the Parliament Forces swept away almost all his Garrisons, Oxford being the last of any Note, in which the King was closely Besieged; and that City made a very stout Resistance, but there being no Army in the Field, that could relieve it, the King fearing a Storm, resolved to go thence privately, and cast himself for Protection on the Scots Army, that was advanced as far as Southwel; and thence to Newcastle. The Scots promised him Protection, and appeared very Joyful of his Presence among them, yet all waa but Dissimulation; for the English Parliament demanded his Delivery, and they wanting their Pay, which they could not by any other means foresee they should have, in consideration of 200000 l. they Surrendered him Prisoner, and immediately marched back over the Tweed; in the mean while Oxford, Litchfield, Worcester, Pendennis, the Island and Castle of Scilly, and many others, Surrendered; and the few Parties of Royalists that made Head were frequently routed. But briefly to pass over this Bloody Scene, which cannot be very Grateful to Englishmen, I come to a close of this unhappy Reign. Having got the King in their Hands, they sent him Prisoner to Holmby-Castle, whilst many earnestly Laboured for an Accommodation; the Surry-men Petitioned, but were set upon by the Soldiers, some Slain, and many Wounded; nor fared the Kentish-men better. At length a Treaty was set on Foot; but Letters were purposely scattered to fright the King away, intimating Designs against his Life; for than he had a kind of Liberty, being brought to Hampton-Court in order to the Treaty. When escaping into the Isle of Wight, he was there made Prisoner by Coll. Hammond in Carisbrook-Castle; and it was Voted, No further Address be made to the King. But that was afterward Annulled, and the King's Concessions Voted Satisfactory; and things were in a fair way to an Agreement. But the Army Officers knowing their Commissions lasted but with the War, dealing underhand with some designing Men in the Parliament-House, who under pretence of a Public Good, had all along along aimed at Self-interest, the Soldiers being by Interest and Promises made of their Party; all such Members as were for the Accommodation, were by Military Force excluded the House, and the King brought to Hurst-Castle, and afterwards to Windsor; and his Party went extremely to wreck at Maidstone, Ponifract, Bow, Stratford, Kingston; and Colchester, after a brave Resistance, being taken, Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle were shot to Death, tho' Quarter had been given them. And now those Members that were left in the House of Commons, contrary to the Consent of the Lords, being backed by the Army, made an Act [as they called it] for the Trial of the King; and Erected a Tribunal, called by them a High-Court of Justice, to that end, of which John Bradshaw, a Sergeant at Law, was Precedent, and 56 others as Judges; and the King being called before them, and accused of several Crimes, as that he gave cause for the Cruel Bloodshed in England and Ireland; that he had Proclaimed War, in setting up his Standard against the Parliament; That he had commissioned his Son and others, to wage War; and therefore was pronounced a Traitor, a Tyrant, and an Enemy to the Commonwealth of England: To this Charge the King refused to Answer, or to acknowledge the Authority of the Court, offering his Reasons; but they were not admitted; and being several times brought before them, and urged thereunto, on his refusal, on the the 27th of Jan. 1648. the Sentence was pronounced against him, viz. That he the said Charles Stevart, was fallen from all Dignity, was Guilty of High-Treason, and to be put to Death, by Severing his Head from his Body, for being a Tyrant, a Murderer, and an Enemy to the Commonwealth. The Sentence being read, the Court stood up in Confirmation of it, as an Act and Resolution of them all; and the King offering to speak, was Violently Hurried away by the Guard: And tho' the Dutch Ambassador, the Scots and most of the English Nobles, interceded to stay Execution, he was on the 30th of Jan. 1648. brought from St. James' to White-Hall, and there being attended (on a Scaffold before the Banqueting-house) by Dr. Juxon Bishop of London, he made a Profession of his Innocency, and of his Faith, forgiving his Enemies, and praying to God not to lay his Blood to their Charge, seeming troubled that he had consented to the Sentence against the Earl of Strafford; and after this and much more to the like Purpose, he kneeling down, gave the Sign to the Executioner, by stretching out his Arms, and at one Blow had his Head separated from his Body; which being put in a Coffin covered with Velvet, was carried to Windsor, and buried in a Vault in St. George's Chapel. Thus, without Precedent, fell King Charles, when he had Reigned 23 Years, 10 Months, and 3 Days, being the 24th Year of his Reign, and 49th of his Age. Put to Death by the Hands of his own Subjects, contrary to all Law and Justice; universally Pitied, (but unable to be helped) by his People. He was one of the Chastest Princes that ever sat upon the Throne, being all along so true to his Queen, that he never Defiled his Marriagebed. And had he not given too much heed to Buckingham, Laud, and some other flattering Parasites and Courtiers, who were continually Buzzing into his Ears nothing but Absolute and unlimited Power, putting him upon Dissolving his Parliaments, and then raising Money, and Ruling without them, as appeared by his Twelve Years interval of Parliaments, viz. from Anno 1628., to 1640. whereby he lost the Love of his People; he had never been brought to that dismal Catastrophe, but might have Lived and Died a Happy Prince. And this may be observed from this King's Reign, as well as from several before, That never any Prince fell out with his Parliament, and went about to Establish an Arbitrary Power, but he not only found himself Mistaken, but also thereby made himself Miserable. Before the breaking out of this unnatural War, amazing Sights were seen in the Air, of Firey Men and Horses, running at each other with Lances, encountering with great Blasts of Lightning, and noise of Thunder. In Gloucester-shire Spectres were seen in a large Field not far from that City, drawn up in Battalia, furiously Engaging and then Vanishing, to the Amazement of the Beholders. The Reign of King CHARLES The Second. KING Charles the First being put to Death, the Relics of the Parliament began to take out of the way such Nobles and others as they supposed would obstruct their Proceed; and particularly Duke Hamilton, the Earl of Holland, and the Lord Capel were Beheaded for Treason, pretended against them. And now to make their Power the Stronger, they combined with the Army-Officers: And tho' Charles, Son to the preceding King, had an undoubted Right to the Kingdom, they proceeded to bar him, and all the Royal Line, as they hoped, from the Crown, or any other from being King or chief Magistrate, unless by Public Act of Parliament so appointed; and that it should be Treason in any to attempt to further King Charles the Second (by them generally called Charles Stewart) in his Designs to possess the Crown, by Proclaiming him, or any Assistance given to him; taking great care not to admit the Secluded Members, lest they should put a stop to the Current of their Proceed; taking down every where the King's- Arms, and placing the Harp and Cross in their places, called the State's Arms, and having taken down the late King's Effigies from the Royal-Exchange, they caused to be inscribed in the place where it stood, in Letters of Gold, Exit Tyranus Regum ultimus, Anno Libertatis Angliae, Restitutiae Primo Anno 1648. Jan. 30. All Titles in Processes of Law were altered; and instead of Carolus Dei Gratia, etc. was put in Custodes Libertatis Angliae, etc. The King's-Bench was called the upper-bench; and a new Stamp was made for Money, having on the one side the Cross, and on the other the Cross and Harp; inscribed, The Commonwealth of England, on the one side, and God with Us, on the other; also a new Great Seal was prepared, with the Cross and Harp on the one side, with this Inscription, The Great Seal of England; and on the other side, the Picture of the House of Commons, with these Words, In the first Year of Freedom, by God's Blessing restored, 1648. Things being thus Moddelled, whilst King Charles was in France, Soliciting for Aid to possess him of his Kingdoms, Fairfax out of some dislike to the Patliaments proceed, laid down his Commission, which was given to Oliver Cromwell, who from this time laid the Projection of his future Greatness: And indeed, in his attempts on Ireland and Scotland he was so Successful as to reduce them to the English Obedience, with incredible Slaughter of the Natives. However King Charles was proclaimed by his Friends in England, and Ireland, and soon after in Scotland. And now Money being wanting to maintain the Parliaments Armies, etc. the Crown-Lands, Dean and Chapter, and Bishops Lands, were Sold, with many stately Houses, and most of the Castles in England Demolished; and all Persons expelled from Places of Trust in Church and State, that Subscribed not to be Conformable to the New-modelled Government. The Scots all this while were Debating how to Restore the King, who was in the Isle of Jersey, and coming to a Result, sent the Laird Libberton and Mr. Windram to him with Proposals, the Heads being these; 1. That he should Sign the Solemn League and Covenant. 2. That he should Pass divers Acts concluded on in the two last Sessions of Parliament in Scotland. 3. That he should recall the Commissions given to Montross. 4. That he should put from him all Papists, and appoint some place in Holland to treat with their Commissioners and give them a speedy Answer: And Sir William Fleming being sent by the King to the Estates of Scotland, Breda was appointed for the place of Treaty, and Commissioners were sent to represent the Kirk and State, who delivered what they had in Charge to the same Effect as has been mentioned. But whilst the Treaty held, the Marquis of Montross making new Attempts, was Surprised in Scotland; where with much Indignity he was brought to Execution, and Hanged on a Gibbet of extraordinary height, Dying with a Courage and Bravery suitable to that wherein he had Lived, and Quarters were set up in divers places. This being done in a full Treaty, greatly Displeased the King, because he had his Commission, and had acted in his Cause; but the necessity of his affairs, made him pass it over, and he Condescended to most of the Proposals. The Parliament of England soon heard of their Treaty, and to prevent its taking effect, sent an Army under Cromwell into Scotland, and manning out a Fleet, Admiral Blake fell in with Prince Rupert's Squadron, sinking and burning most of the Ships he Commanded for the King; however matters being agreed on, the King hastened to Scotland, and Landed at Spey, where several Lords came to him; and the Town of Aberdeen presented him with 1500 l. which so angered the Estates, that they strictly forbidden all other Towns under great Penalties to do the like. And coming to Edenburg, he was a second time Proclaimed King, July 16. Anno 1650. But the English overthrowing the Scots Army commanded by Montgomery at Muscleborough, his Coronation was put off till January; when with much Solemnity he was Crowned at Scone; and setting up his Standard at Aberdeen, made himself Generallissimo of the Scots Army, and Fortifying Sterling, he removed his Court thither. Whilst these things passed, the English Parliament (as they pretended) found out several Plots against them, for which Sir Henry Hyde, and Capt. Brown Bushel were Beheaded; and soon after, Mr. Gibbons, and Mr. Love, a Presbyterian Minister. Cromwell perceiving he could not draw the Scots to a Battle, Transported 1600 Foot, and 4 Troops of Horse, over the Fife, who assisted by Lambert and Okey, routed Sir John Brown's Forces, killing about 2000 on the place, taking him and about 200 more Prisoners, and the King perceiving his Enemies prevail so fast in Scotland, calling a Council, it was agreed he should March into England, to try what Friends he had to assist him. But they came in very slowly, the Parliament having taken care before to prevent it, so that in a long March very few joined him except the Lord Escreek's Son with a Troop of Horse, and the Earl of Derby with 250 Foot and 6 Horse; but whilst the King lingered by the way, Lambert being Guided over the Moors and Dales in Yorkshire, got before him, and Cromwell pursued hard after; yet after a sharp Dispute with Lambert, he gained the Pass of Warington-bridge, and sent to Coll. Mackworth to Surrender Shrewsbury, but he refused it; whereupon he marched to Worcester, and was received with much Joy into that place; but whilst he was Fortifying this Place, news came that the Earl of Derby who went to raise Forces in Lancashire, was overthrown by Lilburn, and most of his chief Commanders slain or taken Prisoners; and now the Trained-Bands from all parts gathering about Worcester, Cromwell and others came up with the Regular Forces, and Lambert gained the Pass at Vpton, where the Bridge was broke down, by swimming the River, and rescuing a Party of their Men besieged by Massey in a Church, and by this means beat the King's Party, and entirely gained the Pass; and Cromwell laid a Bridge of Boats over the River, but the King scorning to be cooped up with his Army, on the third of Sept. 1651, sallied out of Worcester, and gave the Enemy Battle; but having Charged several times, and two Horses shot under him, overpowered by Numbers, he was forced to Retreat, but was closely pursued by the Parliament Forces, who thrust with his into the Town; and then the Cry being to Save the King, he had the good Luck to get away, with the Lord Wilmot; and coming to a Farmer's House on the edge of Stafford-shire, disguised himself, cutting off his long black Hair with a Knife, for want of Scissors; and after that was Secured a while in Boscobel-house by the Pendrills, Hudstone a Priest, and some few others, that were thought fit to be made acquainted with his being there; but 1000 l. being set upon him, and Search almost every where made, he narrowly Escaped one Evening, by getting out at the Backdoor, into the Wood, whilst the Searchers were entering at the Fore-door; and there he made an Oak-Tree his Palace, which sheltered him till the heat of the Search was over. And at length, by the means of Mrs. Jane Lane, for whose Servant he went, and passed by some of Oliver's Troopers as such. After having escaped many Dangers, and passed through many Difficulties, he Landed at New-Haven in France, from whence he went to his Mother then at the French Court. In this Battle about 3000 were Slain, but a far greater Number were taken Prisoners; and most of the Scots sold as Slaves here, and to the Plantations. Their Colours taken, were hung up in Triumph in Westminster-Hall; and the Earl of Derby who was taken at his Overthrow, was Beheaded at Bolton in Lancashire. The Marquis of Ormond, and Lord Inchiqueen standing out in Ireland, levied considerable Forces for the King's Service, and the former Besieged Dublin with a Formidable Army, but being Negligent, and many of them raw Soldiers, Colonel Jones the Governor, Sallying first with a few, and then with the whole Garrison, raised the Siege, and took almost all the Plunder of the Camp; afer which several other Towns were taken; and Cromwell coming over with a sufficient Force, took Drogheda, and divers other places; in many of which the bloody Irish were put to the Sword, unless such as by hiding, found means to Escape his Fury; and in three Years time Ireland was Quieted and Reduced. Scotland and Ireland being thus Reduced to the Obedience of the Commonwealth of England, (as it was then styled) the Parliament Resolved that Scotland shall be United to England, and Monarchy Abolished also in that Kingdom; and that Scotland shoul send up Deputies, in such a Proportion as the Parliament should think meet, to represent them in the Parliament of England; which tho' the Kirk party opposed, was notwithstanding done. After which followed an Act of Grace to all the People of England, pardoning whatever they had done, and all Hostilities committed against the Parliament, provided they take the Engagement, which was, To be true and Faithful to the Commonwealth of England, as then Established, without King or House of Lords. No sooner were these things over, and all things seemed Quiet at Home, but our Young Commonwealth found new Occasion for the exercise of their Arms abroad: There had been for some time a Grudge between them and the Signior Commonwealth of Holland, occasioned by the Assassination of their Agent Dr. Dorislaus there; and afterwards by the Affronts put upon their Ambassadors, Oliver St. John, and Walter Strickland, by the common People in Holland, insomuch that these Ambassadors not thinking themselves sufficiently Vindicated by the States, came away in great Discontent; and afterwards when the States sent Ambassadors here to Excuse themselves, and to desire a Pacification, they were answered with Demands of Reparation for their Herring-Fishing, and Questioned about the Business of Amboyna, and other things of that Nature, which made them go back re infecta. Upon this, the Hollanders resolving to be as Stout as they, set out a great Fleet for the Security of their Trade, under the Command of Van Trump: with instructions not to strike his Flag to the English Admiral, etc. Upon which, on the 17th of May, 1652. Van Trump came into Dover-road with 42 Sail of Men of War, and Blake the English Admiral encountered them with a far less Number, and tho' there was no great matter done on neither side, yet Van Trump had the worst of it, having had one Ship s●nk, and another taken, and about 150 men Slain; whereas the English had not any Ship disabled, and very few Men killed. But this bad beginning did not so much Dishearten the Dutch, but in a little time, Van Trump was again at Sea, with 120 Men of War. But for all his haste, Blake was out before him with 70 Men of War, and Sailed Northward to interrupt the Dutch Fishing-Trade, and to look after five Dutch East-India Ships about that time expected Home: and in the mean time Sir George Ascough arriving in the Downs with the Barbadoss Fleet, brought ten Dutch Merchants Ships, and four Dutch Men of War along with him, whom he had taken in his way. Of which Trump having Notice, endeavoured to get between Sir George and the River, but by the changing of the Wind was Disappointed. Whereupon be returned to Holland to convey their East-Land Ships to the Sound; and in his way received advice that Blake had dispersed their Herring-Fishing, and taken 12 Men of War that Guarded them; upon which Trump sent part of his Ships to Guard the Merchantmen, and with the rest Sailed to find out Blake, who was about the Isles of Orkne●: But a terrible Storm arising, Trump's Fleet was so scattered that he came home but with 42 Sail; tho' most of the rest came in afterwards: But Blake came safe to Yarmouth with all his Fleet, and six of Trump's Frigates that he had met with, and 900 Prisoners. In the Month of August following, Sir George Ayscough and De Ruyter Engaged each other; Sir George had several of his Captains wounded, and some Ships damaged, but not one Ship lost. What Loss the Dutch had, was not known. In October following was another Engagement on the side of the North-Foreland, between the Dutch Admiral De W●●, and Admiral Blake, wherein great Courage was shown on both sides; the Rear-Admiral of the Dutch was Boarded and Taken, and two more of their Ships were Sunk, and one Blown up: So that the Dutch made what haste they could to get off; and were pursued by the English Fleet within 12 Leagues of the Maeze. After which, the English having preserved all their Ships, tho' some were much Damaged, returned into the Downs in Triumph. The Hogen-Mogeans finding that if they went on at this Rate, they were like to be reduced to poor distressed States again, resolve to reinforce their Fleet considerably, the King of Denmark (whom they had Solicited to take their Part) promising to assist them with 20 Ships of War, provided they restore Van Trump to his place of Admiral again. Which they readily agreed to, and prevailed with Trump again to accept it. With this Reinforcement, Van Trump being restored to his office of Admiral, got together a Fleet of 80 Men of War, and 10 Fireships, with which he Sailed to the backside of the Goodwin,; and Blake was in the Downs with few more than 40 Men of War; who hearing that Van Trump was coming to Fight him, resolved not to refuse the Engagement, and therefore Hoist up his Sails to find out Trump, and sent out seven Ships to discover his Fleet, which were met by nine of the Dutch, sent out upon the same Errand: These meeting, first began the Fight; and the two Admirals hearing the Cannon, quickly advanced at the head of their Squadrons, the Fight being very furious, and lasting from two in the Morning till six in the Evening, on the 29th of November. Tho' this Battle was fought with much Fury on both sides, yet the Dutch carried the Day by their Numbers: In this Fight the English had two Ships taken, one Burnt, and three Sunk; the Dutch (who had no great cause to boast) had a Flag-ship blown up, and all the Mariners and Soldiers therein Lost, but two; and several of their Ships very much Damaged. It is said, That upon this Defeat, Van Trump in a Triumphant manner, Sailed through the Channel with a Broom on his Main-Top-Mast, as if he had swept the Channel of all English Ships. But it was not long before they were even with him again; for the Parliament having added General Monk and General Dean to Admiral Blake; in February following with 60 Men of War, fell upon the Dutch who were 76 Men of War, and had the Charge of 300 Merchants Ships to convey home-wards, and a furious Fight for three days Successively, ensued; in which the Dutch lost eleven Men of War, and 30 Merchants Ships; and no less than 1500 Men killed: But of the English, many Ships were ●●atter'd, there was but one Sunk (the Samson) but the Captain and most of the Men Saved: The number of the English slain in the Fight, were very near as many as those of the Enemy. About this time the Duke of Glovoester was sent by the Parliament (who had kept him in the Isle of Wight, ever since his Father was Beheaded) to Dunkirk, whence he was Conducted to the Princess of Orange his Sister at Breda; and after he had been there a little time, he went to Paris to his Brother and his Mother. On the 20th of April following, General Cromwell, with M. G. Lambert, and M. G. Harrison, and some few more of the Officers of the Army, went to Westminster, and entered the Parliament-House while they were sitting, and after a short Speech made by Cromwell, declaring the Necessity there was for Dissolving them, he declared them to be Dissolved, and required them to Departed; but the Speaker was unwilling to leave the Chair, till Harrison took him out by the Arm, and Cromwell commanded the Mace to be taken away, and not to be carried before him any more; and caused the Doors of the Parliament-House to be Locked, and a good Guard to be placed there, to prevent the Assembling of any of the Members. And then in the room of this Rump-Parliament thus Dissolved, a Council of State was Constituted, consisting of the chief Officers of the Army, and such of the Members of the late Parliament as they had a Kindness for; and in this Council of State the Supreme Authority of the Nation was said to Consist, and Obedience thereunto required, as fully as to the Parliament, when Sitting, and Judges, Sheriffs, Justices, etc. and all other Civil Officers, to act in their respective Offices as before, till a new Representative should be chosen. The Dutch thought this Change might be to their Advantage; but they found themselves mistaken; for the new Governors omitted nothing that might advance their Maritime Preparations, and fitted out the Fleet with great application, and with such Success, that tho' one of the English Generals (Dean) was slain in the Fight, yet the Dutch were again Defeated, six of their best Ships being Burnt, and two blown up, and eleven Ships and two Hoys taken; and 1350 Prisoners, whereof Six were Captains of very good Note; and of the Ships that were taken, one was a Vice-admiral, and two were Rearadmirals. The English had not one Ship lost or disabled; and (except General Dean) but one Captain slain. And now a new Parliament was Summoned, chosen by Cromwell out of the Several Counties of England, of the most Religious and Sanctified Persons he could Nominate: This was called the Little-Parliament; and indeed they did Little, except it were making an Act against Tithes, and an Act for Marriages by a Justice of Peace; and then being weary of their Power, they gave it up to Oliver who had given it to them. And now another sort of Government comes next: For the Officers of the Army had drawn up a new System, and presented it to Oliver, desiring him to take the Government upon him, under the Title of Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland: He at first made a show of refusing it, (tho' every one believed there was nothing that he desired more) but being further pressed to it, he accepted of it, and was that afternoon installed at Westminster. Tho' the Dutch had been already severely beaten, and were extremely Solicitous for a Peace, yet that they might get the better Terms, they resolved to try the Fortune of War once more; which yet proved more inauspicious to them than the former, for in the next Battle, which was on the 29th of July, 1653. Admiral Van Trump was Slain, and 33 Sail of Ships sunk to the bottom of the Ocean, out of which 1200 men were Saved by the English, taken up out of Boats, and swimming in the Sea. This was so great a Mortification to the Dutch, that the States were afraid of a general Revolt: And therefore they forthwith applied themselves to Oliver for a Peace, which in the Infancy of his new Government, he was willing to Grant upon reasonable Terms; tho' they were reduced to so low a Condition that he might have made what Terms he pleased. The Success the English had against the Dutch, made other Nations fear Cromwell. The Spanish Ambassador coming early to Congratulate his Authority, and the Portugals came in a Splendid Embassy to sue for Peace: Nor were the French backward to own his Power. So that he had now no apprehension of Trouble, but only from the Royalists; to suppress whom, a Plot was soon after found out of several Persons for an intended Assassination of the Protector, and several Persons Executed for it. The King about this time went into Germany, and Solicited several of the Princes there for assistance, but with little Success. Ireland being wholly reduced to Obedience, the Marquis of Ormond, and the Lord Inchiqueen having timely withdrawn themselves and Embarked for France, an Itinerant High Court of Justice was set up, and several of the chief Rebels that began the Massacre in Forty-One, were Tried and Executed for the same, among which, that notorious Villain Sir Philem O Neal, was Hanged and Quartered, and his Head placed upon Dublin-bridge. Some attempts for a rising having been made by several of the Nobility of Scotland, they were utterly Defeated by General Monk, who was made Commander in chief of that Kingdom. And now the Protector having (according to the Articles of Government) called a Parliament, who beginning to Question the Power by which they were called, they were soon dissolved again, and several of the Royalists taken up about a new Conspiracy. The Protector about this time having a mind to some of the Spaniards Indian-Gold, sent a Fleet and Army to surprise Hispaniola, in the West-Indies, but sailing in that attempt by the ill Conduct of General Venablers, they went from thence to the Island of Jamaica, which they took, and which has continued ever since in the Power of the English, being now a very rich and flourishing Plantation. And General Blake being with his Fleet in the straits, and coming before Tunis, and sending to the Governor to demand Satisfaction for the Wrongs done by their People to the English, and that the English Captives there might be delivered to him, had returned for answer, That their Castles of Guletto and Porta Ferina were both well Manned and furnished with Ordnance, and therefore they did not fear him: Whereupon Blake with his great Ships, and their Seconds, came into the Bay of Porta Ferina, within Musquet-shot of the Castle, and fired with such fury upon them, notwithstanding the frequent Discharges of sixty Great Guns upon his Ships, that in two Hours the Castle was made Defenceless, and all their Guns dismounted; at the same time Burning Nine of their Ships which he found in the Road. This Noble Action struck such a Terror not only upon Tunis, (who were willing then to Submit to Blakes Proposals) but also upon Algeirs and Tri●ol●, that they quickly came to a Treaty, and a Peace was made very much to the Advantage of the English. About this time there having been an horrible Massacre made upon the Poor Protestants of Piedmont, by the Command of the Duke of Savoy, 〈◊〉 the instigation of the Popish Priests and Jesuits; the Protector espoused their Quarrel, and not only sent to the Duke on their behalf, causing his Edict against them to be recalled, but likewise caused a solemn Day of Humiliation to be kept, and vast Sums of Money Collected throughout all England for their Relief, and sent it (or at least part of it) by Sir Samuel Moreland to them; which made Oliver be looked upon abroad as the great Patron of the Reformed Religion. Upon the War made with Spain, by the attempt upon H●spaniola and Jamaica, , a Peace ensued with France; by which (among other Articles, the King and his Royal Brothers were excluded that Kingdom.) After which, Rear-Admiral Stayner with a part of the English Fleet, set upon eight Spanish Ships within four Leagues of the Bay of Cadiz, the Admiral's Ship, in which was General Don Marco del Porto with 600000 pieces o● Eight, ran ashore in the Bay, the Vice-Admiral Commanded by Don Francisco de Esquevel, and having in he● 1200000 pieces of Eight was taken, as was also another Ship Commanded by Don Rodiques Calderon; both the● were set on Fire, one by the Spaniards themselves, to prevent their being made Prisoners, and the other by accident▪ Two other very rich Ships were taken and kept; and sever● of the Spanish Nobles being taken, were brought up t● London; but Oliver being satisfied with the Treasure tak● in the Ships, dealt very Generously with the Spanish Noble● and after a small time of detaining them here, sent the●● home without Ransom. The next Year General Bla●● lying with some Ships near Cadiz, to watch for they turn of the Spanish Plate-Fleet, had intelligence that they were put into the Bay of Santa-Cruz, and sailing thither, he discerned the Spanish Fleet, to the number of sixteen, barricadoed in the Bay; but this did not hinder Blake, but that the next Morning he sailed into the Bay, and whilst some of his Ships poured their Broadsides into the Castles and Forts, he and Stayner fought the Spanish Fleet, and obtained an entire Victory; but perceiving he could not bring away the Spoil, set them all on Fire, but one that was Sunk. But that which is most wonderful in this Noble Action was, That the Wind which blew strong into the Bay, after the Fight was over veered suddenly about to the West, and brought out all our Ships safe to Se●. This News was so grateful to Oliver, that he sent Blake a Jewel of 500 l. with Gratuities to the rest of the Officers. After this Cromwell called another Parliament, which would fain have had him taken the Title of King upon him; but he declining it, he was by the Parliament solemnly invested in th' Protectorial Dignity in Westminster-Hall. But the Royalists yet gave him some farther Disturbance by their Endeavours to restore the King; tho' they were unhappily betrayed, and several of them Executed, among whom were Sir Henry Slingsby, and Dr. Hewet, with several others of less Note. In pursuance of the Peace formerly concluded with France, the English and French Forces laid Siege to Dunkirk, which the Spaniards endeavouring to relieve, were totally routed, and Dunkirk soon after taken, and put into the possession of the English. And now on the fatal third of September, in the Year 1658. Oliver Cromwell Dyed, in the Sixty-third Year of his Age, and the Fifth of his Protectorship: He was Born in Huntingdon, and was the Son of a second Brother of Sir Oliver Cromwell, of ; his Mother was the Daughter of Sir Richard Stewart of the Isle of Ely; and his Wife was Elizabeth the Daughter of Sir James Bourchier: By whom he had Issue three Sons, of which one Died ●oung, and four Daughters. By his Reputation in Arms, he was Courted or Feared by most of the Princes of Europe; he was a Man of singular Courage and Resolution, attended with very great Success; and kept his Army under him in so exact and strict a Discipline, that they seemed rather a Body of well-governed Citizens, than an Army of Soldiers: Swearing, Drunkenness, and Profaneness, the common Vices of other Camps, were not to be found in his. His desire of Glory excited him to make attempts in other Countries, by which a great Renown accrued to our Nation in all parts of the World. In short, had he not been a Usurper, he might have been compared with the best of our Princes: but his Usurpation, and the indirect means he used to obtain his Power, spoiled all his Good Qualities. After his Death, his Son Richard was Proclaimed Protector, but he enjoyed his Power but a short time, the Army calling again the Rump Parliament, which straightway put an end to his Protectorship; and now the Stone began to roll, it stayed not there, for Sir George ●oth having raised some Forces for the King in Cheshire, and being subdued by Lambert, Lambert turned the Rump out again, and set up a Committee of Safety in Order to the setting up himself; to prevent which, General Monk in Scotland declares for the Rump, and comes with his Army into England to restore them; and having effected that, brought in again those Members that had been Secluded by the Army before the Trial of the late King: These Members being restored, issued out Writs for the Calling of a New Parliament, to meet the 25th of April following, and so dissolved themselves. The King, who had Notice of all these Proceed, with drew himself out of the Spanish Territories, and went to Breda, from whence (at the opening of Parliament) he sent over a Declaration, promising Liberty of Conscience, Pardon to all Offenders, and Satisfaction to all Interests. Upon the reading whereof, the Parliament unanimously Voted, That a Message be sent to his Majesty, to thank him for his Gacious Declaration, and to desire him to return to his Kingdom; which he did upon the 29th of May following, being received with the Universal Joy and Acclamations of his People. Soon after which, several of those that had sat in the High Court of Justice for the Trial of his Father, were themselves Tried and Executed: Of which Number were Thomas Harrison, Hugh Peter, Daniel Axtell, John Cook, Thomas Scot, Gregory Clemont, John Jones, John Carew, and Adrian Scroop, who Suffered, some at Charing-Cross, and some at Tyburn. The Bishops were also now restored to their Dioceses, and the Common-Prayer Ordered again to be Read in Churches. But now an overcast of Sorrow happened; for the Virtuous Princess, Mary, Princess of Orange, coming over to see her Brother now settled in his Throne, fell Sick of the Smallpox and Dyed. And in January after the King's Return, one Venner a Wine-Cooper, with divers other Desperate Persons, fell upon the City of London, being opposed, many on both sides were Slain, and the rest being taken or dispersed, Venner, with eleven more, were Tried, Condemned, and Executed in divers places of the City. And on the 30th of January, the Carcases of Cromwell, Bradshaw, and Ireton, were taken out of their Graves, conveyed to Tyburn, and Hanged up for several Hours, than their Bodies buried under the Gallows, and their Heads set on Westminster-Hall. And soon after the Duke of Gloucester, the King's youngest Brother, a Prince of great Hopes, and a firm Protestant, Dyed; and on the 23d. of April 1661., being St. George's Day, the King was Crowned at Westminster with much Solemnity and Splendour, having the Day before made a magnificent Cavalcade from the Tower of London to White-Hall. The Army hereupon was Disbanded, and the Parliament in Ireland Dissolved, every thing appearing in a tendency to a lasting Settlement, by a good Understanding between Prince and People: For the Parliament that had been Assembled, being Dissolved, and another called, the Peers were restored to their Ancient Privileges, and the Militia declared to be Vested in the King as his right. The like was also declared by the Parliament of Scotland, who resigned the solemn League and Covenant, and passed an Act for the Attainder of the Marquis of Argyle, upon divers Crimes laid to his Charge, whereupon being brought to his Trial and Condemned, he lost his Head, much Lamented by the greater part of that Kingdom. About this time a Convocation in England was assembled to adjust and settle matters of Religion; and soon after the solemn League and Covenant, which the KING had taken in Scotland, was burnt by the common Hangman in London and Westminster, and then all over the Nation; and a pretended Act for the Trial of King Charles the first; used in the same manner in Westminster-Hall. The French and Spanish Ambassadors being at Court, upon Notice of the arrival of the Broh Ambassador, extraordinary from Sweeden with their Coaches went to receive him at his public Entry on Tower-hill, and contending for precedency, a sharp Encounter happened; some were killed and divers Wounded; The Spaniard obtaining the better, by the help of some English, who for good Rewards (tho' the King expressly by his Proclamation forbidden any of his Subjects to intermeddle) dressed themselves in Spanish Habits; which Encounter, had not the King interceded as Mediator, had at that time in all Likelihood created a War between the two Nations, as being highly Resented at either Court. James, Duke of Ormond, being made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and another Parliament called there, that long harassed Kingdom, was brought to a good Settlement. And now a Match being Negotiated in the Court of Portugal between the King and Donna Catharina, Infanta of that Kingdom, her Dowry was settled, and in Lieu thereof, the English had Tangier, which became afterwards a great Charge to the Nation, without any Profit: So that the Earl of Peterborough having taken Possession of that place on the Continent of Africa for the King, the Lady came over Royally attended, and the King going to Portsmouth, was there Married to her with much Pomp by the Bishop of London; and afterwards came to White-Hall, and was Joyfully received. Sir Henry Vane, and John Lambert being Tried and found Guilty of Treason, for things done before the Restoration, being excepted out of the Act of Indemnity, the former was Beheaded, but the latter Reprieved, and kept in Prison till he Died: and Archibald Johnson, Lord Warrestone being taken beyond the Sea, and brought over, was Sentenced as a Traitor by the Parliament of Scotland, and Executed on a Gibbit at Edinburgh 22 Foot high. A Conspiracy being timely Discovered in Ireland, divers were Imprisoned, and some Executed, which altogether dashed their further Intentions and kept the Kingdom in Quiet a considerable time. And in the North of England, another much about the same time being discovered, one Gibbons, and Baker were Tried, found Guilty, and Executed, whereupon the rest Dispersed. The Commons in Parliament having Voted the King a Supply of 2500000 l, great Naval Preparations were made, which caused our Neighbours the Dutch to fear a Storm, and therefore they thought it convenient to provide for their Safety; and indeed, a Misunderstanding happening between both Nations, an Order of Council was made, giving Letters of Reprisal against them, and about 112 Sail were taken by our Frigates, Men of War, etc. most of them being adjudged Lawful Prizes; and hereupon the King set out his Declaration, touching his Proceed for Reparation from the Subjects of the States: Whilst these things were doing, a Dutchman, under the Disguise of a Sweed, coming from Guinea, publicly reported De Ruytter the Dutch Commander, had Destroyed all the English in the Factories on that Coast, which for a time caused much Consternation among the Merchants trading thither, but it proving False, he was Sentenced and Whipped through London. However, the Parliament being Prorogued, War was Proclaimed on the 2d of March 1664, and a General Fast succeeded, for a Blessing on the King's Forces to be employed against them; and De Ruyter attempting with his Fleet to Plunder the English Plantation of Barbadoes in the West-Indies, was beaten off; but whilst many Encounters happened at Sea, a worse Calamity befell at Land; for by reason of the great Heat in the Spring, and but little cool breathing Winds to purge and purify the Air, about the beginning of May, 1665, a Plague began fearfully to Rage, so that in London that Year 97306 Persons of all Degrees died; and of these were accounted 68596, of the Plague. However the War was carried on with great Vigour, and on the 3d of June, the Duke of York being Admiral of the English Navy, the two Fleets engaged, and after a long and obstinate Fight which continued many Hours, bloody and doubtful, the Dutch gave way, and such as got off stood to their own Coast: The English having taken, , sunk, and shattered about thirty of their Ships, and slain and taken Prisoners about 8000; tho' not without Loss considerable on our own part, which was chief occasioned by most of the great Ships crowding about the Admiral, to screen him from the Fury of the Enemy, and prevent his being laid on Board by Fireships: Those English of Note who lost their Lives in this Engagement were the Earls of Falmouth, Portland, Marlborough, and the Lord Muskery, Sir John Lawson died of his Wounds soon after, and 2063 Dutch Prisoners were brought to Colchester, whereof 13 were Commanders. Hereupon a public Thanksgiving was performed for this Victory: the King likewise Conferred the Honour of Knighthood on such Sea-Commanders as had eminently Signalised their Courage and Conduct in the Action. The Plague still continuing to Rage, a Fast was Proclaimed solemnly to be held every first Wednesday in the Month▪ till it should cease; and Fires were continued in the Streets of London and Westminster for three Days and Nights, to purify the Air; whilst the King &c made his progress through the greater part of England, the two Houses of Parliament attending him at Christ-Church in Oxford; and upon his laying before them them the necessity of a supply to maintain the charges of the War, the Commons Voted him 1250000 l. And Michaelmas Term by Proclamation was Adjournd from Westminster to that City: But the Plague abating, the Parliament and Courts of Judicature returned to Westminster, as did the King and Queen. The French King envying the growing greatness of the English, more than any love he had for the Dutch [as it afterward plainly appeared] Joined with them and was soon answered in the same Language at the Instigation of others. The Fleets being abroad, Prince Rupert, and the Duke of Albermarle, than Joynt-admirals' of the English, the latter with a Squadron of fifty Ships, the former being to the Westward with the rest, engaged 80 of the Dutch on the Coast of Flanders, and maintained the Fight two Days; when on the third, Prince Rupert coming in, the Fight continued very Bloody, till the Evening, with much Loss on both sides; and then the Dutch stood away to their own Coast. In this Fight the Royal Prince was stranded on the Galloper, and burnt by the Dutch: Sir George Ascough, who Commanded her, being taken Prisoner and carried into Holland. About six or seven Weeks after, there happened another Sea-Fight, and the English chased the Dutch to their own Coasts, and on the 7th of August, Sir Robert Holms burned divers Dutch Merchants Ships in the Fly, and the Town of Baudaris upon the Island of Scheling, and four French Men of War falling in with our Fleet, mistaking it in Foggy-weather for the Dutch, one of them of 54 Guns was taken. On the Second of September, 1666, being Sunday, began the dreadful Fire of London, at one Faringdons, a Baker's House in Pudding-Lane, the backside of Fish-street-hill: It continued Burning until Wednesday Night following, and that time destroyed the greatest part of the City. But the best Account of it being Engraven on the North-side of the Monument Erected in the perpetual Remembrance thereof, take as followeth; In the Year of Christ 1666, the second Day of September, Eastward from hence, at the Distance of Two hundred and two foot (the height of this Column) a terrible Fire broke out about Midnight; which driven on by a high Wind, not only wasted the adjacent Parts, but also very remote Places, with incredible noise and fury. It consumed eighty nine Churches, the City-Gates, Guildhall, many public Structures, Hospitals, Schools, Libraries, a vast Number of stately Edifices, Thirteen thousand two hundred Dwelling-houses, four hundred Streets. Of the six and twenty Wards it utterly destroyed fifteen, and left eight other shattered and half burnt. The Ruins of the City were four hundred thirty six Acres, from the Tower by the Thames side to the Temple-Church, and the North-East Gate along the City-Wall to Holbourn-Bridge. To the Estates and Fortunes of the Citizens it was merciless, but to their Lives very favourable, that it might in all things resemble the last Conflagration of the World. The Destruction was sudden, for in a small space of time the same City was seen most flourishing, and reduced to nothing. Three days after, when this fatal Fire had baffled all humane Counsels and Endeavours in the Opinion of all, it stopped as it were by a Command from Heaven, and was on every side extinguished. This Dreadful Fire was both begun and carried on by Papists, as appeared by Hubert's own Confession, who was Executed at Tyburn for the same; and also by several Depositions given in to the Parliament: Whereupon the following Inscription was Engraven round about the Pedestal of the Monument, viz. depiction of a pillar Which Inscription being Razed out in K. James' Reign, was set up again since the late Revolution. And now large Supplies were Voted the King by the Parliament, and War declared against Denmark, and a ship of 52 Guns belonging to that Crown, taken on the Coast of Scotland, whilst Capt. Robinson took and destroyed three Dutch Men of War near the Tex●l. A Rebellion breaking out in Scotland, Forces were sent thither, which put 1500 of the Rebels to Rout, and some of the Ringleaders being taken were Executed, which put an end to that Disturbance; and an Act passed for the speedy Re-building the City of London. The Dutch attempting Burnt-Island in Scotland were beaten off, but their whole Fleet coming to an Anchor in the Gun-fleet, and finding us altogether unprepared, several of their Frigates entered Chatham, and the Thames River, and burned several Ships, tho' with the Loss of two of their own: But Sir John Harman with 16 Sail engaged 30 French Men of War near Martinego, and burnt and Sunk the greater part of them. Whereupon at a Treaty held at Breda, all sides grown weary of War, a Peace was Concluded with France, Denmark, and the State's General, which was Solemnly Proclaimed, and soon after with Spain And upon the Address of the Commons, the Laws were put in Execution against Recusants, and Assemblies of Nonconformists, with much Heats for a considerable time. In the beginning of 1668, Great Tumults happened in the Suburbs of London, by an Insurrection of Apprentices, and ill Persons joining with them, so that much mischief was done under pretence of pulling down Bawdy-houses, upon which eight were Condemned for High-Treason and four of them Executed. The Duke of Albemar●● dying, the King undertook the Charge of his Funeral which was very Magnificent, being Interred in Westminster-Abbey. And the same Year Dyed Mary, the Quee● Mo●●er of England, at Columb● in France; and 〈◊〉 Duchess of Orleans, the King's Sister, coming over to Visit him, after a short stay, she upon her Return died at S● Cl●●s in ●rance. There being now Peace near Home, the King resolve to Chastise the Algerines for their Insolency, and in O●der to it sent Sir Thomas Allen with a strong Squadron of Men of War, who took and sunk divers of their Ships, and compelled them to renew the Peace they had lately broken, and to deliver up a great Number of the English Captives. And much about the same time Coll. Blood, with other Accomplices Gagged the Keeper of the Jewel-House in the Tower, took away the Crown, and had carried it off, had not speedy pursuit been made; and being Imprisoned for this, whilst the People were expecting what Punishment would be inflicted on him for so unpresidented a Crime, the King freely pardoned him. And now Orders were given out, upon view, for the Repairing and better Fortifying all the Seaports; for the King very much resenting some new Affronts put upon him by the States-General of the United Netherlands, a second War began to Threaten; but Money being wanting, which is the main Engine and Sinews of War, the Exchequer was shut up, which caused a general Murmuring, and much Loss to many People. To palliate this, the King declared, That nothing could have moved him to it, but only the looking upon his Government under the Threatening of the States-General and other Neighbouring Princes, without his appearing in the same Posture; but seeing the Necessity was inevitable, It was needful that some extraordinary Course should be taken till Money could be otherways procured. After this, the King published a Declaration of Indulgence, to such as Dissented from the Established Religion. And now the War being fully resolved on, Sir Robert Holms, who was cruising with five Frigates, about the Isle of Wight, fell in with the Dutch Smyrna-Fleet, and other Ships coming from the straits under the Convoy of six Men of War, between whom there happened a smart Engagement, upon their refusing to strike and lower their Flags, which continued till Night, and 〈◊〉 the next Morning renewed, and five rich Dutch Merchantmen were taken, and their Rear-Admiral (for want of more Assistance) sunk; and the rest got home. This first blow given, War was Declared, the French King joining with us in it, being Obliged by the Treaty to send a Squadron of his best Ships, which was Commanded by the Count d' Estree● as were the English by the Duke of York; and standing over to the Coast of Holland, a fierce Engagement soon happened, with much Effusion of Blood on both sides; for either part being Emulous of Honour, fought with extraordinary Eagerness, till at last the Dutch stood away to their own Coast, and the English after them as near as they could for the Shallows; but under the shelter of a Fog they got into their Harbours. In this Fight the English lost the Noble Earl of Sandwich, and the Royal James; and long they had not lain on the Flemish Coast, but the Dutch Recruited and came out again; but after two other Engagements, with much Loss on either side, a Peace was concluded; and the King hereupon became Mediator for the like Accommodation between the Crowns of France and Spain, labouring by his Ambassadors, to compose the Differences between them, Commanding at the same time his Subjects not to enter into the Service of any Foreign Prince without his Leave. The Parliament now sitting, gave the King 584900 l. for the speedy Building thirty Ships of War; whereupon he resolved to enter into an Alliance with some Princes abroad, that they might be able to put a stop to the Torrent of the French King's Conquests in Flanders. And to render the Union stricter, he Married the Lady Mary, his Niece, and eldest Daughter to his brother, to the Prince of Orange, and proceeded to raise Forces; so that in a short time he had a considerable Army on Foot, and the Parliament promised, That if the King would enter into an actual War with the French King, they would stand by him with their Lives and Fortunes. So that finding the French King still went on with his Conquests, King Charles delayed not to send several Regiments to the Aid of th● Confederates in Flanders, and laid a Prohibition on Fr●●ch Goods. Hereat the French King being somewhat Startled, hoping to break the Measures of England, made Proposals of Peace to the Dutch; and they Understanding that the Parliament had taken up a Resolution to give no more Money till Satisfaction was first had, and their Fears and Jealousies removed; and not thinking for this Cause fit to rely on England, since the Misunderstandings rendered it no longer itself, did clap up a Peace in a very short time; and the rest of the Confederates followed their Example. However, before the Peace could be Ratified, the French took several Towns, and at last Besieged Mons, this made the King Command the Duke of Monmouth, and Earl of Ossory, to join the English Forces under their Command with the Prince of Orange, who so bravely Behaved themselves, that they forced the Duke of Luxemburg's Camp, and raised the Siege, with the Slaughter of some Thousands of French, and had done greater things if all Hostilities had not thereupon been stopped. Things being thus settled Abroad, greater Disturbances threatened at Home; for about this time a wicked design was discovered to take away the King's Life, and involve the whole Nation in Blood and Ruin, which was carried on for a considerable time by the Papists. The first Discoverer was Titus Oats, but his Evidence was little Credited till such time as Sir Edmundbury Godfrey, who had taken Oats' Depositions, was found Murdered at Primrose-Hill with a Sword run through his Body, tho' by a visible Mark about his Neck, it appeared he had been Strangled: So that this giving a sufficient Ground of Belief, (Oats' Evidence being also further Corroborated, by Letters found in the Custody of Edw. Coleman, Secretary to the Duke of York) the Parliament proceeded strictly to Inquire into the matter; so that the Commons often sat from Morning till Night, to Consult how to Prevent the Danger, and make a thorough Discovery; and having Voted and entered into their Journal, That it was their Opinions, that there had been and was an Execrable and Hellish Design carried on by the Papists, for Assassinating the King, Subverting of the Government, and Destroying the Protestant Religion. A Proclamation was issued out for Banishing Papists and reputed Papists ten Miles from the City of London and Westminster; and all roman-catholics were turned out of the Guards, and the Parliament Addressed the King, That the Duke of York might be removed from his Presence, and Counsels. But the last was not Granted. And now divers Persons being taken up and Imprisoned, on the account of this Plot, one Staly a Goldsmith's Son in Convent-Garden, was first Executed for saying, He would kill the King; then Edw. Coleman, the Duke of York's Secretary; then Ireland, Pickering, Grove, Whitebread, ●enwick, Gawen, Langhurn, and others, as Concerned in the Plot; and Green, Berry, and Hill being accused by Prance and Bedlow, for the Murder of Sir Edmundbury Godfrey, were Tried at the King's- Bench-bar, Condemned and Executed. And then the Commons called the Lord Treasurer to an Account, who had been accused by Mr. Montague sometimes the King's Ambassador at the French Court, for holding a private Correspondence with France, but he relying on the King's Pardon, the Business ended in a long Imprisonment in the Tower, after much stir had been made about it. And the King in Hopes the better to please the Commons, and satisfy the Nation in General, new modelled his Council, making it to consist of 30 Persons, Fifteen of them to be Certain, and the rest to be Elective at pleasure, ten out of the Nobility, and five Commoners, besides a Lord-President, a Secretary of Scotland, and such of the Princes of the Blood-Royal as should be at Court; with which the next Day he acquainted the Parliament; and of this Council the Earl of Shaftsbury was made Precedent. But notwirh●●anding this Alteration in the Council, it had not the desired effect which the King intended; for the Parliament were still solicitous in searching to the bottom of the Popish Plot and the more effectually to do it, voted, That the Duke of York's being a Papist, and the hopes of his coming as such to the Crown, have given the greatest countenance and encouragement to the designs of the Papists, etc. And therefore ordered a Bill of Exclusion of the Duke of York from the Sucession of the Crown, to be brought in. But the King and the Duke's party were for offering Expedients for securing the Protestant Religion, tho' the Duke should come a Papist to the Crown. But this would not content the Commons. And there arising some heats between the Lords and Commons about the Bishops Voting in Capital Cases, the King thinking he could expect but little from them, Prorogued them to a more convenient season; but in a little time after dissolved them, and called another, which he hoped to find more to his purpose. But during the interval of the Parliament, Sir George Wakeman was tried for the Popish Plot, and acquitted, before the Lord Chief Justice Scroges, whose carriage was so different in this Trial from what it had been in those before, that he was shrewdly suspected to have some very feeling Reasons for it: For after this Trial, Scrogs was more violent against Oats and the Whigs, than he had been before against the Papists. And now there was set on foot a new Popish Plot to shame the old one, and put a Plot upon the Presbyterians; which was called The Meal-Tub Plot; (the Papers relating to it being found under Madam Celiers Meal-tub) the design whereof was, To leave Papers and Libels of dangerous things against the Government in the Houses of the most Eminent persons active in the Discovery of the Popish Plot, by them called Presbyterians, and then to inform the Government that such persons where these papers were left, were dangerous persons to the King and Government; upon which their Houses being searched, and these papers found there, it should have been sufficient evidence to condemn them. The Trial how this would do, was first made upon Colonel Mansfel, a worthy Gentleman, who was Prosecuted for it, but the examination of it being left to Sir William Jones the Attorney-General, his Report was, That Mansfel was innocent, and Dangerfield (at that time the Papists Tool, and who had left the Papers in Mansfels' Lodgings) was guilty: Upon which Dangerfield was committed to Prison, where he mad ae thorough discovery of this cursed intrigue; and Sir Wil Jones was turned out of his place, for his honest Report. And indeed from this time forward, the Duke of York and his Creatures ruled all things under the King, so that now the whole Design of the Government seemed to be to shame the Popish-Plot, and set up another in its room, against all the honest Gentlemen in the Nation. For the Parliament having opposed the Duke's Succession, his Design was to destroy all those Gentlemen that were active against Popery, and to bring Popery in, Per fas & ne fas. And this appeared plainly, not only in Scotland, where the Duke reigned as High-Commissioner, and by whose Means the Earl of Argyle was Tried, Condemned and designed to be Executed, had he not Providentially made his Escape, but in England also; as appeared by Dangerfield's Evidence first, and afterwards by Fitz-Harris his Plot: For after several Prorogations of the Parliament before they sat, viz. from the 17th of October 1679. to the 21th of October, 1680, they then sat; but found things had been carried on so high against the Interest of the Nation, by a sort of Men that were called Tories, and that joined with the Popish Party to stifle the Popish-Plot, and in advancing Arbitrary Power, declaring their Abhorrence of Petitioning the King for the sitting of the Parliament, that they resolved to make Examples of some of them, Voting against Sir George Jefferies, Sir Francis Withens, and some others; who were preferred by the Court, for being against the Interest of the People: In this Parliament, after a full Hearing by the House of Lords, the Lord Stafford, one of the Popish Lords in the Tower, was found Guilty of High-Treason, Condemned and Executed. But the Parliament being high for the Bill of Exclusion, it having Passed the House of Commons, the King first Prorogued, and soon after Dissolved them. But presently issues out Writs for calling another at Oxford the 21th of March following, which was 1681. In the mean time, one Fitz-Harris an Irishman, speaks to Everard his Countryman, and one of the Discoverers of the Popish-plot, to write him a villainous Libel against the King and the Duke; this Libel was to be Printed, and put into the Pockets of the most Active Men in the Kingdom against Popery, both Lords and Commons; who were thereupon to be taken up, and Tried for High-Treason; Everard writes this Libel, and brings Fitz-Harris to his Chamber to hear it Read; but first Discovers the matter to Sir William Waller, and plants him in his Closet, where he might hear the Libel Read, unknown to Fitz-Harris; after having heard the Libel, Everard asks Fitz-Harris how he liked it, who told him very well. Upon this, Sir William Waller goes to the King, and discovers the whole matter to him; the King seemed to be very well pleased, and orders Fitz-Harris to be taken up and Committed to Prison, which was accordingly done: Tho' Sir William was afterwards told, when he went from the King, that the King was highly displeased with him for this piece of Service, and said he had broke all his Measures. Fitz-Harris being taken and Committed Prisoner to Newgate; he was Examined by Sir Robert Clayton, and Sheriff Cornish, and seemed willing to discover the whole Design the next Day. But the next Day he was removed to the Tower, and there kept a Close Prisoner. And now the Parliament met at Oxford, where one of the first things they Debated was the Business of Fitz-Harris, who was Impeached by the Commons; but the Lords refused to join in the Impeachment; which the Commons looked upon as a Denial of Justice; and finding the Design was to stifle Fitz-Harris's Evidence, in whose Plot some Persons of the highest Rank were Concerned, they Voted against the Trial of Fitz-Harris by any inferior Court whatsoever. This being the Posture of Affairs, the King on the 28th of March Dissolves the Parliament, and immediately took Coach and went to Windsor, leaving both Houses in Amaze, and the City of Oxford in great Confusion, as was the whole Nation soon after upon the News of it. This Dissolution was followed by a Declaration, as his Father had done before him. This being done, the Business was to bring in a new Plot to destroy the Protestants, but Fitz-Harris must first be taken out of the way, being Tried before Pemberton (who was made Lord Chief Justice, as was supposed for that Purpose) and soon after Executed at Tyburn, with Oliver Plunket, the Titular Primate of Armagh, for the Popish-Plot. About this time the City of London having chosen of their Sheriffs, Men of Integrity, to wit, Henry Cornish, and Slingsby Bethel, Esquires, which was a means of having Good and Upright Juries, the Enemies of the Government could not so well carry on their Designs, which made them uneasy, and resolve to have better for their purpose next Year; but were therein again Disappointed, for the Citizens chose Thomas Pilkington, and Samuel Shute Esquires, two very honest Gentlemen; and this was the Reason that when they designed to introduce their Protestant Plot by the Trial of Stephen College, (a Joiner by Trade, but an active Man in the Discovery of the Popish-plot, and therefore most commonly known by Name of the Protestant Joiner) they were disappointed by the Grand-Jury's bringing in the Bill against him Ignoramus, it being only sworn to by some Witnesses of the Popish Plot in Ireland, who being Discountenanced were reduced to extreme Poverty, and now were by the Tories hired to Swear for Bread. But the Popish Faction, resolved to go on with their Show; and therefore College was Committed Prisoner to the Tower, and soon after a Bill prefer'ed against him at Oxford, where they had a Jury to their Mind, who found it Billa vera, whereupon he was had down to Oxford, and Tried for a Design to Seize the King there at the sitting of the Parliament; and tho' he made an excellent Defence, notwithstanding all the Foul play that was offered him, yet he was brought in Guilty, and soon after Executed, declaring his Innocency, and that he was the first but should not be the last, that suffered for his Zeal against Popery, in which he was a true Prophet. The Earl of Shaftsbury was next Indicted of High-Treason, but the Evidence against him being only some of those Baffled Witnesses, and other Profligate Persons, whom the Grand-Jury could not believe, and therefore brought in the Bill Ignoramus. This was a great Mortification to the Popish Party, who desired nothing more than to take off this Noble Lord; and therefore finding the great Obstacle to their Designs were Juries, it was resolved by the Faction to take away the City Charter, and thereby their Power of choosing Sheriffs: And accordingly a Quo Warranto was brought against the Charter of London, which was Prosecuted with that Earnestness, that notwithstanding the Learned Pleading of the City Council in the behalf of the Charter, Judgement was given against it, and their Liberties and Franchises seized into the King's Hand. And the Mayor and Sheriffs were appointed by the King, and acted by Commission from him, during his Pleasure. About this time the Duke of York going by Sea (into Scotland, to fetch back his Duchess whom he had left there) in the Gloucester Frigate, she was unhappily cast away upon the Lemon-Sands, and many Worthy Gentlemen were Lost in her; but the Duke, by the assistance of a Yacht come to help them, got off just as the Ship was sinking, being, reserved by Divine Providence as a further Scourge to these Nations. About this time also two Famous Ambassadors came into England from Princes never known to have sent Ambassadors here before, the one from the Emperor of Fez and Morocco, whose Business was to establish a Peace in relation to Tangier, and the other was from the King of Bantam in the East-Indies, who presented the King with several Diamonds, and other things of great Value. And now the World began to see the Cause of the City Charter's being taken away; for the Duke of York and his Party, that now ruled all things at their own Pleasure, were resolved to take off all those Gentlemen that were most Zealous for the Protestant Religion, and that in Parliament had been most forward for the Bill of Exclusion. And this was to be done by Pretence of a Plot to take away the Life of the King and the Duke, and alter the Government; and this was pretended to be executed at the Rye-House in Hartfor-shire, as the King should come back from New-market, and was said to be prevented by a Fire happening at Newmarket, which caused the King to come away sooner than he intended, and so before the Conspirators were ready. This Plot was Sworn by one Keeling, who had been conversant among the Dissenters. For this pretended Plot the Earl of Essex, the Lord Russel, Lord Howard of Escrick, Colonel Sidney, and Mr. Hambden of Buckingham-shire, were taken up; and several others of less Note, among whom were Walcot, Rouse, and Hone; which were first Tried and found Guilty; and soon after Executed at Tyburn; Walcot declared himself Innocent of any design against the King, or his knowledge of any Plot; some Words he Confessed had been spoken in his Company by those that were Witnesses against him, and which he did not discover; Praying God to forgive those who had Causelessly brought him to that undeserved Death. Rouse spoke much to the same Purpose, that he had heard Words about the Feasibleness of seizing the Tower, but knew of no such Design: But these were but Prologues to the more fatal Tragedies that were after to be acted. For the Lord Russel was next brought to his Trial; where the Lord Howard of Escrick and Coll. Rumsey were the principal Witnesses against him, the Lord Howard told a story of a Counsel of Six for carrying on the Design, consisting of himself, Coll. Sidney, Mr. Hambden, the Lord Russel, the Earl of Essex, and the Duke of Monmouth; and Rumsey gave an Account of a Declaration taken out of Ferguson's Bosom, and read at Shepherds: The Lord Russel answered every Particular, and declared his own Inoocency; but while he w●● at his Trial, there was News brought that the Earl of Essex in the Tower, struck with the Horror of a Guilty Conscience, had cut his own Throat; and this was improved by the King's Counsel as an Argument of the Lord Russel's Gild, (as it is believed the Plot had been laid beforehand) and accordingly the Jury brought him in Guilty; and he was thereupon Condemned, and soon after Beheaded in Lincolns-Inn-Fields; whose excellent Speech and Behaviour at his Death, declaring his Innocency to the very last, made very few of the Numerous Spectators, (unless it were those of the Duke of York's Faction) go away with dry Eyes. This Noble Lord was the eldest surviving Son of William Earl of Bedford; and was a Person of great Honour and Integrity, and Zeal for the Protestant Religion; which (what ever was pretended) was his true Crime, he being the Person that carried up the Hill of Exclusion to the House of Lords; and saying in the House of Commons, when Popery began to be Rampant, If I can't Live a Protestant, I am resolved to Die one. The Proceed against him appeared so Unjust, and his Innocency so clear, that the Parliament since this last Revolution took off the Attainder against him; and his present Majesty has, since his coming in, Created his Noble Father Duke of Bedford, as some Compensation for the loss of so Incomparable a Son, as the very Words of the Patent has it. Having told you how the News of the Earl of Essex's having cut his Throat in the Tower, it will be convenient to give some Brief Account of it. That Noble Lord was taken out of his own House at Caisho-Berry near Watford, and Committed to the Tower upon this Plot, where he sent for his own Servants to attend him, and his own Cook to dress his Meat (being Jealous perhaps of Sir Tho. Overbury's Fate) and also sent for his own Wine for his Drinking; and hearing that the Lord Russel was to be Tried that Day, ordered one of his Servants to go and take Notes of the Lord Russel's Trial, and bring to him; but so it was, that that Morning that the Lord Russel was Tried, the King and the Duke went to the Tower, where they had not been for several Years before; whilst they were there, the Duke was for some time absent from the King; and soon after he was come to the King again, there was News brought to his Majesty whilst he was in the Tower with his Brother, that the Earl of Essex had cut his own Throat; The King was extremely Surprised at the News, and immediately gave Order to the Lord Allington the Constable of the Tower, that his Lodgings should be shut up, and no one suffered to go in, till the Coroners Inquest had sat upon the Body: But notwithstanding this Order of the King's by the Direction of Some Body else, the Body was stripped and washed, and so was the Room also, before the Coroners Inquest came, and his taken away, which when the Coroners Inquest desired might be brought to them that they might see them, were told, They were to sit upon the Body, and not upon the , and so were denied the sight of them. And when they were about adjourning till the next Day, before they gave in their Verdict, they were told, they must give it in presently, and not stir till they had done it, because the King stayed for it: And so they were hurried into a Verdict of the Earl's being Felo-de-se: And when from some Information of a Razor thrown out of the Window of the Earl's Closet, and some other Concurrent Circumstances, one Mr. Laurence Braddon went about to Discover that the Earl was Murdered, and did not Kill himself, he was prosecuted for it with the greatest Violence imaginable, as if the Discovery of the Earl's Murder, had been the Arraignment of the Government: After this the Honourable Algernoon Sidney was also Tried as one of the Council of Six, and for Writing and Publishing a Libel, (tho' it was only found in Writing in his own Closet) and not proved to be his own Writing neither, but by the Similitude of Hands; which Writing (had it been proved his) was only an Answer to Sir Robert Filmer's Treatise of Absolute Monarchy, (which had been the Design not only of this, but of the two preceding Reigns) yet this Evidence (such as it was) was sufficient with such Juries as then were packed for their Purpose, to find the Colonel Guilty, notwithstanding the Learned Defence he made for himself: So that he was Condemned and Beheaded, dying with a Greatness of Mind worthy of himself. The Duke of Monmouth, (who was also one of the Lord Howard's Council of Six) had for some time absconded, but now upon his Submission to his Father and his Uncle, was admitted to Court; but being urged to make a fuller Discovery and Confession of the Plot, which he affirmed he knew nothing of, he fell again into his Uncle's Displeasure, and consequently into his Father's, and so was Banished from the Royal Presence. Several others who were said to be concerned in this Plot, fled beyond Seas, and were Outlawed for not appearing here in Court; among whom was one Holloway a Bristol-Merchant, who was taken at Nevis in the West-Indies, and brought over hither: He was wrought upon by some of the Duke's Creatures to make a Confession, and he should have his Pardon; and when he had owned enough to Hang himself, he was offered the Benefit of a Trial, which he refused, and fling himself upon the King's Mercy, and so was Executed. And not long after Sir Thomas Armstrong, Master of Horse to the Duke of Monmouth, (who upon the Proclamation put out for apprehending him) had fled into Holland, was taken out of Leyden by Surprise, and brought to London, and Committed to Newgate, and it being Termtime, was soon after carried to Westminster; where that infamous Wretch, Sir George Jefferies, being at that time Lord Chief Justice, ordered him to be Executed the Friday following, he being already Outlawed. But Sir Thomas boldly Demanded the benefit of the Law, which was on his side, for by a Statute of the 6th of Edw. 6. it was Enacted, That if any Person Outlawed for Treason being beyond the Sea, shall within one Year after such Out-lawry render himself to the chief Justice of England, he should Reverse his Out-lawry and take a Trial; which Sir Thomas then desired, it being his Case. But the Chief Justice overruled it, and would not admit of his Plea, nor let him have Counsel to Argue it: But gave a Rule of Court for his Execution the Friday following; the Impudent Chief Justice charging Richardson in a Jeering manner, to see that Sir Thomas had the full benefit of the Law then: And accordingly he was drawn up on a Sledge to Tyburn, and there Executed, Denying his Knowledge of any Plot whatsoever against the King. But Sir Thomas' Death was Voted Murder by the Parliament since this happy Revolution. The pretence of this Plot gave them a specious Ground to Persecute the Dissenters, the Goals throughout England, being at this time filled with them, and Multitudes Cited to, and Excommunicated by the Spiritual Courts, for Nonconformity; Executing upon them all the Vengeance that was possible: Some being punished as Rioters; some for Treasonable Words, and some upon Actions of Scandalum Magnatum, and Fined Exorbitantly, beyond all Law or Reason; of which last Sir Thomas Pilkington and Dr. Oats, were Severe instances, each being Fined 100000 l. to the Duke. But a little before this time, the Virtuous Lady Anne, youngest Daughter to the Duke, was Married to Prince George, the King of Denmark's Brother; the Match being generally liked by the People, he being a Protestant Prince. And the Hamborough Company, in Gratitude for Favours received from the King in Relation to their Charter, erected his Statue of grey Marble, in the midst of the Royal-Exchange, in the Habit of a Roman Caesar. This was the State of the Nation, when upon Monday the second of February, 1684/5, the King was taken with an Apoplectic Fit, which if it carried him not out of the World then, 'tis certain it did the Friday following; Dying in the 54th Year of his Age, having Reigned 36 Years, and some few Days. He was a Prince that very much indulged himself in taking his Pleasure; and was very unlike his Father in this, That he was a great Lover of Women, and kept variety of them, as the Duchess of Cleaveland, Nell Gwynn, and the Duchess of Portsmouth; the last of which was made use of by his Brother, to make the King do whatever he had a mind to have done; for so much was the King taken with her French Charms, that he could deny her nothing: And therefore advancing of Favourites, was done by her Mediation; and even Parliaments themselves Prorogued or Dissolved, if she had a Mind to have it so: He was not a Prince Bloody or Cruel in his own Nature; yet by the Ascendant his Brother had over him, many worthy Persons lost their Lives in his Reign. He was a Prince of very good Natural Parts, had they not been Vitiated by giving himself up so much to the satisfaction of his Lusts. His making War with the Dutch, and joining with France against them, weakened the Protestant Interest, and has made the French so Formidable to Europe. And having carried on his Brother's Designs in Masquerade, as long as he thought Convenient, he died of a sudden; but whether Naturally, or by some Foul Play, I will not determine, tho' the latter was much Suspected. However, the Nation had a real Kindness for him, and the News of his Death filled all Eyes with Tears, and all Hearts with Sadness, (except those of the Papists, and some Tories that were worse than they) But this proceeded chief from the Fears and dismal Apprehensions the People had of the ensuing Reign. In the Eleventh Year of this King's Reign, a Prodigious Whale came up to Greenwich, and run itself on shore there; soon after which Oliver Cromwell (than Protector) died. In his 17th Year 3 Blazing Stars appeared, of different shapes and colours, which were looked on to be the Denuntiators of ensuing Judgements. In his 18th Year, was a great Plague in London, of which died far more than ever did in any Plague before, and in the next Year the greatest part of the City of London was Consumed by Fire. In the 33d Year of his Reign, on the 18th of May, 1680, a great storm of Hail fell in London and the parts adjacent, the Hailstones being of an extraordinary bigness, some of them nine inches about, and generally as big as Pullet's Eggs, with the figures of Stars, and other curious works upon them, being also very hard: Several Rooks in the Temple-garden being killed by them; and many Sky-lights in London broken to pieces by their violent failing upon them. Soon after which a Prodigious Blazing-Star appeared in the West for several Weeks together. In the 37th Year of his Reign there was a great Frost, that continued from the beginning of December to the end of February; in which time the Thames was frozen so hard, that Booths were erected upon the Ice; and all sorts of Commodities sold in them, insomuch that it was called Blanket-Fair: Also a Bull was baited upon the Ice; and Coaches plied from the Temple stairs to Westminster in Hillary Term. The Reign of King JAMES the Second. KING Charles the Second being Dead, on the same day in the afternoon, being February the 6th. 1684/5. his Brother James Duke of York was Proclaimed King. And upon his coming to the Council, He declared, that since it had pleased God to place him in that station, to succeed so good a King, as well as so kind a Brother, he thought it fit to declare his Endeavours to follow his Brother's Example, more especially in that of his great Clemency and Tenderness to his People; and make it his Endavour to preserve the Government both in Church and State, as it is by Law Established: And then commends the Church of England's Principles and Members; telling them, He knows likewise that the Laws of England are sufficient to make the King as Great a Monarch as he can wish: And therefore as he will never departed from the just Rights and Prerogatives of the Crown, so he will never invade any Man's Property. This Speech of the Kings to his Council, was forthwith Printed and Published, and received every where with great Applause; many hoping their fears were greater than there was occasion for. But how he kept to this Declariation, (which had he done, he might have been happy) the sequel of his Reign will show. There was now no longer Occasion for the King to Dissemble what he was; and therefore what his Brother King Charles had acted in Masquerade, King James resolved to do barefaced; and accordingly the next Sunday after his accession to the Crown, he went publicly to Mass; (which Convinced those, that before would not believe him to be a Papist) and I have heard it Reported, That the Duke of Norfolk carrying the Sword before him, resigned it at the Door; upon which the King told him, His Father would have gone further with him: To which the Duke smartly Replied But your Majesty's Father would not have gone so far: And so went to the Protestant Chapel. In a few days after, the King Published a Paper of his Brother's dying a Roman-Catholick, and of his Receiving the extreme Unction and other Ceremonies of the Roman-Church, before his Death, attested by one Huddleston a Popish Priest: And also a Paper taken out of King Charles' his Strong-Box, showing that however he appeared otherwise outwardly, yet in his heart he was a Sincere true Roman-Catholick. The Customs and Excise dying with King Charles, being granted only for his Life, the King puts out a Proclamation commanding the paying of them till they should be granted by Parliament. Which was his first Specimen how well he intended to preserve men's Properties, when his very first Public Act of Government, was a Notorious violation both of men's Properties, and of the Laws of the Kingdom. Soon after this, his Brother (King Charles the Second) was Buried, but with so little Pomp and Solemnity becoming the Majesty of a King, that he was as it were thrown into his Grave in the dead time of the Night, accompanied by few Persons; as if his Corpse had been in danger of being Arrested for Debt: He was interred indeed in Henry the 7th's Chapel, but without any Stone to cover him: So that never any King that died possessed of a Throne, was so meanly Buried. Yet was it well enough for King Charles, whose latter part of his Reign was as Dark as his Burial was Obscure. But this notes the Gratitude of the King to so kind a Brother as he had always been to him. A little before King Charles died, Dr. Oats was fined 100000 l. for Scandalum Magnatum against the Duke of York, and to be kept a close Prisoner till the Fine was paid; which mighty Scandal was, for saying, The Duke was reconciled to the Church of Rome: Which now the King acknowledged. But this must not serve Oats' turn; a Fine and Imprisonment was no sufficient Compensation for the Lives of the Popish Martyrs that suffered in his Brother's Reign; and therefore the King having him now within his Clutches, an Indictment for Perjury is preferred against Oats; and the Perjury assigned is Double; first, That Ireland (one of the Executed Jesuits) was not in London from the third of August, 1678, till the 14th of Sept. next following; whereas Oats at the said Ireland's Trial, Swore, That he was at a Consult about killing the King in the middle of August. Secondly, That Oats was at St. Omers all April and May, 1678: Whereas at the Trial of Harcourt and White-bread, etc. he Swore they were at a Consult the 24th of April, concerning killing the King, and establishing the Popish Religion. Ireland at his Trial, which was in 1678, urged the first Point, and Harcourt, & Whitebread, etc. at their Trials in 1679, pleaded the second; but Oats proved both so incontestably at their several Trials, that it was both to the Satisfaction of Judge and Jury, and of the whole Nation. But now the Case was altered, the Design was to invalidate the Popish Plot, and to punish Oats for justifying it. And they were pretty sure to carry it, having such a Jury as would be sure to find him Guilty upon any Evidence, and against the most Substantial Evidence to the contrary; that Mirror of Injustice, Jefferies being Judge. The Witnesses against him were the St. Omer's Youths, now better instructed than they were before, who all remembered their Lesson to a T. and swore Oats was at St. Omer's all April and May; and the Popish Stafford-shire Witnesses (at that Trial counted as good Witnesses as any in the World) Swore Ireland was in Stafford-shire, or thereabouts, in August and September. As to this last, I find a Passage in Cook's's Detection of the four last Reigns, that justifies Oats' Evidence beyond all Peradventure, which I will here Insert, and leave to Posterity to judge of: It is briefly this; One Mr Benjamin Hinton, a Goldsmith in Lombardstreet, was Ireland 's Cashier; and Mr. Hinton going out of Town at that time in August 1678. met Ireland 〈◊〉 or about Barnet, coming for London, where Ireland told him he had extraordinary Occasions for Money, and urged Hinton to go back with him, but Hinton told him his Man could do Ireland's Business as well as he, and his occasions would not permit him to go back. I asked Mr. Hinton of the Truth of this, to which he would not give me any Answer; but be this true or false, it's entered into Hinton's Book of Accounts, Paid to Mr. Ireland's own Hands; whereas the other Entries are, Paid by his Order. And 'tis said Mr. Hinton's Man would Depose he Paid these Moneys to Ireland himself. Mr. Hinton afterwards failing, a Commission of Bankrupt was Sued against him, and his Book of Accounts was delivered, and kept at the Widow Vernon's Coffee-house in St. Bartholomew's-Lane, on the Backside of the Royal-Exchange, where any one may see the Truth of this Entry. I am assured Mr Hinton was in Court at Oats 's Trial, to have testified this, but was terrified from it, for fear of being Undone. But how true soever Oats' Testimony was, he was found guilty of Perjury, upon both Points, before Jefferies his Colleagues, and had Sentence to be Whipped from Aldgate to Newgate on the Wednesday, and on the Friday from Newgate to Tyburn, which was so severely Executed, that he received at his two Whip 13000 Stripes; besides which he was to stand in the Pillory five times in the Year, and to be a Prisoner during Life. And soon after Mr. Dangerfield was Sentenced to undergo the like Punishment; (which yet had a more Fatal Issue) for discovering the Meal-Tub-Plot, of which I have spoken in King Charles his Reign. For Dangerfield returning back from his last Whipping, was run into the Eye by one Francis, which touching his Brain, he died of the Wound in a few Hours: For which Francis was afterwards Hanged. Soon after the King's coming to the Crown, care was taken to provide a Parliament fit for the King's purpose (to which way had been made the latter end of his Brother's Reign, by Quo Warrantoes against Corporations, and by the surrender of Charters) and they met the latter end of May: Where the King made the same Speech to them for Substance, which he did at first to his Privy Council; adding, That he expected they should settle his Revenue during his Life, which he must not suffer to be Precarious. And the Parliament answered his Ends, settling the Excise and Customs upon him during his Life, (which indeed he took before, without their giving him) and gave him other Moneys beside. During the sitting of the Parliament, on the 11th of June, the Duke of Monmouth arrived at Lime, in , with three Ships, whereof one was a Man of War of 32 Guns, and about 80 Men; and having Landed and taken possession of the Town without any Opposition, he Published a Declaration, wherein he Declared he came over to restore the Kingdom to it's Ancient Rights and Privileges, which were all invaded by the Duke of York, and his Adherents, the Instruments of his Tyranny, charging him with the Murder of the Earl of Essex, and of the late King, etc. And inviting the Nobility, Gentry, and Commons, to come in to him, and to assist him for the recovery of their lost Liberties, and bringing the Duke of York to speedy Justice. Tho' at the Duke's Landing his Compliment wanted of an Hundred, yet upon Notice of his being Landed, he quickly increased, so that in a few Days he was several Thousands strong; so that leaving Lime he went to Taunton, increasing still as he went. King James in the mean time having his Parliament by him, first putteth out a Proclamation for apprehending of Monmouth, and offers 5000 l. as a Reward for any that should take him; and the Parliament to show their Loyalty ma●e an Act attainting him of High-Treason: And besides this, the King sent several of his Forces down against him, under the Command of the Lord Feversham. The Duke of Albermarle in Devonshire had raised the Militia of the County for the King, and brought his Forces within a quarter of a Mile of the Duke, who prepared to Fight him: But the Duke of Albermarle perceiving that his Forces were inclined rather to Fight for Monmouth than against him; withdrew with s me Precipitation, without doing any thing, being fearful of being pursued by Monmouth; which if Monmouth had done, he had certainly put him to the Rout, and taken all his Arms, which was the only thing that Monmouth wanted. The King's Forces were now come into the West, and at Phillip's-Norton met with the Duke of Monmouth, between whom and the King's Forces there was a brisk Rencounter; wherein the King's Forces retreated with Loss, Monmouth's Men firing fiercely upon them. Soon after the Duke marched to Cansham-bridge, intending to go for Bristol, but hearing the Duke of Beaufort was with a Body of Men to oppose him in his way, he turned about and went to Bridge-water, whither the King's Forces followed him; and lay at a place called Sedge-moor; there in the dead time of the Night, on Sunday the 5th of July, the Duke with a Guide Marches against the King's Forces, with 3000 Foot and 1000 Horse; and falling upon them, a very fierce Fight ensued, the Duke's Foot fight incomparable well, but his Horse hardly ever came up; and his Foot having spent all their Ammunition, and being put in Disorder by the King's Horse, in the end were put to the Rout; the Duke of Monmouth himself, with the Lord Grace, and some others, making their Escape, and riding towards the Borders of Hampshire, where on the 8th of July the Duke was taken, as also the Lord Grace, and a Noble Brandenburger that came over with him. They were all brought to London with a strong Guard, on the 13th, and the D. after having been Examined at Whitehall was Committed to the Tower, and being already attainted by Parliament, a Warrant was signed by the King for his Execution, and on the 15th of July he was Beheaded on Tower-hill, many pitying of him, but none being able to help him. But this was one Specimen more of K. James' Love to so good and kind a Brother as K. Charles the II. had been to him, cutting off the Head of his beloved Son. After the Duke's Defeat at Sedgmoor, many of his Followers were taken and put in Prison; and then the Chief Justice Jefferies was sent down to keep the Assizes there, where he acted so many barbarous things, that 'tis a shame to Name them, and Posterity will scarce believe them: For in the Counties of Dorset and Somerset, above three Hundred Persons were Executed, and their Heads and Quarters were set upon Poles, and placed both in all the chief Towns, and in the Roads and Highways for many Miles together, both to the Terror and Annoyance of Travellers as they passed along. And thus it is that King James performs his Word to his Privy-Council, at his first coming to the Crown, of his endeavouring to follow the Example of his dear Brother in all things, especially in that of his great Tenderness and Clemency to his People. But it is not all the Blood shed in the West that will Suffice; there are still other Victims to be offered up; for upon Tuesday the 13th of October, 1685. Alderman Cornish was taken off of the Exchange, (where he was following his Business without any apprehension of Danger towards him, thinking his own Innocency a sufficient Defence) and committed close Prisoner to Newgate; and on the Saturday night following had Notice to prepare for his Trial on Monday, at which time he was Tried for High-Treason, in promising to assist the Duke of Monmonth, the Lord Russel, Sir Thomas Armstrong, etc. against King Charles the Second, in the Year 1682. The chief Witness against him was Rumsey, who Swore, That the Declaration for a Rising being read, Alderman Cornish being present, and being asked how he liked it, he answered, Very well; and what poor Interest he had, he would join in it. And yet this Fellow at the Lord Russel's Trial, Swore Cornish was not there when the Declaration was read, nor knew nothing of it. However, the Alderman's Death was resolved on, and both Judge and Jury being agreed, he was found Guilty, Condemned, and on the 23th of the same Month executed in Cheapside, over against the Guild-Hall of the City, Declaring his Innocency as to what he was Condemned for, to the very last: And indeed Heaven itself attested it for him, for his Execution was followed with such a dreadful Storm of Wind, attended with Thunder, Lightning, and Rain, as the like has scarce happened at that time of the Year, in the Memory of Man. His true Crime was, That he was a Zealous Protestant, that had served the City Faithfully in his Shrievalty, and had Examined Fitz-Harris in Newgate, and had like to have discovered the Depth of that cursed Design against the Protestants. The same Day also one Mrs. Gaunt, a Woman of great Goodness and Charity, was burned at Tyburn, for relieving a Lieutenant under Monmouth in the West, himself being the Witness against her, for which he had his Pardon. And now the Parliament met again, and the King tells them how he had Defeated Monmouth, and that several Popish Officers had been very useful to him therein; that he could not be without their Service; and that the Militia was not sufficient, without keeping up a standing Army; and hopes they will help him to Defray the Charge; but the Parliament address to him to Disband his Popish Officers, and offers to pass an Act to Indempnify them from the Penalties they had already incurred in serving without having taken the Test appointed by Law: This Address of the Commons was very surprising to the King, who expected from them absolute Obedience without Reserve: But the King was much more Surprised when he understood that the Bishop of London had made a motion in the House of Lords to take the King's Speech into Consideration, as fearing the Lords would concur with the Commons in their Address. But the King was resolved to prevent it, and therefore first Prorogued, and soon after Dissolved the Parliament; who had been so large in their Supplies the first Session, that now (too late) they saw he was able to live without them. The Parliament's questioning of the Popish Officers, had put them all into a Fright, but the Parliament being Dissolved, they were all at ease again, and nothing but Popish Officers, and Priests and Jesuits are seen about the Court; who were grown to an unparallelled degree of Impudence. And yet to find Fault with them, was a Crime next to High-Treason. But the King finding the Penal Laws and Tests stand as a mighty Obstacle in his way, was resolved to remove them: In order to which, the Lord-Keeper North dying, while Jefferies was keeping the Bloody Assizes in the West, at his return back, he had the Seals given him, with the Title of Lord-Chancellor, as a Reward for his good Service in destroying the Western Heretics; and as an encouragement to him to destroy the Penal Laws and Tests, the great Bulwark against Popery. And therefore dispensing Power in the King, is that which must next be set up in order to effect it. And the Judges must be dealt with, to give their Opinions for it. And I have been certainly told, That the King Closeting Sir Thomas Jones about it, Sir Thomas was not enough thorough paced, but boggled at it, and told the King He could not do it: to which the King answering, He would have twelve Judges of his Opinion. Sir Thomas Replied, He might have twelve Judges of his Opinion, but he would scarce find twelve Lawyers of his Opinion. But the King was as good as his Word, and made such Judges as gave their Opinions, That the King might dispense with the Penal Laws and Tests out of Parliament. The Papists having always looked upon the Church of England with an evil Eye, did so now more than ever, they having writ several Elaborate and Learned Books, in opposition to the principal Errors of Popery, which they were never able to answer: But they were resolved if they could not deal with them one way, they would another; and therefore the King granted a Commission for Ecclesiastical Affairs, expressly contrary to Law, thereby to Curb them. This Commission was Granted to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor Jefferies, the Earl of Rochester, the Earl of Sunderland, the Bishop of Durham, the Bishop of Rochester, and the Lord-Chief-Justice of England: But the Archbishop of Canterbury refusing to act in it, the Bishop of Chester was added: Before these Commissioners the Bishop of London was Cited, and Suspended, for not Suspending Dr. Sharp, for Preaching a Sermon against the Corruptions and Frauds of the Church of Rome. In Ireland the King having recalled the Duke of Ormond from his Lieutenancy, made the Earl of Clarendon Lieutenant, and Sir Charles Porter Lord-Chancellor, who after their arrival there, declared (according to their Instructions) that the King would preserve the Acts of Settlement and Explanation, inviolable, as the Magna-Charta of Ireland. But at the same time the King having given to Colonel Richard Talbot (a Man not at all beloved by the Protestants) an Independent Commission to reform the Army, and he turns out those Officers that were firm to the Protestant Religion and the English Interest, and puts Notorious Irish Papists in their Room, and serves not only the Officers, but even the private Troopers and Soldiers that were Protestants, in the same manner. So that one of the best principled Armies in the World, both with respect to Loyalty, and a firm adherence to the Protestant Religion, was turned out and Disbanded, and a parcel of Irish Popish Cutthroats entertained in their places; which seemed strange to the English Protestants there, and not at all agreeable to what my Lord Clarendon, and Sir Charles Porter had told them; who were not themselves pleased with it, but knew not how to help it. But in England the King having established his Dispensing Power, puts forth a Declaration for Liberty of Conscience; pursuant to which, the Goals all over England, that were filled with Protestant Dissenters, were cleared, and the Dissenters set at Liberty: Who having been long oppressed and almost ruined by severe Prosecutions for several Years together, were now glad of a little Ease; tho' the most Judicious among them saw clearly enough it was not for their Sakes, but to introduce Popery, that this Indulgence was principally Granted; and therefore were always afraid of the Snake hid in the Grass. The Episcopal Clergy, who in the late Reign, and the beginning of this also, had been very severe to Dissenters, began now to see they had been only Tools in so doing to the Papists, and had carried on their W●●k for them; and now that their Eyes began to be 〈◊〉 and t●●● they would be so no more, they would fain have made T●●s of the Dissenters to pull down the Church of England; by aggravating the ill Usage they had received from them so many Years: And that now was their time to call them to an Account, and be even with them for it; and several of the Dissenters (who were very Honest, tho' mistaken Men) were by these specious Pretences drawn in to join with them. The King was so fond or his Declaration for Liberty of Conscience, that he Publishes it a second time, with an Injunction to have it read in all Parish-Churches; and the Bishops of the respective Dioceses were to see it done. But the Archbishop of Canterbury, and several of the Bishops, looking upon this as a thing contrary to Law, not only refused to do it, but humbly Petitioned the King to hear the Reasons why they could not comply with that Order. But this was looked upon by Jefferies, than Lord-Chancellor, Father Peter, (than made one of the Privy-Council) and others of the Popish Faction, as a Crime next to High-Treason; and therefore for their Contempt they were Committed to the Tower. It was now more than a Year that had passed since the King's Declaration for Indulgence came forth; and the Prince and Princes of Orange having been privately sounded how they stood affected to the Test and Penal Laws, they being the next Heirs to the Crown; their Opinion seemed to be, That the Papists should by Law have Liberty for the private Exercise of their Religion without Disturbance, but that by no means the Tests should be taken off, to let them in to have a share in the Government. This it was that touched the Papists to the quick, for they saw that the King was well stricken in Years, and upon his Death (which they knew not how soon might happen) a Protestant Princess was the next Heir, who would soon pull down all that Babel, which they had been Building; and therefore some other Provision must be made for another Popish Successor. And nothing could do this so well as a young Prince of Wales, during whose Minority (if the Ki●● should Die) they might Govern themselves, 〈…〉 Popery, as in the days of Old. This being resolved on, the old Duchess of Modena, makes he Offering to the Lady of Loretto, of whom she Implores, That the Queen of England may have a Son (for a Daughter would signify nothing) to be Heir of the Crown of England. By Virtue of these Prayers, and the Queen's going down to the Bath, and drinking the Waters there, she was said to be Impregnated; and nothing was now to be heard among the Popish Faction, but drinking the Young Prince's Health, even before he was Born; for that it would be a Son, there was no body questioned, as taking it for Granted that was the Design. And all things were carried on by the Faction in order to its Birth. The Princess Ann of Denmark being not very well, was advised by her Physicians to go down to the Bath, for the Recovery of her Health. And the Arch bishop of Canterbury, and several others of the Bishops being in the Tower, and the Bishop of London suspended from his Office, and other concurring Circumstances being ready, it was now looked upon to be a good time for the Queen to cry out, which was accordingly so well managed, that on Sunday the 11th of June, 1688, a young Prince of Wales was said to be born: Which was published with so much Joy, both throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland, and by their Ambassadors in all Foreign Courts, that they abundantly overacted it. The great Point of a Popish Heir being thus secured, the Popish Faction begun to go on with a high Hand, turning out Dr. Hough (whom the Fellows of Magdalen College in Oxford had chosen for their Precedent) and all the Fellows too, because they would not accept of a Papist, whom the King would have imposed upon 'em by a Mandamus; in Sidney College in Cambridge, Father Francis was put in; and in Vniversity-Colledge in Oxford, Obadiah Walker the Principal, declared himself a Papist. The Head of Christ-Church, put in by the King, wa● also of ●●e same Profession. Nor was any Preferment to 〈…〉 unless he were a Roman-Catholick. In Scotland the ●ing had issued out a Proclamation for Toleration in Religion, recommending his Roman-Catholick Subjects particularly, to the Protection of the Government there, and tells them he expects his Will should be Obeyed absolutely, and without Reserve. But in Ireland the King would allow no Liberty of Conscience to the Protestants; for they were turned out of all Offices and Places whatsoever: And the Earl of Clarendon recalled from his Lieutenancy, and Talbot, who had already reform the Army there, and made it perfectly Popish, was for that good Service made Earl of Tyrconnel, and Deputy of Ireland. Sir Charles Porter also, the Lord Chancellor, was turned out, and one Alexander Fitton, a Papist, who had been fetched out of Goal in England, and made a Knight, is now made Lord-Chancellor in his place. I have before told you of the Committing of the Seven Bishops to the Tower, (which were the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Bishop of Bristol, the Bishop of Peterborough, the Bishop of Chichester, the Bishop of St. Asaph, ●nd the Bishop of Ely) and of the Birth of the pretended Prince of Wales while they were there; the Bishops having by their Habeas Corpus been set at Liberty, were Tried for a high Misdemeanour in Trinity-Term following; and notwithstanding the new Modelling of the Judges, and that one of then (Judge All'bone) was a known Papist, yet Mr. Justice Powel, to his lasting Honour, did both Learnedly and Zealously defend their Cause, so that the Jury acquitted them. The public Rejoicing that was made for the acquittal of the Bishops, was not Confined to the Cities of London and Westminster, but upon the News thereof being brought to Hounsloe-Heath, where the Army lay, the King being at that time treated by the Earl of Feversham (in his Tent) it was received with a general Shout throughout the whole Army; the King not knowing the Reason of that Shout, was very much Startled at it, and sent the Earl of Feversham out to inquire the Cause, who upon his Return, told the King, 'T●●● nothing 〈◊〉 the Soldiers Joy for the acquittal of the Bishops: To whom the King replied with some Discomposure, And call you that Nothing? This being indeed enough to let him see how vain a Design he had undertaken, to set up Popery by a Protestant Army. The King was now busy in modelling all the Corporations in England that send Burgesses to Parliament, to get a Parliament fitted to his own Turn, in order to take off the Penal Laws and Tests, no other obstacle now lying in his way; when on a sudden he was alarmed with the News of the great Preparations making by the Dutch, both by Sea and Land: Upon which account, the King sends to his Envoy at the Hague to put in a Memorial to the State's General to know the Reason. The French King also, who was concerned at it, orders his Ambassador there to deliver in a Memorial upon that occasion, wherein he tells the States, There are such Bonds of Friendship and Alliance between his Master and the King of Great Britain, as will oblige him (the French King) not only to assist the King of Great Britain, but to look on the first Act of Hostility committed against him (the King of Great Britain) to be a Manifest Rupture of the Peace, and a Breach with his Crown. This left no longer any doubt in the mind of the Prince of Orange and the State's General, of the private League between England and France. Which was a sufficient Ground for the Prince of Orange to rescue these Kingdoms (to which (in Right of his Princess) he was the next Heir) from Popery and Arbitrary Power. For he saw plainly that the Supposititions Prince was Introduced to wrong him and his Princess of their Right to the Succession, and to subject these Kingdoms to Popery and Slavery, and by consequence all Europe besides. The Dutch took no notice of the French King's Memorial, but gave King James' Envoy this Answer, that they had Armed in Imitation of his Britannic Majesty, and the other Princes; and that they had thereby given no just occasion of Offence, in Arming when all other Princes where in motion; and that they were long since convinced of the Alliance that the King his Master had treated with France, and what had been mentioned to them by monsieur de Count d' Avaux in his Memorial. After this Answer, King James expected no good from the Dutch, and looked upon them, as if they had already declared War against him. And now the Eyes of all England were turned to Holland, and expected Deliverance from thence; without which they saw themselves Ruined; nor did his Royal Highness the Prince of Orange deceive them, but Landed with an Army of about 14000 Men, at Torbay near Exeter, on the Fifth day of November, 1688. A day deservedly Famous in England for two eminent Deliverances from Popery. Soon after his Landing he went to Exeter, where he was received by the People with Shouts and Acclamations of Joy as their Deliverer, as indeed he was: After some little stay there, he came forwards towards the South; but King James to oppose him, sent down his Army to Salisbury, whither he also went himself; but part of the Army going over to the Prince, the King was so Startled at it, that he thought not himself there out of Danger, and so returned to London again; and as the Prince came forward, he was in all places looked upon as a Blessing sent from Heaven to rescue 'em from Popery and Slavery. In the mean time King James to prevent (if it were possible) the impending and growing danger, Restores all the Fellows of Magdalen College, and puts out his Proclamation for vacating all New Charters, and restoring of old ones, and Particularly the Charter of London was carried in great Pomp to Guild-Hall by Jefferies, and given the Citizens again. But for all these good things there was no body now thanked him, as being the Effects of his Fear, and not of his good will. The Prince's coming nearer and nearer to London, the Nobility and Gentry at every Place Flocking to him, and Congratulating him; King James first sends away his Queen and pretended Prince to France; and in a little time after withdraws himself from White-Hall, and goes to Feversham, where attempting to go a-board, he was seiezed and rifled by the Country People, and after his being known, he came back to London again, and was well received; but the Prince being then at Windsor, and designing the next Day for London, King James by a Message was desired to withdraw himself to Ham near Kingston, to avoid those Inconveniences that might Ensue: But the King rather chose to go to Rochester, having the Prince's Guards with him to secure him from the Insults of the People; there he stayed two or three Days, and then Privately Embarked himself for France; where he soon after arrived. King James being thus gone away, upon the Prince's coming to London, he was desired by the Nobility and Gentry to take the Government upon him, thereby to suppress the Disorders of the common People, which was then very Great; but by the Prince's Order soon brought to be quiet. The Mass-Houses were every where pulled down, and the Priests and Jesuits, with the whole Popish Crew, put to the Scamper. Jefferies being dropped by his Master, was shifting for himself, but taken by the Mobb in a Seaman's Habit, was carried before the Lord-Mayor, and from thence sent to the Tower, attended by strong Guards to keep him from being torn in Pieces by the incensed Mobb, who followed him with Threats, Curses, and Execrations; where sometime after he drank himself to Death, and so saved the Hangman a Labour. The Prince of Orange having the Government put into his Hands, Summons such Gentlemen as were Members of King Charles' last three Parliaments to meet at Westminster, to consult what was fit to be done for the Nation; which they accordingly did, and desired the Prince that Writs might be issued out for the calling a Convention of the Estates (in the Nature of a Parliament) to meet in January following: Which being done, the Convention met at the time appointed; and entering into several Debates about the present States of Affairs, they came to this Result, That King James by privately withdrawing himself out of his Kingdoms, had Abdicated the Throne, whereby it was become Vacant. And so ended the Four Years Reign of King James the Second. An Account of what Remarkably Occurred since the Reign of King WILLIAM the III. and Queen MARY the II. to the Year 1606. KING James (as has been mentioned) having Left the Land, and that in Parliament being taking for an Abdication, and the Throne declared Vacant, William and Mary Prince and Princess of Orange, were Proclaimed King and Queen of England, France, and Ireland, etc. before White-Hall, and in the City of London, with the Joy of the whole Nation, on the 13th of Feb. 1688, and with Convenient speed they were Proclaimed with the like satisfaction in all the Principal Places of their Dominions; and the King returned the Parliament a Gracious answer to their Declaration, expressing himself highly satisfied with what they had done, promising to the utmost his Care and Protection for the Preservation of the Established Religion, Laws, and Liberties; and that he should always be ready to Concur with them in any thing that should be for the Good of the Kingdom; and to do all that in him lay to advance the Glory and Welfare of it; and thereupon he proceeded to quiet disorders in all places of England that had risen on this Revolution. But Ireland was in a dangerous Condition; for the Earl of Tyrconnel had stopped almost all the Ports, and was raising numerous Forces of Irish, for the Service of King James; so that those who would have fled into England, or Scotland, were for the most part restrained, and obliged to continue under the dreadful Apprehensions of another Massacre, being every where in the Country Robbed and Spoilt of their Substance, and a great many Imprisoned. The State of which Kingdom the King earnestly recommended to his Parliament, desiring them to hasten the raising such Supplies as was requisite in order to redu●d it to Obedience. The Lord bishop of London, with about one Hundred of the City Clergy, waiting on the King to tender their humble Duty, he gave them an assurance of his Affection to the Church of England, and of all Encouragement to them; concluding that they might depend upon his Word. And an Act passed about Removing and Preventing all Questions and Disputes about the Assembling and sitting of the Parliament; and the King issued out his Proclamation (to leave the Irish without Excuse) That if they would lay down their Arms, and Live quietly, they should have their Pardon for all things past, and enjoy their Estates; but if they continued still in Arms, declaring them Rebels and Traitors, and their Lands and Possessions Forfeited, etc. But this Proclamation being not Published in Ireland, had little effect; tho' in the North the Protestants secured London-Derry, Sligo, and other places, in expectation of being Aided from England. And now the King, to ease his Subjects, consented that the Duty of Hearth-Money, that had long been a Burden to the Nation, might be taken off, which was very pleasing to the People. Thomas Pilkington Esq who in the late Reign was Fined 100000 l. upon an Action of Scandalum Magnatum, brought against him by the then Duke of York, was now chosen Lord-Mayor of London, in which Honourable station he continued near three Years. And now the Coronation being appointed, on the 11th of April it was performed with great Splendour and Magnificence, occasioning great Demonstrations of Joy in the People: and soon after the Crown of Scotland, was by the Commissioners of the Estates presented to the King and Queen, which was accepted, and the usual Coronation Oath of that Kingdom taken. And now Admiral Herbert standing with a considerable Squadron to the Coast of Ireland, fought with about 40 French Men of War in Bantrey-Bay, in this Engagement Capt. George Aylmer of the Portland, a Lieutenant, and 64 Seamen, were Killed, and about 240 Wounded; the Enemy losing a greater Number. And then at the humble Request of the Parliament, the King declared War with France. In Scotland Duke Hamilton was made High-Commissioner; where the Duke of Gourdon held the Castle of Edinburgh for King James, and the Viscount. Dundee had a considerable Force in the Field, to second him; and many hot Skirmishes were Fought; till at last in an Obstinate Fight Dundee was killed, upon which the Duke of Gourdon not finding himself longer able to hold the Castle, delivered it up to Sir John Lanier, upon Articles. ●nd tho' Colonel Cannon, Buchanon, and others, kept up the Party in the Field for a while, at length they were dispersed, and Scotland entirely Quieted. On the 24th of July the Princess of Denmark was brought to Bed of a Son, and on the 28th he was Christened William, by the Bishop of London; the King and the Earl of Dorset standing Godfathers', and the Marchioness of Hallifax Godmother; and then the King declared the Young Prince Duke of Gloucester. King James being Landed in Ireland, with some French Forces, and a considerable number of Officers, Arms, and Ammunition, had with a numerous Army besieged London-Derry, which was Defended by the Inhabitants and others, till it was reduced to the last Extremity by Famine; but then Providence so ordered it, that Major-General Kirk sending in Shipping with Provision, the Siege was raised. The Besiegers in lying before it, and by the Besieged's falling on the Rear in drawing off, having lost 2000 men; and Dr. Walker, a principal Man in Defending that place, coming over, the King Ordered him 5000 l. as a mark of his Bounty, with an Assurance of greater Advantages. And on the 13th of August, the Duke of Schomberg Landed with the English Army at Carickfergus in Ireland, and soon Reduced divers Places, compelling the advanced Parties of the Irish to retreat before him, and held a Winter-Camp on the Plains of Dundalk, which being Moorish and Foggy, many Gallant Men died of the Flux, and other Sicknesses. But the Iniskilling-men, who frequently went abroad in Parties, did considerable Service, by cutting off the Irish Rapparees. Whilst these things passed, the King for weighty Reasons dissolved his first Parliament, and called another to sit at Westminster the 20th of March, 1690, and the Commons choosing Sir John Trevor their Speaker, the King told both Houses, among other things, That his Resolution was to go for Ireland, his Presence being necessary there, for Reducing that Kingdom: Signifying it was his Pleasure to leave the Government in the Queen's Hands during his Absence; and accordingly before his Departure an Act was passed to that Purpose. And the King of Denmark at this time assisted the King with 6000 Danish Soldiers, under the Leading of the Duke of Wirtemburg, who did notable Service. Charlemont having been straightly Blocked up, Capitulated; and other places were Reduced by Force. And now the King having settled Affairs in England, left White-Hall on the 4th June, and on the 14th Landed at Carickfergus in Ireland and hastened to order the Army, and Marching to the Newry, had News that the Enemy having set Fire to their Straw, had Decamped, and quitted that strong Post. This at first scarce gained Credit, but Scouts being sent out, and the Report confirmed, the King changed his March, and sent Orders to the Forces at Armagh and Fevergee to march by the great Roads towards Dundalk, in which some of our Men fell into an Ambush of the Enemy, but behaved themselves with that Courage and Bravery, that most of them got off, having slain the Commander and brought away his Horse; and the King marched towards Drogheda, where he found the Enemy Encamped along the River Boyn, above the Town; and as he was viewing them, a Six-pounder grazed on his Shoulder, which only razed the Skin; but as soon as it was Dressed, he took Horse and Commanded Count Solmes to find out a Ford above the Enemy, and pass the River, which he Successfully did; and obliged those that Guarded it, after a hot Dispute to retire: And upon notice of this, the whole Army passed at other Fords, the Foot wading, some to the Armpits, sustaining all the Enemy's Fire, and not returning it till they came close up with them, and falling furiously on, soon gave them a general Rout; but in this Encounter Duke Schomberg and Dr. Walker, late of London-Derry, were Killed, and about 300 of lesser Note, on our Part: The Enemy lost 3000, and were pursued 4 Miles; and upon this Defeat Drogheda Surrendered, and K. James with part of his broken Army hasted to Dublin, and from thence he went to Waterford, where soon after he took Ship and Sailed for France; and the King of England coming to Dublin, was received with all imaginable Demonstrations of Joy; and a great many Protestants who had been Imprisoned, were set at Liberty, the Papists disarmed, and the Affairs in those Parts settled, and many places that stood out, Surrendered. The Brass and Copper Money K. James had Coined, as passable in that Kingdom, was called in, or set at the Value of the Metal only: Sheriffs appointed, and the Face of Justice restored. Whilst these things were doing beyond the Seas, an Engagement happened between the English and French off Beachy, viz. on June 30. in which the Dutch Squadron being forward to gain the Weather-Gage of the Enemy, received great Loss, many of them being Burnt, or so shattered that after the Fight they fell into the Hands of the Enemy; the English red Squadron not coming up, as was expected; for which Miscarriage our Admiral, the Earl of Torrington, was Tried, but acquitted; and after the Fight, the French insulted our Coasts, burning Tingmouth a Vi●●age of Fisher's Cots, and doing some other Damage; after which they retired to their own Coast; and one Godfrey Cross, an Innkeeper in Kent, for going on Board the Enemy, and giving Intelligence, was afterward Tried, Condemned, and Executed near St. Thomas' Water, in the Kentish-road from London. And this Year the King besieged Lymerick in Ireland; but by reason of the Strength of the Place, advancing of the Season, and great Rains that over-flowed the River Shannon, on which it is seated, having in vain summoned it, he drew off, and returned to England. But our Fleet standing to that Coast, and the Earl of Marlborough on board it, with considerable Land-Forces, and joined upon Landing by part of the Army already there, they took Cork and Kinsale with little Loss; at the Siege of the first, the Noble Duke of Grafton, amongst others, pressing too forwards on the Works, was Slain by a small Shot. A Plot was soon after Discovered to have set the City of Dublin on Fire, and in that Hurry to have fallen on the King ' Forces in Garrison there, and by a miserable Slaughter to have Surprised it; but some Letters intimating the Intention, being found by the Care of the Lord Sidney and Conningsby, whom the King had appointed Lords-Justices; the Mischief was prevented, by securing Suspected Persons. And now the Parliament of England waited on the King with their humble Addresses of Thanks for the great Things he had done for these Kingdoms, and to Congratulate his happy Return and Success; and the King was not slow by Marks of Honour and Promotion, to Gratify those that had well-behaved themselves in the Service; and among others, Coll. Cuts was Created Baron of Gowran in the Kingdom of Ireland; he also appointed his Privy Council there, and all other Officers of State, Judges, and Magistrates; restored such as had been outed, and appointed some new Bishops, causing a Regulation of the Clergy in General. The Winter thus passing on, the King prepared to pass the Seas, to be at the Congress of Princes and Ambassadors, appointed at the Hague, to Concert the Measures for carrying on the War against France; and after he had passed several Acts, and Prorogued the Parliament, he Embarked with a splendid Train of Nobility, and with great Difficulty, by reason of the Ice, it being January, Landed near Maeslandsluys; and being Complemented by the Deputies of the States, passed to the Hague, where the State's General and Council of State, with other Colleges, made their Compliments to him; as also the Foreign Ministers: and to make his Reception the more Magnificent, three Triumphal Arches were Erected, one by the States-General, and two by the Magistrates, with sundry Mottoes and Devices, Expressing the great things he had done and what more Glorious were Promised from his Heroic Virtues, too many here to Enumerate; and in the Evening the Cannon, Illuminations, Fireworks, and shouts of the People, spoke more loudly the Welcome of a Prince that has so well deserved of that Nation. And at his first appearing in the Assembly of the States-General, taking his Place at the upper-end of the Table, he with many Obliging Expressions declared his Affections and good Inclinations to them, in a most Elegant Speech; which being deliberated on, the Heer Van Wickers Precedent of the Assembly, in the name of the rest, made a suitable Answer, and the Duke of Brandenburg, and other Princes being met, a League and strict Amity was agreed on, for restoring the Peace and Tranquillity of Europe, in reducing (by Arms) the Grand Disturber of it to Reason, and a Restitution of what he had wrongfully, either by Surprise, or Vioolence, taken from the Confederates: for which War had been Proclaimed by them. Whilst the King was thus busy beyond the Seas, some illaffected Persons were Designing at home to betray our Strengths into the Hands of the Common Enemy, by giving account of the Ports, Shipping, and what else might facilitate an Invasion, and on this account the Lord Preston, John Ashton and Edmund El●ot, were seized in a Smack, as they were passing out of the River of Thames by Captain Billop, and Papers of Dangerous Consequence found, with which they were designed for France; for which the two first being Tried and found Guilty of High-Treason, Ashton was Executed. The King having appointed the Baron D' Ginkle chief Commander of his Forces in Ireland, having received Supplies and Stores from England, he besieged Ballymore, which surrendered upon Discretion: And having Garisoned it, the Army marched, and set down before Athlone, where they had put up French Colours to make him believe the Garrison mostly consisted of that Nation: However a Breach being made, and succeeded by a vigorous Attack, the Base Town was soon won, and the other followed the same Fate in a short time, tho' their whole Army lay behind it; and the Soldiers furiously entering, a great many were put to the Sword. This was no sooner Repaired and Garisoned, but the Army pursued the Retreating Enemy, and in a long-Contested Battle at Aghrim, gave them a total Rout; so that they never considerably appeared in the Field after it; St. Ruth the French General, was slain with a Canonshot at the beginning of the Fight, and all their Cannon, Baggage, Ammunition, and Plunder of the Camp, fell to the share of our Men. And being Refreshed, they marched to Galloway, which place after a considerable Battery, was Surrendered on Articles, and the Garrison marched to Lymerick, which was the next place besieged; but holding out Obstinately, and having in it a numerous Garrison, it was thought fit after a considerable Siege, to grant advantageous Articles, and as many as would, had leave to departed the Kingdom. And with this Town all Ireland was reduced; for those few places that held out, Surrendered mostly of their own accord: And the Lieutenant General having settled the Affairs there, and returning to England, was by his Majesty Created Earl of Athlone, and highly Treated by the City of London, etc. Whilst this time was taken up in Reducing Ireland, the Confederates employed their Arms to recover the Towns the French had taken in Flanders, etc. And the Duke of Brandenburg was successful in taking Keyserwart, Mentz, and Bon, places of considerable Strength; and Prince Waldeck fought the Marshal D' Humiers at Forge Village; where the English, under the Command of the Lord Marlborough, did Wonders, in stopping of the Torrent of the Enemy, who supposed to have Surprised the Confederate Camp, killing a great many of them, and making them Retreat. But the French ravaging the Palatinate, cording to their wont Barbarity, they burned Newstadt, Frankendale, Petersham, Lambesham, Wachenheim, Darmstein, and afterward Spires, Worms, Heidelberg, were partly burnt and demolished, which hastened the King to head the Army in Flanders. And by this time the Duke of Savoy, took Carmagnole, and gave free Liberty to the Vaudois to Live quietly under his Protection. The King by divers Marches and Encampments, endeavouring to draw the French to a Battle, possessed himself of Beaumond in the sight of their Army, Commanded by the Duke of Luxemburg, and demolished the Fortifications, but with the loss of 400 men they took Montmelian; but were beat out by the Cannon of the Castle, which they in vain for some time had assaulted, and Prince Lewis of Baden, Commanding the Emperor's Forces, gave the Turks a great overthrow in Hungary, Killing about 23000 men, and taking the greater part of their Cannon and Baggage. A Person hired by the Duke of Luxemburg to blow up the King's Bombs, and fire the Ammunition Wagons, being apprehended, and Confessing the Attempt, which only fired three Bombs, had his right Hand cut off, then being half Strangled was burnt. And as the King was standing under a Tree, to view the Enemy, a singular hand of Providence appeared in his Preservation, for he had no s●on●r stepped aside to give some Orders, but a shot from a Cannon rend the Tree in the Place, where a Minute before he had stood. And now the French Court (which had so often aimed at his precious Life, and found it difficult to be attempted in a fair Field) practised with divers Villains to compass the King's Destruction by Treachery, to which end the Sieur Grandvalle, had received several Sums of Money for encouragement, of the Marquis of Barbesieux, the French King's Secretary; and brought two others, viz. Dumont, and Leafdale, into the Conspiracy, and often they designed to shoot him as he Road out to view the Troops; and the Duke of Luxemburg had Orders to send a party of Horse to fetch them off, when this wicked Deed should be done, but God prevented it by a timely Discovery: for Grandvalle being Apprehended and Tried by a Court-Marshal, was on plain Proof and his own Confession, found guilty of Treason; and being Drawn, Hanged, and Quartered, his Head and Quarters were set up on Poles without the Camp. And now our Fleet under the Command of Admiral Russel, being sooner abroad than the French expected, so that on the 19th of May, 1692, the Admiral got sight of the Enemy about six Leagues from Cape Barfleur, who not thinking us so strong, bore down upon him, having the Weather-Gage, the Wind at South-west; and about Eleven in the Morning, Tourville, the French Admiral, engaged ours, who bore upon him with the Red Squadron, and the Fight continued hot till about three in the Afternoon, when the French being greatly Shattered, stood away with all the Sail they could make, to their own Coast; and being closely pursued, the Blue Squadron engaged them again, about six that Afternoon; which continued till ten at Night, when they made a retreating Fight, wherein some of their Ships blew up, and others sunk; and Vice-Admiral Delaval, getting in under Cape de Wick, with Light Frigates, Fireships, and Armed Boats, in spite of the Fire the Enemy made from their Ships, run them on Ground. Capt. Heath laid the Royal Sun of France on board with his Fireship, being a French Admiral of 104 Guns, and burned her. Capt. Green burned the Conquerant of 102 Guns, and another of 80 was burnt by the boats, in which a great many sick and wounded men Perished. And Admiral Russel sending Sir George Rook into La Hogue with light Frigates, Fireships, and Armed boats, he burned 6 that Night, and 6 more the next morning, 3 of them being Three-Deck-ships, carrying from 60 to 70 Guns; and one of 56 Guns, was overset and lost; and others were destroyed in other parts; so that about 21 of their biggest Men of War were burnt; and of Crafts, Frigates, and Transport-ships, 30; and this without the loss of one Ship on our part; and this was also done in the sight of their Land-Army, drawn down on the Coast of Normandy, to assist K. James in his then Intended Invasion of England. And of note on our side were only Killed Rear-Admiral Carter, and Coll. Hastings of the Marine Regiment. This Victory, as it much amazed the French, caused great Rejoicing in England; yet to repair the Disgrace, the Duke of Luxemburg besieged Namur, to whose Relief the King prepared to March his Army, but in the mean while it Capitulated and Surrendered; yet the Castle and new Fort held out a great while longer; so that they Lost above 5000 men in the Siege; and the King having often dared the French to Battle in open Field, & they as often declining it by Counter-marches, and strong Encampments, he agreed to Attack them in their Camp at Enghein, tho' by the narrowness of the ways, the Passage to it was extreme difficult. This was vigorously attempted and carried on by the English and Danes, with such Courage and Bravery, that the French at first were beaten from Post to Post, and we were at the point of forcing an entrance into their Camp, had they been timely succoured by other Parties that were appointed to sustain them, but did not; so that from the Hedges, Outworks, and Cannon advantageously plante● on the Hills, overpowering our Men, after a hot Dispute, they found a necessity of retreating, leaving many Gallant Commanders dead behind them; tho' the Enemy had little cause to boast, their whole Army narrowly escaping an entire Defeat; and their number of Men and great Officers killed, wounded, and taken Prisoners, much exceeding ours: for 10 or 12 of the old Regiments suffered extremely, so that they owned to lose 500 Officers, and about 5000 private Soldiers. And soon after the Prince D'Erichment fell on a French Party sent out of Namur of 300 Foot and 200 Dragoons, totally routing them, and taking 400 Prisoners; among which were 30 Officers which were carried to Hue, and in this Encounter the Marquis De H●c●uincourt was slain; and the Duke of Leinster arriving wi●h fre●h Supplies from England, and being joined by a Detachment from the King's Camp, under the Command of Lieutenant-General Talmash, they marched towards Newport, and 4 Regiments were sent to Possess themselves of Furnes which successfuly they did, and 2000 Pioners ordered to fortify it, and soon after Dyxmude fell into our hands with the Villages and dependant Territories, and several Skirmishes happened with various success to the end of this Campaign. And on the 8th of September 1692 an Earthquake happened in England giving 2 or 3 Quick Shocks yet with little harm, and was felt almost at the same time in Ireland, France, Holland, Flanders, and other places; it lasted about a minute. The King of England was then in his Camp at Grammen in Flanders, Dining in an old decayed house, which shook very much, and every one apprehending it would fall, he was Persuaded to leave that Ruin-threatening-Fabrick; but the Surprise was soon over, and no harm happened there. The Campaign now being ended, the King by the way of Holland returned to England, and found all things peaceable and well Governed by the Queen's prudent mannagement, not only in England but in the other two Kingdoms, where War and Tumults ceasing▪ Trade began to Flourish. Whilst these things passed a very great Fle●t of Turkey and Streights Merchants, Dutch and English, set Sail richly Laden under a Convoy of Men of War Commanded by Sr. George Rook, and in the straits unexpectedly fell in with the French Fleet: But though our Ships fell into this Ambush, yet ours and the Dutch Men of War, behaved themselves with such Conduct and Courage, as also did the Merchantmen, that whilst the French were making up and the Dispute lasted, most the latter by running along the Shore got into Harbours, and others came back again with Sir George, who made a very good Retreat, so that the French got but little; though had they not been over hasty in appearing, in probability the greater part of them might have been Encompassed by their whole Fleet. The King, as is said, being returned, after Congratulations, a day of Thanksgiving was appointed for God's singular Providence that had protected him in the greatest dangers to which he had exposed his Royal Person for our Safety. The Winter was spent in making Levies by Land and great Preparations at Sea. The Parliament cheerfully giving such Supplies as were necessary to carry on the War. Early in the Spring the straits and Turkey Fleet put again to Sea, but entering the Straight mouth, such a violent Storm arose, as blue many of the Ships cleaverly out of it, and divers were Lost and much damaged, yet many got safe to their proper Ports. In March the King passed over to hasten an early Campaign and the Elector of Bavaria, being appointed Governor of Flanders sent the Duke of Arco to Compliment him on his arrival; and Parties being abroad, divers Skirmishes and Bicker happened with various Success in a village called Malterne 100 Newburghers took 80 French Prisoners of War and brought them with their Arms, Horse, and Baggage to the general Rendesvouz. However they sent an Army to Ravage the Palatinate, and burned divers places of note; and to divert the Spanish Forces in Flanders, a vigorous War was pushed on in Catalonia, the Duke D' Novailles Commanding in chief; but met there with many Disapointments by our main Fleet's appearing on the Coast, yet drawing off a part of the Army for that Service. The Duke of Wirtemburg with a considerable Body of Horse and Foot forced the Enemy's Lines, and Entering French Flanders, for several Miles put the Country under Contribution, raising a Million of Livres taking in divers small places, and much Booty. This Constrained the Duke of Luxemburg, General for the French King, to Endeavour by one Exploit or other to draw him back, and first with 50 Squadrons of Horse and ten battalions of Foot, and some Field-pieces, he attempted to fall on a part of the Garrison of Liege and Maestrich, being about 18 squadrons of Horse and some Regiments of Foot Commanded by Count Tilly, but upon notice retired over the River Sare, Leaving three Squadrons to secure his Retreat, which beat back the French advanced parties. But this was only as a Forerunner to greater Action; for the King Marching to relieve Hue, had notice in his way of its surrender, and thereupon Strengthening the Garrison of Liege Marched near Hespan, and halted to get Intelligence of the Enemies further design; and some hours after had notice they appeared from the high Grounds of St. Gertruden-Landen; so that upon notice from the Scouts that it was the Vanguard of their Army, all things were ordered to Receive them, if they adventured to make any attempt; which they soon after did, and a terrible fight ensued, which lasted from Sunrising to Sun setting; in this Battle the King was in all parts, giving the necessary Orders, and acted the part not only of a brave General, but also of a Courageous Captain; but in the Conclusion, the Confederate Army, being overpowered by Numbers, the French being 80000 and the Confederate but 40000; they were forced to retire, and left the French Masters of the Field, tho' their loss was more than that of the Confederates. Such another Encounter the French made in Savoy, where Monsieur Catinat Commanded for France, in which the Duke of Schomberg fight Valiantly at the Head of his Battalion, was slain, and the Savoyards compelled to leave the field; but the French notwithstanding this Success found themselves in so bad a Condition, that being compelled to pass the Mountains very late, for Recruits and Supplies of Necessaries, abundance of them were lost in the Snow and deep Pits, with Carriages and Cannon. Tho' the French on these Occasions boasted of some Success by Land, their Naval Forces, since the last Overthrow, were but slenderly Recruited; and Admiral Russel having notice by a Swede there was a great Fleet in Conquet-Bay, Laden with Corn, and Naval Stores, sent Capt. Pickard with another Man of War, and a Fireship, to get an account of them; which struck such a Terror, they supposing these Ships the Vanguard of our main Fleet, that cutting their Cables, they run on the Flats and Rocks, into our Hands, others sunk by the Shot, so that there were computed about 50 Sail to have been Lost; and soon after the Admiral had Orders to join the Spanish Fleet on the Coast of Catalonia, to prevent the French Designs on that side; which brought such a Terror on the French main Fleet under the Command of Monsieur Torville, that he immediately got into Thoulon, and there lay penned up, not daring to stir till the English Fleet returned. Being in those parts they brought a Terror on Argeirs, and other Pyratical Governments, so that they sent their Submissions, and appeared very desirous to be at Peace with England. However a sufficient Squadron being left in the narrow Seas, Commanded by the Lord Berkly, he attempted the French Coast, and Landed some Men at Cammaret-Bay, under Lieutenant-General Talmash, but they had drawn thither such great Bodies of Horse and Foot strongly Entrenched, that the English with some Loss were constrained to retire; in this Action the Lieutenant-General received a Wound in the Thigh with a Musket-shot, and Died of it at Plymouth greatly Lamented, as being an expert and Generous Commander. But for this Disappointment not giving over, they stood in before Diep, and laid that Famous Town in Ashes, and then throwing in about 250 Bombs into Haure-de-grace, fired a great part of it, and afterward Bombed St. Maloes, and Calais, and sent in Machine's to blow up the Works, guarding the Entrance of Dunkirk Harbour: which had some, tho' not the wished Effect: And so Sailing along the Coast of France, brought such a Terror every where, that they were forced Night and Day to be on their Guard. The King in this Year 169●, labouring by the often moving his Camp to bring the French to battle, but not able to do it, caused Hue to be Besieged, which with little resistance he took and Garisoned; and the Prince of ●aden with the Saxon and Germane Troops passing the Rhine, cut off divers in the Rear of the French Army it retiring before him; so that he raised Contributions and returned unopposed; and after this on all hands the French parties Scouting abroad, were mostly de●ea●ed by the Confederates, killed and taken Prisoners, bringing in great Booties of Cattle, etc. And whilst the French advanced somewhat near the City of Liege; the Garrison Sallied, and took between 7 and 800 Horse, entirely defeating two Squadrons of their forage Guards. These and the like matters ending this Campaign, the King returned, and was Welcomed home with the Universal joy of his People. But all their joy was soon turned into Mourning: For the Queen fell sick at Kensington on the 22 of December 1694, and in a little time her Distemper was known to be the small Pox, a distemper Fatal to the Royal Family; of which on the 28th she Died, in the 33d Year of her Age, and in the Flower of her Strength and Beauty, to the great affliction of the King and three Kingdoms she lay a considerable time in State, and then was Interred among her Roy●● Ancestors in Henry the 7th's Chapel at Westminster with a most Solemn Funeral Pomp, a Stately Mausoleum was Erected in the Abbey, whereon very remarkably a Robin-Redbreast for many weeks usually sat Singing. Not only the English Court, but most in Christendom, went into the deepest Mourning, and Condoleances were made not only by the Parliament, but the Foreign Ministers, etc. The Clouds of sorrow being a little blown-over, the King considering of his weighty affairs abroad, appointed 7 Able Ministers of State, Lords Justices in his absence, to administer affairs of Government, and having settled all things to the best advantage, passed to the Army in Flanders which drawing into the Field very Numerous Marched towards the strong Town of Namure, Situate on the Muse and Sambre, and after a Vigorous Siege, carried on by the King with all Imaginable Bravery and Gallantry, tho' Marshal Bouflers had thrown himself into the Town; and even in the fight of Vineroy, at the head of an Army of an Hundred Thousand Men, first the Town, and afterwards the Castle was compelled to Surrender to the King. This tedious Siege in a manner ended the Campaign, so that little else of moment happened, the French altogether declining a Battle, and the King having settled Affairs, upon his return made a Progress through most parts of England. The Parliament being dissolved, a New one was called, and meeting among other things, particularly upon the King's Recommending that Important affair to them at the opening of the Sessions, took into Consideration the State and badness of the Coin, and coming to a result, an Act passed for calling in the Clipped Money, and Recoyning it in Milled Money, according to the true Weight & Standard and Mints were set up in divers parts of the Kingdom for the better ordering a speedy supply of it in every part of the Nation. Whilst these things were doing, make things happy and easy to us, our Enemies were contriving our utter destruction, divers were sent from France, to join with those already here, and one of the most wicked Conspiracies contrived, and a long time secretly carried on, that any Age has known, or History made mention of; for whilst a Design was laid in the French Court to invade the Kingdom, their Emmissaries here were framing a Design to destroy the King's Life, by a villainous Assassination, and Sir George Barclay brings over a Commission to encourage them in it: The Conspirators, many in Number, had divers Meetings, sometimes at one Capt. Porter's Lodgings, and others at the Nagg's-Head in Govent-Garden, and in Leaden-Ha●●-Street, at the Sun in the Strand, the blew-posts in Old-Spring-Garden, in Pickadilly, and other places and several Persons as a Committee from their Body, were appointed, as Knightly, Porter, King, etc. to view the Ground, in the King's passage to Richmond, a place he usually Frequented, to acquaint the rest which was the most Convenient place to set upon him in his Coach, and cut him off; and accordingly they viewed the Avennues about Brentford, Richmond, etc. and concluded on the Narrow-lane between Brentford and Turnham-Green, was the most convenient to do it in, where the Guards could pass but ●ew a Breast; and with this, upon their return, they acquainted Sir George Barclay, Sir William Parkyns, Robert Charnock, and others, who approved it. The Design thus laid, they ●ex● Consulted in what manner it should be done, and came to a Result that one Party with 7 or 8 chosen Men should Assassinate the King in his Coach, whilst two other Parties attacked the Guards, their Number in all being upwards of Forty; and the 15th of February 1695, being Saturday, a day the King usually went a Hunting that way, was the first appointed time; and they prepared for it accordingly: But Providence so Ordered it that he went not abroad that Day, of which they had notice from 〈◊〉 two Orderly Men, as they styled them, viz. Durance and Chambers, who ●●y at Kensington concealed for that Purpose. Then they had other Meetings upon it, and appointed to be in a Readiness the Saturday following, and met accordingly, and were setting out, when again they had Notice the same hand of Providence had Disappointed them. This startled them into new Fears that their wicked Design had taken Air, especially upon notice the King's going abroad was suddenly put off, and the Guards were come back in haste, their Horses Foaming, and Keys, one of the Conspirators heard them Mutter something which gave him and the rest a Jealousy to mistrust a Discovery was made, as indeed Providence had Ordered it; whereupon they Dispersed and gave over the Design. For Capt. Pendergrass being acquainted with this bloody Design from Capt. Porter, about the 13th of February, at the Plew-Posts in Spring-Garden, and struck with Horror at so Stupendious a Wickedness, acquainted the Earl of Portland with it, entreating him to Discover it to the King, which he did; and Pendergrass was thereupon introduced by him to the King in his Closet, where he opened the nature of the Conspiracy, with the Circumstances, but was a long time pressed to it before he would name the Conspirators, which at last he did, under Promise he should not be brought in for a Witness, unless he would voluntarily do it. This was seconded and confirmed by Monsieur De la Rue, who was introduced to the King by Brigadier Lewson, who gave in the Names of those he knew: And much about the same time came Expresses from the Duke of Wirtemburg, that the French Forces to the number of 22000, were drawn down to Calais, Dunkirk, and other Seaports, where there lay about 500 Transport-ships, and a great many Men of War to conduct them for their Landing in England with the first fair Wind, with the late K. James at the head of them. The Duke of Berwick had been in England, and was returned with an account of what Preparations their Friends were making here for their Reception, which made the French King say, he never knew a Design more fairly laid, for assurance of Success; and his Ministers bragged of it in Foreign Courts. And indeed a great part of the Fleet did put to Sea, before we had Notice of them; but were driven back by contrary Winds, and then lay expecting the Sign at ●●ver-Clifts that King William was Assassinated; and it was given out in France, that he was drawing towards his end, and that they wondered that they heard not of his Death: At other timer times it was said he was Killed a Hunting, etc. which makes it plain their intended Invasion depended chief on their intenced Assassination; for K. William alive to face them at the Head of his victorious Troops that had often beat them at their own Doors, they could have little Hopes to prevail; but they on the other hand expected to find us all in Confusion, as they gave it out we were, if the Assassination had taken; but were strangely startled when they saw Admiral Russel with about 60 Men of War blocking up their Harbours, and threatening to burn them with his Fireships, which constrained the Land-forces to Disimbark, and at length with Shame, Lo●s, and excessive Charge, gave over their Enterprise, which the French thought before so easy, that they said, K. James was not coming to invade England, but to take the quiet possession of his Throne; and the 〈◊〉 King had sent him large Bundles of plausible Declarations to be dispersed at his Landing, with a Promise to supply him with more Troops as he saw Occa●●o● and Scotland as well as E●gland was to have been invaded. Whilst these things were doing beyond the Seas, divers of the Conspirators were Seized here, and imprison●● before the King put out his Proclamation, as Charlock, Bartram, ●rime●, Anbury and others; and the King going to the House of Peers, and sen●●i●g for the Commons, acquainted them with the Conspiracy and intended invasion: Whereupon they Congratulated his Safety, and declared their Abhorrance of the Villainous and Barbarous Design, Solemnly Promising to assist him to the utmost against the Late King, and De●●● his Royal Person against all his Enemies; and if he should come by a Violent Death, (which God forbidden) to Revenge it upon the Papists, and soon after entered into an Association to the same Purpose; as since all the Cities and Corporations, etc. in his Dominions have done; Expresses were sent immediately away to Scotland, and Ireland, the Sea ports stopped, and all Suspected Persons with their Horses and Arms secured; and an Act passed for the continuing the sitting o● the Parliament, if the King should chance to Die, till the next Heir in Succession should come to the Crown to Dissolve it. Thus things being pretty well secured, and the King's Proclamation out for the Apprehending divers of the Conspirators by Name, and 1000ls. Reward with Pardon for such as should come in Voluntarily and make Discovery, most of them that were known to be in it were Apprehended. On the 11th of March, Robert Char●ock, Edward King, and Thomas Keys, were Tried at the Old-Bailey on a special 〈◊〉, and upon full Evidence being found Guilty, they received Sentence as ●● Case or High-Treason, and on the 18th were drawn to Tyburn and there Hanged and Quartered, Charnock and King boldly Confessing it in the Papers they left, and Keys made no Denial of it. The next was Sir John Friend, a Brewer in the Minories, he took his Trial for High-Treason at the Old-Bailey, and being found Guilty, as was also the next Day Sir William Parkyns, both of them received Sentence as the foregoing; and at their Execution, owned the Fact in General, and many Particulars, and were nevertheless Absolved by three Non-jurant Parsons, for which Presumption two of them were Committed, Tried, and Fined. The next that came on the Stage for this Horrid Conspiracy, were Ambrose Rookwood, Robert Lowick, and Charles Cranburn; who were Tried at the King's-Bench-Bar at Westminster, April, 21, 22. for High-Treason and the Fact being plain, they were found Guilty, and received Sentence; and according to it they were Drawn, Hanged, and Quartered: Cramburn and Rookwood Confessed what was Sworn against them; and Lowick said, he would willingly have assisted King James, had he Landed. The Heads and Quarters of these, and the others Executed, were set on the Gates of the City, as terrible Examples of Offended Justice. Two more were also brought to Justice on this Account, viz. Mr. Peter Cook, and Capt. Knightly; the first found Guilty upon a long hearing, and the latter Pleaded Guilty to the Indictment, and both receiving Sentence, have hitherto found sparing Mercy. Things being at this pass, the King having given Audience to the Venetian Ambassadors, who passed through London in great State, and dismissed them; Prorogued the Parliament, and leaving the management of Affairs in the hands of the Lords Justices, went to the Army in Flanders, And the Duke of Savoy, contrary to the Mind of the Confederates, clapped up a Peace with France: No Memorable Transaction, except a Battle between the E●ector of Saxony, and the Turks in Hungary, has hitherto happened as to this Campaign, and Peace more than War, is at present the common Discourse. And thus have I brought down this History to the Year of our LORD 1696, being the Eighth Year of the Reign of his most Excellent Majesty, King WILLIAM the Third, whom God grant Long to Reign. FINIS.